Melbourne Food Tour: A Delicious Walking Tour with Foodie Trails
There’s something about walking through Melbourne’s laneways with a coffee in hand and the promise of dumplings ahead that makes a Melbourne food tour feel like more than just a meal — it’s a window into the city’s soul.
We join the Melbourne Foodie Culture Tour with Foodie Trails, a small-group, guided walking food tour that explores Melbourne’s multicultural roots through stories and street food. We’re joined by visitors from Belgium and the United States — eight curious eaters brought together by one thing: a love of food.
Food Tours Melbourne Visitors Will Love
Our Foodie Trails tour starts at the Immigration Museum, where our guide gives a brief overview of Melbourne’s rich migrant history. We are then invited to explore the museum for 20 minutes or so, to read and learn the migration history on our own.
From there, we step into the city streets to sample a variety of cuisines — each stop representing a different chapter in Melbourne’s culinary story.
We make our way slowly through Melbourne’s laneways and arcades, stopping at five hand-picked venues to sample everything from Vietnamese street snacks to Italian pastries and Asian specialities.
The route changes slightly between tours, so each group enjoys a unique mix.
Flavours and Friendships
Without giving too much away, our tastings included:
- A rich Italian espresso from a “hole in the wall” café
- Fresh and zesty Vietnamese bites
- Locally sourced Aussie dishes in a cosy, light-filled venue
- Steaming Chinese dumplings
- And finally, a silky gelato from one of Melbourne’s best dessert spots
Between stops, we wander through iconic spots like the Block Arcade and famous laneways, passing heritage buildings and tucked-away gems.
The pace is comfortable, with plenty of time to chat and soak up the atmosphere. What makes it extra special is the company.
Terrie’s review
Going on a 4-hour cultural food walk with “Foodie Trails” around the city of Melbourne was quite interesting. Starting at the Immigration Centre to learn a little about Melbourne and the waves of immigration into this city over time, we then started on a walk around the streets to different Food Venues to taste each cultures cuisine.
We were in a party of eight. Myself, my husband and daughter, were the locals, one couple from Belgium, another two people from the United States, and our tour guide. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting the people from overseas, this being their first time visiting Australia. It was lovely chatting while tasting the different foods in the different restaurants.
We started with Italian Coffee from a “Hole in the Wall” cafe, to Vietnamese, Australian locally sourced meals, Chinese dumplings, then walking through the Block Arcade and down the famous lanes of Melbourne to find an amazing Gelato shop to finish off.
The walk in between all these venues was not too long, and some interesting buildings were highlighted on the way. As a Senior the walk was manageable, the restaurants we visited had good seats with high backs. Two had stairs, but again manageable. The 4 hours was just the right time limit. I felt the price for this Foodie Trail was a bit high, but the food was delicious, and great company.
– Terrie
Foodie Trails Food Tours
If you’re curious about the city’s cultural mix — or just keen to eat your way through a relaxing afternoon — this Melbourne food walking tour hits the spot.
You don’t need to be a foodie to enjoy it — just come hungry and open to new experiences.
Planning Tips for Walking Food Tours in Melbourne
Thinking of booking your own foodie tour in Melbourne? Here are a few tips to make the most of it:
- Fitness level: easy – It’s a walking tour, but the walks are gentle and along public roads.
- Wear comfy shoes – You’ll cover a few city blocks, so walking shoes are a must.
- Come hungry – The tastings are generous and filling. Skip lunch beforehand.
- Check for dietary options – Let the organisers know about allergies or dietary needs in advance.
- Ask questions – The guides are friendly and full of local knowledge — don’t be shy.
- Take your time – The pace is relaxed, so feel free to step back and take in the sights between stops.
- Chat with your group – Some of the best parts of the tour happen between bites.
- Accessibility – Guests are encouraged to contact Foodie Trails in advance with any specific accessibility requirements or concerns, or to provide feedback after the tour.
- Entry to the Immigration Museum is included – You can return after the walking tour to explore the museum at your own pace, free of charge.
Foodie Trails, Ph: 1800 667 791, E: [email protected]
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The Seniors in Melbourne team were hosted as guests on the Foodie Trails tour. All writers’ opinions are their own.
