Book a Restaurant Express Lunch
Melbourne Food and Wine Festival is back with another huge program for 2018. More than 300 events are planned and Restaurant Express, supported by OpenTable, is one of the highlights.
Between March 16 and 25, 80 of the city's best restaurants are offering two courses of lunch and a glass of matched wine for $40. It's easy to take advantage of this incredible deal – just book a restaurant with us below, making sure to specify a lunchtime slot (12pm–3pm) between Monday and Thursday.
Restaurant Express menus and terms and conditions are available on the MFWF site.
Restaurant
Bomba
You can choose your own adventure at Bomba. Come for tapas and imported Spanish wines at the restaurant downstairs, or escape to the fifth-floor rooftop for cocktails and DJs every weekend. Either way, you can’t go wrong.
Restaurant
Maha Restaurant
The flavours at celebrity chef Shane Delia’s opulent Maha are familiar, but they’re assembled with more finesse than your average Middle Eastern restaurant. Vibrant mezze, a must-have lamb shoulder and an affordable wine list make this a winner for group dining.
Restaurant
Cafe Di Stasio
White-jacketed waiters delivering discreet, attentive service and a consistently excellent menu have made Rinaldo Di Stasio's intimate dining room a pilgrimage for lovers of fine Italian food. The seasonal set menu is an excellent way to dive in.
Restaurant
Punch Lane
This wine-slinging laneway bar was one of Melbourne’s first. Since 1994, it’s developed a loyal following for its expansive wine list, reliable service and Euro-leaning share plates (including an off-menu Portuguese fish stew).
Restaurant
The Black Toro
The menu here isn't especially authentic – e.g. fried chicken ribs with chipotle mayo – but it's not thoughtless fusion, either. Visit for creative spins on quesadillas, "tlayudas" (Mexican pizza, in effect) and achiote chicken.
Restaurant
Philippe
Classic-but-contemporary dishes from Melbourne’s French-cuisine master.
Restaurant
Bangpop
Bangpop might be set along the Birrarung, but it’s set on recreating the atmosphere at Bangkok’s lively street hawker stands. A standout dish is the sweet and spicy barramundi with lychee, pineapple and cherry tomato.
Cafe
Luxsmith
Asian fusion from morning through to night.
Restaurant
Pastuso
Pastuso brings Peruvian flair with a menu of ceviche, grilled meat and plenty of pisco. The dining room is a riot of colour, but we say grab a seat at the marble-clad bar and take in all the action, Pisco Sour in hand.
Restaurant
San Telmo
An Argentinean restaurant and wine bar that features a traditional parrilla barbeque.
Restaurant
Trattoria Emilia
Taking cues from northern Italian trattorias, Emilia has you covered for all occasions, from casual pasta and tigelle lunches to long and luxurious dinners.
Restaurant
Pure South
The Southgate fine diner is built on its relationships with suppliers in Tasmania.
Restaurant
The French Brasserie
A dependable brasserie serving French classics to the suited and booted.
Restaurant
Bottega
The tables at Bottega spill out onto the footpath much like they would in Rome or Florence, luring in passers-by with an energetic atmosphere. Mains usually feature produce from owner Denis Lucey’s farm, while an expertly curated wine list offers around 150 bottles from both Australia and Italy.
Restaurant
Sezar
A modern take on a not-so-familiar cuisine – Armenian.
Restaurant
Lucy Liu Kitchen & Bar
Dine on the best of Bangkok, Taipei and Shanghai in the glow of red neon.
Bar
The Station Hotel
A contender for the best steaks in the west. This pub has a singular focus on great beef, and you’ll find every size and cut imaginable starring on a broad menu with French influences. Pair it with a bold red or Victorian beer.
Restaurant
The Smith
This spacious gastropub serves honest and elevated pub food alongside sharp cocktails. Go for its excellent oysters, gooey burrata, hulking burgers and juicy steaks.
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