With spring very much in bloom and summer just around the corner—picnic season is well underway.
The streets of Melbourne are buzzing with the calm-before-the-storm buzz that will erupt in a memorable Summer of 2021, where we won’t be putting our wine coolers down for nobody.
The next few weeks are going to be all about catching up with friends in the sunshine-rays of the (slowly) warmer weather, eating delicious local produce, supporting small businesses and drinking all of the wine.
While restaurants are still closed, there are some epic picnic hampers on offer. Here are the best picnic packs in Melbourne right now.
Bahari
Richmond
It’s all about the souvlakis, dips, salads, grilled octopus and halloumi chips over at Bahari. Not only will they allow you to pick and choose whatever you want to be packed up all park-ready, but they also have picnic rugs and baskets available to borrow. A delicious picnic you don’t need to prepare for? Sounds perfect. They can also provide you with eco-friendly napkins, plates, cups and cutlery. Order online, give them a call or just walk in.
Estelle
Northcote
Did someone say a fancy cheese platter? We’re on our way. Scott Pickett’s Estelle is plating up some pretty swanky cheese and charcuterie plates, perfect for a picnic spread. The cheese plate comes with two kinds of cheese (a soft and a hard), olives, chutney and lavosh, while the charcuterie comes with a few different cured housemade meats, pickles and focaccia. If you want to take it one step further, you can also add on half a dozen freshly shucked oysters for an extra $28. Pre-order here for next-day pick up.
Rice Paper Scissors
Fitzroy
For the most incredible spring feast, we can rely on Rock Paper Scissors, a beloved restaurant chain in Melbourne that combines Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese and Singaporean cuisines together. Their picnic box can be ordered for up to 20 people and includes a banh mi and rice paper roll flavour per person, as well as delicious Southeast Asian-inspired salads and sides. Order here.
Mr Miyagi
Multiple locations
Mr. Miyagi‘s picnic offering looks a little different to the rest. They’ve launched six course Japanese picnic packs, which will be dropped and hand delivered directly to a park near you.
Each week, Mr. Miyagi will pick two locations in Melbourne and set up a temporary station where pre-ordered picnics can be collected — all you’ve got to do is keep your eye out for the Miyagi flag! No need to jump in a car or wait for a delivery at home, just head to your location and the team will take care of you.
This weekend, Saturday 2nd October, the team will set up shop at Victoria Gardens in Prahran from 12:30pm and Elwood Beach at Ormond Point from 2pm. The six course menu feeds you and 3 friends, so pick wisely. Included in your Mr. Miyagi Cooler Bag (which is yours to keep) is: Edamame Hummus w/ Rice Crackers, Yuzu Kingfish Sashimi, Soba Noodle Salad, Salmon Aburi Handroll, Chicken Katsu Roll and Yuzu Cheesecake. One word: YUM. Order here.
Rosella
Collingwood
The ultimate “vacationing in Italia” picnic hamper you could possibly order is from Rosella and includes the following: Friselle, acqua pazza, tomatoes; Focaccia; Anchovies; Salumi; Pickles; Cheese; Taralli; Tramezzini; Orecchiette pasta salad (tomato, mozzarella, basil); Fruit; Almond biscotti; Italian lollies. It’s one big antipasto feast, in true Nonna-style. Order online here with 24 hours’ notice.
Komeyui
Port Melbourne
No need to settle for chain-store sushi when you can feast on a lavish picnic box from Komeyui. Not only is it beautiful, but it’s affordable and delicious too. With a few options ranging in price, their basic Omusubi Box includes a variety of Japanese rice balls, edamame and ebi tempura, while their Temari Sushi Box is served with gorgeous little Temari sushi pieces that almost look too pretty to eat. Order online here for pick up or delivery.
Rustica Bakery
South Yarra
Rustica’s BBQ pack is easy to cook up at home or (now that we’re allowed) at the park. It comes with mini milk-buns, Wagyu patties, beef skewers, sausages, condiments, a leafy salad and a sourdough loaf. What more could you need? Order here, with delivery available from Thursday – Monday within 10km of the CBD and 48 hours’ notice.
Maker & Monger
Prahran
If you’re after something more local, like a Victorian farmhouse cheese platter, then look no further. This Maker & Monger platter includes some incredible Victoria makers: Brigid Well’s goat’s cheese, Berrys Creek blue, Dandenong Ranges honeycomb and fresh, dried Victorian fruit. You also have the option of adding on a bottle of Pennyweight wine, because why not? Order online here and available to be picked up or delivered within 15km on market days.
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