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Melbourne is a vibrant and incredibly diverse city. With so many different types of cultures living in one place, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes.

But with such a high density of restaurants and cafe, it can often be hard to pick where to go for lunch. That’s why we created this list of the top 5 best places for lunch in Melbourne, offering pure south dining.

Here are five places to grab a hearty and delicious lunch that will make your stomach happy and your wallet full!

1.      Roule Galette

The Roule Galette French Restaurant has everything for your French palate, whether breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. Located at 241 Flinders Lane Melbourne VIC, this restaurant has been serving traditional French food since 2007.

It’s hailed for having one of the world’s best French toasties.

The menu features classic dishes like an authentic French crepe, complete with all the toppings you can imagine. However, those looking for something more elaborate can have a taste of galette topped with many dream ingredients such as smoked trout, tender lamb, and Toulouse sausage.

With dishes like these on offer, you’ll be spoilt for choice when choosing what to order. In addition, you can also enjoy some traditional French desserts at the end of your meal if you’re feeling peckish.

They also have a range of vegetarian options that will please any palate.

There are plenty of reasons why this establishment remains at the top of people’s preferences. For example, their dishes are prepared from fresh, organic ingredients sourced locally and regionally whenever possible.

Do you know what else makes Roule Galette the best restaurant for French cuisine? Everything is French here, from music, decoration, to newspapers. Even the waiters speak French too. So, If you’re looking for good French cuisine and company, this is the place to be.

2.      Chin Chin

When you want to experience the tastes of South East Asia, Melbourne has plenty of venues to choose from. Chin Chin is one of the best Thai restaurants in town.

Located in 125 Flinders Lane, Chin Chin has been serving the Victoria area since 2011. It offers delicious dishes inspired by traditional recipes.

There are plenty of dishes on offer to tempt your palate. These include Pad Thai, Red Duck Curry, kingfish sashimi, and slow-cooked pulled pork.

The restaurant sources its ingredients locally and serves everything with a smile. You can find healthy food options here, too, if that’s what you’re looking for. After all, it caters to various dietary requirements like gluten-free and vegan.

The restaurant also has the perfect ambiance to make your dining experience even more enjoyable. And if that wasn’t enough, it also has an underground cocktail bar complete with DJs for ultimate entertainment.

Chin Chin not only allows you to indulge in some of the best Asian food Melbourne has to offer. It also has a unique events space for weddings, anniversaries, and corporate entertainment.

The restaurant is open 7 days a week from 11 am till late. So, book your table to ensure you don’t miss out on this authentic taste of South East Asian cuisine.

3.      Stalactites Greek Restaurant

Stalactites Greek restaurant in Melbourne is the perfect place to satisfy that craving for a delicious, authentic Greek meal.

This restaurant on 177 – 183 Lonsdale St is an established eatery celebrating the flavors of Greece, with the freshest produce on offer. In fact, the owners of Stalactites are Greeks themselves who have brought the authentic tastes of their homeland to Melbourne.

Diners can choose from traditional favorites like souvlaki, gyros, and spanakopita. For those looking for something sweet to top off their meal, Stalactites offers baklava ice cream and Tarama.

Also, all souvlakis come with Tzatziki, onions, tomato, and lettuce. In addition, you can choose lamb, chicken, or mixed. The menu also accommodates vegan and vegetarian dietary requirements.

But Stalactites isn’t just about Greek food. They’ve also embraced some Aussie favorites. So now, you can enjoy a taste of home no matter where you’re from.

Oh, did you know that Stalactites restaurant has the Coeliac Australia Accreditation for gluten-free food? So, you can rest assured that the best practice processes have been implemented.

Reservations are available for those looking to spend quality time with friends and family. However, it’s only for a group of at least 6 people.

The restaurant is available for pickup orders and delivery within 3km. However, the minimum order for delivery is $250.

Stalactites restaurant is open from 11am to midnight Sunday to Thursday, and 10am to 2am Friday and Saturday.

4.      Osteria Ilaria

Osteria Ilaria, the sister restaurant of the famous Italian house of Tipo00, is one of the best Italian restaurants in Melbourne. Located at 367 Little Bourke Street, this restaurant offers modern Italian cuisine with a cozy ambiance to boot.

The menu at Osteria Ilaria is built on the idea that good food and wine should be affordable and accessible to everyone. Catering for all budgets and dietary requirements and focusing on fresh, local produce and sustainable seafood.

With its large variety of authentic Italian dishes, Osteria Ilaria offers something for everyone with various options for vegetarians and meat lovers alike.

The menu features Italy’s favorite dishes, such as pizzas and pasta. Signature dish include Smoked eel tonnata,Braised Octopus, yellowfin tuna, Porcini mushroom croquette, and more. Plus, don’t forget the thinly sliced beef Carpaccio that’s sure to please your taste buds

The food is simply sumptuous. In addition, this restaurant has an extensive wine list from Italian and local Australian wineries to suit all tastes.

The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with an outdoor area if you want to enjoy a meal al fresco. At only 2 hours, the time limit for a table is pretty tight but long enough to satisfy your cravings for Italian cuisine.

Osteria Ilaria is open Monday to Saturday, except for public holidays.

5.      Rice Paper Scissors

Rice Paper Scissors is a South East Asian restaurant in Melbourne that’s been serving authentic dishes for over 8 years.

Located in the leafy 15 Hardware Lane, this restaurant offers various cuisines, from Malaysian to Thai.

You’ll be spoiled for choice with the extensive menu at Rice Paper Scissors. Stop by today and enjoy the flavors of Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and more!

Their Vietnamese caramel tamarind sticky pork belly will leave you drooling for more. Also, they have other south east delicacies, such as Thai BBQ chicken, Malaysian Roti, Northern Thai beef curry, and roasted free-range duck.

If you’re not into meat or seafood, don’t worry! There’s an extensive range of vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes made to order with fresh ingredients. For example, you can choose from Vietnamese rice paper rolls, BBQ Eggplant Salad, sticky soy tofu, and more.

Well, the menu isn’t exclusively south east Asian. There are also dishes like grilled Kangaroo salad that may be less known outside of their homelands.

Rice Paper Scissors also employs an exclusively Eastern ambiance. Here, you’ll enjoy a rustic stone-and-brick space as well as hanging bikes and a buzzy vibe.

Both lunch and dinner bookings are available.

Rice Paper Scissors also has another branch in Brunswick St, Fitzroy. This particular spot provides catering services for any size party or event – from weddings to birthday parties – so you can celebrate in style!

Conclusion

Lunch can be a tricky thing. You want something fresh and healthy, but you also want it to be affordable and delicious.

Luckily, these top 5 best places for lunch in Melbourne will let you enjoy some of Melbourne’s finest cuisine on a budget! Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal or some light brunch, these five restaurants will hit the spot. Plus, they’re not only good for lunch but also for a date night or dinner.

Well, the list isn’t exhaustive. There are top spots to consider, such as the Chart House that serves seafood & steakhouse. Or better still, the red-carpeted Flower Drum Chinese Restaurant.

Check out our list and find the perfect spot for your next visit to Melbourne.