Melbourne, crowned as one of the "world’s most livable cities," is renowned for its elegant lifestyle. Whether it’s the classical architecture on the streets, the lush green parks, or the ubiquitous coffee shops and Italian restaurants, all contribute to a distinct "European flair" that sets Melbourne apart from other Australian cities. Food is the most telling personality of a city, and there are several must-visit eateries in Melbourne—foremost among them is Taxi, followed by the historic tram restaurant.
Taxi here refers not to the yellow cabs, but to a restaurant named Taxi that was awarded the title of Melbourne’s Restaurant of the Year in 2006. Located at the southwest corner of Federation Square, it is an annex of Transport Hotel. The restaurant is named Taxi because it offers views of the southern bank of the Yarra River, Federation Square, downtown Melbourne, and even a glimpse of the taxi stands in front of the square—watching the flow of people and traffic, you can feel the pulse of the city.
Designed by the award-winning Peter Maddison Architecture firm, the space was conceived to extend the view from the windows. The main hall features a high ceiling paired with floor-to-ceiling transparent glass supported by metal frames, making the outdoor scenery an integral part of the interior design. The open kitchen layout adds to the dining experience, allowing guests to watch chefs display their expert knife skills—almost like stepping into a traditional Japanese kitchen. The vibrant array of ingredients and fresh sashimi displayed behind glass cases are enough to whet anyone's appetite.
For something different, try the unique Tramcar Restaurant. Melbourne’s cable trams began operating in 1927 and were phased out by the mid-1970s. These red antique trams no longer transport passengers, but have taken on a new role in Melbourne’s tourism scene. The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant operates four vintage trams, each accommodating only 36 passengers, so reservations are essential. Passengers on this culinary journey typically fall into two groups: Australians celebrating special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries, and international tourists. Dressed up, guests gather uniformly at Stop No. 125 on Normanby Road before being individually escorted aboard by staff—evoking the refined grandeur of the Victorian era over a century ago.
As the tram departs from downtown Melbourne and glides toward St Kilda Beach and the suburbs, attendants serve drinks such as wine or champagne at your table and take your order. The menu includes everything from appetizers and starters to main courses, cheese platters, and desserts—all exquisitely presented and delicious. After the meal, the attendants often liven up the atmosphere, sometimes singing “Happy Birthday” for a guest or performing Italian love songs. Travelers who enjoy shopping and gourmet food can visit Chapel Street, home to numerous boutiques by Australian designers. After some retail therapy, head to Melbourne’s popular Italian restaurant, Caffe e Cucina, to indulge in authentic Italian cuisine and coffee.
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