Where’s good for lunch? 10 new-ish and nice (but not too pricey) CBD gems

There’s nothing like a restaurant recommendation request to make you forget every place you’ve ever eaten. Not to mention the vagueness of such a question – what’s the occasion, who’s the audience, and where exactly are they looking to go?

If the answer’s the CBD, you’re in luck. We’ve done some of the legwork so that next time it’s your turn to choose a spot in the city, you’ll have some options up your sleeve.

Arbory Afloat

Arbory’s aquatic sibling Arbory Afloat is back for another year – this time taking inspiration from the beach clubs of Capri. With a covered dining area, views overlooking the Yarra and an on-site pool if you’re feeling brave, it’s a great spot for drawn-out, boozy lunches in the lead-up to the silly season. In addition to tap cocktails, you can grab spritzes by the carafe and fizzes by the jug. Throw in some fresh seafood platters and pizzas and you’ve got yourself a party.

2 Flinders Walk, Melbourne afloat.melbourne

Code Black

Code Black’s new Flinders Lane “Morning Bar” is a change of pace from its other locations with a specialty menu that’s heavy on the fun drinks. Non-alcoholic options like the jasmine and cold brew spiced milk punch and the Vegemite espresso martini riff on classic cocktails, and the alcoholic cocktails all incorporate coffee in various forms. But food’s no afterthought. House-made Irish soda bread with cured Ora salmon or truffled white bean and smoked ham hock baked eggs will help you combat any caffeine jitters.

189 Flinders Lane, Melbourne codeblackcoffee.com.au

Elio’s Place

With an all-day menu and a European lean, Elio’s Place is the sort of spot where you can easily transition from brunch to drinks into dinner – perfect for those long, leisurely catch-ups. Start with sandwiches stuffed with mortadella and pistachio butter, or sopressa, peperonata and almond cream, priced at $16 each. Then kick on until their 3-5pm aperitivo for briny saltbush and seaweed-laced martinis, oysters and plates of poached octopus.

1/238 Flinders Lane, Melbourne eliosplace.com.au

Hacienda

Run by a team of Mexico City natives and long-term residents, Hacienda brings a slice of contemporary Mexican cuisine to Southbank. The house-pressed tortillas are a standout – served warm alongside grilled oysters and lechon with peanut mole, or fried into tostadas topped with Queensland mud crab and brown butter. Grab a balcony seat for prime people-watching or sit at the bar to dive into their extensive agave collection.

28/3 Southgate Avenue, Southbank, haciendamelbourne.com.au

Il Mercato Centrale

Two years in the making, Il Mercato Centrale is a much-anticipated Italian food hall that’s got all bases covered, from quick bites to long lunches. With over 20 vendors including a patisserie, gelateria, pizzeria, two pasta shops, a fresh seafood stall and even an American-style burger bar, it’s sure to please everyone (kids included). Plus, with its casual counter-service format, you can be in and out quickly if they start to get restless.

546 Collins Street, Melbourne mercatocentrale.com.au

Morena Barra

Morena Barra is the buzzy but more casual offshoot of Alejandro Saravia’s glam new restaurant Morena, which draws on flavours from his native Peru and around Latin America. Dishes are tagged by country of origin, ranging from Colombian-style king prawn ceviche to Peruvian-inspired baked scallops. The best plan of attack is to pick at least one from each region and snag a spot overlooking the open kitchen. If all that action makes you thirsty, there’s a pisco-driven cocktail menu and South American natural wine.

71 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, morenarestaurant.com.au

Springrock

Communal menus have their place, but there’s something refreshing about single-serve mains that eliminate the pressure to share. If dad agrees, take him to Springrock, the new elevated pub from the team behind Fancy Hanks and Good Heavens. The menu is a new-age tribute to nostalgic counter meals – think brisket cheeseburgers, free-range Victorian chicken parmas, or pork sausage glazed in hot honey – perfectly paired with a pot.

87 Bourke Street, Melbourne springrock.com.au

Tomm

Tomm is the first brick-and-mortar space for Canadian-born Tom Cooper, who has been supplying top Melbourne restaurants with his cold-smoked and cured salmon since the ’90s. The menu is a showcase of all the techniques he’s been honing over the years. Beyond salmon, find house-cured caviar, tinned fish and Scandinavian-style poached prawns. If your gang loves a wine, go for a pairing, or customise your own G&T featuring Tom’s own gin produced with Itinerant
Spirits.

180 William Street, Melbournetommonwilliam.com.au

Silk Spoon

This casual lunch concept from Victor Liong of two-hatted Lee Ho Fook balances satisfaction and sensibility with nutritionally balanced mains that don’t surpass $18. But, taking inspiration from the silk-road spice trade, they’re a lot more fun than your average healthy work lunch. Options include produce-packed salads and plates of the day with your choice of confit duck or slow-cooked cumin lamb, plus pickled red cabbage and Liong’s signature flatbread.

Upper Ground - North Plaza 6, Shop 1/500 Bourke Street, Melbourne instagram.com/silkspoon_

Reed House

Hidden in a heritage bluestone building tucked amidst corporate high-rises, Reed House has an understated, if-you-know-you-know vibe that’s perfect for impressing your out-of-town guests. The menu celebrates classic British brasserie fare with a Melbourne twist – don’t miss the Welsh rarebit sourdough crumpet, ox tongue skewers, and soy and vinegar-cured scotch eggs. And if lunch goes long, pop in next door for a cocktail at Caretaker’s Cottage.

The Manse Building, Ground Floor/130 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne reedhousemelbourne.com