Australia’s first-ever dine-in cinema has opened in Melbourne.
What do you get when you combine good movies and great food? The answer is FoMo Cinemas , the latest venture from Barry Peak (Valhalla/Cinema Nova) and Natalie Miller AO (Longford Cinema/Cinema Nova).
Located within the recently opened East Brunswick Village precinct in Melbourne, FoMo is a film lover and foodie’s dream come true. And it’s the first of its kind to open on Australian shores.
Each theatre features state-of-the-art sound design technology. (Image: Tony Lee)
Already being compared to New York’s famous Nitehawk Cinema , FoMo invites guests to enjoy the latest blockbusters from around the world, with food from a comprehensive dining menu delivered mid-film. Did someone say the perfect date night?
Made up of six theatres with a total capacity of 392 seats, FoMo is set to serve up some of summer’s biggest films with a side of fresh flavour.
Each cinema is fitted with state-of-the-art sound design technology and high-quality projection for an immersive and exciting experience. Two of the cinemas even feature 3D capabilities, while the largest, a 114-seat auditorium, offers 4K laser resolution on a screen measuring more than 10 metres wide.
FoMo is Australia’s first dine-in cinema. (Image: Tony Lee)
FoMo opened its doors on 18 January and has screened new releases including The Holdovers, Ferrari, The Beekeeper, The Iron Claw, Priscilla and Mean Girls.
Barry Peak, co-founder with Natalie Miller AO, describes the project as “cinemas run for movie lovers by movie lovers. Like us." Adding, that “there’s no obligation to eat anything, but you’d be crazy to miss out."
Order local beers or a tasty cocktail at the bar. (Image: Tony Lee)
So, what’s on the menu you ask? Well, head chef Darren Collier is hoping to spoil guests with his carefully curated menu. Think antipasto, cheese boards, New York-inspired sandwiches, burgers, pizza and a delectable dessert platter.
Classic cinema snacks will be on offer too, such as popcorn, choc tops, ethically sourced chocolate and chips from bespoke local companies. FoMo’s bar is also set to excite, with local beers on tap and specialty cocktails available.
Choose your meal from a carefully curated menu. (Image: Tony Lee)
Food can either be pre-ordered or bought during the film, with a cash-free interface located within each theatre chair, avoiding any distractions for other movie-goers. Orders are sent straight to the kitchen and delivered promptly and discreetly.
Guests can also say goodbye to those dreaded pre-movie ads. Rather, interactive quizzes and trivia will entertain, plus movie history and classic cinema moments.
The foyer’s design is inspired by the movie Blade Runner. (Image: Tony Lee)
East Brunswick Village was completed in October 2023 and opened in early 2024. Designed to be self-sustaining, the precinct features a number of apartment buildings surrounded by an apiary, kids cubbyhouse, veggie gardens and a private rooftop with CBD views.
An expansive pedestrian laneway acts as a community hub of retail and entertainment, which FoMo Cinemas now calls home. Other businesses popping up include Bridge Road Brewery, Rumi Restaurant, Taycoya Japanese Restaurant and Siconi Gelato, making for the perfect evening out.
Brunswick is also one of Melbourne’s most vibrant suburbs, with plenty of restaurants, pubs, bars and cafes dotted along its streets.
Get delicious food delivered directly to your seat. (Image: Tony Lee)
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to visit places like Norway and New Zealand, her favourite place to explore will forever be her homeland.
There’s nothing quite like Melbourne in the warmer months. Come spring, the city emerges from its cold-weather cocoon and brims with marquee events, vibrant seasonal menus, brilliant blooms and a fresh energy.
The centre of the city is where most of the magic happens. It’s a labyrinth of art-lined alleys and meandering laneways, filled with restaurants, cafes, rooftop bars, galleries, live music joints, theatres, boutiques, high-end hotels like The Westin Melbourne and much, much more. In spring and summer, especially, locals and travellers alike come to enjoy the balmy weather and celebratory spirit.
If you’re planning to be one of them, here are the best places for eating, drinking, exploring and staying.
Where to stay
The Westin Melbourne
View the city from above in your suite.
Situated in the heart of the city on bustling Collins Street, The Westin Melbourne is a supremely convenient base. With the hotel as a base, explore the entire CBD – including Federation Square and Melbourne’s shopping, dining, theatre and sporting precincts – on foot.
Despite its central location, the hotel is something of an oasis. It has a serene ambience and elegantly understated design that provides respite at the end of a busy day. Think timeless interiors with warm timbers and neutral tones, and spacious rooms with signature Heavenly® beds and sumptuous linens. You’ll also indulge in impeccable service and amenities like fitness and wellness centres and an indoor pool. Selected rooms have sweeping city views.
Where to eat and drink
1. Allegro
Allegro is refined yet welcoming, pairing seasonal Australian produce and international flavours, finished with finesse. The à la carte, set and pre-theatre menus change seasonally. In spring and summer, expect a lively and creative line-up of dishes. You can also partake in a playful and limited-edition High Cheese offering that’s well worth trying if you’re a lover of blues and bries.
The restaurant happens to be located right inside The Westin Melbourne. It’s an ideal spot if you’re staying at the hotel and need somewhere to dine or drink before hitting the town.
2. Lobby Lounge
Step into the Lobby Lounge.
Whether you’re after a quick bite before exploring the city, a leisurely lunch or dinner, or a post-theatre nightcap, head to The Westin Melbourne’s elegant Lobby Lounge .
The menu features everything from moreish snacks, small bites and share plates to hearty all-day meals and desserts. The accompanying drinks list is a treasure trove of varietals, with a notable leaning towards Victorian drops and an excellent selection of spirits.
For a truly indulgent experience, book yourself in for the signature high tea . You’ll savour three tiers of beautifully crafted sweet and savoury treats, specialty tea and coffee, and the option for a sneaky glass of bubbly.
3. Other places to dine
There’s no shortage of tasty dining options, in and nearby The Westin Melbourne. (Credit: Visit Vic)
Dotted around the city are some of Melbourne’s most acclaimed dining destinations. Supernormal is a local institution. Feast on inventive Pan-Asian dishes made with fresh ingredients, paired with a Japanese whisky or sake from the extensive drinks list. At Gimlet , the surroundings are utterly romantic, the service impeccable and the food outstanding. Expect sustainably sourced meats, seafood and produce finished with European flavours and technique.
Apollo Inn – the sister venue to Gimlet and Supernormal – does punchy snacks, share plates and incredible drinks. Try the signature Picon Biere, a refined take on a shandy.
Dukes Coffee Roasters at Ross House is a great place to start your day, serving up organic and sustainable brews made with precision.
While you’re in the city, take a wander down Hosier and AC/DC Lanes. Beyond the famed street art along both, you’ll find a cluster of must-try eateries and bars, including MoVida, Pastuso, Bar Bambi and Tres a Cinco.
Things to do
1. Take a run through Melbourne’s green spaces
Run or walk along the Yarra River. (Credit: Visit Vic)
Melbourne’s outdoors look their very best in spring and summer. The parks and gardens come alive with colourful blooms, the trees in and around the CBD regain their verdant canopy, and the Yarra River sparkles in the sun.
A run or walk in nearby green spaces, like Carlton Gardens, Fitzroy Gardens and the Royal Botanic Gardens, lets you soak up the scenery. The Westin Melbourne also provides curated running routes through surrounding gardens and along the Yarra. Workout gear and Bala weights can be borrowed from the hotel if you forget to pack your own.
If you’ve got an afternoon to spare, venture over the Yarra to the National Gallery of Victoria . The iconic and historic institution houses both a vast permanent collection and an exciting roster of rotating exhibitions.
3. Catch some live music
Dive into Melbourne’s live music scene. (Credit: Visit Vic)
Melbourne’s live music scene reignites when spring hits. In and around the CBD are several beloved live music venues that showcase everything from jazz to rock to electronic.
Visit intimate venues like Bird’s Basement , Wax Music Lounge and Cherry Bar , or larger ones, such as The Toff , Forum and Palais Theatre , for major acts. Plenty of bars, restaurants and clubs host regular gigs, too, including The Westin Melbourne’s Lobby Lounge. Every Saturday from 12-3pm, enjoy live strings alongside your lunch or afternoon tea.
4. Soak up the atmosphere at the MCG
Book tickets for a big sports bash. (Credit: Visit Vic)
The Melbourne Cricket Ground welcomes its namesake sport in the warmer months. Watch One-Day Internationals, T20 Internationals, Big Bash League and Sheffield Shield matches throughout the season, or settle in for the multi-day Boxing Day Test.
Spring and summer are also when the MCG holds big events and concerts. Surrounded by the roar and energy of the venue’s legendary crowds, there are few places better than this to see a live gig.
5. Experience the magic of the Regent Theatre
Soak in Regent Theatre’s architecture. (Credit: Visit Vic)
Standing proud for nearly 100 years, the Regent Theatre is a stunning venue: its grand exterior opens to a gorgeously ornate interior decked out with chandeliers, plush drapes and gilded details.
Stopping by to take in its architecture is memorable enough. But if you’ve got the time, book a ticket to one of the spectacular shows that take place inside. The venue hosts a diverse line-up of live music, musicals, opera, dance, theatre and comedy. In spring and summer, the program is at its most energetic, with events to suit all tastes.
