Summary
THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN MELBOURNE
Melbourne’s culinary landscape is exemplary in Australia, presenting a remarkable array of establishments that set the standard nationwide. Regardless of your craving, Melbourne has accommodations. Given the vast options available, selecting where to dine can be a daunting task. For this reason, we have simplified your choices with our carefully curated list of the premier restaurants in Melbourne, from modern Australian fine dining to hearty Italian fare.
Delve into our enticing selection and commence your gastronomic exploration.
ATTICA
CUISINE: Modern Australian fine dining
ADDRESS: 74 Glen Eira Rd, Ripponlea VIC 3185
OPENING HOURS: 6pm – 8pm Tuesday – Saturday
INSTAGRAM: @atticamelbourne
Attica is an unpretentious suburban venue nestled in Ripponlea. The exterior may not exude extravagance, but it belies an impressive culinary experience. Recognized as one of the world’s exemplary dining establishments, Attica has featured prominently on Netflix’s Chef’s Table and has earned three hats from the Good Food Guide 2020.
Attica’s dining experience emphasizes the food itself rather than the venue’s status. Upon entering, your focus shifts to the table, illuminated by dramatic lighting accentuating each dish. This setting unfolds like a theatrical performance, inviting guests to indulge in a procession of harmoniously crafted and contemporary cuisines curated by owner and chef Ben Shrewry. His cooking style narrates personal stories through inventive and carefully detailed presentations of native ingredients that may be unfamiliar to many. This meticulous attention to culinary artistry ensures each course captivates the senses, delivering a truly remarkable gastronomic journey.
MR MIYAGI
CUISINE: Japanese
ADDRESS: 99 Chapel St, Windsor VIC 3181
OPENING HOURS: Monday – Thursday 5pm – late, Friday – Sunday 12 noon – late
INSTAGRAM: @mrmiyagimelbourne
Situated on the vibrant Chapel Street, Mr Miyagi stands out as a must-visit spot in Melbourne. Recognized for its inventive approach to dining, the establishment presents a casual yet sophisticated Japanese atmosphere, offering traditional dishes with a modern twist. The menu features a succinct selection of shareable plates, including the renowned Salmon Nori tacos. The ambiance resembles a lively club, complete with dim lighting, energetic music, and an extensive bar — transforming your meal into an exceptional culinary outing. With its chic decor, vibrant energy, extensive drinks menu, and enticing contemporary interpretations of Japanese cuisine, Mr Miyagi is undoubtedly a versatile dining destination.
FLOWER DRUM
CUISINE: Cantonese
ADDRESS: 17 Market Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
OPENING HOURS: Monday – Saturday: Lunch 12 noon – 3pm, Dinner: 6pm – 11pm, Sunday 6pm – 10:30pm
INSTAGRAM: @flower_drum
Maintaining a premier status in Melbourne’s dining scene for nearly four decades is a remarkable accomplishment, and Flower Drum shows no intent of slowing down. Sustaining such a high standard requires immense dedication, consistent service, and exceptional culinary skills. The name “Flower Drum” references a traditional Chinese dance known for its elegance and beauty. Their culinary philosophy revolves around utilizing the finest seasonal ingredients to craft delicate flavors, showcasing top-quality local produce through expert Asian cooking techniques. Flower Drum continues to stand out as one of Melbourne’s finest dining establishments. Although it requires a notable investment, the sophisticated and refined delicacies, paired with exemplary service, render it an essential destination for gastronomy enthusiasts.
SUNDA
CUISINE: Modern South East Asian / Modern Australian
ADDRESS: 18 Punch Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
OPENING HOURS: 5.30pm – late (Wednesday to Saturday), 12pm – 3pm (Saturday)
INSTAGRAM: @sunda_dining
When contemplating delectable curries, the incorporation of Vegemite might seem unconventional. However, Chef Khanh Nguyen pushes culinary boundaries by combining native Australian components with the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia, presenting a menu designed for sharing. This bold amalgamation results in a culinary triumph that delicately entices your palate.
Designed by award-winning architects, Kerstin Thompson and Figure Ground, this compact venue is a minimalist yet striking space that focuses on its innovative cuisine. Recognized with numerous accolades, including two hats from The Australian Good Food Guide 2020, Sunda is an esteemed dining destination.
VUE DE MONDE
CUISINE: Modern Australian fine dining
ADDRESS: Rialto Towers, 525 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
OPENING HOURS: Wednesday – Saturday: 6pm – late, Friday – Saturday: Lunch from 12pm
INSTAGRAM: @vuedemonde
Perched at the majestic Level 55 of the Rialto Tower, renowned Chef Shannon Bennett’s Vue de Monde showcases one of Melbourne’s premier dining experiences, offering an expansive 360-degree view of the city. This establishment emphasizes the art of dining as an unforgettable experience, paying homage to traditional fine dining while exploring native Australian ingredients with Executive Chef Hugh Allen at the helm. The focus remains on presenting an engaging culinary journey, characterized by an evolution of flavors and spark of intrigue.
The moment you enter, the ambiance of elegant darkness, adorned tables covered with kangaroo pelt, and views of the Melbourne skyline create a sense of opulence. The theatrical presentation of dishes, combined with outstanding views and attentive service, makes this dining experience truly unparalleled. While it may be on the higher end of the spectrum, the combination of exquisite meals and celebratory beverages renders it a worthwhile venture.
CODA
CUISINE: French Vietnamese
ADDRESS: 141 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
OPENING HOURS: Tuesday – Saturday 6pm – 10pm
INSTAGRAM: @codamelbourne
Positioned in one of Melbourne’s most iconic laneways, Coda is nestled within the city’s dynamic gastronomy precinct. This eatery boasts a team of highly skilled professionals with diverse experiences drawn from renowned international restaurants. Since 2009, Coda has proudly maintained a One Hat status in The Age Good Food Guide’s ‘Hat Awards’. The menu reflects a blend of Euro-Vietnamese and modern Australian inspirations, fostering a relaxed ambiance in a transformed warehouse setting.
CHIN CHIN
CUISINE: Australian meets South East Asian
ADDRESS: 125 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
OPENING HOURS: Monday – Sunday 11am – 10pm
INSTAGRAM: @chinchin
Located at the crossroads of two of Melbourne’s most renowned laneways, Chin Chin offers a distinctive Australian dining experience infused with Southeast Asian flavors. Noted for its lively atmosphere, Chin Chin has pioneered a vibrant dining scene. The establishment curates a multisensory experience that encompasses not just culinary delights but also art exhibits and thoughtfully curated playlists from esteemed DJs, making it a coveted destination for both tourists and locals alike.
TIPO 00
CUISINE: Italian
ADDRESS: 361 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
OPENING HOURS: Monday – Saturday 11:30am – 10pm
INSTAGRAM: @tipo_00
This petite yet charming venue encapsulates the heart of Italian dining, focusing on exquisite house-made pasta crafted by skilled chefs. Tipo 00, accommodating around 40 diners in the CBD, has emerged as a beloved destination thanks to the straightforward yet delightful offerings of chefs Andrea Papadakis and Alberto Fava, ensuring that each dish nourishes not only the appetite but the spirit as well.
OSTERIA ILARIA
CUISINE: Italian
ADDRESS: 367 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
OPENING HOURS: Monday – Saturday 12 noon – 10:30pm
INSTAGRAM: @osteriailaria
Osteria Ilaria presents a modern bistro experience within the CBD, characterized by a creative cocktail menu, diverse wine selection, and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. The establishment’s decor, featuring an industrial feel combined with vibrant hues and artistic tile flooring, complements its inventive cooking style. The extensive drinks menu and innovative cocktails enhance the overall dining experience.
KISUME
CUISINE: Japanese
ADDRESS: 175 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
OPENING HOURS: Monday – Thursday 5pm – 10pm, Friday – Sunday 5pm – 11pm
INSTAGRAM: @kisume_au
Kisume is a contemporary Japanese restaurant that embodies elegance, luxury, and grandeur. Reflecting a fusion of Melbourne sophistication and New York flair, Kisume operates on three levels, featuring a Sushi Bar, The Table, Chablis Bar, along with private dining options. The establishment prides itself on an incredibly knowledgeable staff and Master Chefs, showcasing impeccable craftsmanship in every dish.
MOVIDA
CUISINE: Spanish
ADDRESS: 1 Hosier Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
OPENING HOURS: Monday – Sunday 11am – 2am
INSTAGRAM: @movidamelb
MoVida, a quaint bar nestled within a graffiti-lined lane, serves delightful Spanish tapas and shared plates. Headed by Frank Camorra, MoVida catalyzed Melbourne’s passion for contemporary tapas, emphasizing the finest Spanish ingredients while intertwining them with a modern Australian culinary perspective. With its captivating decor and dynamic staff, MoVida has remained a staple in Melbourne’s Spanish dining landscape since the early 2000s.
MINAMISHIMA
CUISINE: Japanese
ADDRESS: 4 Lord St, Richmond VIC 3121
OPENING HOURS: Tuesday – Saturday 5:30pm – 10pm
INSTAGRAM: @minamishimamelbourne
Minamishima is a distinguished Japanese restaurant offering the omakase experience under Chef Koichi Minamishima. Located in a quiet Richmond street, it presents an intimate dining venture, recognized for being one of the few venues in the area serving authentic omakase. The establishment highlights an appreciation for tradition, purity, and the artful presentation of each dish, a reflection of its successful partnerships with local suppliers.
GROSSI FLORENTINO
CUISINE: Italian
ADDRESS: 80 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
OPENING HOURS: Monday – Friday Lunch: from 12 noon, Monday – Saturday Dinner: 6pm – late
INSTAGRAM: @grossiflorentino
Grossi Florentino stands as one of Melbourne’s iconic dining venues, operating since 1928, and has significantly impacted the city’s evolving hospitality and culinary culture. This fine-dining establishment in Chinatown delivers flawlessly executed Italian cuisine that masterfully balances creativity with comfort. With three distinct areas—Cellar Bar, Grill, and Florentino—each space offers a unique flair while adhering to the principles of genuine Italian hospitality.
CUTLER & CO
CUISINE: Modern Australian fine dining
ADDRESS: 55/57 Gertrude St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
OPENING HOURS: Thursday – Saturday 6pm – 10pm, Sunday 12 noon – 10pm
INSTAGRAM: @cutlerandco
Cutler & Co features a contemporary Australian menu presented in a refined yet relaxed environment, exemplifying a quintessential Melbourne-style restaurant. With a team of skilled professionals and a menu celebrating the best local produce, it has solidified its reputation as one of Melbourne’s finest establishments. Consistently awarded two hats in the Age Good Food Guide, along with various accolades over its extensive tenure, Cutler & Co represents a must-visit destination within Melbourne’s vibrant culinary scene.
We trust that you found our curation of the best restaurants in Melbourne insightful.
