8 African Restaurants in Melbourne

As we’re sure you’re aware, Melbourne is the cultural hub of Australia. Victoria’s capital city, Melbourne is a tourist mecca with a wealth of cultural and entertainment offerings, alongside some of the world’s best restaurants. Federation Square is packed with bars, restaurants and cafes alongside the scenic Yarra River, and Southbank, which is home to the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre and impressive performance spaces. Spend the day or weekend visiting key attractions like contemporary art galleries, Melbourne Zoo, the Australian Ballet, taking a city cruise down the Yarra or heading out for a Yarra Valley wine tour. So no matter where you find yourself, or whether you live locally or are just visiting, you’re in for a wonderful and interesting time in this captivating city.

It’s no secret that Melbourne is the food capital of Australia. From freshly roasted, local coffee, to local wines and innovative dishes pushing gastronomic boundaries. You’ll find every cuisine you can poke a stick at, from Asian fusion to the fresh flavours from Europe and the Mediterranean, and modern Australian as well, including a plethora of rustic cafes, street food eateries and everything in between. The emphasis is heavily on seasonal, local, organic and high-quality ingredients, whether you’re enjoying fresh breakfasts, light lunches, lavish dinners or desserts in Melbourne. The city's ethos is all about the good life – which is great news for sweet-treat lovers, as Melbourne desserts are a serious business!

Australians are well-known for their love of the barbie and if this is you then you won't be disappointed when you eat at one of the great African restaurants in Melbourne. Pap en vleis, also known as shisha nyama, is a dish that is loved across many countries in the south of the continent, especially in South Africa. The dish translates literally as maize porridge and meat and is cooked on the traditional braaivleis African barbecue. Look out for the spicy chakalaka sauce that is almost always served with it. Piri-piri chicken is one dish served in many of Melbourne's African restaurants that is already widely known and enjoyed outside Africa. Originating in Mozambique, this delicious recipe brings together influences from Portugal and the Middle East and features succulent chicken flavoured with garlic, lime, pepper, coconut milk and, of course, that famous piri-piri sauce.

Has that got the juices flowing? We've barely started! Nigeria has given us the simple classic of jollof rice. At its most basic, this is a hearty dish of rice, onions, tomatoes and pepper, but some African restaurants in Melbourne will add meat or seafood. This is thought to be the origin of the famous jambalaya from New Orleans and it's often served with egusi soup, pounded yams and fried plantain. If you enjoy fish, you could try kapenta with sadza, a much-loved dish from Zimbabwe. These small fish are fried until crispy and served with maize porridge. Chambo with nsima is a similar fried fish dish from Malawi, often served with chips and ndiwo, a relish with cassava leaves, groundnut powder and tomato. Just across the border in Zambia, meanwhile, ifisashi is a dish of greens served with peanut sauce.

The city wakes up to caffeine – freshly brewed coffee with aromas that spill out onto every street and laneway. Baristas are god-like here and serve up impeccable espresso in an art-like manner. And the perfect accompaniment to your morning coffee? Dessert for breakfast, of course. While you could opt for a savoury start, with smashed avo on toast or eggs benedict, treating yourself to a dessert breakfast in Melbourne is a seriously good time. You’ll find cafes all over Melbourne whipping up dessert for breakfast, like at Lola & Wren, who do life-changing candy apple pancakes with walnut praline, rhubarb and blueberry compote topped with fresh mint, vanilla mascarpone and pure Canadian maple syrup. Breakfast dessert in Melbourne – we told you...

Whether you've been perusing the Botanic Gardens, wandering along the Yarra River or enjoying the history and fine architecture of St Patrick's Cathedral, you'll surely need a mid-morning break. So we advise, finding a cosy cafe and relaxing with a cup of coffee or tea, and a sweet Melbourne dessert treat. Why not try a delicate Japanese white tea with a vegan brownie made with dates rather than processed sugar? Or choose a slice of courgette cake for a sneaky portion of hidden veg? Although it’s not all healthy. There are cheesecakes, chocolate truffles, salted caramel slices and pretty much anything you could conjure up. Essentially, whatever dessert you’re craving, Melbourne will have it.

Zanzibari biryanis and pilaus are festive dishes from Zanzibar that perfectly reflect the eastern influences found in this part of Africa. These spicy, curry-style dishes are often served with kachumbari, a fresh tomato and onion salad, and they can come in seafood, chicken and vegetarian versions. Some African restaurants in Melbourne also specialise in exotic meats, such as ostrich, springbok and kudu. These are traditionally served with mahangu (pearl millet) and washed down with some excellent Namibian beer (we're sure Aussie beer will go equally as well). From the north of the continent you can also sample some of the deliciously-spiced tagines and couscous. As you can see, there's so much to try, so book yourself a table at one of the best African restaurants in Melbourne right here on Quandoo and begin your very own culinary safari.

Broaden your gastronomic experience in the city's patisseries, cafes and dedicated dessert restaurants. How does an Oolong tea macaron or a pistachio meringue monster sound? Or perhaps a bowl of the finest artisan gelato with your choice of over a dozen flavours? You'll even find bars that serve everything from spicy Mexican hot chocolates to the richest Mayan gold cake slice imaginable. And for those who are the more adventurous foodies among us, liquid nitrogen gelato is available at several restaurants. Which of these tasty desserts from Melbourne tickles your fancy then?