Keep your week interesting and go for a gözleme on Monday, a noodle soup on Tuesday, a laksa on Wednesday, a bánh mì on Thursday and dumplings on Friday . Been there, done that?
Ah, Friday! The day when work feels a little less like a chore and a little more like a prelude to the weekend. And what better way to kick off the weekend than with a delicious lunch in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD? If you’re on the hunt for a spot that serves up good food, decent tunes, and maybe even a little sunshine, you’ve come to the right place.
Let’s dive into some stellar recommendations for your Friday work lunch, complete with indoor and outdoor options. Because let’s face it, sometimes you want to bask in the sun while other times you just want to stay dry and cozy (thanks Melbourne weather).
Indoor Options: Keep It Cozy
1. Rasa Rasa: Located on Little Collins Street, this spot serves up some mouth-watering Southeast Asian cuisine. The indoor vibe is trendy with a touch of casual elegance, perfect for a work lunch. Plus, the tunes are always on point, with a mix of electronic beats that will keep your spirits high without making you want to bust a move in your seat.
2. The Hardware Société: A Melbourne classic, this French-inspired café is known for its excellent brunch offerings and cozy atmosphere. While it’s usually packed, if you can snag a table indoors, you won’t regret it. The ambient sounds are more café chatter than DJ set, but the food? Absolutely worth the trip.
3. Supernormal: If you’re in the mood for something a bit more upscale, Supernormal is a fantastic choice. With a sleek interior and a menu that features a fusion of Japanese and Australian flavors, it’s a great spot for impressing your coworkers. And yes, they do play some pretty cool tunes to accompany your meal, making it a lively experience.
Outdoor Options: Soak Up the Sun
1. Southbank Promenade: If the sun is shining (or at least pretending to), head over to Southbank. You’ll find a plethora of restaurants with outdoor seating. Grab a bite at Ponyfish Island, which is literally on the Yarra River. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the views are unbeatable. Just watch out for the occasional seagull looking for a free meal.
2. Federation Square: Another great outdoor option is to grab lunch at one of the many food stalls around Federation Square. Here you can find everything from gourmet burgers to vegan delights. The best part? You can enjoy your meal while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and, of course, the electronic beats from nearby performances.
3. The Botanical: Located in the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens, this is a perfect place for a laid-back Friday lunch. The outdoor seating area is surrounded by greenery, making it a lovely escape from the hustle and bustle of the CBD. The menu is diverse, with options for everyone, and the tunes are often lively enough to make you forget you’re technically still at work.
A Little Extra: The Tunes
Now, let’s not ignore the crucial element of music. You want to be able to enjoy your lunch without screaming at your coworkers over the sound of clattering dishes and awkward silence. Many of these places have curated playlists or live DJs, especially on Fridays. So, you can enjoy your meal while subtly nodding your head to the beat. You know, just enough to look like you’re totally into it but not enough to make your boss question your professionalism.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it! A roundup of some fantastic spots for your Friday CBD work lunch in Melbourne. Whether you prefer the cozy comfort of indoor dining or the fresh air of outdoor seating, there’s something for everyone. Just remember to pace yourself, because while Friday lunches are a blast, you don’t want to roll back into the office too stuffed to function.
Now go forth and enjoy that well-deserved lunch with your workmates! And don’t forget to share your own recommendations – because sharing is caring, especially when it comes to food!
Inspired by: “Friday CBD Work Lunch” (r/melbourne)