Melbourne’s culinary scene is buzzing and if you happen to be in this beautiful Australian city, why not give one of their gastropubs a try? You’ll feel right at home, we promise.
If you’re into a bit of live cooking, The Espy should definitely be on your radar. The focal point of this gastropub is its large open show kitchen that invites guests to see how their food is being prepared. The menu offers something for everyone, whether you fancy steak, seafood, or a wood-fired pizza. The casual yet stylish dining area is the perfect spot for lunch or dinner with friends.
Lamaro’s Hotel
Lamaro’s Hotel, an iconic gastropub located in leafy South Melbourne, is run by acclaimed local chef Geoff Lindsay. His modern Australian menu will take you on a culinary journey – don’t miss the signature red duck curry. After your meal, why not head to Albert Park for a stroll by the lake?
Set in the heart of trendy Flinders Lane, the Garden State Hotel’s public bar and beer garden is where you’ll find your favourite pub classics. We recommend their Wagyu cheeseburger and the comforting chicken parmigiana. Their enclosed and heated beer garden is popular all year round – it’s the ideal place for after-work beers or a low-key dinner.
L’Hotel Gitan
L’Hotel Gitan, situated in the heart of Prahran, is known for its French-inspired pub grub. Paying homage to the gypsy travellers of Europe, many dishes on the menu have European influences. Seared tiger prawns followed by chicken ballotine, anyone? There are specials throughout the week, such as Steak Night on Tuesdays and a daily Aperitif Hour where oysters are $2 each!
Fancy trying a new beer? Then The Local Taphouse is the place for you. This gastropub offers an impressive selection of craft beers and the knowledgeable staff are happy to help you find the one to make your taste buds sing. Of course, this award-winning pub also serves up great food, from steaks and burgers to one of the best chicken parmas in town.
Healesville Hotel
Healesville Hotel charms guests with its old-world charm and country hospitality. Located in Yarra Valley, the gastropub sits in a stunning Edwardian building and specialises in rustic pub fare. The menu changes weekly and diners can look forward to dishes like gnocchi with pea and lemon pesto and confit pork belly with apple sauce and pickled fennel.
Perched on the Sorrento clifftops overlooking Port Philip Bay, Hotel Sorrento is an iconic venue that dates back to the mid-1800s. The gastropub prides itself on sourcing their produce locally so guests will know exactly where their meat, fish, wine and veggies come from. Promising ‘confident coastal cooking’, the menu features wood-fired steaks, seafood linguine, and fish tacos with chilli slaw.
The Railway Club
The Railway Club has been a Melbourne favourite for over 40 years and continues to attract tourists and locals alike. Here, you can choose your own meat from the pub’s display fridge and see it cooked to perfection in the open kitchen. Of course, there are also plenty of meat-free options and the restaurant’s offering of seafood dishes are just as tempting.
If you fancy dancing the night away after a good meal, Melbourne Public will tick all your boxes. The South Wharf gastropub not only serves everything from oysters to chicken parmigiana, there’s also live music and resident DJs at the weekends.
Alphington Social
For comfort and cosiness with a modern twist, The Alphington Social is the place to be. Enjoy a wood-fired pizza or some of their outstanding cheese and charcuterie boards along with Australian wines and relax the Melbourne way. You’ll never want to leave!
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This is a guest post from freelance journalist Beatrice Clark. She has written for Vogue, Glamour and Vanity Fair, among others, and has spent the past 15 years living in France, England and Scotland. She is currently based in Berlin and is always on the hunt for the perfect Eggs Benedict.
