The influence of decades of immigration from all over the world has made Melbourne a paradise for those who love food and wine. Whole streets are dedicated to food, whether it be Indian, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Greek, or a host of other styles. You can't miss the world-class wines, either.

Famous for award-winning epicurean icons as well as newer venues, Melbourne is always at the forefront of food fashion. Stroll or take a tram in any direction from the CBD and you will find a dining precinct with a distinctive culinary offering. Around the city’s Lonsdale Street, it’s Greek; nearby Victoria Street in Richmond is bursting with Vietnamese eateries and grocery stores, and inner-city Carlton is a haven for cheap and cheerful Italian cuisine - just watch out for the highly enthusiastic spruikers that front the major restaurants - they can be very persuasive.

Dining alfresco is popular at Southbank, where a diverse choice of restaurants fronts the Yarra. Cross the river to the bars and award-winning restaurants of the striking Federation Square, including Jacque Reymond’s Arintji.

Head to the central Chinatown precinct to Flower Drum, Australia’s most awarded restaurant, and to the iconic Mask of China and Bamboo House. Down Victoria Street in Richmond you'll find phở and all things Vietnamese.

Two Italian restaurants in the CBD are the venerable Grossi Florentino and Becco. Lebanese cuisine is the specialty of Greg Malouf’s MoMo, and Teague Ezard conjures original fare at Adelphi. The NewQuay precinct at Docklands has outstanding new restaurants such as Live Bait.

On Fitzroy Street in St Kilda, Café Di Stasio is a haven for pasta lovers, while the Melbourne Wine Room serves fine food at the George Hotel. Around the corner in Acland Street, Circa’s classic food reflects the interests of its British chefs, hopeful diners wait to be retrieved from the bar by the friendly staff at the ever-popular Cicciolina, and Donovans offers Italian fare beside the beach.

Carlton’s Lygon Street area is famous for its kerbside Italian dining, including Jimmy Watson’s, which boasts one of the best wine lists in town, and the glorious cake and pastry display of Brunetti. For simple, honest pasta it’s hard to go past the University Café.

Vibrant Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, is an alternative mecca. Here, cafés, bars and fashion outlets featuring one-off local designs rub shoulders with some fine restaurants, such as the acclaimed Piraeus Blue.

Antipodes is a gem in the Greek precinct of Lonsdale Street. Alfresco eating at Williamstown, cafés in South Yarra and Prahran, and the many intriguing bars and cafés in the narrow city lane ways that run between the main streets make the options endless.

Melbourne is also home to many markets, including the legendary Queen Victoria Market, an institution since 1878. Choose from fresh produce, seafood, jewellery, clothing and authentic Australian souvenirs. Don't forget to try the many culinary delights available at the take away delicatessens and cafés.