Our picks for the cheapest, fastest and fanciest eats (and cocktails!) near the biggest MIFF screening locations. Get fed and watered before, after or in-between sessions.
FORUM THEATRE — 154 Flinders St
EAT CHEAP: The Duke of Wellington [146 Flinders St]
An affordable pub meal awaits within the walls of Melbourne’s oldest licensed pub.
EAT FAST: Nando’s [170 Flinders St]
This should really be in the “eat fancy” section, as Nando’s seems to be getting more and more overpriced. But hey, it tastes good and goes down quick.
EAT FANCY: Coda [141 Flinders Ln]
Got some time and cash to spend before the movie? Treat yourself to a meal at Coda, a restaurant that’s been described as a fusion between French, Vietnamese and Modern Australian.
DRINK: Hell’s Kitchen [20 Centre Pl]
Sorry, we can barely type because of all the whisky-based cocktails we’ve been downing and the, yes, no foolin’, cinnamon- and chilli-flavoured vodkas.
ACMI CINEMAS — Federation Square, Flinders St
EAT CHEAP: Time Out Cafe [Federation Square]
Always consistent, Time Out takes care of its patrons with a variety of yummy plates, ranging from Thai curries to Mexican enchiladas.
EAT FAST: Wagamama [83 Flinders Ln]
Don’t want to miss previews? Get your ramen fix pronto.
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EAT FANCY: Feddish Cafe Bar and Restaurant [Federation Square]
Located right on the Yarra River, tuck into both the view and the acclaimed Mediterranean cuisine.
DRINK: Transport Public Bar [Federation Square]
If you’re a beer and cider connoisseur, get on down to Transport Public Bar for some after work, pre-film beverages.
KINO CINEMAS — 45 Collins St
EAT CHEAP: Mamasita [Level 1, 11 Collins St]
Get all the affordable antojitos, tacos, quesadillas, ensaladas and mariscos you can handle. Binge away!
EAT FAST: Maccas [24-28 Collins St]
C’mon, don’t deny it. It’s there, it’s cheap and it’s fast. Top up after the film too if you like.
EAT FANCY: No35 Sofitel Melbourne [25 Collins St]
Enjoy ridiculously expensive hotel dining at the Sofitel’s finest. Featuring desserts that should be studied behind European Gallery glass, No35 is the ultimate decadence.
DRINK: Cookie [252 Swanston St]
Get our your reading glasses and peruse the 70+ page wine list. If you’re more of a short fiction kinda kid, the beer list is a lot less intimidating…
HOYTS MELBOURNE CENTRAL — Cnr Swanston & La Trobe Sts
EAT CHEAP: The Moat [176 Little Lonsdale St]
Situated in the basement of the State Library, The Moat’s pretty decent for European/Middle-Eastern feeds. MIFF ticket holders will receive a 10% discount off their meal!
EAT FAST: Horse Bazaar [397 Little Lonsdale St]
One of my favourite places to hang, Horse Bazaar isn’t just known for it’s fusion of beats and anime. The menu is a beauty, with small to medium-sized Asian-inspired eats.
EAT FANCY: Teppanyaki Inn [182 Collins St]
The wallet damage is super painful, but so worth it. In addition to the Teppanyaki tables, there’s also a comfy lounge for pre-meal and post-meal bevs.
DRINK: TGI Fridays [Level 3, Melbourne Central]
Super yummy cocktails at an affordable price. Oh, and if you’re a MIFF ticket holder, you get two cocktails for the price of one. Woo!
