Eating Like a Kid Again:
The Comfort Food Revolution
From Local Cafés to Melbourne’s Hottest Restaurants
The best part about being an adult? No one can tell you what to eat for dinner.
Let’s be real- nothing quite hits the spot like comfort food. It’s like a warm hug from the inside. Melbourne’s food scene is fully embracing this mindset, with chefs giving our childhood favourites a gourmet GLOW-UP.
In 2025, the city’s experiencing a full-blown comfort food revolution. From cosy neighbourhood cafés to high-end restaurants, chefs are taking nostalgic classics to the next level.
It all comes down to these three:
mac&cheese&
mac&cheese&
Melbourne’s Mac and cheese game has levelled up. The days of powdered cheese and mushy pasta are long gone. Chefs are turning this childhood favourite into a gourmet masterpiece packed with bold flavours and premium ingredients. Whether you enjoy it as a main or a side, mac and cheese is no longer just comfort food- it’s an indulgence.
Meatmaiden
-Lobster, Mac & Cheese-
Forget everything you thought you knew about Mac & Cheese.
Meatmaiden’s signature Lobster Mac & Cheese is rich, creamy, and loaded with chunks of buttery lobster. The sweetness of the lobster perfectly cuts through the richness of the cheese sauce- an unforgettable flavour combo.Grill Americano
-Quattro Fromaggi, Mac & Cheese-
This dish is proof that sometimes, the sides are the real stars. Made with a rich blend of four cheeses, this dish is packed with intense, melty goodness. This dish should seriously be considered a main.Ember and Oak
-Truffle Mac and Cheese-
This is for all the truffle lovers out there. Ember & Oak’s truffle-infused mac and cheese elevates the dish to new heights. It’s the perfect balance of gourmet sophistication and homey comfort.WAGYU BURGERS
WAGYU BURGERS
Burgers for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Melbourne’s prepared to satisfy your burger cravings at any time of day. These restaurants elevate the flavour profiles of the premium wagyu meat with equally high quality condiments. So, please refrain from offending the chefs by asking for store-bought, bottled tomato sauce.
Prepare for every bite to deliver satisfying complexity, redefining what we know about a classic burger.
Unlike the typical fast food or the all-too-familiar “we’ve got burgers at home” line, these Melbourne hotspots are transforming the classic wagyu burger into a gourmet adventure.
Quarter Two
There’s a special something for everyone on the menu, but this isn’t just about a burger- it’s an experience.
At Quarter Two, nestled in a beautifully refitted church with high ceilings and stained glass windows, the Wagyu Burger stealing the show. Served all day, this burger is perfect for any time you crave something indulgent.
Supernormal
This asian fusion twist takes wagyu to a whole new level.
Their Wagyu Beef Bun fuses bold, umami-rich flavours with aged vinegar and fermented chilli, transforming the classic wagyu burger into something truly extraordinary.
But Supernormal isn’t just about the food. After indulging in this savoury masterpiece, you can head downstairs for a karaoke session.
Bar Margaux
For something equally indulgent and dramatic, Bar Margaux takes the stage. It’s known for its infamous double-patty wagyu MGX burger; we’re talking about a brioche bun smothered in a decadent bordelaise sauce, made from bone marrow, red wine, and pepper.
This spot is perfect for pre- or post-theatre indulgence and deserves a standing ovation for its consistency.
Meatmaiden
You can’t talk about a Wagyu Burger without mentioning Meatmaiden’s Double Wagyu smash cheeseburger. The image above speaks for itself.
Wild mushrooms aren't just a passing trend. A vegan’s comfort food at its finest, made sophisticated. They provide a satisfying, meaty texture, making them an excellent choice.
They're quickly becoming a staple on every menu, and us Melburnians are definitely not mad about it.
Wild Mushrooms Are Finding Their Way Into Every Dish
Higher Ground
Wild mushrooms have even found their way into meat-focused meals.
This brisket is like no other, featuring Westholme Australian Wagyu with a coffee rub, paired with wild mushrooms and potato dauphinoise.
It's a dish that highlights the richness of wild mushrooms in a perfectly balanced, elevated meal.
Blacksmith Bar & Grill
This one’s for all the mushroom lovers out there. Spinach, parmesan, onion with crème fraîche, and sautéed mushrooms. V, VE, GF approved.
It’s the perfect balance of gourmet sophistication and homey comfort.
Pizza Farro
Farro is re-defining pizza in Melbourne with its innovative use of SPELT dough.
Topped with sautéed mushrooms and stracciatella cheese, this specific pizza is a standout on the menu. This dish provies that pizza can be a canvas for creativity and culinary exploration.
Their wild mushroom gnocchi mushroom organic potato gnocchi is another classic!