Food From Around The World In Melbourne

Melbourne is a hub of culture, entertainment and first class dining, but you don’t need us to tell you that! Step right out of your front door and you can smell the sizzling steaks, spicy fajitas and mouth-watering curries. This is the food that brings everyone from all over the world together in one place. So, whether you’re dining alone during your lunch hour, with a special one in the evening or getting a group of friends together, there are meals in Melbourne fit for a King – and his men.

Fiesta, Mexican
The guys at Fiesta have been providing margaritas, burritos and a lively atmosphere to the people of South Yarra since 1986. Evenings here are rich and hearty, with Macho Nachos and all the extras at $23.90, enchilada entrees from $9.90 and the classic fajita from $24.90. Get messy and heave a feast with your buddies as you bite into chimichangas, burritos and quesadillas. There is an extensive drinks menu including local and Mexican beers, and six different flavoured margaritas, from strawberry to sambuca.
175 Toorak Road, South Yarra
www.fiestamexican.com.au

La Paella, Moroccan
The smell outside La Paella, of the slow-cooked meats in an authentic tagine, will have you booking your table straight away. Beef is marinated in sweet cinnamon, a herb sauce, prunes and toasted almonds to delight your taste buds. It will also please your wallet at just $19.90. Other meaty offerings include $18 chicken paella, $23.90 lamb couscous and $19.90 ifran chicken, consisting of chicken, caramelised honey and ginger, pineapple, banana, almonds and mash potato! The setting’s not bad either, with deep reds, hanging lanterns and handmade Moroccan ceramics.
217 Sydney Road, Brunswick
www.lapaella.com.au

Nevsky, Russian
Influenced by the famous main boulevard of Saint Petersburg, Nevsky Prospekt, this Elsternwick restaurant offers a unique taste of Russia. Order from the food menu or enjoy decadent dining with a banquet for two or more. Whether you choose the Chef’s Table at $45pp, A Russian Tale at $55pp or the Hermitage at $65pp, you will receive a complimentary shot of vodka! From the Sibirskie Pelmeni (Siberian pork and beef dumplings with sour cream) to Baranina na Kostochke (rack of lamb, mash potato and red wine sauce), the names may be foreign but you should recognise the ingredients.
476 Glenhuntly Road, Elsternwick
www.nevsky.com.au

Sapore, Italian
Is there anything more yummy and satisfying than Italian food? Sapore is a modern bistro with beautiful surroundings, including the Catani Gardens and St Kilda Beach. You can expect traditional fare with a twist in the way of rabbit gnocchi, thyme-roasted chicken breast with porcini cream and pancetta crumb, and quail saltimbocca. With tall curved ceilings, hanging beads of light and great views of Melbourne to accompany your food, Sapore is one dining experience that will turn into a lifelong affair.
3-5 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
www.sapore.com.au

Paladarr, Thai
Ever finished a Thai meal and wished you could create it yourself at home? You can learn to do just that at Paladarr Fine Thai & Cooking School. In the restaurant, tuck into pork belly stir-fry for $15 each, chicken green curry for $15 or steamed or deep-fried fish of the day from $30. In the kitchen, weekday cooking classes take place between 9.45am and 1pm, while weekend classes start and finish an hour earlier. You will learn how to make Penang curry paste as the base for Kaeng Penang Moo and discover the secrets of Pad Thai Puk, Tom Yum Goong and Pla Goong with Paladarr’s head chef Chaloem.
7 Rowe Street, Alphington
www.paladarr.com.au

Salona, Greek
A focus on sharing, Salona wants you to taste everything that Greece has to offer with your loved ones. The meze share plates are popular to gain a whole range of flavours, from $12 grilled kefalograviera (sheep’s milk cheese) to $13 lamb ribs marinated in ouzo and honey. This is reiterated in the banquet menu. From $30-$55, four banquets are available and offer a range of dishes from dips with pita and loukanika to fried calamari and zucchini kefte. The bar screams the Grecian beachside with Turkish Delight Daiquiri and Greek Island Ice Tea.
268A Swan Street, Richmond
www.salona.com.au

True South, Argentina
The Argentineans take social eating to a whole new level. Influenced by the cuisine of Spain, Italy, Creole and North Africa, it takes the best of each to create an eating extravaganza. True South delivers exactly this in its menu of sharing dishes – even its nibbles section is extensive! Delve into rich cheeses or tasty offal for $12 per dish, or healthy salads, with additions of beetroot, mozzarella, chickpea puree and smoked maple syrup to name a few, between $9 and $15. For something satisfying, you can’t go wrong with the Malbec Braised Lamb Shoulder with vegetables, coriander and peanuts – just make sure you leave some for everyone else!
298 Beach Road, Black Rock
www.truesouth.com.au