Marco Pierre White Reveals His Favourite Melbourne Restaurants

How many people in the world are there who are recognisable by only their first name? Cher, Oprah, Jesus – any others? Well, in the food world, there’s Marco.

Known as one of the first celebrity chefs, and a pioneer of the UK restaurant scene, Marco Pierre White is a name synonymous with both food and personality.

It’s been a decade of back-and-forth trips to Australia for the now 57 year old who first made his mark on our national culinary scene in the early 2000s. And now, the godfather of modern cooking is returning to celebrate Good Food Month in Melbourne.

When I first received the call-up to interview the great man himself, I was admittedly nervous. My mother fawns over celebrity chefs like they’re The Beatles, and like many young Australians, I grew up watching MasterChef Australia, – where Marco Pierre White was often a guest-judging (and fear inducing) fixture.

Almost overnight he became a household name at many dinner tables around the country. And after chatting to him, it seems the love is mutual.

“Since travelling here a decade ago, Australia has become one of my favourite places," he says.

“Australians are in love with food. Everyone from household cooks to five-star chefs have had somewhat of a gastronomic revolution. For me, to come from England, it’s a long way. And when I go to Melbourne, or Sydney or Perth, I remember why I love it so much."

This time around, it’s Melbourne.

Marco is set to host three events at Melbourne’s Good Food Month, happening throughout June at various venues around the city.

Marco is set to host three events at Melbourne’s Good Food Month

1. An Evening with Marco Pierre White: one of Australia’s most highly awarded chefs, Phil Wood, will honour Marco by recreating dishes from White Heat.

2. Young Chefs Lunch with Marco Pierre White: Melbourne’s next generation of culinary superstars present an extraordinary lunch.

3. Sunday Best with Marco Pierre White and Andrew McConnell: Together, Marco Pierre White and one of Melbourne’s greatest, Andrew McConnell, are going to elevate the Sunday Roast in the way only these two super chefs can.

Like us, you might be wondering, where does such a famed chef choose to dine when he’s in Melbourne?

“Well, I’m a creature of habit you see. When I like something I keep going back to it. I go to certain restaurants for certain things."

So behold, Marco Pierre White’s Melbourne restaurant bucket list…

1. Tipo 00

Named after a finely ground flour used to make pizza and pasta, Tipo 00 is an Italian staple of the Melbourne CBD.

Housed in a laneway, this intimate, sophisticated space serves clean, simple Italian within an open kitchen and marble bar.

According to Marco, you should stop here for a “bowl of pasta or risotto."

“I also have the prosciutto, and the haloumi."

Noted

The marble bench of Tipo 00

Head to Tipo00 for some Marco approved pasta or risotto

2. Flower Drum

In China, ‘Flower Drum’ is known as a traditional dance famous for its beauty and elegance.

In Melbourne, it’s known as a classic Chinese restaurant, described by Marco as “authentic, pleasant, and an excellent experience from start to finish."

Like many, Marco is enthralled by both Gilbert Lau’s Flower Drum and Lau’s Family Kitchen – the St Kilda restaurant owned and operated by Lau’s sons, Jason and Michael.

“A good dining experience is about the food, yes. But every person I’ve ever looked up to, all my heroes, it’s not about the food, or the cooking process, it’s about the story. Without the story, what are we?"

Talking Flower Drum specifics, “I tend to have the braised ox cheek."

“I have the duck. I have the lobster with spring onion, ginger and noodles. And then I have toffee bananas. Every time I go."

Flower Drum famous peking duck

Won ton soup

3. Añada

Marco describes Añada, a Fitzroy institution, as “a typical Spanish cafe, with a simpler, more casual dining feel."

“Gertrude Street is my favourite place to eat in Melbourne, without a doubt," and when in town, he always makes a point of dining at this snug little eatery.

The tapas menu focuses largely on the peasant food of Andalusia in southern Spain, and the flavours of the Muslim Mediterranean.

Share plates at Anada

4. Cutler and Co

Another Gertrude Street hangout, Cutler and Co is located inside an old metal works factory, paying homage to Melbourne’s first industrial area.

Opened in February 2009 by chef Andrew McConnell, the restaurant reflects a passion for exceptional produce and memorable dining experiences.

In the restaurant you’ll find diners feasting on upscale modern Australian fare, and if you look hard enough, maybe Marco Pierre White? The trick to finding him?

“Well, I always sit with my back to the restaurant."

Simplistic elegance at Cutler and Co

Light-filled interiors

Don’t miss Marco Pierre White at Melbourne’s Good Food Month. Head here for tickets and more information.

Delivering subdued decadence in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne On Spencer is a pragmatic choice for inner city relaxation and exploring.

Swiss culinary brand Mövenpick – yes, the ice-cream people – opened its Melbourne CBD hotel in 2021. Suited to city explorers, the four-star Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne On Spencer is a simple, stylish choice for groups or families looking to be near the action at Marvel Stadium, or within walking distance to the city’s buzzing culinary and events scene.

Location

the exterior of Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne On Spencer

Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne On Spencer is set in the heart of the CBD.

Melbourne’s CBD is well-known for having a ‘Paris end’ to its east, chock-full of luxury European fashion boutiques, and a ‘Docklands end’ to its west, which culminates in the city’s banking district, Southern Cross rail station and the impressive Marvel Stadium. Choosing to part from its European roots, Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne On Spencer is situated at the Docklands end.

Opened in late 2021 and housed in the glittering Premier Tower, it is ideal for guests who are visiting for events at Marvel, who plan to enjoy some city exploration, or who travel regionally by train or by public transport from Melbourne International Airport.

Accommodation that’s a 3-minute walk from rail and Skybus depots means you won’t lose any time caught in traffic. Plus, if you are in town for a Marvel sports game or iconic music experience at the stadium (Lady Gaga, Ed Sheeran, Mariah Carey and Oasis are all slotted for upcoming concerts), being an 8-minute walk from the action means your journey home, or onto a late-night cocktail, is straightforward: No Uber queues or jam-packed trams.

Style & Character

a look inside the suite living area at Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne On Spencer

The rooms are tastefully furnished with plush seating.

Part of the Accor group, Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne On Spencer comes with the expected high-quality finishes of a 4-star hotel – plush velveteen seating, acoustic dampening in its rooms, sparkling water on tap, and lashings of space, so you can kick back and relax.

The curved building’s silhouette is famously inspired by Beyoncé’s silhouette and once inside, contemporary references continue. Rooms are bright and airy with warm brass tones, luxurious bedding and expanses of glass.

Individual hotel rooms are designed for relaxing rather than business (most don’t have a desk), instead being kitted out with a sofa, coffee table and all the amenities needed for some stay-in indulgence – great for families with kids, or trips with friends staying in neighbouring rooms.

Facilities

the daily chocolate hour at Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne On Spencer

Indulge in daily complimentary chocolates.

The stand-out difference between Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne On Spencer and its local competition is the venue’s daily chocolate hour. Running from 2pm-3pm each day, the hotel’s cocktail bar is turned into a pop-up chocolaterie, offering complimentary bite-sized cakes, chocolates and nibbles for guests. Whether you have been busy sightseeing, shopping or exploring the nearby riverbank, it’s the perfect excuse to relax with a cuppa and a handful of Swiss chocolate-covered pretzels.

the outdoor heated lap pool at Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne On Spencer

Relax in the heated lap pool.

If you find yourself hitting the chocolate hour a little too frequently, the on-site gym, 25-metre lap pool and sauna are a convenient palate cleanser. Functional rather than luxurious, the facilities are perhaps the least luxurious area of the hotel. On a windy day, the partly open-air lap pool area can be briskly cool; however, the adjoining hot tub makes warming up a breeze

Rooms

a look inside the Deluxe King Room, Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne On Spencer

The Deluxe King Room offers a cosy place to retreat to in the CBD.

There are 172 rooms and suites at Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne On Spencer, ranging from family rooms, twin rooms and suites – most of which offer more room than the average city-centre hotel. All are equipped with coffee/tea making facilities, mini bars and robes.

Being in the heart of the CBD does mean noise, city lights and tramlines, so added details like heavy blackout curtains and soundproof glazing come in handy.

Food & Drink

dining at Onsite restaurant Miss Mi, Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne On Spencer

Dine on upscale south-east Asian fare.

Onsite restaurant Miss Mi is the crown jewel of this hotel. Specialising in south-east Asian fare, the menu combines rich Indian and Malaysian flavours with fragrant Thai and Vietnamese influences.

Executive chef Migo Razon’s take on local favourites such as kingfish ceviche – dressed in lemongrass, fresh herbs, desert lime preserve and persimmon – and baked scallops topped with black bean, aromatics and lardo makes for an intriguingly successful twist.

food on the table at Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne On Spencer

The menu marries rich Asian flavours. (Image: Clare Acheson)

As for south-east Asian classics, the Filipino kaldereta beef short rib melts in the mouth. Beef rendang and Penang duck curry fill out the warming spice offerings, accompanied by the puffed phulka roti (don’t be surprised when it arrives like an inflated pastry soccer-ball, not a pancake!). The dessert offerings also take cues from Asia and includes a warm ube mochi, served with a rich caramelised ube compote, crispy pinipig toasted rice grains and paper-like white chocolate shards.

Our recommendation: Order the DIY sisig bao accompanied by the Miss Mi Thai bitters martini, especially if you are dining with friends. The twice-cooked pork comes served with a glistening egg yolk and several soft, fluffy bao, so you can each adjust your own chilli, mint and coriander to taste. As for the martini, it tastes like nothing else in Melbourne thanks to Miss Mi’s spirits collaboration with nearby gin producer Little Lon Distillery, delivering a citrusy, herbaceous kick.

It’s open weekdays for lunch and evening sittings, seven days a week.

Does Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne On Spencer have access for guests with disabilities?

Yes, including accessible restaurant and cafe areas.

Is Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne On Spencer family-friendly?

Undoubtedly, yes.

With free ice-cream for the kids for the duration of their stay, a pool that’s big enough for them to splash in while you relax in the spa, and rooms that are designed for lounging and gaming, it’s a fantastic city spot for family trips.

The Details

Best for: Families, city visitors who want to be near the action at Marvel Stadium

Address: 160 Spencer St, Melbourne

Price: From $258 per night

Marco Pierre White reveals his favourite Melbourne restaurants