Morella Grove, a leading Australian producer of premium extra virgin olive oil and gourmet products, has unveiled new research highlighting the top foodie suburbs across Australia’s capital cities.
The research, based on the number of top-rated restaurants (4.5 stars or higher), offers a fresh look at where culinary excellence is most celebrated across the country.
The comprehensive study identified the leading suburbs in cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, uncovering the top dining destinations beyond the CBDs.
The research highlights:
- Melbourne CBD as the top city centre for highly rated dining, with 501 top-rated restaurants.
- Richmond (Melbourne) and Darlinghurst (Sydney) leading the way in suburbs outside the CBD, boasting the highest number of top-rated restaurants.
Morella Grove owner Natasha DalBon says: “This research shines a light on Australia’s top capital city suburbs for highly rated dining. It’s great to see the focus on quality across these standout locations, something we value deeply at Morella Grove.”
Top 10 capital city suburbs for food lovers: Beyond the city centres
When it comes to the best foodie suburbs across all capital cities (outside the CBDs), Richmond in Melbourne leads the way with 83 top-rated restaurants, making it the ultimate destination for food lovers looking for quality dining.
Fitzroy (Melbourne) follows with 77 highly rated spots, celebrated for its vibrant food culture.
Darlinghurst (Sydney) and Surry Hills (Sydney) offer 74 and 67 top-rated restaurants respectively, showcasing Sydney’s diverse culinary offerings.
Other standout suburbs include St Kilda (60) and Brunswick (57) in Melbourne, Fortitude Valley (Brisbane) with 56 highly rated spots, South Yarra (53) and Carlton (51) in Melbourne, and Newtown (Sydney) with 52 top-rated establishments.
Analysis and trends
Australia’s suburban food scenes are experiencing significant growth, with many areas seeing a rise in the number of highly rated restaurants.
Suburbs like Richmond in Melbourne and Darlinghurst in Sydney have transformed into thriving food hubs, drawing attention for their diversity and quality.
“This trend reflects a broader shift, where diners are increasingly seeking unique, high-quality experiences outside traditional CBD areas, turning these suburbs into culinary destinations in their own right,” according to Morella Grove.
“This growth could be attributed to a combination of factors, including innovative chefs opening new venues, the increasing demand for diverse dining options, and a local emphasis on quality and fresh ingredients.
“For example, Sydney suburbs like Surry Hills and Newtown are no longer just residential areas—they’re becoming culinary hotspots where creativity in the kitchen meets community vibe.
“This shift not only diversifies the local food culture but also enhances the reputation of these suburbs as must-visit destinations for food lovers.”
Conclusion
Australia’s cities and their foodie suburbs are evolving rapidly, with certain areas now standing out as prime destinations for top-rated restaurants. “From the bustling streets of Melbourne’s Richmond to the eclectic vibes of Sydney’s Darlinghurst, these suburbs showcase a growing trend where quality and variety are increasingly found beyond the city centres,” Morella Grove said.
“As these neighbourhoods continue to attract both food lovers and culinary innovators, they solidify their reputations as essential stops on any food enthusiast’s journey.
“Our data highlights the city suburbs leading this trend with the highest number of top-rated restaurants, offering a glimpse into the future of Australia’s vibrant food scene across our cities and their suburbs.”
For the full report and detailed maps showcasing the top foodie suburbs across the country’s capital cities and their suburbs, visit Morella Grove’s report.