By Tiffany FungIn this story:
Sunshine, long lunches, cold drinks and something delicious around every corner. Melbourne knows how to do summer, and its food scene is one of the best places to start. Think sizzling BBQs, Spanish-inspired feasts, freshly made pizza and cocktails worth lingering over.
Whether you’re plotting a weekend adventure, looking for a fun date idea or gathering your favourite foodies for a day out, these food and drink experiences in Melbourne serve up plenty of inspiration. Come hungry, bring your curiosity and get ready to make this summer extra tasty!
Bring the heat to your summer cooking
Long summer evenings call for meals that are worth sharing. And while booking a table is always an option, learning to make something delicious yourself gives dinner a whole new flavour.
Fire up the BBQ
Nothing says summer quite like a barbecue. Take your grilling skills beyond the basics with a beer and BBQ cooking class in Brunswick, where you can learn new techniques and pick up inspiration for your next backyard feast, all while enjoying a cool glass of beer! Whether you’re keen to level up your cooking or simply love a good excuse to gather around the grill, it’s a tasty way to spend an afternoon.
Take a trip to Spain without leaving Melbourne
Sunny afternoons and Spanish food go together like tapas and sangria. A Spanish cooking class in Footscray is a chance to explore the flavours of Spain and learn new kitchen skills.
Think small plates, bold flavours and dishes made for sharing. It’s a great option for anyone who loves turning dinner into a social occasion, whether you’re planning a date or organising a catch-up with friends.
Why you’ll love this class:
“We had an absolute blast during this class! Natalia created a wonderfully fun and warm environment from the minute we arrived. She put so much care into the session and it was clear that she has a strong love and passion for sharing her culture and food.
I would definitely recommend this session to anyone who enjoys learning about Spanish cuisine, exhanging travel stories while sipping sangria, and celebrating each other's successful Spanish tortilla flips!” - Kelsey D.
Make pizza night a summer tradition
Few things beat a freshly made pizza shared around the table. Get hands-on at a pizza masterclass and lunch in Elsternwick or South Yarra, where you can explore the craft behind a great pizza and enjoy a tasty reward for your efforts. Once you’ve learnt a few new tricks, your next homemade pizza night could be a whole lot more exciting.
The summer vibe: Freshly made food, a table full of hungry friends and no need to rush the meal.
Staying in? Get prepared to level up your hosting skills with these Melbourne foodie workshops.
Chill out with Melbourne’s coolest drink experiences
When the weather warms up, it’s time to rethink your usual drink order. Swap the standard café run or after-work tipple for an experience that lets you explore new flavours, learn a skill and discover what goes into your favourite refreshments.
3 years in business
Runs regularly
Pascoe Vale South
1 to 8 guests
$80 - $110
Get creative behind the cocktail shaker
Summer cocktails should be bright, refreshing and full of flavour. But there’s more to a great drink than pouring a few ingredients into a glass.
At a cocktail making class in St Kilda, you can learn the basics of mixology, practise your shaking and stirring techniques and discover how different ingredients work together. By the end of the class, you’ll know how to make a classic margarita, mojito and espresso martini!
For something more theatrical, this deluxe edible cocktail masterclass combines cocktails or mocktails with creative edible pairings. Expect a more adventurous take on the usual drink making session, with flavour and presentation both getting their moment in the spotlight.
Discover the art of gin
Gin is made for experimenting, with botanical flavours that can bring a fresh twist to a summer drink. Gather your friends at a gin making class in North Melbourne, explore what gives different gins their character and discover new ways to enjoy this classic spirit. It’s a fun option for curious drink lovers who want to go beyond their usual G&T.
The summer vibe: New flavours, chilled-out sipping and a little something different to enjoy on your next sunny afternoon.
Why you’ll love this class:
“Booked this class with no expectations. Our teacher went above and beyond providing a thoroughly enjoyable hands-on class. We got to sample the gin and make our own concoctions. Light refreshments also provided. A lovely way to spend a couple of hours in leafy North Melbourne. Thank you.” - Julie K.
Follow the flavours through Melbourne
Melbourne’s food scene is full of delicious discoveries, and Queen Victoria Market is the perfect place to start. With colourful produce stalls, tempting bites and local vendors who know their stuff, it’s a foodie playground just waiting to be explored.
Join a Queen Victoria Market foodie tour to get a taste of this iconic Melbourne landmark. Wander through the bustling market, discover local favourites and learn more about the people and stories behind the food. It’s a great way to see a different side of the city while sampling some of its delicious offerings.
Prefer to venture beyond the CBD? Head towards Footscray for a taste of Melbourne’s diverse food culture. From Southeast Asian favourites to bold international flavours, the neighbourhood is a great place to let your appetite lead the way.
The summer vibe: Easygoing exploring, good company and plenty of excuses to stop for another bite.
Melbourne offers plenty of ways to turn an ordinary day into a foodie adventure. Discover new neighbourhood flavours, learn to make dishes from around the world, mix up cocktails or follow your nose through Queen Victoria Market.
The best part? You don’t need to be a professional cook or a cocktail connoisseur to join in. These experiences are a chance to try something new, have fun with your favourite people and find fresh inspiration for your next meal.
Ready to make some tasty summer plans? Explore food and drink experiences in Melbourne, pick your next delicious adventure and bring your appetite!
