Where Chefs Eat: Scott Eddington Names Flemington’s Best Laksa (And It’s Not at Laksa King)

Walk into Arnold’s today and you’ll find flavours and ideas from Venezuela and right across Latin America, thanks to new-ish head chef Frankie Hadid. But rewind to opening night two years ago, and Mexico was the main influence at the intimate Kensington wine bar.

Chef Scott Eddington and his partner Lauren Chibert brought something genuinely new to the city that night. Judging by appearance only, Arnold’s is a typical neighbourhood wine bar. But pick up those early menus and you’d find dishes like slow-cooked Oaxacan mole, and orange and chipotle flan – hangovers from Eddington’s time as head chef at Mamasita.

It’s one of several high-profile restaurants he’s cooked at over the past two decades, alongside roles as sous chef and head chef, respectively, at Clayton Wells’s Sydney restaurants Automata and A1 Canteen. We checked in to find out where Eddington eats in 2026, apart from Fitzroy North pub The Pinnacle, which he recently took over with partners.

Favourite bakery
“I’m a big fan of what they do at Bread Club in North Melbourne. They do these salted toffee cookies which are, I shit you not, one of the greatest things that have ever been baked. They are so problematically good.”

Go-to breakfast spot
“Lately I’ve been loving Cham in West Melbourne. It’s a tasty Vietnamese cafe and they love my dog, which is always a plus.”

Best place for drinks and snacks
“Bar Spontana in Brunswick for amazing cocktails and fiery snacks.”

Date night recommendation
“Can I say my own restaurant? Hehe. If not, Boire in North Melbourne is cosy, boozy and delicious.” 

Favourite ice-cream or gelato?
“It’s predictable, but in my opinion the tiramisu at Messina is unmatched.”

Special occasion spot?
“My partner took me to Yiaga recently for my 40th. That was very special.”

Best place to eat solo
“If I’m by myself and not working, I love going for a walk around the city and getting a bowl of ramen at Hakata Gensuke.”

Best place to eat with a big group
“Parrot House in Flemington is delicious, super accommodating for big groups and dietary needs, and has a great BYO.” 

Favourite dessert in Melbourne
“The baklava ice-cream sandwich with a Turkish coffee at Rumi. So good.” 

Best place for a late-night feed?
“It’s pretty much always been and always will be Ling Nan.” 

Best banh mi
“I live in Kensington and there’s a great hole in the wall shop called Rollin 169. They do an excellent roll with beef wrapped in betel leaves.”

Best bread
“Psomi has been popping up at the local Kensington market recently. Theo’s bread is delicious.”

Best coffee
“Ye olde faithful: Market Lane. Not only is it tasty, it’s so consistent. Don’t think I’ve ever had a bad coffee at any of the locations.” 

Restaurant you wish would come back for a night
“I would love Victor Liong to bring back Lawyers, Guns and Money. I loved his congee. And if I can include outer Melbourne, I would love to dine at Igni one more time.”

Venue you’ve visited the most over the years
“Probably Kirk’s. My partner and I lived on Hardware Lane when they opened. It quickly became our go-to spot to meet on the way home or going out and we still find ourselves gravitating back there.”

Most underrated Melbourne restaurant?
“I’m always telling people about M Yong Tofu in Flemington. The laksa is exceptional and, controversially, I think it’s the best in Flemington. They also do delicious taro baskets and make their own tofu.”

Favourite regional restaurant?
“I love Brae, it gets better every time. The hospitality and ethos are just perfect.” 

Bucket list restaurant?
“Nuno Mendes is an old friend and he’s opened a spot in Porto called Cozinha das Flores.”