Melbourne is Australia’s unofficial food capital. Let your imagination guide you to a multicultural city of gastronomic delights. Its restaurateurs aim for good food at fair prices and its inhabitants demand nothing less. Follow this guide for a taste of Melbourne dining or explore the streets and laneways to discover your own favourites.

Many of Melbourne’s precincts have a culinary character their own, from the Greek atmosphere of Lonsdale Street or Carlton’s ‘Little Italy’, to the wide choice of Chinatown around Little Bourke Street.

Becco – Serving fine Italian fare to Melbourne’s movers and shakers. 11–25 Crossley St, 9663 3000. (I4)

Bistrot D’Orsay – Gallic inspired menu, intimate and cosy ambience. 184 Collins St, 9654 6498. (H5)

ezard – The eponymous restaurant of one of our leading chefs. 187 Flinders Ln, 9639 6811. (H5)

Fifteen Melbourne – Jamie Oliver’s latest venture in the global series of Fifteen restaurants offering fresh, simple Italian-inspired dishes from specially trained chefs. Basement, 115-117 Collins St, 1300 799 415. (I4)

Flower Drum – Chinese cuisine, one of the nation’s finest restaurants. 17 Market Ln, 9662 3655. (I4)

Grossi Florentino – An elegant and grand affair with warm and welcoming service. 80 Bourke St. 9662 1811. (I3)

Nobu Melbourne - The world’s most recognized Japanese restaurant is now in Melbourne serving up its innovative new style Japanese cuisine by the waterfront. Crown Entertainment Complex, 8 Whiteman St, Southbank, 9696 6566. (F7)

Red Emperor – River views and fantastic food, a favourite for Yum Cha. Upper level, Southgate, Southbank, 9699 4170. (H6)

Taxi Dining Room – Superb service and menu in spacious surrounds. Level 1, Transport Hotel, Federation Square, Cnr Flinders and Swanston Sts, 9654 8808. (I6)

Three One Two – award winning modern Australian cuisine and thoughtfully prepared wine list; the degustation is the best way to experience the chef’s culinary imagination. 312 Drummond St, Carlton, 9347 3312. (Not shown)

Vue de Monde – Award-winning fine French cuisine; bookings essential. Normanby Chambers, 430 Little Collins St, 9691 3888. (F5)

Abla’s – Lebanese feasting, 13 course banquet on Friday and Saturday (BYO). 109 Elgin St,

Carlton, 9347 0006. (Not shown)

Belgian Beer Café Eureka – Hearty Belgian classics, mod-Oz dishes and plenty of good beer under the city’s highest skyscraper. 5 Riverside Quay, Southbank, 9690 5777. (H7)

Bistro 1 – Italian eatery with sophisticated surrounds and ambiance. 126 Little Collins St,

9654 3343. (I4)

Bottega – The complete Italian package: good service, large wine list, hearty food. 74 Bourke St, 9654 2252. (I3)

Cecconi’s Cantina - fine dining experience with a traditional Italian menu, perfectly complimented by an impressive, globetrotting wine list. Basement, 61 Flinders Ln,

9663 0222. (I5)

Il Bacaro e Cucina – Intimate Italian dining, accomplished service and interesting menu.

168 Little Collins St, 9654 6778. (H4)

Il Solito Posto – Perennially popular all day for coffee, a quick bite or serious meal. Basement, 113 Collins St, 9654 4466. (I4)

Kri Kri Mezethopoleion – Greek mezethes style offering numerous small dishes, ideal for vegetarians. 39–41 Little Bourke St, 9639 3444. (I3)

Mini – a sublime, modern day Greek dining experience with flawless food, refreshing wine list

and contemporary ambience. Basement, 141 Flinders Ln (Via Oliver Ln), 9650 8830. (I5)

MoVida Bar De Tapas – From the narrow alleyway location to the delicious Spanish food, top notch wine list and buzzy yet relaxed atmosphere, Spain has come to

Melbourne! 1 Hosier Ln, 9663 3038. (I5)

Oyster Little Bourke – Offering a combination of cuisines and style of the world’s best bistros with the very best of Australia’s produce, featuring fresh oysters and seafood. 35 Little Bourke St, 9650 0988. (I3)

Paris Go Bistro – Cosy and inviting, this popular French bistro offers all the favourites, from steak tartare to escargot to cassoulet. 116 Rathdowne St, Carlton, 9347 7507. (Not shown)

ScusaMi – City views and a name dropping menu that features the finest ingredients. Mid Level, 3 Southgate Ave, Southbank, 9699 4111. (H6)

Sosta Cucina – Enjoy the carefully crafted menu reflecting the informal elegance of traditional Northern Italian heritage. 12 Errol St, North Melbourne, 9329 2882. (D1)

The Press Club – Taste innovative recreations of traditional Greek food with a bit of modern pizzazz. 72 Flinders St, 9677 9677. (J5)

Tutto Bene – Award winning Italian fare including a delicious selection of traditional risotto in

this buzzy and popular riverfront venue. Mid Level, 3 Southgate Ave, Southbank, 9696 3334. (H6)