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Google Signature Searches: The City

Drop a pin in: The City

Go exploring in Melbourne’s central business district, known for its hidden bars and world-class restaurants

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By Time Out in partnership with Google

Melbourne’s CBD contains the greatest density of businesses and residences of any area in Victoria. According to the 2016 Census, 80 per cent of the residents in the city were born outside of Australia, with most immigrants coming from Asia. There is a mix of young urban professionals and students who live in the CBD, which has lead to a significant rise of cheap, regional Chinese restaurants opening up in the vicinity of RMIT and Melbourne University. A vibrant, 24-hour city, Melbourne City is home to the Arts Centre, Forum Theatre, State Library of Victoria, the NGV, Flinders Street Station, the famed Queen Victoria Market as well as many late night bars and eateries – some of which occupy former brothels, electrical substations and even toilets. 

Start your food journey with Sunda, where the Vegemite Curry Roti is the summation of its playful approach to Malaysian, Indonesian and Vietnamese cuisine. Then move through legendary casual diner Cumulus Inc, free-ranging Gallic eatery French Saloon and benchmark-setting Spanish outpost MoVida. Wash it all down with a perfectly poured cocktail at one of the City's unique laneway bars such as the inimitable Bar AmericanoFrom hidden gems to quirky icons, these establishments and their own ‘signature searches’ represent the character and diversity that make each part of Melbourne so special.

Tried it? Share your picture of Vegemite Curry Roti on social media using #foundongoogle and you could win big.


While you're here...

Kino Cinemas

Kino Cinemas

Kino Cinemas runs an exciting program of local and international art house films with the occasional blockbuster.

The Forum

The Forum

The Forum is known for its Gothic architecture and hosting visiting international music acts  

Chinese Museum

Chinese Museum

One of the most astounding stories of Australian immigration is told at the Chinese Museum. 

Still hungry?

French Saloon

French Saloon

  • price 2 of 4

An understated, French-inflected wine bar

MoVida

MoVida

Melbourne's finest Spanish restaurant

Bar Americano

Bar Americano

  • price 2 of 4

A quintessential laneway bar with standing room only

Signature Searches

Discover more

Discover more

We’ve hunted down four truly one-of-a-kind Signature Search dishes that no Melbourne food fan will want to miss 

Before you leave...

Emporium Melbourne

Emporium Melbourne

This six-floor retail centre houses big international clothing brands and a high-end food court   

NGV International

NGV International

This grand modernist building is Australia's oldest and most popular art museum, playing host to blockbuster exhibitions

Malthouse Theatre

Malthouse Theatre

This former brewery, gifted to the arts by CUB, is Melbourne’s innovative producer of new Australian work