15 must eat in Melbourne
22 Feb 2016

Melbourne’s food scene is pretty enviable, even we can admit that, but without the G&G around to guide you when you visit, where do you even start? Don’t worry, because while Brisbane will always be our hood, we’re no stranger to ‘researching’ (read: eating our way through) the southern states as well, and we’ve manage to collate quite a list of must eat Melbourne fare in our travels. All you need to do is make sure you’ve left plenty of time for wining and dining (and packed your stretchy pants) on your next trip!
#1. Tacos | Mamasita | CBD
Which tacos, you ask? Honestly, just try them all. This is Mexican food like you’ve never tried it before, and it’s all good, hombre. Make sure you try the tequila of the month too – you might just change your mind about steering clear of it for the rest of your life. Unless you pass it over in favour of a Mocha Martini, in which case, you’re excused.#2. Charcoal roasted jumbo Tiger prawns | Spice Temple | Southbank
We’re pretty much a fan of any menu item that’s described as ‘jumbo’ but these prawns are on a level of their own. Using traditional Chinese cooking methods, the chefs perfectly prepare the prawns before drizzling them with a green chilli and spring onion dressing that will make you never want to come home.#3. Xiao Long Bao | Din Tai Fung | CBD
It might seem strange that something no bigger than a mouthful would require mathematical precision, but that’s just what goes on in the Din Tai Fung kitchen. Weighed out to a precise measurement, steamed in exactly three minutes and on your table in seconds, these parcels of minced pork dumplings encased in melt in your mouth pastry are on point every time.#4. Braised duck, porcini mushroom & pecorino gnocchi | Tipo 00. | CBD
Tipo or not Tipo? Definitely Tipo, especially with this tender braised duck, porcini mushroom and pecorino on the cards. Yes it is as good as it sounds, and yes, a big glass of red is a must.#5. Tuna tartare with crushed pea salad and goats curd | Cumulus Inc | Flinders Lane
If the whole uncooked fish thing freaks you out, don’t worry because these fresh chunks of tuna on a bed of creamy goats curd and a fresh crushed pea salad are so tasty that you’ll forget they’re raw. And since you’re here, you may as well eat your way through their impressive charcuterie list too. After all – you’re on holidays!#6. Moussaka | Hellenic Republic | Brunswick East
Authentic Greek food speaks to us on a deep, almost spiritual level as it is, but when the restaurant is run by Masterchef host George Calombaris and the menu is based on his own family recipes, we’re practically ready to move the other Brunswick Street. You can almost taste the love in the mousakka – made using George’s own grandma’s recipe topped with a soft and silky Greek cheese béchamel sauce.#7. Banana bread French toast | Sardi | Hawthorn
Two of our favourite breakfast meals got together and had a baby on Sardi’s menu and let us tell you, the result is even better than you’re imagining. And as if banana bread French toast doesn’t sound delicious enough, Sardi top it with mascarpone, maple roasted pears, apple crumble and salted caramel to make the breakfast of our dreams.