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Melbourne diners have had their say – and in record numbers. More than 10,000 votes were cast in this year’s Time Out Food & Drink Awards People’s Choice categories, making it our biggest public vote yet.
While Time Out Editors crown the industry’s best in the Editors' Choice categories, the People’s Choice Awards celebrate the places locals genuinely love – the neighbourhood haunts, date-night staples and group-chat go-tos Melburnians return to time and time again. They define how Melbourne likes eating and drinking right now.
This year’s winners reflect everything we love about eating and drinking in this city, from spirited, culture-rich dining experiences to standout brunch spots, intimate bars and timeless pubs.
“This year’s People’s Choice winners really speak to Melbourne’s deep love of food, culture and connection,” said Time Out Melbourne Managing Editor, Leah Glynn. “From the warm, generous hospitality at Otakoi to the cult-favourite toasties at Black Gold and the cosy charm of St Luja, these are the places locals turn to when they want to eat well and enjoy the experience.”
Here are the Time Out Melbourne People’s Choice winners for 2026:
Favourite Restaurant: Otakoi, Windsor Melbourne's only Ukrainian restaurant serves hearty comfort food (like dumplings and honey sponge cake) in a space bursting with colour and character.
Favourite Café: Black Gold, Richmond This southside brunch spot is known for its specialty ONA coffee and elevated dishes, including deconstructed smashed avo and loaded toasties.
Favourite Bar: St Luja, St Kilda Best known (and loved) for pouring a top-tier pint of Guinness, this St Kilda bar is where cocktails and good craic come together.
Favourite Pub: The Lincoln, Carlton This historic local favourite blends old-world charm with a sophisticated wine list and one of the city’s most celebrated pub steaks.
From long brunches to late-night tipples and everything in between, these are the spots Melbourne locals keep coming back to – and for good reason. Congrats to all the winning venues!
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