Your Complete Guide On Where To Shop, Dine, And Stay In Melbourne
Come hungry
With style, character, and vibrancy tucked into the bustling laneways that make up the city, Melbourne proves you really can have it all. No bias – I’m only born and raised there.
Of course, having the world in your CBD can make planning the perfect itinerary a certifiable feat, but Melbourne hasn’t just taught me how to appreciate a good coffee. From the boutiques with top-notch finds to the hotels for posting up, and the food (oh, the food!), I know a few things you need to do.
Discover exactly why it’s dubbed Australia’s cultural capital, with your guide on where to shop, dine, and stay in Melbourne:
SHOP
Inside hidden laneways, historic arcades, and sleek boutiques, Melbourne cements itself as a sartorialist’s paradise. These are the best places to drop a buck:
ALPHA60
201 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
This sibling-run label offers a fresh take on classic styles, resulting in not-so-basic basics. Drawing inspiration from art and film, the timeless pieces at ALPHA60 are bound to be on your high rotation.
Distal Phalanx
603/37 Swanston Street, Melbourne
It’s not just the Telfar bags that caught our eye at this progressive store. Distal Phalanx houses a curated range of international, emerging, and independent labels, for the people who like to stand out in the form of latex, mesh, and high streetwear.
dot COMME
Level 3 & 4/252 Swanston Street, Melbourne
Tucked away on the upper levels of the eclectic Curtin House is this multidisciplinary store with an archive featuring Comme des Garçons, Issey Miyake, Junya Watanabe, and more. Making international icons accessible to Melbournians is simply the norm at dot COMME, so don’t forget to pick your jaw up from the gallery floor.
Error404 Store
165 St Georges Road, Fitzroy North
Error404 is where you’ll find sustainable and locally sourced pieces to express your true self. With a particular passion for community and creativity fostered through their unique collection, come in with an open mind and you’re sure to be rewarded.
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Stable
130 Bridport Street, Albert Park
Straight from a sartorialist’s dream, Stable – previously Filly’s Stable – is an eclectic paradise of local and European labels, including Ganni, Baum Und Pferdgarten, and more. Equal parts classic and contemporary, the designer pieces at Stable are worth the trek.
Grace
1065 High Street, Armadale
With the world’s best designers on its racks, you’ll feel like you need to whip out your passport at this luxury fashion boutique. You can expect the likes of Balmain, JW Anderson, Miu Miu, Proenza Schouler, Saint Laurent, and more served in a warmly welcoming atmosphere.
Incu
12 Albert Coates Lane, Melbourne
Don’t let the minimalist boutique fool you – this designer sanctuary is chock full of ready-to-wear pieces from renowned international labels like Acne Studios, Jacquemus, Coperni, and more. Incu’s curated edit of womenswear, menswear, and lifestyle products is all about pieces with personality from high fashion to streetwear.
Le Louvre
2 Daly St, South Yarra
If The Row, Khaite, or Stella McCartney feature on your wishlist, then this high-end multi-brand store is a must-visit. Across three levels, you’ll find ever-changing fashion sourced from all corners of the world, with Le Louvre also housing a bridal salon and private appointments for those extra special occasions.
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Millie Savage
337 Smith Street, Fitzroy
Those with an eye for the sparklier things in life need to get on a first name basis with Millie Savage. The Melbourne-based jewellery label is brimming with chunky jewellery and one-off beauties, handcrafted in vibrant hues and maximist flair.
The New Trend
1038 High Street, Armadale
The most coveted local and international designers are bound to find their way to this luxury fashion destination in timeless investment pieces and ready-to-wear runway styles. With Christopher Esber, WARDROBE.NYC, The Attico, Bottega Veneta and more, The New Trend is here to help you make a statement.
P.A.M.
Level 3/252 Swanston Street, Melbourne
A fellow resident of Curtin House, P.A.M. – aka Perks and Mini – is the place to be for unique designer streetwear. With a cult following both locally and abroad, P.A.M.’s own iconic range is joined by like-minded brands and collaborators in the contemporary space.
SISTER Studios
105 Scotchmer Street, Fitzroy North
Offering a welcome alternative to fast fashion, SISTER Studios takes a thoughtful and refreshing approach to womenswear. In terracotta accents and checkerboard patterns, their Melbourne store is as dreamy as the pieces it stocks.
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Sucker
63 Johnston Street, Fitzroy
Putting independent designers in the spotlight, Sucker hosts a variety of menswear, womenswear, jewellery, accessories, and homewares to create a progressive and inclusive shopping experience. Sucker sits at the forefront of creative culture, so wearing a piece here is bound to have everyone asking where you got it from!
The Standard Store
159 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy
Plucked from Paris, New York, and London, The Standard Store offers a curated mix of international brands, with a focus on slow fashion and independent designers. Here, each piece is designed to last and love a lifetime, with the store’s abstract custom mirror serving as the perfect backdrop for a test run.
Up There
69 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Every Melbourne sneakerhead is familiar with this flagship streetwear boutique! From the latest drops to their own sought-after collabs, the expansive Up There store is unmistakable in design and offering (and no, we’re not just talking about the in-house cafe). Expect up-to-date launches from brands like Arc’teryx, Salomon, Norse Projects, and Gramicci, as well as Nike, Adidas, New Balance, and more.
Who Boutique
Shop 3/1216 High Street, Armadale
A trailblazer of Melbourne fashion since 2001, Who Boutique is known for its unapologetic originality and curated selection that nods to the spirit of today and nostalgia of before. Those looking to peruse the top Parisian, Danish, and Scandi retailers will find the goods here and more, featuring brands like Day Birger Et Mikkelsen, Gimaguas, Paloma Wool, Stine Goya, and more.
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DINE
‘Melbourne’ and ‘good food’ are basically synonymous. From iconic dining institutions to refreshing cocktail bars, here are the best places to grab a feed:
Above Board
1/306 Smith Street, Collingwood
With only 16 seats and no standing permitted, a spot at this award-winning cocktail bar is in high demand but certainly worth the trouble. At Above Board, there’s no back bar or barware in sight – just liquor poured from decanters, classic drinks, and good old-fashioned hospitality.
Alta Trattoria
274 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
In a nod to the intimate trattorias of Italy’s Piedmont, this humble spot champions classically made seasonal dishes alongside a superb wine list. Alta Trattoria is a must-visit for pasta lovers, with every detail curated to please.
Attica
74 Glen Eira Road, Ripponlea
An Aussie restaurant through and through, Attica celebrates the unique ingredients found across our sun-soaked country and the varied culinary cultures it fosters. Dubbed ‘ambitious dining’, a meal here is as rich in history as it is in flavour.
Bar Liberty
234 Johnston Street, Fitzroy
Warm, welcoming, and with a focus on the best of the best in sips, Bar Liberty’s relaxed atmosphere holds a curated drinks list that any fine-dining establishment would be proud of. As for fare, expect bar snacks and sharing plates utilising lesser-known ingredients to complement.
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Bar Margaux
111 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
Night owls are known to flock to this basement bar and brasserie, specialising in French comfort food. Here, the burgers feature two wagyu patties and the escargot is delightfully drenched in garlic and Pernod butter, served to the tune of buzzing music and chatter.
Byrdi
211 La Trobe Street, Melbourne
Like a cocktail laboratory, Byrdi pours up drinks that are experimental in flavour and designed to capture a unique snapshot of the current Australian food and drink scene. From chicken fat oysters to the Hiro San featuring distilled Tasmanian wasabi, fermented rice, and Meyer lemon, everything here is unlike anything you’ve experienced before.
City Wine Shop
159 Spring Street, Melbourne
Part retail bottle shop, part Italian wine bar, this charming spot serves masterful small plates from sibling restaurant The European next door alongside a well-balanced array of drops. Snag a table on the terrace and you’ll be treated to gorgeous views overlooking Parliament House as you savour each sip.
Etta
60 Lygon Street, Brunswick East
What was once a fish and chip shop is now a little neighbourhood restaurant, serving up distinctly Melbournian food with a range of global influences. The menu? Faultless, with a smattering of accolades praising Etta for its inventive yet accessible dishes and dazzling drinks list.
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The Everleigh
150-156 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy
Cocktail bars don’t come more classic than this, taking cues from a bygone era in the stunning marble bar, leather booths, and glamorous libations. Let the expert bartenders’ wealth of knowledge help you wet your whistle, while nibbling on a concise menu of bar snacks.
Flower Drum
17 Market Lane, Melbourne
Calling a restaurant ‘legendary’ might seem hyperbolic, but this authentic Asian institution certainly lives up to the claim. From the skillful execution of aromatic flavours to the opulent dining room with its ruby carpet, your order isn’t complete without Flower Drum’s signature Peking duck – tender pieces wrapped in a thin handmade pancake with sweet plum sauce, spring onion, and cucumber.
Gerald’s Bar
386 Rathdowne Street, Carlton North
Keeping locals on their toes with a menu varying from day to day, the ambient Gerald’s Bar is a jovial neighbourhood watering hole celebrating local vendors and top-notch drinks. It’s also one of Melbourne’s best date night spots, thanks to its laid-back atmosphere and even better company.
Gimlet at Cavendish House
33 Russell Street, Melbourne
Tucked inside the heritage Cavendish House, classic European charm is infused throughout this cocktail bar and dining room – made for all seasons and reasons. Whether you’re propped up at the bar or kicking back in the booth, pick through a menu founded on traditions and sustainability, with a caviar service on hand if you’re feeling extra indulgent.
HER
270 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
Set across four floors, this playful vertical laneway features a Euro-leaning restaurant, Thai BBQ canteen, rooftop bar, and vinyl lounge dedicated to the love of sound. Pick your poison where creativity meets gastronomy, and let Her take care of the rest.
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Heartbreaker
234A Russell Street, Melbourne
It’s all rock ‘n’ roll at this vibrant bar, where NYC-inspired pizza is served by the slice and the drinks are intended to fuel a night of revelry. Lit up by the red neon glow of its titular sign, Heartbreaker is the rowdy sibling of The Everleigh that knows its way around a good time.
Kazuki’s
121 Lygon Street, Carlton
Carlton’s neighbourhood Japanese restaurant made a name for itself in Daylesford, before bringing its nutrition for the soul to the inner-city. Chef Kazuki Tsuya combines his roots in Northern Japan’s Akita with classic French techniques and high quality Australian produce, to excite your palate and fill your heart.
Lee Ho Fook
11-15 Duckboard Place, Melbourne
Meaning ‘good fortune for your mouth’, you’ll find Lee Ho Fook tucked down a Melbourne laneway with a contemporary take on Chinese cuisine. Big on flavour and boundary-pushing dishes, their ambient Chinese tea pairing is just as nuanced and pleasing as their wine list.
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Minamishima
4 Lord Street, Richmond
The product of sushi master Koichi Minamishima, this omakase experience is all about traditional nigiri in its finest form. Taking inspiration from Japanese haute cuisine, the dishes here are deftly sliced, shaped, torched, and brushed to send you on a sensory journey by the plate.
Serai
7 Racing Club Lane, Melbourne
At Serai, Filipino dishes are reimagined over a wood-fired grill while maintaining the spirit, vitality, and passion of the culture. Watch the chefs work their magic in the open kitchen, before the fun-filled flavours and tantalising cocktails grace your table with a whole lot of charm to spare.
Siglo
2/161 Spring Street, Melbourne
From the Parisian flair in its decor to the selection of fine Cuban cigars, this rooftop terrace bar has an abundance of sophistication to pair with its sweeping views over Spring Street. The substantial wine and cocktail list is brimming with crowd-pleasers and a whole lot of champagne, served atop the white-clothed tables.
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STAY
Call Melbourne home for the night (or more), with our favourite luxury hotels and boutique accommodation the city has to offer.
Adelphi Hotel
187 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Sitting pretty on the sweet spot between luxury and whimsy, Adelphi is the charismatic boutique hotel with enough accolades to fill one of its 34 vibrant rooms. From the complimentary mini bar to the HUNTER LAB amenities and the distinctly Melbourne personal coffee stations, Adelphi is all about convenience with its thoughtful touches and central location.
The Como
630 Chapel Street, South Yarra
This signature five-star boutique hotel is an A-list favourite for its chic style, sumptuous elegance, and impeccable service. Set in the fashionable South Yarra precinct, The Como’s rooftop pool and sun deck pairs effortlessly with its contemporary rooms to help you unwind after a successful day spent dining and shopping in its bustling surrounds.
Crown Towers Melbourne
8 Whiteman Street, Southbank
As the crowning jewel of Melbourne’s world-class entertainment precinct, Crown Towers Melbourne boasts the highest standard in luxury on the banks of the Yarra River. Sophisticated in style and exceptional in service, this inner-city oasis is the go-to for global high rollers and those seeking an experience to treasure for a lifetime.
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Grand Hyatt Melbourne
123 Collins Street, Melbourne
Look up ‘prestigious’ and you’re bound to see Grand Hyatt Melbourne. This luxury five-star hotel houses 546 spacious rooms and suites in the epicentre of the city, all featuring Italian marble bathrooms and floor-to-ceiling windows. Only minutes from Melbourne’s top attractions, Grand Hyatt is perfect for business and pleasure alike.
Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street
18 Little Queen Street, Melbourne
If you like to travel with an itinerary planned to the minute, then you need to call the Hilton home for your trip. Located in the centre of the CBD with Bourke Street Shopping Mall, Queen Victoria Market, NGV, and Marvel Stadium as its neighbours, this contemporary accommodation is perfect for the on-the-go traveller, where a fitness centre, bar and restaurant, and executive lounge are waiting for you to return.
Hotel No
388 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Melbourne’s anti-hotel, this breathtaking rooftop oasis is made up of six vintage Airstreams hidden behind a secret speakeasy entrance. Hotel No is an unforgettable experience that’s as quintessentially Melbourne as they come, encouraging guests to discover the city as a local with winding laneways, top-class restaurants, and hidden gems at its doorstep.
Hotel Windsor
111 Spring Street, Melbourne
Established in 1883, step back in time in Melbourne’s grand heritage hotel with 140 years of exemplary service to its name. Hotel Windsor’s magnificent Victorian age architecture is impossible to miss, housing plush accommodation a short walk from the dazzling theatre district, boutiques of Collins Street, and lush gardens. Just make sure you save time for afternoon tea!
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The Langham Melbourne
1 Southgate Avenue, Southbank
From the breathtaking Waterford crystal chandelier in the lobby to its tranquil wellness sanctuary, The Langham has curated elegance from check in to check out. As one of Melbourne’s only pet-friendly luxury hotels, pampering is their specialty accompanied by unique offerings and captivating views.
The Lyall Hotel
16 Murphy Street, South Yarra
Not your usual hotel, The Lyall has undergone a recent transformation to return as an urban sanctuary with a grand hotel service on an intimate scale. Laze on a Parisian balcony above the streets of upscale South Yarra, before retreating to a spacious suite with a bathing, dressing and living area, overlooking the Japanese Maple Garden.
Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne
160 Spencer Street, Melbourne
Blurring the lines between art and design, Mövenpick is an indulgent experience for all the senses. While the outdoor swimming pool, sauna, 24-hour gym, and award-winning restaurant are reasons alone to warrant a stay, it’s Chocolate Hour that has our eye – a chef’s selection of chocolate-themed creations served daily every afternoon.
Next Hotel Melbourne
103 Little Collins Street, Melbourne
Effortless luxury is the name of the game at this sophisticated sanctuary, with a refined aesthetic inspired by world travel and the local neighbourhood. Thoughtful design and intriguing artwork will be the hallmark of your visit to Next Hotel, complementing the elegantly understated rooms and innovative La Madonna Restaurant.
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The Olsen
637-641 Chapel Street, South Yarra
An icon of the Art Series, The Olsen houses first-class facilities that pay homage to the work of revered Australian landscape artist Dr John Olsen. In true boutique style, The Olsen offers a range of services to ensure every aspect of your stay is taken care of, completed by two delicious restaurants that garner their own attention on Chapel Street.
Ovolo South Yarra
234 Toorak Road, South Yarra
Taking cues from the days of disco, rock gods, and retro glamour, Ovolo South Yarra might be small in size, but it certainly packs a punch. The progressively designed rooms here are accented in chrome and colour to suit the cosmopolitan corner it resides on, while the on-site kitchen and bar dishes up conscious cuisine to feed your soul.
Park Hyatt Melbourne
1 Parliament Square, Melbourne
Beautifully appointed and centrally located, the unmistakable Park Hyatt Melbourne combines exceptional levels of personalised service with exquisite surrounds. Featuring the city’s largest standard guestrooms, discover a blend of Art Deco elegance and modern comfort behind its doors, as well as rare luxuries like fireplaces and Juliet balconies.
QT Melbourne
133 Russell Street, Melbourne
A vision in industrial chic, QT Melbourne is a knockout when it comes to booking a memorable stay. The unique designer hotel is the place to be for high fashion and crisp cocktails, with its famous rooftop bar and plush furnishings only some of the distinct details that helps QT Melbourne redefine luxury on the daily.
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The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne
650 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
Soaring 80 stories above the city, this sky-high luxury retreat pairs its panoramic views of the Dandenong Ranges to Port Phillip Bay with the utmost comfort and service. Wake up to hot air balloons floating on the skyline before indulging in contemporary fare at one of The Ritz-Carlton’s deluxe restaurants or a timeless treatment at the rejuvenating spa.
The Royce Hotel
379 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
In a nod to the golden age of hotels, opulence is the expectation at The Royce. What was once Melbourne’s original luxury automobile showroom is now an extraordinary boutique hotel, honouring its historical origins in splashes of chrome, the grand marble-tiled staircase, and uncompromising quality.
W Melbourne
408 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Extending the art and culture of the city’s iconic laneways, W Melbourne’s 294 bold rooms and suites offer a rich creative landscape, bursting with energy. Drag yourself away from your glamorous accommodation, and you’ll be rewarded with vibrant restaurants, electrifying bars, and poolside sips all under the one roof – on a backdrop of city skyline views.
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Before you check in, check out our guide to travel essentials here.
Header image: @peter_cole_photography
