Lockdown has made a comeback in Melbourne, meaning more time at home and less time sunning ourselves on a secluded tropical island. While our social lives may be on hold, at least we don’t have to wave goodbye to delicious Melbourne food. Though dining out isn’t an option right now, plenty of our favourite venues are switching back to delivery and/or takeaway.
So whether you want to try an overseas sensation, a fine dining experience at home, Modern Chinese from a resurrected hospitality legend, classic dim sum, or traditional Greek – the choice is yours. Below are eight Melbourne eateries where you can get your foodie fix to go.
Albert Park Hotel
Established in 1883, the ever-faithful Albert Park Hotel is bringing home the goods, literally. If you haven’t tasted the modern Chinese classics from their centrepiece restaurant Happy Valley, you are in for a treat. Offering a mouth-watering take-home menu comprising of dim sum, san choi bao, and Singapore noodles amongst a myriad of other delicious dishes, it’s time to vamp up your ISO eating. Oh, and if you require a little tipple, check out their fantastic selection of beer and wine with a focus on Australian producers.
Sweet Greek (Prahran)
With the weather getting colder by the minute, a warm bowl of tasty soup sounds like perfection. Located in Prahran Market, Sweet Greek is an institution serving scrumptious traditional Greek food to hordes of loyal fans. The local favourite is now offering an extensive home delivery menu comprising of classics like Spanakopita, Moussaka, and Baklava, all delivered to your home without moving from the comfort of your couch.
Casa Nata (Thornbury)
In Portugal, their tarts are legendary, and in all my years since visiting, nothing has ever come close to the mouthgasm that was the Portuguese Tart. You can imagine my excitement when I heard Casa Nata had finally opened, making it Melbourne’s first and only dedicated Portuguese Tart shop. Do yourself a favour and pop on down to Thornbury for a truly international flavour sensation. Tarts can be pre-ordered online for pick-up.
Cannoleria (Thomastown)
In keeping with the sweet theme, how about some scrumptious fresh filled Sicilian Cannoli? With innovative flavours that will knock your winter socks off, both pickup and delivery are available depending on your location. Made with locally sourced seasonal produce, and filled fresh daily, they are free from preservatives and artificial flavours. If you’re looking for a fun ISO activity, they even have DIY kits so you can make your cannoli masterpiece at home.
www.cannoleriabythatsamore.com.au
Attica (Ripponlea)
Yes, the undisputed Melbourne dining icon, Attica, is doing takeaway and pickup. Whether you’d like to sample the specially curated tasting menu or stick with the classics, there are dishes to suit all dietary requirements and tastes. They also have a wonderful initiative called The Attica Soup Project, where five dollars from each bowl sold will go towards supporting temporary visa workers in the hospitality industry.
Sebastian (Williamstown)
If you’re like me and you love to stock up on food, Sebastian offers partially-cooked meals as part of their at-home offerings. You can choose to have your Basque-inspired cuisine taken away ready to eat or frozen for later, but do note that it’s pick-up only. They also have Day Packs available which sound out of this world, and of course a lavish set menu with the choice of meat, fish or vegetarian. Add a bottle of Aniello “006” Pinot Noir to your order, and you’re guaranteed a lovely evening.
Pastuso (CBD)
This one is for all you love birds out there. Pastuso offers ‘Noche Romantica’ Date Night boxes which are just the cutest. You’ll receive ingredients, and follow easy step-by-step instructions, ending up with a lovingly prepared Peruvian meal. If you want to ramp it up a notch, don’t forget the Pisco Sours.
New Shanghai (CBD)
Truffle season is here, and to celebrate, New Shanghai has a whole new menu centred around this decadent fungi to celebrate. We’re talking Black Truffle Xiao Long Bao, Black Truffle Pot Stickers, and Chicken & Mushroom Fried Rice with Shaved Truffle. If that doesn’t sound tempting enough, the usual menu of deliciousness is also available for takeaway.
