10 Best Food Tours of Melbourne

Gastronomy is one of Melbourne's strong points and the best way to discover it is with an organised tour. I'll tell you about the best alternatives you have in the city to discover its culinary profile.

Matías Rodríguez

Matías Rodríguez

12 min read

10 Best Food Tours of Melbourne

Restaurant rojo, Melbourne |©Craig Sillitoe

Melbourne is one of the most important global destinations in the world, the most populated city in Australia and one of the cultural capitals of Oceania, but it is also an ideal place to discover the most varied gastronomy. Among the alternatives to enjoy its culinary profile are some of the most interesting excursions that will take you through the local flavours.

Some of Melbourne 's best foodie activities include a tour of the city's alleyways and chocolate shops, a visit to Yering Station wine bar, a hidden pub crawl and a taste of coastal delights on a tour of the Mornington Peninsula.

1. Melbourne's foodie delicacies tour

Pizzas at the counter|©Alpha
Pizzas at the counter|©Alpha

Taking a foodie tour of Melbourne's delicacies is a delicious experience that allows you to discover the city's rich culinary diversity. Melbourne is known as the food capital of Australia, and its streets are lined with restaurants, cafes and markets offering a wide range of flavours and dishes.

During your food tour you can sample a variety of local specialities. From Melbourne's cafes, famous for their high quality coffee and latte art, to restaurants offering dishes from around the world, including Asian, Mediterranean, Italian and more. You can also sample local wines at wineries and wine bars, and sample fresh produce at markets such as Queen Victoria Market.

One of the advantages of taking a food tour like this in Melbourne is the chance to explore different neighbourhoods and discover the culinary treasures each has to offer. You can visit places like Chinatown, famous for its authentic Asian cuisine, or the neighbourhoods of Fitzroy and Brunswick, known for their trendy restaurants and bohemian cafes.

As well as enjoying the food and drink, you'll also have the opportunity to learn about Melbourne's history and food culture on some of Melbourne's best guided tours.

Details of interest

  • Price: around 71 euros per person.
  • Duration: approximately 3 hours.
  • Advantages of these tours: you will get an insight into the main products of the local cuisine.
  • Disadvantages of these excursions: you will not have free time to explore the sites on your own.

Book a food tour in Melbourne

2. Tour of Melbourne's alleyways and chocolate shops

Brownie and Passionfruit|©Alpha
Brownie and Passionfruit|©Alpha

A tour of Melbourne's laneways and chocolate shops is a delicious experience that will allow you to discover the sweetest corners of the city. Melbourne is famous for its alleyways filled with street art, cafes and chocolate shops.

During the tour, you'll explore iconic spots such as Hosier Lane and AC/DC Lane, where you 'll find amazing street art murals and street art, as well as a vibrant atmosphere. These alleys are also home to some of the most prominent chocolate shops, making it one of the best things to do with kids in Melbourne.

Melbourne's chocolate shops are known for their quality and creative chocolate making. You can find everything from classic milk chocolates to exquisite flavour combinations such as chocolate with ginger, sea salt or exotic fruits.

During the tour, you can also enjoy chocolate tastings and pairings with coffee or wine to further enhance the flavours. You will also have the opportunity to meet the talented chocolatiers and learn about their passion for chocolate.

Interesting details

  • Price: around 62 euros per person.
  • Duration: approximately 2 and a half hours.
  • Advantages of these tours: you will be able to do tastings and also learn about the local culture.
  • Disadvantages of these tours: it is a very fast paced tour.

Book a Melbourne Street Art Tour

3. Full day tour of Yering Station wine bar

Yering Station|©Duncan Chen
Yering Station|©Duncan Chen

If you want to experience one of Melbourne's most iconic wine bars, a full day tour of Yering Station is a must. Discover the secrets of wine in the heart of the Yarra Valley wine region.

During the tour wine experts will guide you through a tour of the vineyards and production facilities. You will learn about the grape varieties grown in the region and the winemaking processes.

After the tour, you will have the opportunity to participate in a wine tasting. There you will taste a selection of their award-winning wines, from fresh and fruity whites to robust and complex reds.

In addition to the wine tasting, these tours usually include a delicious lunch in the wine shop's restaurant. You can also discover some of the best scenery in the valley, especially if you plan to visit Melbourne in the summer.

Details of interest

  • Price: approximately 155 euros per person.
  • Duration: 8 to 10 hours.
  • Benefits of these tours: You will get to see some of the most beautiful areas outside Melbourne.
  • Disadvantages of these tours: it is a very long tour, which could be detrimental to a short stay in the city.

4. Melbourne's Hidden Bars Walking Tour

Riverside bar, Melbourne|©Joe Lewit
Riverside bar, Melbourne|©Joe Lewit

One of the best ways to experience the city's nightlife scene is to explore the circuit of speakeasy bars hidden behind discreet doors, in secret alleyways and underground cellars. To do so, you can hire a tour that will take you to the most famous ones.

During the tour, an expert guide will take you through the city's streets, revealing the best hidden bars and telling you interesting stories about their origins and owners, many of whom are from families that have run the place for generations.

At each bar you visit, you'll have the opportunity to sample a variety of craft drinks and creative cocktails. Melbourne's bartenders are renowned for their ability to create unique, surprising and themed drinks, especially during the festive season, which you'll see if you plan to visit Melbourne over Christmas.

As well as the drinks, the walking tour of Melbourne's hidden bars will also give you the opportunity to enjoy the company of fellow nightlife lovers and immerse yourself in the city's lively social scene.

Details of interest

  • Price: around 56 euros per person.
  • Duration: approximately 3 hours.
  • Benefits of these tours: You'll get to see Melbourne's alternative bar circuit.
  • Disadvantages of these tours: You won't have much time to relax at each location, as it is a walk through a lot of bars.

Book the Melbourne Hidden Bar Tour

5. Melbourne Ice Bar Tour with cocktails included

Chill on ice bar, Melbourne|©tomasz.rytter
Chill on ice bar, Melbourne|©tomasz.rytter

For a unique experience during your trip, a visit to Melbourne's ice bar is a must. Located in the heart of the city, this bar will immerse you in a world of ice and surprises in sub-zero temperatures.

Here you will be immersed in an environment completely made of ice, from the walls to the furniture. During the tour, you can enjoy delicious cocktails served in ice glasses.

In addition to the cocktails, you can explore and admire the impressive ice sculptures that adorn the bar. From abstract figures to replicas of famous monuments, the talent and skill of the artists will amaze you.

You'll also have the opportunity to take fun and original photographs while enjoying the frozen atmosphere, even if you're visiting Melbourne during the summer!

Interesting details

  • Price: around 28 euros per person.
  • Duration: approximately 45 minutes
  • Pros of these tours: You'll get to see one of the city's most striking and interesting bars.
  • Disadvantages of these tours: it is a short experience.

Book tickets for the Ice Bar in Melbourne

6. Full day Yarra Valley wine, gin and chocolate tasting tour.

Vineyard in the Yarra Valley, Australia|©Travel Seer
Vineyard in the Yarra Valley, Australia|©Travel Seer

The Yarra Valley is famous for its lush vineyards, craft gin distilleries and gourmet chocolatiers, making it a paradise for lovers of fine food and drink. During your trip, you can opt for some of the excursions that will take you around the site.

In the course of your visit, you will visit several wineries, where you can taste a wide selection of high quality wines. You will meet the passionate wine producers, who will guide you through tastings of white, red and sparkling wines.

After satisfying your palate with exquisite wines, the tour will take you to a craft gin distillery, one of Melbourne's most popular drinks. There you will have the opportunity to learn about the distilling process and sample a variety of unique and aromatic gins.

The experience culminates at a gourmet chocolate shop, where you can savour delicious handmade chocolates. Plus, the Yarra Valley area is home to some of Melbourne's best hot air ballooning.

Interesting details

  • Price: around €103 per person.
  • Duration: approximately 8 hours
  • Pros of these tours: Taste delicious local wines and beverages while learning about the winemaking process of each product.
  • Disadvantages of these tours: Usually these excursions do not include hotel pick-up.

Book a Yarra Valley Tour

7. Wine tour for small groups

Melbourne wine tour|©Weng Hun Chan
Melbourne wine tour|©Weng Hun Chan

In Melbourne you can sample some of Australia's finest wines and the ideal way to do this is on a small group tour. These tours take you through Melbourne's suburban wine region and immerse you in an intimate and personalised atmosphere.

During the tour you will visit a carefully selected selection of wineries around Melbourne. These wineries are known for producing high quality wines and for their focus on craftsmanship and sustainability.

The advantage of a small group wine tour is that you will enjoy more personal attention from the expert winemakers and guides. You will be able to ask questions, get detailed information about each wine and explore your preferences and tastes in a more intimate way. And because it's less than half a day, it's compatible with your trip if you plan to see Melbourne in 3 days or even less.

During the tour, you will also have the opportunity to enjoy a delicious lunch paired with specially selected wines to enhance the flavours of each dish.

Details of interest

  • Price: around 241 euros per person.
  • Duration: approximately 3 and a half hours.
  • Advantages of these tours: You will be able to visit some of Melbourne's most popular sites on a personalised tour.
  • Disadvantages of these tours: It is an experience that can be considered expensive.

8. Melbourne Coffee House Tour

Coffee shop Gloria Jeans in Melbourne|©Gregory Song
Coffee shop Gloria Jeans in Melbourne|©Gregory Song

Ever wondered why Melbourne is considered the coffee capital of Australia? On these tours you'll find the answer, as Melbourne is famous for its vibrant and diverse coffee scene, offering a wide range of flavours and unique experiences for coffee lovers.

During these tours you'll visit a selection of outstanding coffee shops, from the iconic and traditional to the modern and cutting edge. Each has its own style and approach, allowing you to explore different brewing methods and understand why these places are often included in the best Melbourne tours.

As well as enjoying delicious coffees, you'll also have the opportunity to meet passionate baristas and take part in coffee tastings.

The Melbourne coffee tour is not only about tasting coffee, but also about immersing yourself in the unique culture and atmosphere of each coffee shop. You can enjoy the lively atmosphere, watch the coffee being expertly brewed and immerse yourself in the authenticity of the experience.

Interesting details

  • Price: around 121 euros per person.
  • Duration: approximately 3 hours.
  • Pros of these tours: You will visit the best coffee shops in town and learn about the local coffee varieties.
  • Disadvantages of these tours: they usually only include the coffee shops in the old town.

Book a guided tour of Melbourne

9. Dinner cruise tour to discover the spirit of Melbourne from the Yarra River

Bar on the cruise|©Woobstr112g
Bar on the cruise|©Woobstr112g

If you want to combine a food tour with one of Melbourne's top activities, you can make the most of our dinner cruise tours on the Yarra River.

On these tours you can admire the city's skyline from a different perspective and enjoy panoramic views of iconic landmarks such as the Princes Bridge and Eureka Tower.

During the tour you will savour a selection of gourmet dishes, from delicious starters to tempting main courses and desserts. Dinner will be complemented by a carefully chosen selection of wines and beverages to accompany your culinary experience.

As well as enjoying the food and panoramic views, you will also have the opportunity to enjoy live entertainment on board. Whether it's live music, performances by local artists or themed shows, the dinner cruise tour will keep you entertained throughout the evening.

Interesting details

  • Price: around 108 euros per person.
  • Duration: approximately 3 hours.
  • Advantages of these excursions: you will get to know the city from a different perspective.
  • Disadvantages of these excursions: the cruise tour is usually quite short and focuses mainly on dinner.

Book a Melbourne cruise

10. Half-day Mornington Peninsula Coastal Delights Tour

Beer Tasting|©Ecliss
Beer Tasting|©Ecliss

The Mornington Peninsula is a picturesque coastal region that offers a perfect combination of beautiful beaches, charming seaside towns and a rich culinary offering in close proximity to Melbourne.

The peninsula is known for its picturesque seaside towns, such as Sorrento and Mornington. Stroll the streets, explore the boutiques and art galleries, and enjoy a delicious meal in the restaurants overlooking the sea. Don't miss the opportunity to sample the region's fresh seafood either.

As well as the beaches and villages, the Mornington Peninsula is famous for its vineyards and wineries. During the tour, you can visit some of these wineries and enjoy tastings of renowned wines.

Interesting details

  • Price: around 60 euros per person.
  • Duration: approximately 8 hours.
  • Advantages of these tours: you will get to see a place rarely visited by tourists in the outskirts of Melbourne.
  • Disadvantages of these tours: it is a long tour which is not very convenient for those who are planning a short stay in the city.

How to book a food tour in Melbourne?

online booking|©Ivan Samkov
online booking|©Ivan Samkov

You can either book these tours in advance online or book them once you are in the city, although if you plan to visit Melbourne during the summer or peak season months, I advise you to secure your place on the tours as they tend to sell out.

Also, booking in advance will allow you to get better prices, freeze rates and plan a suitable itinerary to get the most out of your visit to each site.

Tips for a food tour in Melbourne

Melbourne Tour|©Arm Storage
Melbourne Tour|©Arm Storage

If you are planning a food tour in Melbourne, I advise you to first research the options available, as there are many and not all of them may suit your palate. Once you find the right alternative for your travel plan, book in advance to get the best prices.

I also recommend you to try new flavours, discover unknown places and enjoy the bars and nightlife of the city, as touring these places on food tours and enjoying a cocktail is one of the best things to do in Melbourne at night.

Why should you go on a food tour in Melbourne?

people in restaurants|©edwardhblake
people in restaurants|©edwardhblake

On a food tour in Melbourne you will not only discover some of the best local flavours, but you will also get to see hidden places, soak up the local culture and visit some of the city's most beautiful restaurants and bars, thus enriching the experience of your trip.

You will also need to eat during your trip and a food tour can save you time and even money, as expert guides will take you to the best places in the city and those that offer the best value for money.

What are the advantages of taking a guided tour vs. visiting bars and restaurants on my own?

Touring Melbourne|©dubois09
Touring Melbourne|©dubois09

The best thing about taking a guided and organised tour is that you can count on the expert knowledge of the guides who will be in charge of the tour. They will take you to the best places, which will save you time and money, and you will also get to see bars and restaurants that you could never have found on your own, unless they were recommended to you on a guided tour of Melbourne.

In addition, you can relax and enjoy yourself, as you can put yourself in the hands of the experts, which will be more comfortable and convenient than if you had to organise the itinerary and tour stops on your own.