our story

Melbourne's food scene,

honestly told.

Food in Melbourne started as a personal project born from a simple frustration — too many glowing reviews that told us nothing real. We wanted a guide written by locals who actually pay for their meals, for locals who want to know the truth.

100+ Melbourne restaurants reviewed
Every meal paid out of our own pocket
Melbourne-only — we go deep, not wide
No free meals. No PR spin. Ever.
Maltese Feast dishes include fish, olives, dip, donuts at Maha East

“Melbourne has one of the world’s great food cities — and most of the best places don’t have a PR budget. That’s exactly why this blog exists.”

— Rachel Behn, Founder

how it started

From personal project to Melbourne's trusted food guide

Food in Melbourne — also known as Melbourne Foodie — was founded by dedicated food lovers who believed the city’s dining scene deserved better coverage than it was getting. What started as a personal project quickly grew into a trusted resource for both locals and visitors seeking honest culinary inspiration across Melbourne and Victoria.

We cover the full breadth of Melbourne’s remarkable food culture — from hidden laneway espresso bars and multicultural feasts in the suburbs to destination dining in the Yarra Valley and beyond. Our readers range from Melbourne residents hunting for new neighbourhood spots to interstate and international visitors wanting to experience the best flavours this city has to offer.

What makes Food in Melbourne different is straightforward: every review is paid for out of our own pocket. No complimentary meals, no gifted dinners, no sponsored content dressed up as opinion. Every recommendation on this site reflects a genuine dining experience — the good, the great, and occasionally the disappointing.

We’ve served a diverse readership — from adventurous solo foodies and couples looking for a memorable date night restaurant in Melbourne, to families navigating the suburbs and tourists building their first Melbourne food itinerary. Whatever brings you here, we’re glad you found us.

what we stand for

Our core values

01

Passion

A genuine love for food fuels everything we write. We believe great dining experiences deserve to be shared — and that Melbourne’s food scene is one of the most exciting in the world.

02

Authenticity

Every review reflects an honest, unsponsored dining experience. We pay our own way so our recommendations truly reflect the quality — and sometimes the shortcomings — of each place we visit.

03

Community

We celebrate the local makers, independent restaurateurs and passionate chefs who make Melbourne’s food culture world-class — and we love hearing from the readers who help us find them.

WHERE WE’RE HEADED

Vision & Mission

OUR VISION

Victoria’s most trusted food guide

To be Victoria’s most trusted and inspiring resource for Melbourne dining — capturing the essence of Melbourne’s dynamic food scene and the culinary treasures beyond. Through honest restaurant reviews, engaging storytelling and a deep love for local flavour, we aim to help every reader discover their next unforgettable meal, support passionate food makers, and celebrate the diversity that makes eating in Melbourne truly world-class.

OUR MISSION

One honest bite at a time
To celebrate Melbourne’s vibrant culinary landscape — one honest review at a time. We uncover Melbourne’s hidden gem restaurants, spotlight local legends, and share flavourful stories that connect people to the heart of the city’s food scene. From laneway espresso bars to multicultural feasts in the suburbs, we’re here to inspire curiosity, support local makers, and serve up delicious discoveries for Melbourne food lovers near and far.

who this is for

Written for Melbourne food lovers

Melbourne locals

You live here, you love eating out, and you want to know what’s actually worth your time and money — not just what’s trending on Instagram this week.

Visitors & tourists

You’ve got limited time in Melbourne and want to eat brilliantly. Our guides and reviews cut straight to the places worth visiting — no filler, no tourist traps.

Curious food explorers

You love discovering a neighbourhood café or a hidden gem restaurant nobody else has written about yet. So do we — and we go looking for them every week.

stay in the loop

Melbourne’s best eats,

straight to your inbox

Melbourne’s food scene is bursting with stories — and we’re here to tell them. From hidden laneway gems to market-fresh bites and the city’s most delicious new openings. Your insider’s guide,  delivered with love.

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