BLK’s Food Blog favourites – May 2026 edition

Taking a very keen interest in the best of fine dining makes me a willing target for the question “what’s the best restaurant in Melbourne?” “Where do we need to go on our next trip to Melbourne” is the other open ended question for which there is no succinct answer. My usual response is to ask a series of questions to better understand the preferences of the particular contact, as usually my friend is asking for a friend.

I love these questions. I put down whatever I’m doing and I busily begin daydreaming of recent and memorable restaurant visits, where I love to go back to, and where I’ve been with Catherine or in groups, that I’ve really enjoyed. Lists are fun. Lists are never right; never wrong. In an effort to take a view I’m going to give you eight restaurants where over a period of time of your choosing I suggest you go to in the Melbourne CBD.

There’s no actual order below but I’ve written about the places that I love as I’ve thought of them.

Best restaurants in Melbourne CBD

Tipo 00 – versatility, deep flavour, expertise, comfort

The place I keep going back to. A restaurant that I would return to for dinner, or for lunch again the next day. I go at 11.30am for espresso, pasta, and a glass of wine or a negroni. I go at 10pm for a mushroom and truffle risotto with a night cap glass of Italian red. I try to book and always struggle, vowing to remember for next time, but ultimately waiting at 11.30am for a seat at the bar again.

Italian food is clearly my favourite cuisine. Italy is one of my favourite countries, and Rome is one of my favourite cities. Catherine is half Italian. In a tiny Little Bourke Street restaurant, some of the finest Italian food in the world is served. There’s no pomp or finery, but this is fine dining without any doubt. The longer meals call for Tipomisu. The shorter meals can be less than 45 minutes. All are special.

Bar Lourinha – iconic, lasting, punchy, atmospheric

Oh Bar Lourinha. From the first time “the boys” entered while on holiday after the races, to the times since, and several solo dining experiences, this has been awe inspiring. Bar Lourinha can pack substantial swathes of flavour into the tiniest of snacks, and the larger style plates, generally allowing a few delectable tastes that are shared by intimate groups that seem to grow in volume through the evening.

The beauty of this institution is the ease at which you can find a brilliant meal at the odd times. You can go early and graze with a drink before a show; you can go after a show for a few drinks too; you can have a full meal or just a snack. As good as the wine selection is, it is non-negotiable to have some food, even if just a few snacks. The last time I was here the tuna crisp was so good I reordered another before the kitchen ultimately closed. There is something about Lourinha.

Supernormal – buzzy, delicious, versatile, institution

From the first time we dined on the bar, to the most recent experience, Supernormal has been an oasis of comfort. You can rock up for a few snacks and turn a normal night into an extraordinary one. You can dine with friends in a group and do the whole menu. The consistency speaks volumes.

This was the first restaurant we took Sydney to after the pandemic had begun, when we got a rare reprieve. We’d supported with pick ups through Providore and it just made sense. I’ve tried most of the menu and I have so many favourite dishes that it is impossible to have them all in any one sitting. Throw in a clever drinks list, and a place good service staff seem to gravitate towards, and you have the perfect versatile venue, where no experience is entirely the same.

Gimlet – fancy, luxurious, satisfying

The epitome of a big lunch or dinner. Gimlet put a stamp on the Melbourne dining scene the minute it opened. The next minute there were more lockdowns. Holding back here is the only indulgence that is off-limits. Gimlet is a venue that feels fancy having a quick cocktail on the bar, through to a serve of lobster and Premier Cru Chablis.

While the building that houses Gimlet is historic, it was never a temple to gastronomy like it is now. Outside is not the prettiest intersection in Melbourne, but everything inside has its place. This is the Andrew McConnell restaurant where it all comes together seamlessly, and the expense is worth it.

Reine & La Rue – ornate, classy, glorious

When you walk into Reine & La Rue for the first time you miss a breath. It is impossibly beautiful, especially when full of happy diners. It needs to be busy because the brief is a lot of expensive produce, and a lot of people required to enjoy it night after night.

Intricate snacks, richly flavoured mains, expertly assembled drinks, and an occasional look around at the architecture. You can’t be sure you’re in Melbourne, but you know this city has made it when restaurants of this ilk have landed on the scene.

Patsy’s – vegetarian, clever, homely

Having been a long time fan of the sister restaurants on the Peninsula, Patsy’s is one out of the box. The courage to present a purely vegetarian menu is matched by the location near the Queen Victoria Markets. In great dining cities like Melbourne, providing a first class experience night after night, and doubling as a wine bar, is a recipe for continued success.

There’s not a dish we’ve chosen at Patsy’s that has been ordinary. The intellect shown in the combinations and level of flavour is utterly impressive. When there are offerings this good, the vegetarian restriction melts away. The final ingredient is how cute and homely the courtyard, downstairs, and upstairs areas are.

Embla – confident, refined, delicious

I’m lucky Embla is not too close to home, because I would be there too often. It’s too easy to find an excuse to pop by the bar, take a pew on the kitchen bench, or organise a lengthy lunch or dinner. Going there unannounced and hungry means a very exciting hour or two are upon you.

Solo dining, date night, an intimate group, or a party of ten, are all sound options. On busy evenings it feels like they’ve packed a few extra in, but the elbow to elbow nature makes the experience all the more enticing. A glass of wine and a pasta turn into a mini celebration when I’m feeling spontaneous, but a long planned meal is even better.

Nomad – rich, friendly, satisfying

Once this room housed Ezard. Much has changed, except for the level of cooking coming out of the kitchen. Nomad pushes the flavour profile up to top-notch, and offers some exquisite beverages to wash it down.

The sharing nature of the menu invites unbridled enthusiasm, and repeat visitors are the norm that keeps Nomad’s vibe up to the standard of the kitchen. The script is part of the dining landscape. Nomad just does it better than most, but you do pay for the privilege.