Melissa Leong's favourite city spots

Food writer and TV presenter Melissa Leong shares her favourite spots to eat, drink and visit in the city.

What's your earliest memory of visiting the city? 

My earliest memory of visiting the city was in my early twenties, with some friends from Sydney. It felt like the coolest, most sophisticated place to spend a weekend and I almost immediately imagined living here. Spoiler alert: I did. 

If someone was visiting from out of town, where would you take them? 

One of my favourite things to do with friends from out of town, is to do a bit of a venue crawl in the evening. A snack and a sip at a cute place, a little walk to another, and by the end of the evening, you’ve seen a fun cross section of the city. The best bit is, you can tailor that faultless plan to the person in mind. But in general, I’d start with Bar Lourinhã for a negroni and some croquetas, split a bowl of pasta at Tipo 00, a prawn sandwich and a martini at Apollo Inn. Sound good to you? 

Where do you like to get coffee? 

When I do get into the city I always make sure to stop by Patricia (run by Bowen Holden and Pip Heath) on Little Bourke Street. We do tend to take our coffee seriously in this city, and I tend to prefer no muss, no fuss. A great coffee, just the way I want it, let’s go. 

What's your favourite hidden gem or laneway spot?

I love French Saloon. I wouldn’t say it’s hidden, but I do like that in Melbourne, all you need do is walk up a nondescript staircase and you’re somewhere intimate, fun and utterly delicious. 

What's something you think you can only do or see in the city?

We are blessed to have the NGV (National Gallery of Victoria). Our arts culture is something to be proud of in Melbourne and there is an ever-evolving curation of inspiration and representation to keep you engaged.