Eat Drink Westside

Overview

Melbourne's western suburbs are too often neglected. And it is a damn shame because the area is flooded with superb cafes, restaurants, pubs and bakeries. To combat this lack of love and attention, Western Melbourne Tourism has teamed up with Melbourne Food & Wine Festival to run a stacked program of events from Friday, March 15–Friday, March 22.

There are 22 individual events running throughout the week (many of which have already sold out) that champion food and beverage venues and producers across the western suburbs.

One key part of Eat Drink Westside is a series of moveable feasts known as Westside Wanders. For these, an MFWF guide will take foodies on a tour around one suburb, hitting up three different venues along the way — from markets and grocers to cafes and cake shops.

You'll get to know the lay of the land and try some great eats from the multicultural area's hospo venues. Pretty much each of the places you visit will be a 'hidden gem' as so few Melburnians venture out west.

Many of these have already sold out, but there are still tickets available for Ascot Vale, St Albans, Werribee and Caroline Springs.

Beyond the walking food tours, a stack of venues are also hosting their own unique experiences as a part of Eat Drink Westside. Shadowfax Winery is working with The Lancemore Mansion Hotel in Werribee to host some tastings and a four-course dinner with paired vinos. Pizza d'Asporto and Vino Intrepido have also teamed up to host a concurrent wine tasting and pasta- and focaccia-making class. This means you'll be learning the art of Italian cookery while sipping on wines. And there's really no better way to learn how to cook than with a glass of wine in hand.

There's also a honey-themed dinner at The Vic Hotel and a farm-to-plate lunch at Wyndham Harbour, celebrating west Melbourne produce and local chefs. If ever there was a reason to head west, this is it. Just get in quick before everything is sold out.