‘Addictive’: The popular hot chicken restaurant making waves across the nation!

Press PLAY to hear Emilia’s full review!

Belle’s Hot Chicken

Melbourne CBD (Little Collins St) – 99 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Fitzroy – 77-79 Smith St, Fitzroy VIC 3065

Sydney (Barangaroo) – Level 1, 14-15 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo NSW 2000

This week, I’m in Sydney, and as I’ve been hopping between restaurants here, it’s struck me how restaurants that thrive in Melbourne often struggle to make it across the border—and vice versa.

So, it’s interesting to see that Belle’s Hot Chicken has managed to not just survive but thrive in Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide without even being a decade old. 

Belle’s Hot Chicken has a fascinating history that traces back to Nashville, Tennessee, where it all began.

The restaurant was founded by Morgan McGlone, a Melbourne-born chef who had been living in the US and was captivated by the city’s legendary hot chicken scene.

Nashville-style hot chicken is a beloved local specialty, known for its crispy, spicy coating and tender meat. After getting a taste of the original thing, McGlone saw an opportunity to bring it to Melbourne, blending his own expertise with the fiery flavors of Nashville.

Belle’s Hot Chicken opened its doors in 2016 in Melbourne’s Fitzroy neighborhood, quickly gaining attention for its bold approach to comfort food.

The name “Belle’s” is a tribute to McGlone’s grandmother, who inspired him with her love of cooking and hospitality. The concept quickly caught on, thanks to its unique take on Nashville-style hot chicken—crispy, spicy, and downright addictive.

The combination of Melbourne’s growing food scene and McGlone’s deep understanding of both the southern US and Australian food cultures led Belle’s to rapidly become a go-to spot for anyone craving spicy fried chicken.

The restaurant grew to include several locations across Melbourne and has even branched out internationally, opening a successful outpost in Sydney as well.

I thought I’d take a deep dive into their “All the Good Stuff” to see what all the fuss is about. And it certainly lived up to the hype.

The “All the Good Stuff” is a mix that gives you a little bit of everything. For $60 you can get two spicy chicken sandwiches, four crispy wings, fries and gravy, house slaw, and comeback sauce make up the ensemble.

Everything was spot-on, but the real star, of course, is the chicken.

Belle’s offers a range of spice levels, and trust me, even the mid-tier spice hits hard. If you’re someone who thinks you can handle heat, the “hot” level here will put you to the test.

The spice lingers and builds as you eat, so pace yourself—it’s a slow burn. But the flavors are incredible: tender, juicy chicken coated in a crisp batter, balanced with the right amount of heat.

The sandwiches are excellent, packed with that spicy crunch and topped with pickles and tangy mayo, adding a perfect contrast to the heat.

The wings are another highlight. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, with that signature kick that makes you reach for the cooling slaw to balance things out. And speaking of the slaw, it was fresh and light, offering a nice, crisp contrast to the richness of the chicken.

The comeback sauce? A must-try—creamy, tangy, with just the right amount of zing to complement the spice.

The fries, served with gravy, were everything you’d hope for—comforting and indulgent. The gravy was rich and savory, making it hard not to dip everything in it.

As if the experience wasn’t indulgent enough, I also opted for the mac and cheese, which was creamy and cheesy with a touch of heat in the sauce. It’s one of those sides you can’t stop eating, and it pairs wonderfully with the spice in the chicken.

All in all, Belle’s Hot Chicken in Melbourne hits a perfect balance of bold flavors, crispy textures, and serious heat. It’s one of those rare instances where a restaurant seems to bridge the gap between two cities that usually don’t share the same taste.

If you’re a fan of spicy food and crave a satisfying meal, Belle’s should be at the top of your list.

The menu at Belle’s revolves around a simple yet perfected concept: hot chicken. Whether it’s on a sandwich, served as wings, or paired with classic sides like fries and slaw, the restaurant has stayed true to its roots while also offering a modern, Australian twist.

The level of heat is customizable, ranging from mild to “I-need-a-glass-of-milk” hot, with the spice ramping up as you go.

The success of Belle’s Hot Chicken isn’t just about the food—it’s also about the experience.

The laid-back, fun atmosphere, combined with a menu that never compromises on flavor or quality, has made Belle’s a standout in both Melbourne and Sydney.