Quirky Places to Eat in Melbourne - Top Whimsical Dining Hubs to Explore in Melbourne

Located at the location of the city's first switchboard, Operator 25 is a one-of-a-kind brunch hub in the Victorian capital. Ideal for those in search of a New York-inspired brunch menu complete with Asian fusion dishes and even local favourites such as Balinese Burgers, the locale is also great for a coffee stop or a meeting over coffee.

This decidedly laid-back breakfast nook, with its unassumingly simple décor, serves up the best first meals of the day in and around Melbourne's St Kilda neighbourhood. Occupying an enviable beachfront location, the cafe is a big hit with backpackers and other travellers thanks to their delicious banana smoothies and egg Florentine dish. Galleon Cafe is also one of the most affordable breakfast hotspots in the city.

Hankering for some dumplings during your stay in Melbourne? Then look no further than the Bluetrain Asian fusion restaurant, which is best-known for its prawn and ginger dumplings and its Cambodian peppered beef dish. Occupying pride of place on Southbank, this well-situated eatery, with captivating views of the Yarra River, is a must-experience dining highlight for those who love reasonably-priced taste plates.

With its pink interiors and extensive menu, Dilly Daly is one of the few restaurants in Melbourne to serve up tasty treats with great coffee and good brunch options. Some of the most sought-after menu items at the venue include its Eggs Benedict with Pulled Pork while the Cappuccinos are also to die for. While it may not be as affordable as some of the other quirky eateries on this list, those based at PARKROYAL Monash Melbourne and similar rests in the area will find it the perfect option for all three meals.

Travellers entertaining the best staycation ideas must also think of exploring Melbourne's strangest restaurant locations and wine and dine at the converted train wreck that is Easey's. Situated in Collingwood, Easey's is one of the few train restaurants with a menu as extensive as its unusual abode. Don't forget to try the hot dogs, dim sums, and burgers up for grabs at this quirky restaurant with its walls covered in train route maps and other locomotive paraphernalia.

Those exploring one of Australia's most costly holiday destinations on a tight budget will find this St Kilda restaurant is the perfect answer to their meal quandaries. As a place that's run with the help of volunteers, none of the food on the menu has a fixed price but patrons are asked to donate what they think their meal was worth at the end of the dining encounter. As a vegan dining hotspot, the queue to get in is quite considerable, so make sure you head over to this Blessington Street venue well before it opens.