Melbourne Food and Wine Festival Returns in March 2025

Melbourne is getting ready to host its iconic Melbourne Food & Wine Festival (MFWF) in March 2025, and this year is shaping up to be an absolute blockbuster. With everything from intimate dinners with global culinary talent to big crowd-pleasers like the World's Longest Lunch, it's time to clear the diary and get in line for tickets—which, as you know, tend to disappear faster than hotcakes.

Kicking things off on 21 March is the World's Longest Lunch, this year led by Melbourne’s most successful culinary export, Curtis Stone. He’s flown in from Los Angeles, ready to take over Kings Domain, where 600 metres of shared table will stretch across the park, transforming it into Melbourne’s grandest al fresco dining experience. Three courses, matched wines, and Stone’s signature flair will set the tone for the festival—a meal and moment to be remembered.

And if you're more of a brunch person, fear not. The World's Longest Brunch is back on 23 March, reimagined by Julia Busuttil Nishimura, beloved Melbourne author and food personality. Set in the serene surrounds of the Royal Botanic Gardens, brunch-goers will wander through a progressive feast that moves from sweet cinnamon buns on the Tecoma Lawn, through chive pancakes and savoury toasts, and wraps up with Persian herb frittatas. It’s brunch, but not as you know it—a full-on ode to Melbourne's obsession with mid-morning indulgence.

One of the festival's real highlights is the Global Dining Series, which will see some of the biggest names in food step into Melbourne’s kitchens. Daniel Calvert from Tokyo’s Sézanne—number one on Asia’s 50 Best list—is teaming up with Dan Hunter at Brae for a collaboration that’s got our mouths watering just thinking about it. Or if you’re more inclined towards British comfort food, St John, the London institution known for its nose-to-tail approach, is taking over French Saloon for a week-long residency. Meanwhile, over at Vue de Monde, Hugh Allen joins forces with Austrian chef Konstantin Filippou, promising a menu that’ll combine their best talents for something truly unforgettable.

This year, Melbourne will also welcome Brat's Tomos Parry—a London chef known for making fire-cooked food the hottest thing in town—to Cutler. Plus, two of Manila’s finest chefs, Jordy Navarra and JP Cruz, will bring a burst of Filipino flavour to Serai for a night that’ll blend tradition with modern flair. It's a line-up that proves Melbourne is still the place where the world wants to come and cook.

And it doesn’t end there. Fed Square will transform into a paradise for cake lovers during Baker’s Dozen, featuring Melbourne’s best patissiers, bakers, and a whole lot of sweet creations. Expect crowd favourites like Lune and Baker Bleu, alongside special appearances from Sydney’s AP Bakery teaming up with locals from Iris Sydney. There’s also a Hot Cross Bun Bar—yes, a bar dedicated to these Easter staples—and a chance to vote for your favourite new scone flavour.

If unique experiences are more your thing, you might want to check out 'Snacks and Tatts' at The Beast, where you’ll pair sliders with a lesson in tattooing (on non-human skin, don’t worry). Or perhaps head to 'Henrietta Chicken goes Mangal' for an evening of fire-grilled Turkish flavours. From cooking workshops to photography-infused dinners, the special events list runs deep this year, with more than 165 events across the festival.

Melbourne Food & Wine Festival 2025 is about big experiences, bold flavours, and bringing the best of the culinary world right here to Victoria. Whether you're down for an all-out indulgence or just keen to soak in Melbourne's unbeatable food culture, there's something to make your March unforgettable.

Tickets go on sale on 28 November. Head to mfwf.com.au for the full line-up and to lock in your spot