Here's where celebrities dine and drink when they visit Melbourne

Star sighting: Jacob Elordi, September 2026.

The story: While most celebrities tend to stick to the CBD or inner northern suburbs, Jacob Elordi took a venture out west to Mona Castle Hotel. He was sptted keeping a low-profile in a cap and sunnies – despite it being nighttime – before leaving around 9.30pm.

Fun fact: The pub is co-owned by Bulldogs midfielder Tom Liberatore and former player Jack Redpath.

Star sighting: Laufey, July 2026. Dua Lipa, 2025.

The story: Inbetween three Melbourne shows, Laufey managed to make it to Carnation Canteen, a lovely Fitzroy spot whose menu changes weekly. She also stopped by Juju's Deli in South Melbourne for a vanilla custard latte. 

Dua Lipa is another singer to have graced Carnation Canteen with her presence in 2025, and it's one of her recommended Melbourne spots.

Fun fact: The restaurant's signature pink walls were actually discovered in the renovation process.

Star sighting: Chappell Roan, February, 2026.

The story: Chappell Roan's Cherry Bar experience is what one would consider classically Melbourne. She didn't go to a fancy, roped-off VIP section. Instead, she sat at the bar and listened to James Young DJ'ing.

Fun fact: Oasis' Noel Gallagher once offered to buy the bar during a tour in 2002.

Star sighting: Gracie Abrams, May 2025.

The story: Gracie Abrams has good taste. Before one of her Melbourne arens shows in 2025, she fuelled up on the seasonal persimmon, goat’s feta, green onion and river mint bagel. 

Fun fact: Before opening their shop, founders Carmen Newton and Jack Muir-Rigby learned to make their first bagel in Japan.

Star sighting: Tyler the Creator, August 2025.

The story: During his Australian tour, Tyler the Creator dined in the much-loved Pepe’s Italian and Liquor. It embodies the retro glamour of New York and late-night Italian American restaurants. White and black accents make up the venue along with deep burgundy hues that coat the venue’s leather banquette seating and irregular chequerboard floors. 

Fun fact: Despite it being called 'Pepe's', the restaurant deliberately leaves cacio e pepe pasta off its menu.

Star sighting: Drake in January, 2025.

The story: It seems that along with the rest of us, the Canadian rapper and mega star has been swept into a full-blown love affair with Maison Bâtard. On his last Melbourne visit (as part of his tour Down Under), he took the liberty of booking out the entire terrace floor of chef Chris Lucas' modern French restaurant – a treat for his entourage.

Fun fact:  From the pics, it's clear that the celeb crew ordered steak and the restaurant's signature roast chicken with olives. Read our recent five-star review here.

Star sighting: Jamie Oliver in November, 2023.

The story: Charismatic British chef Jamie Oliver recently had a chat with radio channel Nova 100's Jase and Lauren and disclosed his fave Melbourne restaurants from his last visit. "I ate so well every single day," he shared, listing Lygon Street's Lagoon among his top picks. "And I love that city, the city of lanes and brilliant sort of like neighborhood restaurants."

Fun fact:  Along with Lagoon, Jamie also praised Cumulus Inc and Supernormal, as well as Serai, Leonardo's Pizza Palace, Vue de Monde and Maker and Monger. Radio host Lauren said, "that's a good list!"

Star sighting: Billie Eilish in September, 2022 (old Brunswick St venue).

The story: Critically acclaimed plant-based chef Shannon Martinez posted a snap with the star on her Instagram account with the caption: "Always a pleasure to cook for my favourite vegan musical family. So happy to have finally been able to cook for you on our home turf."

Fun fact:  In 2016, Smith and Daughters won the People's Choice vote for Best Restaurant at Time Out Melbourne's Food and Drink Awards.

Star sighting: Gordon Ramsay in April, 2023.

The story: Big G was in Melbourne while filming his reality show Food Stars and made sure to dine at award-winning Filipino restaurant Serai. He recently declared Serai's Tacos Sisig the best dish he's tasted in years, and of his time there, "one of the best meals" he's ever had. Hats off to Serai!

Fun fact: We actually had an awesome chat with the winner of Food Stars Australia in 2024, Troy Benjamin. Check it out here.

Star sighting: Ed Sheeran in February, 2023.

The story: The owner of this classic 70-year-old burger joint had the shock of his life when the pop star popped in for a feed. Ed, who'd spent the morning performing a surprise concert at the Royal Children's Hospital, took photos and signed autographs for the man while he stood there, starstruck.

Fun fact:  At first, the owner's mother didn't recognise the red head and treated him like any other ordinary customer. It's also been reported that Ed Sheeran visited Kisume during his Melbourne visit. 

Star sighting: Marco Pierre White (time unknown.)

The story: The famous British chef has often spoken publicly about his favourite restaurants around Melbourne, with Flower Drum slipping from his lips more than once. He also has nothing but glowing praise for Tipo 00, Di Stasio, Añada and Cutler and Co.

Fun fact:  In 2014, Flower Drum was crowned our Legend at Time Out Melbourne's Food and Drink Awards.

Star sighting: Saoirse Ronan in 2022.

The story: The talented American-Irish actress was filming psychological thriller Foe along with co-star Paul Mescal in Victoria. Ronan was apparently no diva, blending seamlessly in with Fitzroy locals by riding a bicycle and having dinner out at local taco fave Little Hop.

Fun fact:  Little Hop is one of our favourite Mexican restaurants in Melbourne. Good choice, Saoirse!

Star sighting: Billy Joel in December, 2022.

The story: Billy Joel was in town to perform for one night only in Australia. At some point either before or after Billy's history-making show at the MCG, he made time to indulge in a meal at this ritzy Italian fine diner. 

Fun fact:  Billy Joel crowned Grill Americano's viral tiramisu as the best he's ever had. What a compliment!

Star sighting: Harry Styles (squeal) in February, 2023.

The story: On his downtime during a Melbourne music tour, Harry dropped in at the beautiful warehouse eatery and concept store (famed for it's aesthetic Japanese-style breakfasts) for a 'lil break. We love Cibi, too – good choice, Harry!  

Fun fact:  Tik Tok users were quick to flood the comments when a clip of the sex symbol at Cibi surfaced, mainly to discuss Harry's interesting choice of outfit. 'i can't tell if he's in pajamas or a cute outfit someone help,' one fan gushed. 

Star sighting: Michelle and Barack Obama in March, 2023.

The story: The famous presidential couple had come to Melbourne primarily for business (Barack was doing a speaking tour), but they sure hit up some excellent Melbourne restaurants in their downtime, including Stokehouse, Embla and Gimlet. 

Fun fact:  Staudt told Time Out the Obamas were “the most wholesome people you’ve ever met”. Read the full interview here.

Star sighting: Kendrick Lamar in December, 2022.

The story: Along with a highly prepared security team, the American rapper headed to the fancy Japanese restaurant during his 2022 tour Down Under.

Fun fact: The hip hop trailblazer is so popular here in Melbourne, tickets to his show sold out fast and he decided to schedule another. Sydney and Melbourne were the only cities to score second shows.

Star sighting: Pink, Jerry Hall, Roger Federer and Serena Williams (each on separate occasions.)

The story: Since opening in mid-2011, Chin Chin has remained one of Melbourne's most famous restaurants. As a result, many celebrities have been said to grace its doors over the years – though they probably found it far easier to get a table than we regular civilians.

Fun fact: Our former Food and Drink Editor Jess Ho once worked front of house at Chin Chin and was even known as "the face" of the legendary restaurant. Jess is now a published author, podcast producer, writer and speaker. 

Star sighting: Jacob Elordi in April, 2022.

The story: The Saltburn and Euphoria man of the moment was spotted at the charming Carlton North eatery sipping a coffee and eating soft-boiled eggs and bacon for brekky. 

Fun fact: Elordi was born in Brisbane but attended high school in Melbourne, before moving to LA to pursue his acting career.

Star sighting: Lorde in February, 2026. Dua Lipa and Troye Sivan in November, 2022. 

The story: Hope St Radio seems to be a popular spot for British singers to dtop by for a drink. Lorde visited the Collingwood bar for a drink the night before her Rod Laver Arena performance in February 2026. She shouted out Hope St on stage, saying it felt liked met half the crowd there.

Beloved British pop star Dua Lipa also enjoyed dinner with her Aussie pal (and fellow singer) Troye Sivan there ahead of her Melbourne 2022 shows. In fact, Dua has racked up quite the list of Melbourne dining and drinking spots, with Hector's Deli, Carnation Canteen, Marmont, Gimlet at Cavendish House, Carlton Wine Room and Nomad all on her list from the times she's visited Down Under. 

Fun fact: The pair are said to have enjoyed natural Spanish wine and focaccia as part of their meal. 

Star sighting: Alison Brie in September, 2023.

The story: The talented actress (famous for playing Trudy Campbell in hit show Mad Men) was on holiday with her husband and fellow actor Dave Franco when her sweet tooth struck. Of course, a visit to this town wouldn't be complete without a taste of Lune's flaky, buttery creations. 

Fun fact: An apricot danish was the treat she chose, apparently. The New York Times once called Lune's croissants "the best in the world."