Urban legend has it that the late, great Anthony Bourdain once said, “I’d rather eat in Melbourne than Paris.” Yes, our hometown is blessed with so many amazing eateries it’s hard to keep up. So, in a bid to try some new tastes and places I decided I should join a Melbourne food tour.
Now, even though there are many great food tours to try in the city centre, I spend a lot of time there and wanted to challenge myself. So this inner east girl headed north and munched my way through a night out in Northcote with Flavourhood Tours.
Melbourne food tour – Northcote Twilight Tasting
One of Melbourne’s favourite foodie neighbourhoods, Northcote is bursting with dining options. From elegant fine dining, to fast and fresh pan Asian there are a myriad of options to choose from. Sometimes too many. And that’s why food tours are so awesome. You can try a little bit from here and there, picking up restaurant recommendations and cool new addresses along the way.
Tour guide and Flavourhood Tours owner, the very gorgeous Raffaela, was born and bred in the inner north. And she wears her passion for those culturally diverse neighbourhoods on her sleeve. Over our three hour progressive dinner along High Street Northcote our small group tour learnt about the history of the area, met local characters and sampled the food brought to Melbourne by many nations.
I’m not going to divulge all the stops on the tour because that’s part of the fun. You don’t know where you’re going and what surprises are in store. However, some highlights included an elegant dish at a renowned fine dining venue and finger lickin’ good Korean fried chicken. You’ll also sample matching drinks. We had a crisp prosecco at the first stop which I am now trying to source for regular consumption.
Suffice to say that you should definitely wear your most forgiving outfit. Raffaela’s Italian heritage means the portions are generous to a fault. So plan for this and definitely save room for some incredible frozen Turkish desserts that give my favorite gelato a run for its money.
What to expect on a food tour of Melbourne
If you’ve never been on a food tour, here’s what to expect
- A walking experience stopping at several venues
- Tastings and usually a drink at each stop
- A fun history, food and culture lesson
- Lots of laughs and chats with a small group of like minded foodies
- New restaurants and bars you want to take your friends too – that Turkish icecream.. nom nom nom
What’s not to love? Keep and open mind and you’ll discover a whole world of new tastes.
If you’re in Melbourne to experience the best this foodie town has to offer, opt for adventure and add the Northcote food tour to your list. I think the itinerary provides the perfect overview to the highlights of Melbourne’s food scene and an insight into some of the up and coming neighbourhoods. Only a short tram ride from the city centre, you’ll be glad you ventured out of the CBD for an adventure.
Melbourne locals looking to mix up their dining favourites will love discovering a new neighbourhood and uncovering new foodie haunts. Let’s face it, sometimes we get a bit lazy and stick to what we know. If you’re looking for fun ideas for a night out with your friends, this is a great way to challenge your tastebuds and see a different part of the city.
Followers of Untold Morsels know that food tours are my favourite travel experiences (you can check out my guide to the best food tours in Rome here) But, I had never been on a food tour in Melbourne. What was I thinking? I can’t wait for Raffaella to launch her aperitivo tour of Brunswick Street. Because, a Melbourne food tour can only be better with a spritz don’t you think? I’m sure Bourdain would approve.
Untold Morsels was a guest on the Northcote Twilight Tasting Tour by Flavourhood Tours. As always, all opinions are our own.
Want more Melbourne?
We love writing about our home town. Why not check out our city guide for Melbourne and tips for visiting the bayside suburb of St Kilda. We also pride ourselves on knowing Melbourne’s best hidden bars and charming boutique hotels.
If you’re traveling with your family, our guide to Melbourne with kids tells you what to do for maximum family fun in the city by the bay.
Heading out of town? The Great Ocean Road is a place of incredible beauty that everyone should experience once in their lifetime.
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The creator, writer and photographer behind Untold Morsels, Katy has been travelling and tasting the world since she was a teenager.
Now the proud mum of twins, she hopes they grow up to share her passions of great food, wine and travel. Favourite destination: Italy