Skip to main content
CNN.com
Search
Home Asia Europe U.S. World Business Tech Science Entertainment Sport Travel Weather Specials Video I-Reports
Travel News
Budget Travel Online Real Deals Hotels & Lodging Airfare Strategies Road Trips

Eat like a local: Melbourne

By Emily Stone
Budget Travel
Adjust font size:
Decrease fontDecrease font
Enlarge fontEnlarge font

(Budget Travel Online) -- The vibrant city of Melbourne, Australia, is rich in cultural life and good food. Budget Travel highlights a handful of memorable eateries.

Cicciolina

The tiny dining room and no-reservations policy mean that people arrive early, around 6 p.m., and stand three deep at the back bar waiting for a table. Seasonal items like white asparagus and Moreton Bay bugs (Australian crustaceans similar to rock lobsters) cycle on and off the specials blackboard, but it's the pastas, risottos and perfectly grilled steaks that the trattoria's loyal customers crave. 130 Acland St., St. Kilda, 011-61/3-9525-3333, entrées from $11

The Botanical

Early-risers flock to "the Bot" -- across the street from the Royal Botanic Gardens -- for a "brekky" of poached eggs on wood-oven-baked black pudding, or pancakes with lemon curd and passion fruit. Sunlight pours into the loft-like space, reflecting off the foliage-motif drawings that grace the whitewashed walls. 169 Domain Rd., S. Yarra, 011-61/3-9820-7888, entrées from $9

Agapi

The no-frills Greek taverna with tin ceilings and exposed-brick walls has been family run since 1969. Though the second generation of owners -- brothers Peter and Arthur Vorilas -- were born Down Under, their menu features authentic Hellenic dishes like gyros -- the lamb is rubbed with oregano, salt and paprika and served in a pita alongside onion and crushed tomato. 262 Swan St., Richmond, 011-61/3-9428-8337, entrées from $14

Verge

Dallas Cuddy, an alum of London's Nobu, was voted best young chef by the Melbourne restaurant bible, The Age Good Food Guide 2007. To take advantage of his talents, many customers opt for the five-course tasting menu, which could include Wagyu beef tartare, roasted barramundi (a fish native to Australia) and a selection of artisanal cheeses. 1 Flinders Ln., Central Business District, 011-61/3-9639-9500, tasting menu from $59

Claypots

A riveted-copper octopus sculpture hangs in the dining room, and oysters are served at a bar made with wood recycled from a nearby jetty. The day's catches are simply seasoned and presented whole, and a variety of fish stews are served in the namesake earthenware dishes. 213 Barkly St., St. Kilda, 011-61/3-9534-1282 or 153 Gertrude St., Fitzroy, 011-61/3-9416-4116, entrées from $12

Melbourne Supper Club

Open to the public, the bar counts as its "members" the city's chefs and restaurateurs, who lounge on the leather couches after finishing their shifts, staying until the doors close at 4 a.m. (6 a.m. weekends). Finger foods (salmon rillettes, patés de foie gras) are good, but the main attractions are the 1,400-bottle wine cellar and the selection of Cuban cigars. The entrance is an unmarked door next to a restaurant called The European. 161 Spring St., Central Business District, 011-61/3-9654-6300, drinks from $8

Note: This story was accurate when it was published. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.


© 2006. Newsweek Budget Travel, Inc.


Advertisement
CNN U.S.
CNN TV How To Get CNN Partner Hotels Contact Us Ad Info About Us Preferences
Search
© 2007 Cable News Network.
A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved.
Terms under which this service is provided to you.
Read our privacy guidelines. Contact us. Site Map.
SERVICES » E-mail RSSRSS Feed PodcastsRadio News Icon CNN Mobile CNN Pipeline
Offsite Icon External sites open in new window; not endorsed by CNN.com
Pipeline Icon Pay service with live and archived video. Learn more