We have no objection to late-night kebabs or fast-food burgers. However, Melbourne is a late-night city, so even if you’re in the mood to sit down, there are plenty of other great options after 11 pm.  If you want to know more, read also late night food melbourne. 

What Areas Are Good For Late-Night Eats In Melbourne?

Here are some of our favourite places, ranging from late-night ramen spots to pizza and fried chicken clubs.

1. Chinatown

Melbourne’s Chinatown, located in the central business district (CBD), is a bustling area that offers a diverse array of Asian cuisine and is particularly well-known for its late-night dining options. It’s a vibrant and lively part of the city, especially in the evening when locals and tourists alike come to enjoy the delicious food and vibrant atmosphere.

In Chinatown, you can find a wide range of Asian cuisines, including Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Malaysian, and Vietnamese, among others. Whether you’re craving dumplings, noodles, sushi, hot pot, or other Asian delicacies, Chinatown has got you covered.

The restaurants, eateries, and food stalls in Chinatown often stay open late into the night, making it an excellent spot for satisfying your late-night food cravings after a night out or even for a casual late dinner. It’s also a great place to explore different flavours and experience the cultural diversity that Melbourne has to offer.

Chinatown’s location in the CBD makes it easily accessible for both locals and visitors, making it a popular destination for food lovers of all kinds. Just wandering through the colourful streets of Chinatown and trying out various dishes can be an enjoyable and memorable experience.

As with any popular area, it’s best to check for the latest information on specific restaurants or eateries you’re interested in, as the dining scene can change over time. But overall, Chinatown remains one of Melbourne’s top choices for late-night eats.

2. Fitzroy

Fitzroy is a trendy and eclectic neighbourhood located just north of Melbourne’s central business district. It is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, artistic atmosphere, and diverse dining scene. Fitzroy’s unique charm lies in its mix of hip bars, boutique shops, street art, and a wide array of eateries, making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors, especially for late-night entertainment and dining.

Here are some key features of Fitzroy’s late-night dining scene:

• Hip Bars and Pubs: Fitzroy is home to numerous bars and pubs with distinctive themes and offerings. Many of these establishments serve delicious food and offer a lively atmosphere perfect for hanging out with friends late into the night.
• Restaurants with Various Cuisines: Fitzroy boasts an impressive range of restaurants, cafes, and eateries that cater to different tastes. You can find everything from modern Australian cuisine to international delights such as Mexican, Thai, Italian, and more.
• Late-Night Cafes: If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea late at night, Fitzroy has several cafes that stay open into the early hours.
• Food Trucks: Fitzroy often hosts food truck gatherings, especially on weekends, where you can savour delicious street food offerings.
• Live Music Venues: The neighbourhood is also known for its live music venues, some of which have bars and serve food, offering an exciting blend of entertainment and dining.
• Late-Night Snack Options: Apart from full-service restaurants, you can find several spots for late-night snacks, like pizza shops and kebab joints.

Fitzroy’s bohemian and artistic atmosphere adds to the overall experience of exploring its late-night offerings. It’s a great place to unwind, enjoy good food, and soak in the vibrant energy of the area. However, do keep in mind that the dining landscape can change, so it’s a good idea to check for the latest information on specific places before heading out.

3. St. Kilda

St. Kilda is a popular beachside suburb located just a few kilometres south of Melbourne’s city centre. It offers a laid-back and relaxed atmosphere, making it a favourite spot for both locals and tourists to enjoy the beach, beautiful sunsets, and a wide variety of dining options, especially for night owls.

Here are some highlights of St. Kilda’s late-night dining scene:

• Beachside Restaurants: St. Kilda has several restaurants and cafes that offer stunning views of the beach and the ocean. It’s a delightful experience to enjoy a meal while overlooking the water, especially during the evening.
• International Cuisine: The suburb boasts a diverse culinary scene, with eateries offering cuisines from around the world. You can find restaurants serving Italian, Greek, Thai, Indian, and other international dishes.
• Contemporary Australian Cuisine: St. Kilda also celebrates the local food culture, with many restaurants offering contemporary Australian cuisine that highlights fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
• Esplanade Markets: On weekends, the St. Kilda Esplanade hosts markets where you can find various food stalls offering delicious treats and snacks.
• Late-Night Bars and Pubs: Besides the restaurants, St. Kilda is well-known for its vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars and pubs that offer drinks and often serve food until late.
• Luna Park: St. Kilda is home to the iconic Luna Park amusement park, and you can find food outlets within the park that cater to late-night visitors.
• Late-Night Bakeries and Dessert Shops: If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll be pleased to find some bakeries and dessert shops in St. Kilda that stay open late, offering delicious treats and pastries.

St. Kilda’s proximity to the beach and the mix of dining options create a unique and enjoyable experience for those looking for late-night eats in a relaxing and picturesque setting. As with any dining area, it’s a good idea to check for the latest opening hours and offerings of specific places you plan to visit. Enjoy the beachside vibes and the culinary delights that St. Kilda has to offer!

4. CBD (Central Business District)

Melbourne’s Central Business District (CBD) is the bustling heart of the city and is filled with a plethora of dining options, including restaurants, cafes, bars, and food outlets that cater to late-night crowds. The CBD’s vibrant atmosphere, particularly in the evenings, makes it a popular destination for locals, office workers, tourists, and night owls seeking delicious food and a lively environment.

Here are some key features of the late-night dining scene in Melbourne’s CBD:

• Diverse Cuisine: The CBD offers a diverse range of cuisines from around the world. You can find restaurants serving Italian, Japanese, Indian, Middle Eastern, Mexican, and more, ensuring there’s something to suit every palate.
• After-Hours Eateries: Many restaurants and eateries in the CBD extend their operating hours well into the night, providing late-night diners with ample choices for a satisfying meal.
• Food Trucks: In certain areas of the CBD, especially around popular spots and events, food trucks might pop up during the evening, offering a quick and tasty option for late-night bites.
• Hidden Gems: The CBD is home to some hidden gems, such as small laneway eateries, hole-in-the-wall restaurants, and cozy cafes that add to the excitement of exploring the area’s late-night food scene.
• Late-Night Bars and Pubs: Apart from restaurants, the CBD is packed with numerous bars and pubs that serve drinks and often offer late-night menus or bar snacks.
• Convenience Stores and Late-Night Takeaways: If you’re looking for a quick late-night snack, you’ll find convenience stores and takeout options readily available in the CBD.

Whether you’re looking for a sit-down dinner, a quick bite, or a place to relax with friends over drinks, Melbourne’s CBD has something to offer for everyone’s late-night cravings. Just take a stroll through the bustling streets, and you’re likely to find an abundance of dining options to choose from.

As with any city, it’s always wise to check for the latest operating hours and any changes in the late-night dining options, as the scene can evolve. Enjoy exploring Melbourne’s CBD and its vibrant late-night food culture!

5. Lygon Street, Carlton

Lygon Street, located in the inner suburb of Carlton, is renowned as Melbourne’s “Little Italy” and is a food lover’s paradise, particularly for those craving Italian cuisine. The street is lined with a wide array of Italian restaurants, pizzerias, cafes, and gelato shops, making it a popular dining destination for both locals and visitors.

Here are some highlights of Lygon Street’s late-night dining scene:

• Italian Cuisine: Lygon Street is best known for its authentic Italian restaurants that serve a variety of dishes, including pasta, pizza, risotto, and traditional Italian desserts.
• Late-Night Gelato: A stroll along Lygon Street wouldn’t be complete without indulging in some gelato. Many gelato shops on the street stay open late, offering a sweet treat for those with a late-night craving.
• Casual Eateries: In addition to the sit-down restaurants, you can find casual eateries and takeaway spots that provide quick and tasty options for late-night snacks.
• Vibrant Atmosphere: Lygon Street’s lively and bustling atmosphere, especially during the evenings, adds to the overall dining experience and makes it an exciting place to explore.
• European Influences: While Italian cuisine predominates, you can also find other European influences, such as Spanish and Greek eateries, adding to the culinary diversity of the street.
• Late-Night Cafes: If you’re in the mood for a late-night coffee or dessert, several cafes on Lygon Street offer both.

Lygon Street’s reputation as the hub of Italian food in Melbourne has been well-established for decades. It’s an excellent spot to enjoy a leisurely dinner, savour delicious gelato, or simply take a walk to explore the vibrant dining scene.

Keep in mind that the specific operating hours of restaurants and gelato shops may vary, so it’s a good idea to check their opening times beforehand, especially if you’re planning a late-night visit. Enjoy the delectable Italian flavours and the lively atmosphere of Lygon Street!

Conclusion

In conclusion, Melbourne is a food lover’s dream, offering a diverse and vibrant late-night dining scene. Several areas in the city are known for their excellent options for late-night eats, catering to different tastes and preferences.

Chinatown, located in the central business district, is a go-to destination for Asian cuisine, with numerous restaurants and eateries staying open late, providing a delightful experience for late-night diners.

Fitzroy, a trendy neighbourhood just north of the city centre, is famous for its hip bars, restaurants, and cafes. It offers various cuisines and is a great spot to enjoy late-night dining in a lively and artistic atmosphere.

St. Kilda, situated by the beach, provides a mix of international and contemporary Australian cuisine. With several eateries catering to night owls, visitors can enjoy delightful meals while soaking in the beachside vibes.

The CBD, as the heart of Melbourne, boasts a plethora of dining options, with numerous restaurants, food outlets, and bars extending their operating hours into the late night. It’s a bustling area perfect for late-night adventures and satisfying food cravings.

Lygon Street in Carlton, known as “Little Italy,” is a haven for Italian cuisine and gelato shops. With its vibrant ambience and a range of Italian delights, it offers a delightful experience for those seeking late-night snacks and meals.

Overall, whether you’re in the mood for Asian, European, contemporary Australian, or Italian cuisine, Melbourne has you covered. The city’s late-night dining options provide a perfect blend of delicious flavours, cultural diversity, and vibrant atmospheres, ensuring a memorable and satisfying experience for all who venture out after dark.