Melbourne Food & Drink News for the Foodies
Here's everything you need to know that's happening across the Melbourne food scene.
Melbourne is the king of the foodie scene. Every week there's a cool new restaurant, bar or hidden gem popping up around the city just waiting to be discovered. And while it's great for our taste buds (our wallets not so much), it can be hard to keep up with everything that's brand-spanking-new, or all of the events that roll around quicker than the blink of an eye.
Need a hub to find all your Melbourne food news? That's exactly what this is! Keep reading to find out the latest on our city's food and drink scene.
Free Oat Milk Coffee at Select Melbourne Cafes
The cost-of-living increases are impacting everybody - we won't drone on about it, but it sucks. Oatly knows this, which is why between the 16th to 22nd September they are partnering with select cafes across Melbourne to deliver free oat milk coffees to all.
This campaign is all about supporting your local 'Oat Dealer,' cafes and baristas who otherwise wouldn't have the resources for a media budget for advertising. All you need to do is dial the 1800-OATFIX hotline to speak to your local Oat Dealer, and get a code to redeem at a participating cafe. The cafes incolved in this campaign include:
- Acustico - Brunswick
- Alimentari Smith Street - Collingwood
- Archies All Day, Fitzroy
- Calēre, Fitzroy
- Chiaki, Collingwood
- City Saints, Collingwood
- Bench Coffee Company Roastery, Brunswick
- Green Refectory, Brunswick
- Kōhī No Deshi, Brunswick
- Plug Nickel, Collingwood
- Proud Mary, Collingwood
- Sonido, Fitzroy
- Tarts Anon, Collingwood
- Walrus, Brunswick
- Wood and Co Coffee, Brunswick
16th to 22nd September
il Mercato Centrale to Open in Melbourne
Much-loved il Mercato Centrale is opening its very first location in Melbourne on the 19th of September. This will be a food haven in Melbourne's CBD from Thursday to Sunday, and involve 23 artisans who will form a collaborative ecosystem, supplying ingredients and produce to one another. Originally founded in Florence, Italy, it's incredibly exciting to have this market that's done so well in numerous Italian states come to Melbourne - the first il Mercato Centrale outside of Italy.
Open from 19th September, 4.00pm
Hello Kitty Pop-Up Cafe Arriving in Chadstone
Starting 20th September, Chadstone will host a charming pop-up Hello Kitty Cafe to celebrate Sanrio’s iconic character’s 50th anniversary. Nestled within The Social Quarter, this sweet cafe promises a delightful experience for fans, foodies, and pop culture lovers alike. Expect Hello Kitty-inspired treats like strawberry sandos, themed bento boxes, iced matcha lattes, cakes, and cookies.
The celebration also features an eye-catching installation by renowned street artist Sofles, limited-edition merchandise, and a vibrant school holiday program.
Visit Chadstone for a fun-filled, nostalgia-rich celebration and indulge in a taste of Hello Kitty’s world with delicious bites and playful vibes!
From 20th September
1341 Dandenong Road, Chadstone
New Acai Bowl & Smoothie Store Opens in Montmorency
North-siders have a new acai bowl, smoothie and wellness store to enjoy after their weekend workouts and for a healthy lunchtime treat! Halo Bowls is blending up delicious, healthy acai bowls that are filled to the brim with extra yummy treats like shredded coconut, granola, chia seeds, peanut butter, Nutella and more. There are so many combinations to choose from, all equally delicious and bound to leave you wanting more. Halo's smoothies are equally as mouth-watering, packed with all the vitamins and goodness you need to fuel you throughout the day.
4 Were Street, Montmorency
Innocent Bystander Releases New Watermelon Spritz for Spring
Award-winning Yarra Valley winery, Innocent Bystander, have created a new, unique wine that we'll be sipping on all spring and summer long: a Watermelon Spritz. Fruity, fresh and ready to drink, all you need to do is get your cutest wine glasses ready to go and gather your friends so you can pop it open in style. Light, bright and perfect for the warmer days ahead, enjoy this Watermelon Spritz chilled, or served over ice with a sprig of mint.
$25
Pastore x Pt. Leo Estate Collaborate on a One-Night Only Dinner
Hotel Chadstone's much-loved restaurant, Pastore, is collaborating with Pt. Leo Estate to deliver a one night only fine dining experience that you won't want to miss. The Wine Maker's Dinner celebrates the art of refined dining and exceptional wine coming together to create the perfect sensory experience.
Guests are invited to indulge in a meticulously crafted five-course dinner, with each dish carefully paired with wines from Pt. Leo Estate’s stunning 50-acre vineyard. This event will showcase the finest flavours from both the kitchen and the vineyard, offering a harmonious blend of Italian-inspired cuisine with an Australian twist, complemented by the award-winning wines of Pt. Leo Estate.
18th September, from 6.00pm
$195 per person, book here
1341 Dandenong Road, Chadstone
Maha East Launches 'ARAB'iata $15 Weekly Pastas
We all love a good bowl of pasta, but the experience becomes even better when the bowl is only $15. Maha East is collaborating with several of Melbourne's best chefs including Ben Cooper (seen above), Scott Pickett and Moscha Tropp to bring a $15 weekly rotating pasta series to Melbourne: 'ARAB'iata. Kicking off on the 16th of September, thi8s series will see eight chefs grace the Maha East kitchen with their unique spins on classic Italian dishes, adding in their own personal flair.
Every Monday to Wednesday, 16th September to 6th November
Walk-ins welcome, bookings can be made here
36 Chapel Street, Windsor
Mulline Wines Wins Big at the Halliday Wine Companion Awards
Mulline, the acclaimed Geelong winery, has just been honoured as Best Value Winery at the Halliday Wine Companion Awards 2025. Crafted by the talented duo Ben Mullen and Ben Hine, Mulline's portfolio is a treasure trove of exceptional wines, including standout Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and their remarkable cool-climate Syrah.
Even with just five vintages under their belt, their 2023 Syrah and Gris are already crowd favourites, while the 2023 Port Arlington Chardonnay, at $60, is a true revelation of richness, creaminess, and complexity.
Mulline’s dedication to excellence and social responsibility shines through in every bottle, with many wines offering outstanding value under $60.
Discover their exquisite offerings and become a member of their Wine Club, or enjoy their wines at prestigious venues like Longrain, France Soir, or Reine & La Rue.
Whiskey Aged in Old Melbourne Gaol Now Available
Little Lon Distilling Co has released their highly anticipated Little Lon Whiskey. This spirit has quite the story, being aged in Old Melbourne Gaol cell number 13 for the past two years, maturing under optimal conditions and absorbing the essence of its surroundings. The result? A whiskey that's as unique as the city it's made in.
$135
Tombo Den's Opening Weekend is Here
Chris Lucas is opening what is yet to be another hotspot, and this time, it's a multi-level Japanese restaurant and sake bar. Tombo Den will officially open to the public on 7th September, with timeslots available to be booked in advance. Expect to dine on market-fresh sushi and select indulgent drinks from an extensive list of imported sakes curated by Tokyo-born Master Sommelier Yuki Hirose. There is also an intimate private dining space where guests can indulge in karaoke and bespoke cocktail experiences.
Chef Dan Chan has crafted a menu of continuously changing sashimi and nigiri offerings, as well as elevated dishes inspired by the street food of Tokyo.
100 Chapel Street, Windsor
Limited Edition Lamb Shawarma from G. McBean Family Butcher x Shane Delia of Maha East
If you frequent the Prahan Market, make sure to head down the weekend of the 14th and 15th of September to taste a limited edition collaboration between long-time friends and industry veterans, Gary McBean and Shane Delia of Maha East. G. McBean Family Butcher will be serving up a flavour-filled limited-edition Merguez Lamb Shawarma, featuring Gary’s lamb and merguez seasoning, combined with pickled onions, parsley, toum, Lebanese flatbread, and fried chips. It's only available until sold out, so make sure you get in early in you don't want to miss out.
$20
Stall 515/163 Commercial Road, South Yarra
Morena Melbourne Officially Opens
Highly anticipated Latin American restaurant Morena Melbourne is officially open as of Monday 2nd September. Diners have the choice of two unique experiences right next door to each other, Morena Restaurant and Morena Barra. Morena Restaurant is a more formal dining experience, with the option to choose either a tasting menu or enjoy selections from the a la carte menu. Morena Barra, on the other hand, is an all-day dining experience that is more casual, inspired by the cantinas of Latin America.
Book here
71 Little Collins Street, Melbourne
Friends of Fromage: Cheese Toastie Takeover at Maker & Monger
Cheese lovers, this one's for you! Over the weekend, Maker & Monger launched the fifth instalment of their "Friends of Fromage" series, and it’s all about epic toastie collaborations. Each Saturday in September, a guest chef will take over the sandwich press to create their version of the ultimate cheese toastie—because there’s no such thing as too much melted cheese.
Here's the line-up:
- 7 / 8 Sept: The Rosheen - Tuna Sambal toastie with a kick.
- 14 / 15 Sept: The Shannon - A Mexican Cobb loaf with a cheesy twist.
- 21 / 22 Sept: The O.My - Textures of Artichoke toastie.
- 28 / 29 Sept: The Chae - Cashew doenjang Comté toastie.
Expect flavour-packed creations, crispy golden crusts, and all the cheese pulls your heart desires.
Prahran Market, Stall 98/163 Commercial Road, South Yarra
The Crafty Squire Temporarily Closes Its Doors
The Crafty Squire will be closing its doors on 10th September, but don't worry, because it's bye for now, not forever. The microbrewery and pub has major renovation plans, and will be turned into a multi-level food and drink destination that will become a hub for people to gather in the heart of the CBD.
The first stage of the renovation is set to be unveiled to the public this summer, with further details to come.
127 Russell Street, Melbourne
DOC Espresso Undergoes Renovations
After 20 years of trading, DOC Espresso has temporarily closed its doors to undergo renovations. This renovation is set to complement their new concept menus, elevating the dining experience and combining both traditional and contemporary Italian food, atmosphere and style. It plans to reopen its new and improved cafe and restaurant in late October.
In the mean time, you can still get your DOC fix right next door at DOC Delicatessan, located at 330 Lygon Street in Carlton.
326 Lygon Street, Carlton
Can't get enough Melbourne food and drink news and want to be in the know of more delicious restaurants, cafes and bars to book? Be sure to take a look at the best dining deals happening this week, or these fancy degustations if you want to dine out in style.
