Five Long Lunches Now Within Easy Reach, Thanks to the Metro Tunnel

Dinner may dominate the reservation books, but lunch has its own appeal. More daylight, more booking availability and less pressure to watch the clock all allow for meals stretching into the afternoon – especially in summer.

With the Metro Tunnel now open, suburbs that previously demanded awkward transfers and long commute times are more accessible. The new Arden, Parkville, State Library, Town Hall and Anzac stations extend the city’s footprint, while a faster, more frequent train network makes cross-town travel effortless. Just turn up, hop on and head somewhere new.

Here are five destination-worthy long lunches now within reach via the revamped Cranbourne, Pakenham and Sunbury Line.

Tyga, Carnegie

Chef Esca Khoo built his reputation in Melbourne with a style of neo-Asian fare that sidesteps strict tradition in favour of memory and modern technique. After several years cooking internationally, he’s returned to lead the kitchen at Tyga, a new Carnegie diner that nods to 1970s Bangkok. The menu ranges widely, but the common thread is Khoo’s creative approach to Asian flavours, with dishes like a Thai-style fried omelette with vintage American cheddar or chicken liver and fig jam banh mi.

Three-minute walk from Carnegie Station.

O My, Beaconsfield

Built around four or seven thoughtful courses, O My has long been the kind of restaurant people plan around. Located in suburban Beaconsfield, the fine diner is known for its produce-led tasting menu shaped by what’s grown at the family farm in Cardinia. Now, with the Metro Tunnel streamlining travel across the south-east, lunch at O My feels less like an expedition. It remains a destination – proudly so – but one that fits more easily into a weekend escape or daytrip.

Ten-minute walk from Beaconsfield Station.

Bar Thyme, Footscray

For west-side locals, Bar Thyme needs little introduction. The Footscray favourite is defined by its bistro-style menu, seasonal produce sourced from local growers, minimal intervention wine list and a Sunday lunch worth travelling for. For $65, diners can sample a three-course set menu or choose from the ever-rotating à la carte options. With improved frequency, the west is now an easier daytime destination, without needing to overthink the return trip.

Ten-minute walk from Footscray Station.

Olympia, Oakleigh

Oakleigh’s Greek dining scene has been thriving for generations, but Olympia offers a contemporary take. Sitting above Eaton Mall, the sunny rooftop restaurant evokes the white-washed landscapes of Santorini, with olive trees, striped banquettes and an all-season awning. Plates such as lobster and prawn rolls or saganaki croquettes are snackable and designed for sharing, paired with Greek wines and cocktails. Make a day of it in Oakleigh, exploring the fresh-food market, Greek bakeries and specialty shops until it’s time to hop back on the train home.

Three-minute walk from Oakleigh Station.

Coté Terra, Oakleigh 

Just a short stroll from Oakleigh Station, Coté Terra is a practical pit stop for lunch, whether you’re on a time crunch or hoping to stay a while. As a coffee roaster, you can expect an excellent brew, but the food is equally worth a visit. The all-day menu ranges from wagyu burgers and sandwiches to sous vide octopus, chorizo and Persian feta on sourdough, alongside house-made bakes.

Two-minute walk from Oakleigh Station.

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Transport Victoria. As part of the Metro Tunnel, the new Cranbourne, Pakenham and Sunbury Line now runs every 10 minutes most of the day and late into the evening. Plan your journey on the PTV app or at transport.vic.gov.au.