A new Food Hall at Queen Victoria Market will host a range of exciting bars, cafes and restaurants that will celebrate Melbourne’s multiculturalism, attract more visitors and boost business for traders.
The Queen’s Food Hall is a modern indoor dining destination that will bring people together in the heart of the market precinct – with more space for customers to sit and eat, among a spectacular line-up of eateries.
The new Food Hall replaces the market’s 1980s food court – providing operators with modern services and amenities to innovate and grow.
The City of Melbourne has also restored and repaired the heritage Victoria Street terraces to better connect with the new space.
The Queen’s Food Hall will promote the precinct’s reputation as one of the city’s premier dining destinations, with eight operators showcasing the best of the market’s produce:
- Bellboy Coffee Bar – a chic city offering with coffee, beer, wine and cocktails, as well as light bites.
- Canton Malay – a beloved eatery known for its mouth-watering curry laksa and other traditional delicacies.
- Drums – a Sri Lankan café returning to the market with a fresh new look, serving traditional favourites.
- El Rincon – a Spanish tapas bar dishing up popular share plates, such as cured meats, Spanish meatballs and paella.
- Le Consulat – a Parisian-inspired patisserie and café, serving a selection of savoury and sweet French delights.
- Rubens Grill – an American-themed café serving mouth-watering meats and sides.
- Saltwater – a sushi and oyster bar celebrating the market’s quality seafood with a fresh, theatrical menu.
Market customers can dine at a selection of Food Hall eateries, with the remaining operators expected to open in the coming weeks. The final operator will be announced soon.
The Queen’s Food Hall is part of the City of Melbourne’s major investment in the Queen Victoria Market to enhance and preserve the precinct for generations to come.
The market brings together more than 500 traders and attracts around 7 million Melburnians and visitors each year.
The opening of the Food Hall comes as work starts on the next phase of the renewal program – delivering essential new trader facilities to allow small businesses to thrive.
This includes a new Trader Shed, complete with four levels of climate-controlled basement storage and modern amenities, and a renewed Northern Shed, which will centralise operational needs such as waste management and spaces for loading and deliveries.
For more information, visit City of Melbourne.
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Sally Capp
“The historic Queen Victoria Market is one of Melbourne’s most popular tourist attractions, as well as a beloved institution for our residents and workers. The new Food Hall will bring a fresh vibe to the market and boost business for traders.”
“We’ve made the largest investment in Council’s history to ensure we preserve the heritage of this site while also adding modern attractions that will drive visitation.”
“Our spectacular new Food Hall brings together the market’s fresh produce and some of the city’s most exciting eateries – promoting the precinct’s reputation as a world-class dining destination.”
“We’re excited to see Melburnians and visitors flock to this modern and inviting space and soak up the atmosphere of our city’s favourite marketplace.”
“This means more customers and activity for our beloved market traders, and a boost to our city’s economy.”
Quotes attributable to Queen Victoria Market CEO Matt Elliott
“Queen Victoria Market has long been an icon of Melbourne’s fresh food and culinary scene, and we’re excited to introduce the Queen’s Food Hall to further enhance the options for foodies at the market.”
“The diverse range of cuisines available in the revamped Food Hall presents a snapshot of the freshness and diversity of what’s on offer across the market, with choices to excite and inspire the more than 7 million visitors we welcome each year.”
“The Queen’s Food Hall is a vital piece of the renewed Queen Victoria Market which we hope will become a favourite place for visitors to grab a meal, meet friends or just sit back and enjoy the unique market ambience.”
Quotes attributable to Rubens Grill owner Carla Mammone
“The new Food Hall is the perfect spot in the market for customers to sit, relax and make the most of the vibrant atmosphere.”
“We’re so excited to open our doors and welcome plenty of new customers to enjoy our delicious food and drink.”
Quotes attributable to Bellboy Coffee Bar owner Emilio Rogliano
“We’ve been eagerly awaiting the opening of the new Food Hall and are thrilled to be a part of the relaunch and welcome people to this amazing new space.”
“We’d encourage everyone to pay us a visit and make the most of the great food and drink on offer at the market.”