My Bucket list
My list of places that I’m am determined to try across Melbourne and beyond
My food‑lover’s bucket list is the perfect way to track my must‑try restaurants, trending cafés, hidden‑gem bakeries, and iconic dishes worth seeking out. This page brings together every food spot I’m excited to try — organised, updated, and ready for your own foodie inspiration.
Jinda Thai
Location: Abbotsford, VIC Category: Thai Restaurant / Casual Dining
Why it’s on the list: Jinda Thai is one of Melbourne’s most beloved Thai restaurants, known for bold, authentic flavours, vibrant dishes, and a menu that celebrates both street‑food classics and regional specialties. It’s always buzzing, always delicious, and consistently praised for its balance of spice, freshness, and generous portions.
Signature temptation: The boat noodles, crispy pork belly dishes, and their cult‑favourite Thai milk tea.
Status: Not tried
Tags: Thai cuisine, casual dining, Abbotsford, authentic flavours, popular spot
Lake House Daylesford
Location: Daylesford, VIC Category: Fine Dining Restaurant
Why it’s on the list: A landmark of regional Australian dining, Lake House is celebrated for its seasonal, hyper‑local produce, elegant tasting menus, and serene lakeside setting. With Alla Wolf‑Tasker’s culinary vision at its core, it’s a destination restaurant known for refined dishes, exceptional hospitality, and a true sense of place.
Signature temptation: The multi‑course tasting menu showcasing Daylesford’s farms, orchards, and artisanal producers.
Status: Not tried
Tags: Fine dining, regional Victoria, seasonal produce, special occasion
Restaurant Navi
Location: Yarraville, VIC Category: Japanese Fine Dining / Omakase‑Inspired
Why it’s on the list: Navi has become one of Melbourne’s most sought‑after dining experiences, known for its intimate setting, meticulous technique, and beautifully expressive tasting menu. Chef Julian Hills blends Japanese influence with modern Australian creativity, delivering dishes that are precise, textural, and deeply personal.
Signature temptation: The seasonal degustation — a tightly curated journey of inventive flavours, house‑fermented elements, and artful plating.
Status: Not tried
Tags: Fine dining, omakase‑style, degustation, modern Australian, special occasion
Callie Bakery
Location: Melbourne CBD, VIC Category: Bakery / Pastry Shop
Why it’s on the list: Callie Bakery has quickly become one of Melbourne’s most talked‑about pastry spots, known for its beautifully laminated croissants, inventive flavour drops, and a level of craftsmanship that feels both modern and deeply artisanal. It’s the kind of bakery where everything looks photo‑ready and tastes even better.
Signature temptation: Their cult‑favourite croissants, cruffins, and seasonal pastries that sell out fast — especially the limited‑edition flavours.
Status: Not tried
Tags: Bakery, pastries, Melbourne CBD, croissants, sweet treats, artisan baking
Matsu
Location: Footscray, VIC Category: Japanese Omakase / Intimate Dining
Why it’s on the list: Matsu is one of Melbourne’s most intimate omakase experiences — a tiny, eight‑seat counter where the chef prepares each course right in front of you. Known for its precision, warmth, and beautifully balanced flavours, it’s a sought‑after spot for those who love traditional Japanese technique with a personal touch.
Signature temptation: The seasonal omakase menu featuring premium seafood, delicate nigiri, and thoughtful small plates crafted with meticulous care.
Status: Not tried
Tags: Omakase, Japanese dining, intimate experience, premium seafood, Footscray
Stomping Ground Beer Hall
Location: Collingwood, VIC Category: Brewery / Beer Hall / Casual Dining
Why it’s on the list: Stomping Ground’s Collingwood beer hall is a Melbourne craft‑beer institution — a lively, industrial‑chic space pouring an ever‑changing lineup of house‑brewed beers alongside wood‑fired pizzas and elevated pub classics. It’s known for its community vibe, spacious beer‑hall energy, and consistently great brews.
Signature temptation: A tasting paddle featuring seasonal releases, limited editions, and crowd‑favourite core beers.
Status: Not tried
Tags: Brewery, craft beer, casual dining, Collingwood, beer hall
Sault Restaurant
Location: Sailors Falls, Daylesford, VIC Category: Modern Australian / Fine Dining
Why it’s on the list: Sault is a stunning regional dining destination set on a lavender farm, offering a serene, romantic atmosphere paired with refined, seasonal dishes. Known for its commitment to local produce and beautifully plated courses, it’s a favourite for special occasions and long, scenic lunches in the Daylesford region.
Signature temptation: The seasonal tasting menu showcasing local meats, farm‑fresh vegetables, and elegant desserts inspired by the surrounding landscape.
Status: Not tried
Tags: Fine dining, regional Victoria, lavender farm, modern Australian, special occasion
Bistro d’Orsay
Location: Melbourne CBD, VIC Category: French Bistro / Classic European Dining
Why it’s on the list: Bistro d’Orsay is a long‑loved Melbourne institution, known for its romantic Parisian atmosphere, ornate interiors, and timeless French dishes. It’s the kind of place that feels both elegant and comforting — perfect for lingering over rich, beautifully executed classics in the heart of the city.
Signature temptation: The French onion soup, confit duck, and indulgent crème brûlée — all staples that showcase the bistro’s old‑world charm.
Status: Not tried
Tags: French cuisine, Melbourne CBD, classic dining, romantic, European bistro
Roti Road
Location: Footscray, VIC Category: Malaysian Restaurant / Casual Dining
Why it’s on the list: Roti Road is famous for its flaky, buttery roti canai and bold, comforting Malaysian flavours served in a lively, family‑friendly setting. It’s a go‑to for authentic hawker‑style dishes, generous portions, and fast, friendly service — the kind of place you crave on repeat.
Signature temptation: The classic roti canai with curry, plus crowd‑favourites like char kway teow, nasi lemak, and their rich beef rendang.
Status: Not tried
Tags: Malaysian cuisine, casual dining, Footscray, hawker‑style, comfort food
Koryo Korean BBQ
Location: Footscray, VIC Category: Korean BBQ / Casual Dining
Why it’s on the list: Koryo is a long‑time Footscray favourite known for its no‑frills, flavour‑first approach to Korean BBQ. It’s loved for generous portions, sizzling tabletop grills, and a lively, bustling atmosphere that feels authentically Korean. Perfect for groups, late‑night cravings, and anyone who appreciates smoky, charred, deeply satisfying BBQ.
Signature temptation: Marinated beef short rib, spicy pork belly, and the classic spread of banchan that keeps the table full and the meal rolling.
Status: Not tried
Tags: Korean BBQ, Footscray, casual dining, group‑friendly, comfort food
Good Measure
Location: Carlton, VIC Category: Café / Brunch Spot
Why it’s on the list: Good Measure is a neighbourhood favourite known for its warm, minimalist space, excellent coffee, and a menu that balances comfort with creativity. It’s the kind of café that feels effortlessly cool — relaxed, consistent, and always serving something worth coming back for.
Signature temptation: Their perfectly pulled espresso, toasted sandwiches, and rotating baked goods that locals rave about.
Status: Not tried
Tags: Café, brunch, Carlton, specialty coffee, neighbourhood favourite
Eminence Restaurant & Bar
Location: Williamstown, VIC Category: Modern Australian / Bar & Dining
Why it’s on the list: Eminence Restaurant & Bar brings a more refined, dinner‑focused experience to Williamstown, offering a polished menu built around quality produce, thoughtful technique, and a touch of coastal elegance. It’s the kind of venue that works equally well for a relaxed date night, a celebratory meal, or a drink‑led evening that turns into dinner. Warm service, a stylish fit‑out, and a menu that balances comfort with creativity make it a standout in the area.
Signature temptation: Seasonal mains with a modern Australian lean, elevated share plates, and a well‑curated drinks list that suits both casual cocktails and longer dining.
Status: Not tried
Tags: Modern Australian, Williamstown, dinner spot, cocktails, elevated casual, coastal dining
Bistro Terroir
Location: Daylesford, VIC Category: French Bistro / Modern European Dining
Why it’s on the list: Bistro Terroir brings classic French comfort to the heart of Daylesford, offering refined bistro dishes made with local produce and a warm, intimate atmosphere. It’s known for its elegant yet approachable menu, thoughtful wine list, and that unmistakable French charm that makes it perfect for a cosy dinner in the country.
Signature temptation: Rich French onion soup, perfectly cooked steak frites, and indulgent desserts that lean into traditional French technique.
Status: Not tried
Tags: French cuisine, Daylesford, bistro dining, comfort food, regional Victoria
Bistro Morgan
Location: Windsor, VIC Category: Dessert Bar / Bakery
Why it’s on the list: Bistro Morgan is Melbourne’s cult‑favourite dessert spot, famous for its over‑the‑top doughnuts, creative flavour drops, and playful, pastel‑bright aesthetic. It’s the kind of place that turns a sweet treat into an experience — fun, nostalgic, and unapologetically indulgent.
Signature temptation: Their iconic filled doughnuts, rotating limited‑edition flavours, and decadent cookies that sell out fast.
Status: Not tried
Tags: Desserts, bakery, Windsor, doughnuts, sweet treats, cult favourite
Secret Kitchen
Location: Melbourne CBD & Doncaster, VIC Category: Chinese Restaurant / Yum Cha / Seafood
Why it’s on the list: Secret Kitchen is one of Melbourne’s most popular yum cha destinations, known for its bustling dining rooms, polished service, and an enormous menu that spans delicate dumplings, live‑seafood dishes, and Cantonese classics. It’s the kind of place that delivers both spectacle and consistency — perfect for group feasts, family celebrations, or a weekend yum‑cha fix.
Signature temptation: Xiao long bao, prawn dumplings, crispy roast meats, and their impressive live‑seafood selections.
Status: Not tried
Tags: Chinese cuisine, yum cha, Melbourne CBD, Doncaster, seafood, group dining