Travel Eats: Melbourne 🇦🇺

[Stall in South Melbourne Market]

These were so creamy. I forget the exact name of these oysters because I was so busy eating, but yeah. You stand around a table of endless lemon wedges, Tabasco dispensers and bowls of oniony vinaigrette (this is the best).

I was also told by a local that most people get caught up at the first oyster/seafood stall near the entrance - but this one is actually better. So, do as the locals do eh. 🤷🏻‍♀️

If there's one thing that Aussie brunches do so well that, it is an amazing green breakfast. This beautiful plate of lentils, kale and spinach tossed together with a tahini dressing was so delicious and much needed after a week of indulgence. Served up with a generous dollop of bright beetroot hummus, pickled cabbage, roasted sweet potato and an extra wobbly poached egg (A$2).

Tucked away in the Collingwood Children's Farm in Abbotsford, this beautiful cafe sits outdoors by the Yarra River. Even in winter it was bathed in lots of sunlight (with the outdoor heaters on, of course). Such a gem!

After the traditional croissant, the Reuben was my next fave. Basically a Reuben sandwich but the croissant version. And it is glorious. And also sells out quick - doors open at 7.30am and they were all gone by 8.15am.

So, people were not going crazy over these incredible croissants for no reason. Probably the most expensive croissants I have ever spent money on, but they are actually amazing.

Hunks of beautifully cooked lamb that fall apart as soon as you pierce it with a fork. This was my absolute fave. Also went so nicely with a bright and crunchy Vietnamese slaw.

I'm not usually big on foie gras. But a terrine, I like. This was rich and smooth and served with toasted brioche (we needed a couple more rounds of this) and their own apple chutney. After polishing off all the brioche we even ended up eating the foie gras with the crisps that came with the sliders. 🙆🏻

I always appreciate it when sliders are not teeny tiny. These sliders had a good 3-4 big bites in them. The Wagyu patties were super juicy, topped with caramelised onion purée, sweet house pickles and melty gruyere. I cannot stress enough how freaking delicious this was.

I was brought to Ezard on Levantine Hill for a little treat yo'self meal while in Yarra Valley. The glass and wooden building is stunning and looks out onto the Levantine Hill vineyard. Service is also excellent and the wine is top notch.

This massive hotcake (that basically fills the entire base of the plate) is buttery, cheesy and fluffy. Topped with a spiced pepper relish, corn salsa, avocado slices and a fried egg. AH, so good. There was also the option of adding double smoked bacon (I mean, it's not really an option is it) for an extra A$5.

A little out of the way and tucked away in suburban Eltham, Second Home is a beautiful space with lots of glass and natural light. Also, there is an actual fireplace - that got me very excited.

And, I almost forgot, they have breakfast cocktails! 🍹🍸🍹🍸🍹

This was such a treat! Recommended as a personal fave by the waitress serving us, this margarita was smoky, tangy and such a refreshing drink that packs a good Mezcal punch. The chilli salt around the rim was a nice touch - giving the whole thing a spicy kick. So good!

This was only ok. I think I've been spoilt by my fave elotes from New York. The cheese wasn't quite the cotija cheese I know but it was grilled quite nicely.

So fresh and zesty and way too little. But only because I'm greedy and could eat endless ceviche.

So lush. Rich, creamy and nicely balanced with the salted caramel.