A man was stabbed several times during an argument at a McDonald's fast food outlet in Melbourne's CBD last night.

Police say the man was involved in an argument with two others over their position in a queue for food about 11:30pm.

It is believed the men followed the 30-year-old man from Croydon outside and attacked him in Swanston Street near Flinders Street Station.

He was stabbed three times, once to the shoulder and twice to the chest and has been treated at the Alfred Hospital.

His injuries are not life threatening.