Huxtaburger ★ 4.3
Huxtaburger on Smith Street launched Melbourne's smash burger era in 2012: the double patty, American cheese and secret sauce that started the city format.
Order: Huxtaburger with American cheese and pickles
Laksa King is a street-food stop in Yarraville, Melbourne.
Laksa King in Flemington has set the Melbourne standard for the dish since 1998: asam and curry laksa at honest prices in a room worth the detour.
Must order: Curry laksa with fish cake and tofu puffs
Address: 6-12 Pin Oak Crescent, Flemington VIC 3031, Melbourne
Huxtaburger on Smith Street launched Melbourne's smash burger era in 2012: the double patty, American cheese and secret sauce that started the city format.
Order: Huxtaburger with American cheese and pickles
Ta-Ke Don on Little Lonsdale Street is the CBD's fast donburi counter: katsu, karaage and tempura over rice for A$10 small, A$15 large with curry, Thai chilli or teriyaki.
Order: Karaage donburi with Japanese curry sauce
Shanghai Dumpling House on Tattersalls Lane is the standby for pan-fried and steamed dumplings at prices that match every other reason to visit Chinatown.
Order: Pan-fried pork and cabbage dumplings
Jim's Greek Tavern on Johnston Street has had charcoal-grilled lamb souvlaki in Collingwood since 1980: the institution that defined the area's food identity.
Order: Lamb souvlaki with pita, tzatziki and onion
Pho Hung Vuong 2 on Victoria Street is Melbourne's pho standard-bearer: 12-hour bone broth, fresh herbs and the no-frills room that earns repeat visits.
Order: Large beef pho with tendon and tripe
Acland Street in St Kilda is lined with European patisserie windows selling cakes since the 1950s: Black Forest, cheesecake and lamingtons in a heritage row.
Order: Polish apple cake or black forest slice from any of the long-running shops