The Melbour1ne International Film Festival is in full swing, and with multiple sessions across different cinemas in the city, it can be tough to fit all the movies we want to see in and remember to eat. While I spent last weekend running around the city, surviving on quick dashes to various fast food establishments, if you’re schedule isn’t too crazy, there are a few ways to dine and watch to get the most out of MIFF and your Melbourne experience.
The Capitol
If you are watching a film in the Capitol theatre, you are in the prime position for some fantastic international cuisine. Being a five-minute walk to the heart of Chinatown, the best place to go is Supper Inn for arguably Melbourne’s best Chinese food. It opens at 5:30 pm and has an extended closing time of 2:30 am, allowing you plenty of time to catch those late-night viewings while still being able to get a delicious meal after the screening. Located on Celestial Avenue, surrounded by local graffiti art and a dodgy-looking light, the key to order is really anything off the Specials menu or ask what the chef’s speciality is today. It is always fresh, local and delicious (if the suckling pig is back on the menu, you won’t regret it!)
If you have a break in your day sessions, Shanghai Street features some of the best dumplings, specialising in Chinese xiaolongbao dumplings, it’s a messy, soupy lunch but worth every slurp. If you are looking for something more hearty, the braised pork belly with steamed bread is always a winner, along with the stir-fried pork belly with Sichuan-style chilli sauce.
The Forum
Located opposite the ACMI museum, the Forum is a large theatre that is surrounded by a variety of choices to suit all budgets, and if you have an hour break for a sit-down meal or a quick grab-and-go breakfast on your way to an early session, this is the ideal venue to blend the best of Melbourne’s food and coffee. If you are looking for a quick bite, Lune is Melbourne’s ultimate bakery for buttery and flaky croissants with different fillings and beautiful coffee that will leave you satisfied and wanting more. The stand-out specialities are the cheese and ham gruyere and the cheese & vegemite escargot. You can view more information here
If you have time to sit, Supernormal located on Flinders Lane offers a blend of Hong Kong & Chinese cuisine and is famous for their lobster rolls and peanut butter parfait. You should also try the pulled Korean BBQ pork shoulder, skewered meats and kimchi. Bookings are definitely recommended and can be made on their website here
If you need something on the run or a bit more substantial, New York Minute offers burgers with 100% Waygu and Angus Beef for a quick and tasty. The Broadway Grill is a personal favourite with grilled chicken, and there are also mini burgers if you need something a bit smaller.
ACMI
In the heart of Fed. Square, opposite Flinders Street station, it is rarely a quiet moment in what is considered the cultural heart of the city. Here is the gateway to Southbank, which features many restaurants, bars, cafes and quick bite options, while this is definitely a bit further out from the cinema (make sure you have time up your sleeve!) Inside of Fed. Square though is the Transport Hotel, it features three different levels with varying places to eat, drink and recap your thoughts on the movie you just watched. Here there are traditional pub favourites like chicken parmis, lamb rogan josh and the highly recommended salmon teriyaki bowl.
There is a 7-Eleven tucked away here too, if you need something to grab and go from sandwiches, wraps, coffee and snacks.
MIFF is hosting some drinks and light bites at the Campari Lounge located inside the ACMI building. If you arrive via the Fed Square entrance, you can get some pre-screening drinks and Italian-themed snacks. There is also some great music from local DJ’s and a happy hour from 5pm-6pm.
You can view the full festival lineup via the MIFF website here
