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Given Melbourne’s celebrated restaurant and bar culture that continues to draw in foodies from across the globe, it wouldn’t be too arduous a task to give into your every guilty pleasure. From authentic takes on world-renowned dishes to warm & welcoming restaurants adorned in trendy décor, Melbourne is where you can go on a wide spectrum of culinary journeys from morning till night.

Image via Avani Melbourne Central Residences

Variety is at the forefront of the city’s food scene with exciting and insightful adventures awaiting those who desire satisfying their every craving. Thus, in order to make your foodie trips a truly mesmeric experience, take stock of the following regions and neighbourhoods that have transformed the capital city of the State of Victoria into a gastronomic paradise well worth heading over to. If you see yourself in the company of the fine flavours of Greece, then consider exploring every inch of Oakleigh where a slew of Greek restaurants and bakeries can be found. From here, beeline in the direction of Fitzroy where flavoursome takes on Spanish tapas will be served while for a trip through rich, aromatic fare of the Far East, then do make a date with Chinatown. Further, for those seeking to munch on delightful pasta and pizzas, it will be prudent to allocate time for a visit to Carlton. Also, for a memorable cruise through Vietnam accompanied by affordable price tags, then look no further than visiting Richmond.

Regardless of where your paths lead to and which menu you end up pouring over, it is an absolute ‘must’ that you sample one of Melbourne’s most cherished and sought-after creations – smashed avocado on toast. Often paired with a choice of goat’s cheese or feta along with some eggs, this treat will have you salivating at the ends no sooner than the dish’s finer points are explained to you by a smiling waiter or waitress. What’s more? Smashed avocado is available at a majority of cafes in the city and better yet, minute differences can be zoned in on should you have sampled the same at more than one establishment. Complementing smashed avocado is Melbourne’s deep-rooted passion and obsession with coffee. Its coffees and baristas are some of the best that you will encounter in the world with brewing techniques and unique flavours appearing as its major talking points. In terms of where you need to be heading, consider unwinding at Market Lane Coffee, Proud Mary, St. Ali and Seven Seeds Coffee Roasters for rewarding and memorable coffee outings. In fact, if looking for a decent accommodation in the city where such cafes can be accessed, then do look at booking a stay with Avani Melbourne Central Residences which features its own Melbourne hotel restaurant to come over to.

For all things centred on meaty patties, hot sauces, fresh veggies and the softest burger buns in town, do make plans to dine at 8Bit, Huxtaburger, Betty’s Burgers or Good Times where juicy, flavourful burgers are made to tried and tested recipes. With reference to indulging your palate on local flavours and ingredients and that too within a fancy fine dining setting, then head straight for Attica if you desire contemporary fare that focuses a great deal on seasonal produce, Cutler & Co will be your best mate. Where you find yourself strolling through the hustle and bustle of the Central Business District in search of a place to eat, then you certainly will be spoilt for choice. For starters, the restaurant called Tonka will ensure that you are treated to household names in Indian cuisine complete with a sprinkling of ingenuity. Worthy of mention is Chin Chin where you will be in prime position to bask in the glory of a sublime ambience as you are taken through the ins and outs of Thai cuisine. However, for an unforgettable experience of modern-day Aussie food paired with an inviting list of wines, then it would be mandatory to arrive at Cumulus Inc. which is well-known for its brunch spreads.

Although Melbourne is a city that is far too dynamic to experience in full in a mere 48 hours, a weekend getaway is still enough to taste test the capital of Victoria. Those who are heading to the bustling metropolis for a weekend holiday can explore most of the city's highlights and recreational attractions if they use their time carefully. From discovering some of the city's cultural hotspots to squeezing in a few leisurely activities, here's how to spend two glorious days in Melbourne.

Those who are visiting Melbourne for a short stay must ensure that their Melbourne city hotels are conveniently located. This is due to the fact that a hotel that is not centrally situated is likely to eat up most of your sightseeing time during a trip where the hours are limited. Whether you select the Avani Melbourne Central Residences or any other hotel or serviced apartment, make sure the venue is conveniently placed so as to offer easy access to the city's main points of interest. If you are unable to secure a strategic rest, the next best option is to find a hotel that is located near the metro stations and other public transport links.

Kick-start your first day in Melbourne with a cup of the best coffee that Melbourne has to offer. Head down to the Seedling Cafe down Elizabeth Street to grab a cuppa and some avocado toast before enjoying a walk along the Yarra River. Offering breathtaking views of the Central Business District, this morning stroll will set you up perfectly to join the Art Deco Walk of the CBD. Apart from taking in the art-deco style architecture of the city centre, one can also window shop the boutiques down Bourke Street.

After grabbing lunch back at your hotel, venture down to the National Gallery of Victoria to spend some time indoors before a shopping tour of the Queen Street Market. Stock up on local treats and souvenirs at this historical thoroughfare before heading to the Southbank area for a dinner at the Spice Temple. A Chinese cuisine hub revered by Aussies, this sleek restaurant is the perfect venue to dig into a scrumptious meal at the end of your first day. Don't forget to walk over to the Old Railroad Bridge for a look at the Melbourne city skyline before you call it a night.

Your last day in Melbourne should begin with a drive to Degraves Street as it is part of the laneways where chic cafes and restaurants are found in narrow pedestrian streets. RMB Cafe is one of the area's best breakfast nooks while Cathedral Arcade is equally well-known for its excellent coffee and snacks. The Melbourne Laneways not only include amazing street art but also Hosier Lane, AC/DC Lane and Higson Lane, which are veritable street art hotspots in Australia. Visitors can also shop in the fashionable boutiques lining these lanes and historic arcades before going to Federation Square for lunch.

Wind down your afternoon with a tour of the iconic Melbourne Cricket Grounds or MCG and its impressive museum before walking over to the Royal Botanical Gardens Victoria. Just 10 minutes from the cricket ground, this vast, green space is the perfect venue to soak up the atmosphere and marvel at the flowers and fountains decorating the gardens. Before going back to your hotel to pack, make a pit stop at Pink Lake to bid adieu to this vibrant city and take in the views from this saltwater lake where locals enjoy evening strolls.