The Melbourne Food & Wine Festival will return from 20 to 29 March next year with a program of 200 events across the state, including a Greek-themed edition of its flagship World’s Longest Lunch.
The Victorian Government earlier this week revealed the 2026 program, which will span venues in Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said the festival continued to be a major driver for the state’s economy.”
The Melbourne Food & Wine Festival is quintessentially Victorian – a melting pot of culture and culinary delights – while supporting almost 300,000 jobs across the state,” Dimopoulos said in the announcement.
“Victorians play a vital role at every stage of producing our world-class food and beverages – so whether you’re dining in Frankston or Kew, you’re enjoying the work of one of the most talented workforces in the world.”
The 2026 World’s Longest Lunch will celebrate Melbourne’s Greek community, with a menu created by author Ella Mittas, chefs from CBD restaurant Kafeneion and Yarraville’s Tzaki.
The 1,600-seat lunch will stretch more than 600 metres through Kings Domain and is expected to sell out.
Mittas will open the three-course meal with a meze plate featuring dishes such as zucchini fritters, tzatziki with roast almonds and sour cherry dolmades.
Tzaki’s Alex Xinis will present slow-roasted lamb shoulder with braised chickpeas and mustard greens, while Kafeneion will close the menu with portokalopita, a traditional orange filo cake.
Anthea Loucas Bosha, CEO of Food + Drink Victoria, said the 10-day program would showcase both local talent and international influences.
“From a Greek-themed World’s Longest Lunch, the global sensation that is CAKE PICNIC, our supersized baking fair Baker’s Dozen at Fed Square, an extraordinary line-up of international culinary talent and 200 events in restaurants and venues across the state, there is so much to be excited by in the 2026 Melbourne Food & Wine Festival program,” she said.
“For 10 days in March there will be nowhere better to eat and drink in the world.”
The festival, first held in 1993, has grown into one of Victoria’s signature major events. The World’s Longest Lunch now attracts thousands of diners each year, with the 2026 edition also set to feature live music and Greek-inspired experiences, including an Oceania Cruises lounge offering Aegean-themed meze, Greek-influenced cocktails and ouzo tastings from Oakleigh’s Vanilla Lounge and Otways Distillery.
For further information visit our Greek Guide events page.
