Lonely Planet Has Named Melbourne's Food Scene One of the World's Top 25 Travel Experiences
From Lune croissants to Palestinian soul food and Italian marketplaces, Melbourne’s culinary scene has officially been crowned one of the world’s best by Lonely Planet.
For years, Melbourne has proudly worn its culinary credentials. Newcomers queue wide-eyed at cult institutions like Lune Croissanterie and Pellegrini's Espresso Bar, while long-time locals who have already curated their favourites still stumble across surprises tucked away in laneways. From homestyle Palestinian dishes at Beit Siti to three floors of Italian nosh at Il Mercato Centrale, you can eat your way around the world without leaving the tram network.
Image: Sarah Pannell
Now, Lonely Planet has made it official: the Best in Travel 2026 guide has ranked Melbourne's food scene as one of the world's best 25 travel experiences. Now in its 16th edition, the guide forecasts unmissable destinations and experiences around the world for the year ahead. Australia scored three spots on the list: Victoria's 900km bathing trail from Daylesford to Mornington made the cut, while South Australia's Ikara-Flinders Ranges sits among the best 25 places.
The guide shouts out the smorgasbord of dining options in Melbourne — there's something worth eating, no matter where you go. Cruffins from Lune and piccolo lattes from Maker Coffee are the recommended breakfast. Afterwards, head south of the river to South Melbourne Market, where Lonely Planet's food trail will bring you to Juju's Deli for chicken schnitty sangas, Aptus Seafoods Oyster Bar for a shuck stop and Claypots Evening Star for a killer seafood marinara. Venture further southwest for excellent Vietnamese fusion at Hanoi Mee Kitchen and Bar, a lesser-known local gem in Port Melbourne that left a lasting impression on the writer.
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The city's European influence shines at Italian marketplace Il Mercato Centrale and Italo-Aussie spins at Bottega, plus a wave of Mediterranean-inspired venues. Specialising in Cameroonian dishes, the now-shuttered Vola Foods in Brunswick West was the guide's pick for African cuisine — and you can still catch them at pop-ups, which they announce on Instagram. Over in the neighbouring Coburg, find Palestinian soul food from food truck Beit Siti. If you're in Collingwood, check out Hotel Jesus for some serious tacos.
Drinks aren't an afterthought either. Collingwood brewery Molly Rose is a craft beer haven, while Waxflower Bar in Brunswick sets the mood for sipping lo-fi vinos with live vinyl sets.
Want to read the full guide? Head to the Lonely Planet website for more.
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