Melbourne is the epitome of being overwhelmed by choice when it comes to selecting a spot to eat. Its sprawling, world-class food scene is not to be underestimated – but where do you start when looking for a spot to book a long and luxurious luncheon with loved ones?
Well, fear not. Luckily for you the RUSSH team are experts (and by experts I mean a team filled with Victorian expats and Melb-ophiles who return there practically monthly), and we've scoured our phone notes and Photo Apps to curate a list of the very best spots in Melbourne for a long lunch, below.
1. Carnation Canteen (Fitzroy)
View this post on Instagram
Open for lunch: Friday–Sunday from 12pm
Tucked into leafy Fitzroy, this sunny, glassed-in corner restaurant and bar is truly one of the best feeds you'll have in your life. It's a mandatory pilgrimage almost the entire RUSSH team has made now – and we still can't stop talking about how damn good a lunch here is. Head chef Audrey Shaw has put together a stellar lineup of seasonal share plates, wines and cocktails. If the weather is lovely you can even opt to sit outside on their back patio, immersed in a herb garden. Their bathroom also features the most luscious soap known to man – To My Ships Of The Gods.
2. Gracie's Wine Room (South Yarra)
View this post on Instagram
Open for lunch: Friday–Sunday from 1pm
You don't have to be as chronically online as we are to understand just why Gracie's has taken off this year. It's founder, Kelsey, has charmed us all through the process of opening it on TikTok, but the vibes and menu speak for themselves too. We'd suggest booking a table out the back of Gracie's for a sunny afternoon spent yapping and downing aperol spritzes (along with some of their famed focaccia).
3. HER Melbourne (CBD)
View this post on Instagram
You can kind of pick your poison at HER, which is what makes it worthy of our best long lunches list. If the weather's wonderful, head up to the HER Rooftop to apricate with a couple of cocktails and small plates, or if you'd prefer to cosy up, the ground-floor HER Bar is moody and ambient. (If you stay long enough after lunch, they also have a 4-6pm happy hour every day). This place isn't a well-kept secret though, so we'd suggest a booking for peak times – especially on the rooftop.
4. Marion (Carlton)
View this post on Instagram
Open for lunch: Every day from 12pm
Another favourite amongst locals, Marion Wine Bar sits directly on Gertrude Street, perfect for stopping in for a long lunch before or after some shopping or bar hopping. While the beautifully fitted-out bistro-style interiors are divine, we'd suggest snagging an alfresco table when the weather permits. If you head there early (around opening) you'll usually be able to walk-in and snag a table.
5. Carlton Wine Room (Carlton)
View this post on Instagram
Open for lunch: Daily from 12pm
Love wine? Look no further. Not only with the incredible staff here guide you through every drop with expert ease, but there's also a delicious menu to match. From small bites (their anchovy, fried bread, ricotta, and pickled cucumber is the stuff of dreams) to heartier mains, this is the perfect spot for romantic lunches and bigger celebrations alike.
6. D.O.C Gastronomia (Carlton, South Bank and Mornington)
View this post on Instagram
Open for lunch: Daily from 12pm
If you ask us, one category that Melbourne really excels in is food that's delicious, but doesn't take itself too seriously. D.O.C. has that philosophy down to an art. Here, you'll find pizza and pasta executed just like the Italians do. Several of the locations also come with Italian-style delis attached, so you can take home something delicious for your kitchen, too.
7. Clover (Richmond)
View this post on Instagram
Open for lunch: Every day from 12pm
A modern wine bar set amongst the lustre to Swan Street, Clover opened in 2023 to heaving crowds. Reservations can still be hard to come by on weekends at a reasonable hour, so we'd suggest you book ahead for a primo time slot, but their wood-fired menu and extensive wines list are worth the minimal admin. The interiors are sleek and minimal – think lead-light windows, exposed brick walls and a long communal table down the centre (perfect for larger groups).
8. Pipi's Kiosk (Albert Park)
View this post on Instagram
Open for lunch: Every day from 12pm
There aren't many spots around Melbourne with the kind of water-front views Pipi's has. It's glassed-in walls house a single-page menu focussed predominantly on super-fresh seafood. Despite its humble kiosk exterior, it's surprisingly elegant while still being casual. The seasonal menu changes every few weeks – but we can't go past their Friday–Sunday fish and chips special. Perfect for parking yourself with a glass of wine.
9. Gilson (South Yarra)
View this post on Instagram
Open for lunch: Every day from 7am until late
If hunger strikes while you're on Melbourne's south side, head to Gilson. This relaxed Italian eatery is the perfect place to sit back over some freshly-baked wood-fired bread and an Aperol spritz, before you tuck into share-style plates of pizzas, pastas, and everything in between — all while overlooking the iconic Botanic Gardens. There's also always space for walk-ins, if you're in need of a spontaneous Italian fix.
10. Builder's Arms (Carlton)
View this post on Instagram
Open for lunch: Every day from 12pm until late
This historic pub on Carlton's picturesque Gertrude street has long had our hearts. In summer, it's the ideal spot for an al fresco dining situation. But in winter, there's plenty of warming meals to tuck into while you cosy up from the cold inside. But take it from us, you can't leave without trying their whipped cod roe and flat bread.
11. Supernormal (CBD)
View this post on Instagram
Open for lunch: Every day from 11:30am
For times when you find yourself in the city, Supernormal is something of a Melbourne institution. Dimly lit and with a (delicious, might we add) menu inspired by the flavours of Tokyo, Shanghai, Seoul, and Hong Kong, there's arguably no better spot for a special occasion meal. Pro tip: start with the New England lobster roll, and leave space for dessert.
12. Chin Chin (CBD)
View this post on Instagram
Open for lunch: Every day from 11:30am
Another iconic city spot. Chin Chin is a Thai-inspired eatery that sits on Melbourne's Flinders Lane. Upstairs you'll find a sprawling light-filled eatery serving up modern takes on classic dishes like Pad Thai and Fried Rice, while downstairs is a dimly-lit bar that comes alive with a DJ at night.
