A world of culinary talent to descend on Melbourne

The Melbourne Food & Wine Festival returns in 2024 with a program that will include 300 events across the city and beyond.

The festival, one of Australia's leading gourmet events, will run from March 15-24.

The event will kick off with the return of some festival favourites, including the World’s Longest Lunch to be led by superstar chef Andrew McConnell (Gimlet, Cumulus Inc, Cutler & Co, Supernormal) and the World’s Longest Brunch with new-wave Indian food champions Harry Mangat (Biji Dining), Helly Raichura (Enter Via Laundry) and Mischa Tropp (Toddy Shop).

“We’re thrilled to be back in 2024 with a truly special program," says Anthea Loucas Bosha, CEO of Food + Drink Victoria, the not-for-profit parent company behind MFWF.

"From the king of Melbourne hospitality, Andrew McConnell, leading the World’s Longest Lunch to three of the state’s best proponents of new-wave Indian cooking taking the change on World’s Longest Brunch - that’s just the first two days of the festival.

“Our Global Dining Series has been supercharged this year, with a breadth of talent from around Australia and the world coming to Melbourne for a series of one-off dinners, collaborations and residencies.

"Our final weekend has us back at our festival home, Fed Square, where Melbourne’s best bakers and patissiers will be on show.

"Melbourne is always one of most dynamic places to eat and drink, and for 10 days in March Melbourne will be the world’s eating and drinking capital.”

Guests include Garima Arora bringing the food of Gaa, her Bangkok post-Noma take on Indian food, while Sarah Cicolini brings her trattoria Santo Palato from Rome to a pop-up in North Melbourne, both open for the length of the festival.

 

Hanoi-based Sam Tran brings a taste of Gia to Aru, Dan Hong (above) goes sweet-casual at Pidapipo and Neil Perry brings a taste of his Margaret restaurant to Omnia.

Andrew McConnell said: “Melbourne Food & Wine Festival is one of the most important events in the calendar. MFWF is crucial to continuing and reinforcing Melbourne’s reputation as the cultural and gastronomic capital of Australia."

There will be a range of events at Fed Square (all heavily sponsored).

Tickets for the 2024 Melbourne Food & Wine Festival go on sale Thursday, February 1. See https://www.melbournefoodandwine.com.au/