Food and Drink Melbourne — Cheap eats, late-night food, markets & social nights

Melbourne food guide

Food and drink in Melbourne

Find cheap eats, late-night food, markets, cafes, casual restaurants, bars and easy places to eat before or after events in Melbourne.

Cheap eats Late-night food After events

Markets Cheap eats Late-night Chinatown Official guides

Food spots and areas to start with

Good first stops for visitors, students and locals

Market

Queen Victoria Market

One of Melbourne’s classic food destinations, with fresh produce, deli goods, casual eats, market stalls and seasonal night market events.

CBD food

Chinatown Melbourne

A reliable CBD area for casual food, Asian restaurants, late-night meals and easy places to eat before or after city events.

Late-night

Late-night dining in Melbourne

Melbourne has plenty of food options after shows, events, drinks and nights out, especially around the CBD.

Cheap eats in Melbourne

Simple food ideas when you do not want to spend too much

Borek at Queen Victoria Market Dumplings in Chinatown Korean food in the CBD Japanese curry or ramen Bakery snacks Food court meals Student meal deals Market snacks Late-night kebabs Pizza by the slice Bubble tea and dessert Casual pub meals

How to eat cheaply in Melbourne

The easiest way to keep food affordable in Melbourne is to look for casual food areas rather than formal restaurants. Markets, bakeries, Asian restaurants, food courts, takeaway shops and student meal deals are usually better options for a cheap night out.

Queen Victoria Market is a good starting point for market snacks and casual food. Chinatown and the surrounding CBD streets are also useful when you want something quick before or after an event.

Things to do nearby Events after food

Late-night Melbourne

Where to eat after events, drinks or shows

Melbourne is a good city for late-night food, especially around the CBD. If you are leaving a show, social event, language exchange, bar or night out, look around Chinatown, Swanston Street, Russell Street, Elizabeth Street and other central areas for casual food.

The safest plan is to choose somewhere simple, fast and close to public transport. Dumplings, ramen, Korean food, burgers, kebabs, pizza, casual pubs and dessert places are usually easier than trying to organise a full restaurant booking late at night.

Official late-night guide Nightlife guide

Late-night ideas

Chinatown Dumplings Ramen Korean food Kebabs Dessert

Chinatown and CBD food

Chinatown is one of the easiest areas to recommend when someone wants casual food in the Melbourne CBD. It is central, easy to find, close to many bars and event venues, and has plenty of Asian food options for groups.

It is especially useful after social events because people can split into smaller groups and choose something casual. Dumplings, noodles, Korean food, hot pot, dessert and bubble tea are all common CBD food options.

Find events nearby Language exchange after work

Food plus social plans

Use food as the warm-up, not the whole plan

Food is a great way to start a night, but it does not always help you meet new people by itself. If your goal is to make friends, combine food with something structured afterwards.

A simple plan is dinner first, then a language exchange, gaming social, discussion event, live music night or meetup. That gives you both comfort and a reason to talk to new people.

How to make friends Try language exchange

Good combinations

Dinner + language exchange Burgers + gaming Cafe + discussion Market + event Food + nightlife

Official Melbourne food guides

Useful external guides for current food, drink and dining ideas

Official guide

City of Melbourne Eat & Drink

Official Melbourne guide for restaurants, cafes, takeaway, bars, pubs, dining events and food deals.

Tourism guide

Visit Melbourne restaurants

A tourism guide to Melbourne dining, from cheap eats and famous food streets to restaurants and food trucks.

Food events

Melbourne Food & Wine Festival

A major Melbourne food event celebrating Victoria’s food, wine, restaurants and dining culture.

Food and drink Melbourne FAQ

Quick answers for students, visitors and people going out in the CBD

Where can I find cheap eats in Melbourne?

Good places to start include Queen Victoria Market, Chinatown, CBD food courts, student areas, casual Asian restaurants, bakeries, takeaway shops and weekday food specials.

Where can I eat late at night in Melbourne?

The CBD has many late-night food options, especially around Chinatown, Swanston Street, Russell Street, Elizabeth Street, Flinders Street, bars, pubs and casual restaurants.

Where should I eat before a Melbourne event?

Choose somewhere close to the venue, casual and fast. Chinatown, food courts, Queen Victoria Market, casual Korean or Japanese restaurants, burger shops and pubs are usually easy options.

What is a good food plan if I am new to Melbourne?

Start with a market, laneway cafe or casual CBD restaurant, then go to a social event afterwards. Food is a good first step, but events like language exchange are better if your goal is to meet people.

Food and drink in Melbourne

Melbourne has a strong food culture, with markets, cafes, restaurants, bars, late-night dining, cheap eats and food events across the city. For a simple plan, start with Queen Victoria Market, Chinatown, a CBD cafe, a casual restaurant or an official food guide, then add an event or social activity afterwards.

If you are new to Melbourne, food is a good way to explore the city, but social events are better for meeting people. Try combining dinner or cheap eats with a language exchange, gaming social, discussion event or casual meetup.

Language Exchange Melbourne What’s on Melbourne