Melbourne’s dining scene is always changing, with a vibrant mix of innovative eateries and diverse culinary influences. Among the best of the best are a handful of dining establishments that pop up on the “best restaurants” lists such as Time Out, 50 Best Discovery and The Gourmet Traveller. 

Gimlet, one of the restaurants on the Time Out list, impresses with its carefully crafted menu, which fuses traditional flavours with avant-garde techniques. It also stands out with its locally sourced, quality ingredients that highlight its commitment to freshness and sustainability. The Art Deco ambience adds a unique touch to your dining experience. 

The selection also includes fine dining restaurant Attica, a familiar name on local and international “best of” lists. The standout dish at Attica is the quirky “whipped emu’s egg with sugar bag,” so you can expect a thoroughly Australian experience here.

Another regular on the list is Flower Drum, a renowned Cantonese restaurant that beckons food lovers with its Crisp Peking duck, Moreton Bay Bugs in XO sauce and a delightful dim sum platter. 

a.canvas.of.light from Melbourne, Australia, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

For culture and history, the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is always a safe bet—it is Australia’s most-visited museum. Unsurprisingly, the sprawling art gallery made the list of the world’s 20 best museums and galleries. To visit lesser-known cultural gems beyond the NGV, do follow Time Out’s list of the “best museums” in Melbourne.

Melbourne is also famous for its street art, and here is a comprehensive guide to colourful, stunning works in its alleys, walkways, and buildings. To track down street art in Melbourne, search for walking tour itineraries online or refer to a street art map (you can also find community-contributed maps on Google). Alternatively, narrow your search by following Time Out’s Top 10 street art picks.

To view iconic architecture, visit some of Melbourne’s treasured buildings, including Flinders Street Railway Station and The Regent Theatre. You can refer to a list of historical and contemporary landmarks on the City of Melbourne website.

Nothing is more rejuvenating than a walk in the park, and in Melbourne, there are plenty to choose from. Time Out has picked out the city’s best, and at the top of the list are the Royal Botanic Gardens and Edinburgh Gardens. The Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria is a green haven, home to 8,500 plant species and serene zen lakes. Beyond its scenic charm, the gardens host workshops, tours, and talks unveiling botanical wonders. 

Similarly, Edinburgh Gardens boasts sprawling lawns, shady trees, and a charming rotunda. The park hosts various events, from lively festivals to casual picnics, creating a welcoming atmosphere for locals and visitors.

To sit and watch the world go by in the best Melbourne cafes, follow the recommendations of The Urbant List or Time Out. High on both lists is Auction Rooms cafe, located in a former auction house. Renowned for its meticulously sourced speciality brews from around the globe, the cafe caters to discerning coffee aficionados. With a focus on quality and inventive dishes made from local ingredients, Auction Rooms offers a distinctive experience for those seeking exceptional coffee in the heart of Melbourne.

Another standout is Ona Coffee, renowned for its dedication to specialty coffee. It sources high-quality beans globally, ensuring a rich, satisfying and aromatic caffeine-infused experience. The cafe's commitment to excellence in coffee extends to its skilled baristas who expertly prepare each cup.

Better yet, enjoy a leisurely afternoon with High Tea at Pan Pacific Melbourne’s Pacific Club Lounge. Crafted by award-winning Director of Food & Beverage and Culinary Operations Deepak Mishra, the bespoke high tea experience offers a three-tier tower featuring sweet, savoury, and warm delights. It skillfully merges the vibrant flavours of native Australian cuisine with aromatic influences from Singaporean and Southeast Asian ingredients.

Melbourne's nightlife offers a diverse array of bars, live music venues, and hidden gems that come alive after the sun sets. Among the best is Black Pearl, which has been in operation for over two decades. This celebrated gem is known for its masterfully crafted cocktails and intimate, speakeasy-style ambience, making it a must-visit destination for all cocktail enthusiasts.

Making it to the World’s 50 Best Bars list is Caretaker’s Cottage, a rustic yet sophisticated retreat-like bar, blending old-world charm with contemporary flair. Nestled in the heart of Melbourne, the bar is known for delivering a diverse and memorable array of expertly crafted cocktails, providing patrons with a delightful tasting experience.

For business and social gatherings, visit Pan Pacific Melbourne’s Dock 37, which offers a contemporary dining and bar experience. A highlight is the magnificent walk-through wine gantry, which is suspended above the bar and houses an exceptional cellar of over 500 wines. If you stay at our Pacific Club King Room, Yarra Suite or Panoramic Suite, you will have access to the Pacific Club Lounge, where you can enjoy evening cocktails in a sophisticated setting.

If you prefer to keep your late-night entertainment options free of alcohol, Time Out recommends participating in a bowling night, laser tags, diving into virtual reality (VR) and many other activities that keep you alert. 

Discover Melbourne's magic with our Destination Insights Guide to immerse yourself in the city’s wonders, or complete your experience with a stay at Pan Pacific Melbourne.