Best Restaurants in Melbourne 2020

 

Melbourne is the cultural capital of Australia, and it has also been voted the most liveable city for many years running. With charming laneways studded with quaint outfits, a rich coffee culture, and a captivating food scene, Melbourne has something new or hidden every corner you turn. Having stayed here for more than 8 months, I've come to love this city more than my very own country. Dining out is definitely an expensive affair in Australia, so make sure you're spending your money at places that are worth it! 

 

Here's a list of my favourite restaurants, which are also, obviously, the best in my book.

 

Menbaka - Kyoto's Famous Fire Ramen Opens First Overseas Outlet at Cineleisure on 24 Nov!

   

Have you tried the world's first fire ramen? I did, a few years ago, at Menbakaichidai めん馬鹿一代, in Kyoto, and it was definitely one of the most unique, fun, and engaging dining experiences I've ever had!

Now, Menbaka is opening their first overseas outlet in Singapore on 24 November, at Cineleisure!

Restaurant Gaig - Delicious & Reasonably-Priced Catalan Cuisine in Singapore

 

Restaurant Gaig is not widely reviewed, and it certainly is a secret that's been very well kept. And I can totally understand why. Loyal fans will want to keep this place a secret, for sure. I am actually even hesitating, as I'm drafting this. Do I really want to hare about this hidden gem? Well, I guess, it's only right of me to share good things right?

Beyond Coffee - Forget BBT, Get These Unique Beverages in VivoCity!

Beyond Coffee is set up by a team of Singaporeans who wanted to bring something new and fresh to the beverage scene. Located in VivoCity, Beyond Coffee might not be the easiest place to locate but the walk here might just prove worth it if you're up for some refreshing beverages.

Tenya - Popular Japanese Tendon Chain Opens in Orchard Central!

 

Tenya is best known for its signature Tendon. Not only is their tendon delicious, the price point is exceptionally agreeable with our wallets. The exact recipe which is used in Japan is followed here in Singapore, so if you've loved the tendon at Tenya in Japan, or are a huge fan of tendon in general, you need to visit! I've to warn you though — the queue is crazy and the wait can go up to 2 hours. 

Table65 - Spectacular Autumn Menu With Earthy Notes, Dutch Influences & Japanese Twists

Named after our city's area code, Table65 is a one-Michelin-starred outfit helmed by Michelin-starred Dutch chef Richard van Oostenbrugg at Hotel Michael in Sentosa. A young restaurant with a Michelin star? Table65 is definitely doing something right.

Burnt Ends - More Than Deserving of Their One Michelin Star

 

It's been a dream of mine to dine at Burnt Ends, but I could never get a table. So when Miss Tam Chiak wanted to have lunch, I thought I would just try my luck again. And guess what! We scored a table for 2, just 2 days before our lunch date. I know, I know, it's crazy luck! I couldn't believe it myself. I had to double check my booking multiple times. I arrived a couple of minutes before our reservation, and was asked politely to wait outside as they got our counter seats ready. I WAS BEYOND EXCITED. There must have been a cancellation because we were moved from the bar seats to the counter! What a treat!

Pictured here is the magnificent Burnt Ends Sanger. Think extremely flavourful pulled pork packed between two pillowy-soft fluffy buns. Just look at the ratio of meat to bun! Every bite was an explosion of flavours and a party in my mouth! Too good, just too good. I have been dreaming about this, and I will definitely be back soon for this gorgeous creation, and also those Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Avenue 87 - New Modern Asian Restaurant on Amoy Street

Avenue 87 is the newest kid on Amoy Street, and the brainchild of 2 Singaporean boys, Glen and Alex, who were born in 1987, and who grew up in Hougang Avenue 8 and 7 respectively. Hence, the name Avenue 87 seemed more than apt. With strong culinary backgrounds and stints at reputable dining establishments, the two came together again after their last working partnership at Tippling Club years ago. Even though Glen is based in Shanghai at the moment, he and Alex managed to work seamlessly together, virtually, to craft the modern Asian menu which is inspired by familiar flavours of childhood and their favourites dishes. The duo elevates local favourites with finesse and contemporary takes, while using ingredients from local and regional partners Are you ready to go on a nostalgic journey with Avenue 87?

Brotzeit - Celebrate Oktoberfest With Hearty Rustic Fare & Imported German Beer!

Brotzeit is synonymous with value-for-money hearty German fare and iced cold German beers. With the new appointment of Chef Lorenz Raich as the group's new executive chef, one can expect the food at Brotzeit to be elevated with a touch of finesse. Chef Lorenz has always worked in Michelin-starred restaurants or five-star hotels, so he definitely knows how to take things up a notch. Chef Lorenz joined the group in August and his first project is to roll out a curated Oktoberfest menu which will run till 25th October 2020.

Guccio - Under-The-Radar Italian Restaurant in Gemmill Lane

I've heard alot about Guccio and have been meaning to try their very value-for-money weekday set lunch but haven't gotten a chance to. So I decided to pick this place as one of the venues for my birthday dinners! 

Butcher's Block - Indulge in the New Tostadas & Pizza Weekend Lunch (With Lovely Natural Wines No Less!)

Known to deliver an amazing barbecue experience, Butcher's Block is constantly keeping things fresh and interesting. Chef Remy Lefebvre brings in different meats all the time, and uses seasonal produce to whip up delicious wood-fired cuisine. You might have visited the stunning restaurant for dinner before, but it's time to see the solid outfit in its daytime glory. Decked out in the most gorgeous shade of blue, the restaurant, which rocks a totally different look in the evening, is a charming and welcoming lunch spot in the day.