If one city in Australia has risen above all the others to pronounce itself gourmet capital, then it must have been Melbourne. Is there something in the water? Who knows what caused this seismic shift in the city’s gastronomic viewpoint, but it has clearly capitalised massively on the luxury end of the market. Michelin-style restaurants have popped up each year, keen to showcase the very finest of the region’s ingredients and home-grown talent, and this has seen foodie tourism flock to the city like never before.

If you want to tickle your tastebuds with a luxury gastronomic trip to Melbourne, follow our top tips of unmissable stops, and make the most of this beautiful city’s amazing new food scene. You can thank us later…

 

Fine Dining in Melbourne

When it comes to amazing food experiences in this fantastic city, no article on the subject would be worth writing without first mentioning Attica. With the chef’s passion for unusual plants, local ingredients and sustainability taking front and centre stage, a tasting menu at this stunning restaurant is all about rediscovering the flavours of a country you think you know.

For a dramatic, breathtaking gourmet food encounter, check out Vue de Monde, situated on the 55th floor of the Rialto building. Chef Shannon Bennett takes her inspiration equally from fine French cuisine and traditional Australian cookery, and the meeting of the two produces some spectacular results. Expect kangaroo and wallaby on the menu, alongside technically stunning European classics.

 

Drinking in Style

If you’re a lover of fine wine, no trip to Melbourne would be complete without taking in the best of Yarra Valley, Australia’s premier wine region. Those who really want to push the boat out when it comes to luxury will take to the skies in a hot air balloon (complete with a top bottle of Aussie sparkling wine, of course) to enjoy the views, before popping into top-end wineries such as Domain Chandon and the Rochford Estate.

If you want a bit of decadence and relaxation in your Melbourne wine and food trip, then head to the beautiful Mornington Peninsula. This special corner of the country has it all: boutique wineries and stunning tasting rooms, beautiful beaches, art galleries, world-class golf courses… it’s a luxury lover’s dream. You can even do a wine trail by horseback, if you fancy getting back to nature!

 

Simply the Best

Melbourne’s current pride and joy is Brae – Australia’s only eatery to be featured in the list of the world’s 50 best restaurants. This beautiful spot has recently expanded, too, adding six new luxury suites to make this luxury dining experience even better than ever before. King size beds, truly decadent bathing spaces, underfloor heating and a curated record collection await those who want to stay there and check out why this restaurant is among the world’s finest.