Best Food in Melbourne: 4 Must-Try Spots

Melbourne Food Tour by Ex‑Locals – Where to Eat in Melbourne CBD

Melbourne, Australia is a culinary playground that never ceases to surprise. In this quick guide we’ll walk through the best spots featured on Chasing a Plate’s “MELBOURNE FOOD TOUR,” highlighting local favorites and hidden gems that make the city a must‑visit for food lovers.

Overview: 4 Must‑Try Spots in Melbourne CBD

The video showcases four standout eateries, each offering a unique taste of Melbourne’s diverse food scene:

• Nico’s Sandwich Deli – famous for its oxtail melt
• Soi 38 – hidden Thai noodle haven
• Kariton Sorbetes – refreshing Filipino sorbets
• Shandong Mama – savory Chinese dumplings

These spots cover everything from hearty sandwiches to silky desserts, proving Melbourne’s food capital status.

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Best Sandwich Spot in Melbourne: Nico’s Sandwich Deli

Nico’s Sandwich Deli on Healey’s Lane is a laneway treasure. Their menu is intentionally small—just eight items—but each one is crafted with precision. The star is the oxtail melt:

• Slow‑cooked oxtail braised for 8–12 hours in red wine
• Topped with cheese, pickles, and a touch of mustard
• Served on golden, crunchy toast

Pair it with a piccolo (Melbourne’s version of a flat white) for the perfect start to your day.

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Hidden Gem Worth Visiting: Soi 38 Thai Noodles

Tucked inside a car‑park building on McIlwraith Place, Soi 38 is a secret haven for noodle lovers. The menu features:

• Boat noodles with beef
• Tom Yum noodles paired with pork and prawn wontons

The broth’s depth and the fresh ingredients make every slurp memorable. If you’re exploring Melbourne CBD, this hidden gem deserves a spot on your list.

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Best Dessert Spot in Melbourne: Kariton Sorbetes

On Russell Street, Kariton Sorbetes offers Filipino‑style sorbets that melt in your mouth:

• Buko pandan – coconut and pandan flavor
• Ube halaya – sweet purple yam

Their gelato‑like texture is a refreshing break from the city’s hustle. A quick stop here will leave you craving more.

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Best Dumpling Spot in Melbourne: Shandong Mama

Located in Midcity Centre on Bourke Street, Shandong Mama serves up authentic Chinese dumplings:

• Fish dumplings
• Pork, prawn, and chive dumplings

The fillings are generous, and the wrappers bite just right. This spot is perfect for a late‑night snack or a quick lunch.

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Pro Tips from the Vloggers

• Walkable City: Melbourne CBD’s compact layout means you can hop between these spots on foot.
• Free Trams: If you need to cover more ground, free trams run throughout the city—great for reaching other foodie hotspots.
• Laneway Culture: Many of Melbourne’s best eats hide in laneways; keep an eye out for tucked‑away gems like Soi 38.

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Conclusion: Explore More of Melbourne’s Food Scene

Melbourne is a food lover’s playground, and these four spots are just the beginning. Whether you’re craving a melt‑in‑your-mouth sandwich or a bowl of aromatic noodles, the city delivers on flavor and experience. Pack your appetite and explore more of what Melbourne has to offer—your taste buds will thank you!

Ready for another culinary adventure? Check out our full series on Chasing a Plate and discover even more hidden treasures in Melbourne CBD.