Ten Mouthwatering Melbourne Food & Wine Festival Events You Can Still Get Tickets To
Long seafood lunches, Latin American feasts infused with native flavours and laneway parties dedicated to Bangkok street eats — we've got your last-minute food fest inspiration right here.
TEN MOUTHWATERING MELBOURNE FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL EVENTS YOU CAN STILL GET TICKETS TO
Long seafood lunches, Latin American feasts infused with native flavours and laneway parties dedicated to Bangkok street eats — we've got your last-minute food fest inspiration right here.
We hope you're feeling hungry because the Christmas morning of culinary events is back. The legendary Melbourne Food & Wine Festival returns to whip the city into a feeding frenzy — and certain food coma — from Friday, March 24–Sunday, April 2. This year's program is as hefty as ever, with special guest chefs flying in from around the world, local legends hosting unmissable dining events, and all kinds of parties, pop ups and food-focused festivities happening in between.
But if you dropped the ball on sorting out tickets and still want to get your MFWF fix, fear not because it's never too late. We've rounded up a bunch of events you can still book a spot at — or that you can simply rock up to enjoy at your leisure. From long seafood lunches to flavour-packed fusion feasts, here's all the last-minute food fest inspiration you need.
-
10
Minimise the impact that your noodle-slurping habits have on the environment, all thanks to a nifty project by Tokyo Tina and the rest of its Commune Group siblings. Starring at the Windsor restaurant from Monday, March 27–Wednesday, March 29 is the Rubbish Ramen Shop — an experimental soup pop-up with a low-waste twist. Senior Chef Enza Sotto is creating two limited-edition, sustainability-focused ramen varieties, made using unwanted produce collected from across the hospitality group’s eateries. Ingredients that would otherwise be destined for landfill will be transformed into your midweek Japanese feed.
You can nab a ticket to the pop-up for $48, which includes your choice of ramen, a snack, and a sake or a beer to match.
Images: Carmen Zammit.
-
9
Move aside, high-falutin’ fancy food — it’s time for good ol’ convenience store grub to take the spotlight. Popping up at Fed Square from Friday, March 24–Sunday, April 2, The Convenient Store is an ode to the low-brow, high-satisfaction snackage of your local grab-and-go joint. Only this one’s stocked with goodies from some of Melbourne’s star chefs, producers and eateries.
We’re talking about a reuben-inspired pie from Pie Thief, Piccolina‘s coffee-infused answer to the Ice Magic ice cream topping, and a couple of exclusive hot sandwiches by Victor Liong (Lee Ho Fook) and Shannon Martinez (Smith & Daughters).
More treats come courtesy of Tom Sarafian, Tokyo Lamington and Luther’s Scoops. And from 4–8pm each day, you’ll find Slurpee-inspired cocktails spiked with local artisan spirits.
-
8
Firebird‘s new Head Chef, Sunda alum Nabil Ansari, will be heating up the kitchen with a two-night dinner series dedicated to the Southeast Asian and Indian flavours of his heritage.
Running from Monday, March 27–Tuesday, March 28, the six-course feasts will make a hero of Firebird’s famed custom wood-fired grill. Brought to life over charcoal, the menu’s set to feature punchy plates like duck samosas with medjool date chutney, and a slow-cooked lamb clay pot biryani.
Tickets come in at $150, which includes a cocktail on arrival. Firebird’s usual drinks list will be available if you fancy adding on any further bevs, too.
Images: Carmen Zammit.
-
7
Come Sunday, March 26, Taxi Kitchen is set to be the place to be for local seafood lovers, as it hosts a long lunch celebrating some of the state’s best wild-caught ocean-fresh goodness.
Top Victorian fisheries will be spotlighted across a four-course feast featuring plates like sea urchin roe with sour plum and fried nori; octopus starring coconut, ginger and lemongrass; and crayfish rice finished with shiitake, lup chong and a son-in-law egg.
There’ll be snacks to kick things off, Victorian wines to match each course, and a soundtrack of live funk and soul. Tickets are $184, including a glass of sparkling wine and a cocktail on arrival.
Images: Carmen Zammit
-
6
It’s a longtime favourite among lovers of contemporary Southeast Asian fare, but this month, Rice Paper Scissors is switching continents completely and taking a flavour-packed detour through Mexico.
From Friday, March 24–Sunday, April 2, the Fitzroy restaurant is shaking things up with its five-course Rice Paper Taco shared banquet, available at both lunch and dinner.
For $49, you’ll enjoy a vibrant spread of fusion dishes filled with Mexican and Asian flavours. Think, chipotle chicken empanadas, beef taquitos and tacos with crispy barramundi. The bar’s whipping up some special tequila cocktails for the occasion, too.
Images: Annika Kafcaloudis
-
5
On Thursday, March 30, Bodriggy‘s signature Latin American flavours are getting a local makeover. Head Chef Johnny Dominguez (Vue de Monde, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal) is plating up a Latin-leaning dinner menu filled with native ingredients, focusing on local produce that’s sustainably sourced from places like Collingwood Children’s Farm.
You’re in for dishes like heirloom tomato tostadas with a native salsa, Victorian kingfish ceviche done with finger lime and Davidson plum, and pork belly mole starring elements like saltbush and Vegemite. Bodriggy is also creating a special brew to be showcased on the night, infused with local flora. The banquet clocks in at $91, or $120 with matched sips.
Images: Carmen Zammit
-
4
These days, you don’t have to search too hard to find shining examples of females kicking serious goals in Victoria’s food and drink scene. But come Thursday, March 30, you’ll be absolutely surrounded by them, as a lineup of high-flying talent comes together for the Victorian Female Excellence dinner.
Taking over Victoria by Farmer’s Daughters, it’ll see the venue’s own star female chefs taking the reins for the evening, delivering an exclusive seasonal menu that also celebrates the work of local female producers. Think, an autumnal salad starring Holy Goat Nectar cheese and toasted hazelnut, and a white chocolate dessert featuring lemon myrtle and finger lime.
Talented women winemakers will also be spotlighted via an exclusive vino pairing set to feature on the night. Tickets come in at $150, with drinks purchased separately.
Images: Thom Rigney
-
3
Take your tastebuds on a wok-fuelled adventure through Thailand when the Bangkok Street Food Festival dishes up the goods from Friday, March 31–Saturday, April 1.
The event sees Bangkok’s legendary one-dish eatery Phed Mark bringing its famed pad krapao (a Thai basil stir-fry) to Melbourne for the first time ever. Alongside local Thai favourites Soi38, BKK and DoDee Paidang, it’ll descend on Drewery Lane for a two-night celebration of Thai street food. Expect fire, spice, smoke and bold flavours aplenty.
With limited bookings and walk-ins available, Melburnians will be treated to signature dishes from all four venues — from noodles through to chicken curry puffs, and including duck larb ped as well. Of course, there’ll be plenty of cooling bevs to match, including smashable long necks and punchy cocktails.
-
2
Poodle Bar & Bistro is here to elevate your weekend with a fresh instalment of its popular Patio Party, held on Sunday, April 2, with some very special guests in tow.
Upstairs, you’ll catch renowned chefs Matt Stone (Oakridge, Greenhouse) and Tim Goegan (Gimlet, Supernormal) joining forces for a long lunch feast, pairing shared plates with vino by Mosaique Wines ($223). Think, crocodile toast, tomato tartare en croute and lots more.
On the downstairs patio, Poodle’s own Emma Dawson will be firing up the charcoal barbecue to cook up some familiar favourites from the menu. The Mosaique Wines crew will also be down here pouring good stuff for partygoers to enjoy alongside cocktails and DJ tunes. Tickets to the downstairs festivities are $21, which includes a drink on arrival.
Images: Michael Pham
-
1
Imagine a two-day bake sale stocked with a heaving array of treats from some of the city’s best-loved bakers and pastry icons. Well, that’s exactly what’s in store when Baker’s Dozen takes over Fed Square from Saturday, April 1–Sunday, April 2. Expect everything from buns and babka, to croissants and canelés — with lots of exclusive new creations in the mix, too.
Among those showing off their wares, you’ll find Lune Croissanterie, Monforte, Tarts Anon, The Flour Melbourne, Bread Club, Holy Sugar and Black Star Pastry, to name a few. Even savoury pastry fiends are in for a treat, with options like To Be Frank’s pulled-pork croissant, and ‘nduja, olive and pecorino twists from All Are Welcome.
-
1
Krispy Kreme Is Giving Away 100,000 Free Doughnuts for National Doughnut Day 2023
-
2
The Lume's Next Big Multi-Sensory Exhibition 'Connection' Is Dedicated to First Nations Art and Music
-
3
Ministry of Sound Is Taking Its Huge 90s and 00s Parties Around Australia This Winter
-
4
Cults, Emotional Vampires and a Chilling Aussie Story: Miranda Otto and Kate Mulvany Chat 'The Clearing'
-
5
Soho House Has Lodged Plans for Its First Ultra-Exclusive Australian Location in Sydney
GET A TASTE OF THE TOP END
Read more- Desert Beauty: Exploring the Rich Culture and Stunning Vistas of the Red Centre
- Tropical Capital City: Discover Darwin, Where Urban Energy Meets Outback Spirit
- Ancient Playground: Experience the Cascading Waterfalls, Rugged Landscape, Aboriginal Rock Art and Wild Wonders of Kakadu
- Outback Oasis: Explore the Iconic Waterfalls, Ancient Gorges and Local Cuisine of Katherine
Concrete Playground Trips
Book unique getaways and adventures dreamed up by our editors
