Sprawl You Can Eat

Breakfast in Guadalajara, lunch in Seoul, perhaps some cocktails in Paris followed by dinner in Berlin? That might sound like an ambitious number of passport stamps for one day’s dining, but in Melbourne you can have the world on a plate without ever having to set foot in an airport. Check out these international flavours right on your doorstep.

Mexico

Sample authentic Mexican cooking with a modern twist at the renowned Mamasita (Collins St, CBD), where you can also find an extensive selection of artisanal Agave spirits. Try top notch tequila and tapas at Mi Corazon (Lygon St, Brunswick East), with its colourful atmosphere and sharing plates, it’s a great place to fiesta with friends. For the quintessential Mexican dining experience, head to Los Hermanos (Victoria St, Brunswick), modeled on a traditional taqueria you can pick up a range of fresh tacos for just $5 a piece.

South Korea

Get hands-on with your traditional Korean BBQ experience at Hwaro (Bourke St, CBD), and enjoy melt-in-the-mouth flavours of delicately charcoal-grilled meats, or try vibrant, spicy, smoky and mouthwatering eats good enough to share at G2 Korean BBQ (Elizabeth St, CBD). KFC (Korean Fried Chicken) is blowing up at the moment, and Da Rin (Bourke St, CBD) is definitely a gold standard for those looking to sample this East-West fusion.

France

The traditional rich flavours of French food have had a sleek makeover at Ôter (Flinders Ln, CBD), introducing Japanese culinary techniques. At boutique bistro and wine bar, Hell Of The North (Greeves St, Fitzroy), you can find a four-course banquet of divine French specialities, complete with matched wines. If there’s one meal the French know inside and out, it’s breakfast, and at modern patisserie Lune Croissanterie (Smith St, Collingwood) you can find all the traditional baked delights to give your morning some ‘Ooh, la la!’

Germany

Deutschland knows beer. Fact. And at The Hophaus (Southgate Ave, CBD) you’ll find a year round trip to Oktoberfest, complete with a range of bratwurst to soak up the suds. The Munich Brauhaus (South Wharf) pays homage to the hearty German carnivores and their passion for pork. Schnitzels, sausages, pork belly and pork knuckles are all to die for, with matched beers. The city’s oldest German eatery, Hofbräuhaus (Market Ln, CBD), has been serving up German delights since 1968. You’ll get generous portions of traditional cuisine lining your belly for the extensive selection of Bavarian beer.