A man wearing black high-heeled shoes and fishnet stockings is wanted by police over an armed robbery at a Melbourne fast food restaurant.

Police said the man, who was also wearing a pink scarf and a blonde wig at the time, approached staff at the counter of a restaurant on Fitzgerald Road at Laverton North on February 8.

They said he was holding a paper cup, which he claimed contained a detonator for an explosive device.

After demanding and receiving a quantity of cash, the man then fled the store on foot.

The man was also carrying a large brown bag.

Officers said they did not find any explosive devices at the restaurant when they arrived.

Police have released a CCTV image of a person they believe may be able to assist with their inquiries and have asked anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.

The man is said to be of Caucasian appearance, about 183cm tall, of thin build, with a chiselled jaw and heavy stubble on his face, according to police.