Tried & True: Melbourne’s Classics

With new food crazes popping up daily, it’s easy to overlook Melbourne’s foodie classics. Get reacquainted with these institutions during your next visit.

Pellegrini's Espresso Bar

66 Bourke Street, Melbourne

If you want honest, authentic Italian cuisine, you can’t go past Pellegrini’s. Here, the food really does speak for itself; delicious and generously sized servings of perfectly cooked lasagna and pasta will have you coming back for more. The restaurant itself has remained almost unchanged since it originally opened in the 1950s, giving it old-school charm.

Flower Drum

17 Market Lane, Melbourne

From the rich red carpet to the floral arrangements and crisp white tablecloths, you’ll know as soon as you walk in that this isn’t your run-of-the-mill Chinese restaurant. This lavishness — in addition to the food, of course — is one of the reasons Flower Drum has been one of the city’s best fine-dining experiences since opening in 1975. Expect high-quality Cantonese cuisine. The Peking duck in particular is highly recommended.

Ezard

187 Flinders Lane, Melbourne

The flagship venue of gastronomical genius Teage Ezard is tucked away in one of Melbourne’s most happening laneways. After opening in 1999, Ezard still manages to entice foodies from near and far to sample the delicious Asian-influenced cuisine. The seafood at this sleek Melbourne institution is a must-try.

France-Soir

11-13 Toorak Road, South Yarra

Since launching in 1986, France-Soir has become one of Melbourne’s best-loved French restaurants. Regulars love the steak tartare, scallops, creme brulee and, of course, escargot is featured the menu. The atmosphere is intimate, and it’s almost always busy, but it’s all part of what makes this dining experience so great.