10 Flinders Lane Restaurants For a Tasty & Affordable Lunch
Looking for a tasty lunch that doesn’t break the bank in Melbourne’s lively Flinders Lane?
From fusion spots to Melbourne classics, this famous street is packed with gems offering quality bites.
On one occasion, we decided to take a “food hop” down this famous laneway, stopping at three different Flinders Lane restaurants for an entrée, main, and dessert. It was the perfect way to savour a range of flavours without committing to just one spot, sampling small plates, heartier dishes, and sweet treats at some of the best restaurants Flinders Lane has to offer.
If you’re planning a lunch hop of your own or just looking for a fantastic solo meal, here are ten delicious, affordable places on Flinders Lane you’ll want to try.
Best Restaurants Flinders Lane Melbourne
1. Tazio
For a laid-back yet vibrant spot, Tazio is a fantastic choice on Flinders Lane. This Italian restaurant delivers Melbourne classics, with thin-crust pizzas, fresh salads, and pastas perfect for a lunch treat. Their $25 midweek pizza and drink special offers excellent value for money in the heart of the city.
- Address: 66 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
- Hours: Open Monday to Friday from 12 pm
2. Magic Momo Kafe
Blending Nepalese flavours with modern street food, Magic Momo Kafe has gained quite the fan base on Flinders Lane. Known for its steamed momos (Nepalese dumplings) and vibrant curries, this spot is ideal for a quick, filling lunch. Prices are modest, and the friendly service is a bonus!
- Address: 335 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
- Hours: Open Wednesday to Monday from 12 pm (closed Tuesdays)
3. Osaka Bench
A small, cosy haven for Japanese food lovers, Osaka Bench brings delicious options like Okonomiyaki, Obento, and Omurice. The restaurant’s intimate setup makes it a perfect hideaway for a quick and tasty meal. Seating is stools only with no back support.
- Address: 289 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
- Hours: Open daily from 11 am
4. Brunetti Oro
For those with a taste for Italian flavours and a little indulgence, Brunetti Oro serves up delicious focaccias, paninis, and pasta dishes, along with a tempting array of pastries. Known for its cosy seating and iconic coffee, Brunetti is a popular choice for a relaxed yet elegant lunch on Flinders Lane.
We love stopping in for cheeky coffee, cake and gelato!
- Address: 250 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
- Hours: Open daily from 7 am
Our Lunch Hop on Flinders Lane
On our jaunt in the City today I’m trying, and failing, to remember what shops were in Flinders Lane fifty years ago. I’m certain there wasn’t the tempting smorgasbord of cuisines that are available today. Mmmmm, it’s around lunchtime and I’m suddenly feeling peckish.
I used to go on pub crawls in my student days and here I am, all these years later, walking along Flinders Lane on a different-themed “eatery crawl”, with my wife and daughter.
Travelling West to East, we chose to have our entrée at Magic Momo Kafe.. traditional Nepalese-style steamed dumplings filled with meat or vegetables. Yummo! Why haven’t I tried Nepalese before?
Appetite whetted, we moved down across Elizabeth Street to Osaka Bench, for mains. This restaurant is tiny. Crammed in at the counter rubbing shoulders with the next patron is, I’m told, part of the Japanese eating experience. Any discomfort from the crowding however, was quickly dispelled by the delicious Okonomiyaki. The freshly made “Japanese Pizza” was a tantalising blend of cabbage, eggs, meat and cheese. Another huge tick for Flinders Lane eateries.
Keeping the best ‘til last it was only a short stroll to our dessert venue, Brunetti Oro. This surprisingly large pasticceria displayed an unbelievable, mouth-watering selection of Italian pastries, cakes and desserts. Our delicious, difficult-to-choose selections, paired with fresh-roasted coffee, ended our Flinders Lane Eatery experience with a desire to repeat the experience someday… soon.
– Chris
5. Supernormal
A modern Asian restaurant with a cult following, Supernormal is known for its innovative takes on Asian classics. Though it may sound high-end, Supernormal offers a few great lunch options that won’t blow the budget.
Shareable dishes like their prawn and chicken dumplings and fried rice make this a top spot for a vibrant lunch in Melbourne’s CBD. The ramen lunch special also comes highly recommended.
- Address: 180 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
- Hours: Open daily from 12 pm
6. Chin Chin
Few Flinders Lane restaurants have reached the iconic status of Chin Chin, and it’s not hard to see why. The menu is packed with Thai-inspired street food that bursts with flavour.
You can opt for the express lunch menu if you’re in a hurry, which brings some of their top dishes together in a reasonably priced package.
- Address: 125 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
- Hours: Open daily from 11 am
7. Bahn Mi Stand
Experience the flavours of Vietnam at Banh Mi Stand, a charming hole-in-the-wall sandwich shop tucked along Flinders Lane. Known for its signature banh mi, this spot serves up freshly baked baguettes packed with crisp veggies, marinated meats, and house-made sauces that elevate every bite—don’t miss their game-changing chili sauce for an extra kick!
With only milk crate seating available, it’s perfect for a quick, on-the-go lunch. We found a nearby laneway with picnic tables to eat at.
- Address: 547 Flinders Lane + 300 Flinders Lane
- Hours: Open Monday to Friday from 11 am
8. The French Brasserie
A classy but affordable option just off Flinders Lane, The French Brasserie offers a range of French-inspired lunch dishes. Their express lunch menu provides a fantastic opportunity to try French classics like duck confit and coq au vin without stretching the budget.
The airy, sophisticated setting makes it a great choice for lunch with friends or solo.
- Address: 2 Malthouse Ln, Melbourne (just off Flinders Lane)
- Hours: Open Wednesday to Friday from 12 pm
9. Il Solito Posto
For an authentic Italian experience just off Flinders Lane, Il Solito Posto is a true Melbourne favourite. This charming trattoria serves up classic Italian dishes, from creamy risottos to rustic paninis, with a warm and inviting atmosphere. Lunch specials here make it a superb choice for an affordable yet flavourful lunch.
- Address: Basement, 113 Collins St, Melbourne (entrance via Flinders Lane)
- Hours: Open Tuesday to Friday from 7.30 am
10. Kisumé
Kisumé may be one of the trendier restaurants on Flinders Lane, but you can enjoy a well-priced lunch with their sushi rolls and nigiri options. Their lunch bento boxes are filled with fresh sushi, sashimi, and seasonal sides. Perfect for a quick yet stylish meal.
Hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday from 12 pm
Address: 175 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
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