Cheap Places to Eat in Docklands

"Named after a traditional Chinese dance, Flower Drum was established by Gilbert Lau, who wanted to create a fine-dining experience where Australians could taste true Cantonese cuisine. Originally opened on Little Bourke Street in 1975, Flower Drum now sits on Market Lane and features a sprawling dining room as well as private rooms ideal for functions. The highly distinguished restaurant is now led by Executive Chef Anthony Lui, who skillfully executes the 13-page menu, ensuring that every guest leaves with their palate abuzz."

"The retro-glam decor recalls Flower Drum Restaurant’s pinnacle when expense-account lunches were OTT and posh restaurants were few in Melbourne. Yet this Cantonese restaurant is still among the city’s finest, scoring two hats in the 2020 Good Food Guide. From Peking duck to roast suckling pig, delicate flavours and seasonal produce combine to create a decadent menu that will not disappoint."

"Apart from their amazing take on Cantonese cuisine, flower drum is known for their impeccable cuisine. You won’t find moody or arrogant workers here. Believe me, the incredible service itself qualifies the restaurant’s place on this list."

"ToorakThe gist: Imagine sexy French waiters in white waistcoats, that passionately open Chenin Blanc while rolling their eyes at you as if you ask for anything but medium-rare. Their wine list is a bound folder, and their menu is A3 and laminated, but underneath the novelty of it all is just good old-fashioned French comfort food, cooked to perfection with many dollops of butter. The food: French bistro comfort food.The cost: You can spend as little or as much as you’d like to at France-Soir."

"When it comes to searching for a juicy Melbourne steak, France Soir should be one of the first names that spring to mind. This South Yarra favourite is the burly elder statesman for Melbourne’s meat lovers – dependable, powerful, and truly a master of the game. There’s plenty to chew on at this eternally busy French institution, from the $22 snails served swimming in garlic butter, to the $26 calamari with chorizo and jalapenos."

"Bars Pubs Carlton. The Green Man’s Arms is an Israeli-influenced and 100 per cent vegan and vegetarian pub on the corner of Lygon and Elgin streets. Food at the Arms comes courtesy of Israeli head chef David Raziel who uses serves up an ethical and seasonal selection of dishes."

"CarltonAlthough it may look it, the Green Man’s Arms is not your regular Melbourne pub. Inside, you’ll find purposefully wonky interiors that somehow work, craft beers on tap and meat-free Israeli food offerings. The menu is completely vegetarian and vegan, serving up salads and Israel classics like tabbouleh and house-made falafel and hummus."

"Meyers Place, CBDThe gist: An Argentinian restaurant tucked within the European end of Melbourne’s CBD. Their menu centres around the Spanish ethos that food is an experience shared between friends, family and lovers. The decor is dimly-lit yet somehow still vibrant, with a dark sexy feel, much like the Argentinian Tango tbh.The food: Think smoked meats, tapas-style plates and fresh, colourful fruit and veg elements. Rich with a cellar of Spanish reds and a 2.5 metre Parrilla charcoal grill, San Telmo delivers true to its roots; named after the oldest neighbourhood of Buenos Aires."

"This gaucho steakhouse run by a bunch of Melbourne hospo gringos lays its carnivorous scene at the entrance, where some impressive bits of cow sit dry ageing behind glass. The people have spoken, and the people want meat. They want meat in a lair that’s just like being transported to Buenos Aires, where cowhide in its various forms covers the menus and every other available surface."

"Simple Argentine cooking at San Telmo keeps the restaurant bustling. Follow the neon sign to find a vibrant menu filled with share-style dishes."

"There’s so much more than pizza on offer at Bay Beach Pizza & Pasta in Port Melbourne. Cosily located on Bay Street, diners can sit alfresco and soak up warming rays under red market umbrellas, or din..."

"RichmondOpening March 4, the Commune Group introduces a remixed version of its Swan Street restaurant New Quarter, bringing a fresh take on ‘Melbourne Vietnamese’ to Richmond’s bustling dining scene in a new identity that is textural, impulsive and alive. Located on the iconic corner of Swan and Lennox Street, the new light menu has been led by Head Chef Scott Lord (Tokyo Tina, Cumulus Inc, Sunda Dining), reinventing traditional Vietnamese with a “Melbourne twist”. Expect things like Banh Mi fingers, grilled short rib, Nước chấm caviar and beef tartare."

"Now open, Swan Street restaurant New Quarter now serves up Vietnamese-influenced modern cuisine. The restaurant located on the prominent corner of Swan and Lennox street, once known for its street food vibes and takeaway, has relaxed its offering releasing a shorter, tighter menu led by Head Chef Scott Lord (Sunda Dining, Tokyo Tina and Cumulus Inc). Lord has stamped his own style onto the menu."

"Enter this warmly lit space – by the owners of Tokyo Tina, Hanoi Hannah and Firebird – for playful takes on classic Vietnamese dishes and drinks. 79 Swan Street,Richmond"

"A bakery is always a good option for breakfast, but Ned's Bake is so much more. Yep, you can pick up delicious fresh loaves of sourdough and mouth-watering baked goods, but it's well worth sticking around to peruse the brunch menu. We're talking marscapone pancakes, spanner crab salad, brioche french toast, or cured trout."

"For a really quirky interaction with Melbourne’s artistic scene, head to the eastern suburb of Kew to Lyon Housemuseum. The gallery consists of two distinct sections; the first being the original house museum, which is where founders Corbett and Yueji Lyon live and which can only be visited on pre-booked tours held on certain days of the year. The second space is the newly-opened public Housemuseum Galleries."

"What makes the Lyon Housemuseum so interesting is that it truly is both the things the name suggests – a house and a museum. It’s now made up of two adjacent sections. The first is the original Housemuseum that’s the private home of the founding patrons, with residential areas blending with exhibitions."

"Looking for a one-stop shop for multiple fun things for kids to do in Melbourne?. Then head down to the District Docklands as there are numerous Melbourne family attractions here (keep reading below for more details about these family attractions Melbourne offers). The District Docklands is an outdoor shopping centre that is also a great dining and entertainment precinct."

"Melburnians seeking hot pot fare in trendy surrounds of marble, metallics and neon blue, head along Elizabeth Street to find Chef David. This cheeky baby sibling of David's Hot Pot restaurants already..."