Melbourne boasts more than 3,500 restaurants serving up cuisines from over 70 countries, making the best restaurants in Melbourne some of the most exciting and diverse in the country.
Melbourne is one of the most ethnically diverse cities on earth, which makes any guide to the best restaurants in Melbourne a culinary journey around the world. This list is a little different though, espousing a wide array of very humble and underrated eateries alongside a small selection of this city’s most famous restaurants.
If you’re after a specific restaurant guide, have a look at our guides to Melbourne’s best cheap eats, the best new restaurant openings, Melbourne’s best restaurants for an up-tempo atmosphere, the best spots for late-night dining, the best restaurants for dates and many more. If you’re after something really affordable, check out list of places for $5 lunches and $10 dinners here.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.
The best restaurants in Melbourne: CBD
Tonka
If you’re a food lover and a Melburnian, there’s no question you’ve visited Tonka for a feed. It’s one of our most popular and well-regarded Indian restaurants, offering all the favourites.
Serai
There’s not too many food spots out there specialising in Filipino inspired cuisine, so it’s exciting when one comes along like Serai, who excel in everything. There’s delicious menu items available, check out more info here.
ARU Restaurant
ARU is another spot that features sharing plates, perfect for big groups of people. There’s items like roast chicken, king salmon, forbidden rice sourdough, and lots more.
Vue de monde
It’s one of our most well-known and well regarded restaurants, Vue de monde is definitely a contender for a Melbourne eating bucket list. It takes a while to lock in a booking here, so be sure to get in early.
Bar Lourinha
Nestled away among the many fine restaurants and food vendors of Little Collins St is Bar Lourinhã, a spot you need to check out. They offer customers Mediterranean meals, like kingfish pancetta, chickpeas, and even duck.
Bottega Restaurant
Once again, one of Melbourne’s best restaurants is dedicated to providing customers with high class Italian fare. Like all good Italian restaurants, there’s tasty wine on offer here too. Check out more info on Bottega restaurant here.
San Telmo
There aren’t too many Argentinian restaurants out there, but San Telmo is one of the best out there. There are dishes like fish of the day, lamb rump, hanger steak, and desserts like Argentinian cookies, crepes, and plenty more.
Gopals
It’s exciting to see that Vegetarian restaurants have been getting a lot of attention lately, making sure that there’s options for all types of food lovers. There’s a few inexpensive items available here, like rice and curry, lasagne, and salad.
The best restaurants in Brunswick
Bhang
Melbourne is an amazing melting pot of different backgrounds, people of all types have brought their culture to our shores, and we’ve been allowed to enjoy it all. A prime example is Brunswick’s Bhang, an Indian restaurant that’s one of the best restaurants in Melbourne. It’s got some decadent bites, gorgeous cocktails and a fun vibe to back it all. The spot’s jam packed with killer deals – like $20 Biryani Night and $25 Thali Night, you’ll be eating good for dirt cheap during a visit here.
Los Hermanos Mexican Taqueria
Yet another international inspired food spot is found in Brunswick, as the name suggests, Los Hermanos Mexican Taqueria is focused on slinging all things Mexican, you can chow more tacos than you can shake a stick at – lamb, beef, chicken, fish, mushroom and even potato and eggs.
Juanita Peaches
Fried chicken, burrito, and burgers, need we say more? There’s all the favourites here, and all paired with delicious bevs – they’ve even got a beer from Garage Project that has hints of cucumber, dill, and pickles, which goes perfectly with a burger or two.
Good Days
Located on the mecca of Sydney Rd, Good Days focuses on all things Vietnamese. Their menu is nice and succinct, so you know they’ve aced everything on it. Rice Paper Rolls, Spring Rolls, and Noodle Salads feature, among much more. Take a quick peak at what their food looks like here, but try not to drool on your phone.
Miss Moses
Yet another Sydney Rd staple is Miss Moses, an establishment focused on all things Burgers, Sandwiches and Beers – there’s too many to list here, have a gander at their full menu over on their website to understand why it’s one of the best restaurants in Melbourne. If you feel like strapping on the feedbag, check out their bottomless menu, where you can enjoy a collection of delicious meals for $69 a person.
Very Good Falafel
There’s nothing better than a freshly cooked falafel, and when there’s a whole food spot dedicated to it, it’s like heaven in a store. Dive into all the info on Very Good Falafel over on their socials to get a gist of what you’re getting yourself into when you visit – we’re not responsible for any falafel addictions our readers may acquire after visiting. If you love the food during a visit here, there’s even a cookbook that’ll be available soon.
Tom Phat
Specialising in south east Asian cuisine, Tom Phat brings the flavours from some of Australia’s closest neighbours to Brunswick. Whether it’s Indonesia’s iconic beef rendang, or Thailand’s classic yellow curry, Tom Phat brings bargain food and drinks to all Brunswickians. Every Tuesday through to Saturday, you can grab $8 beers, $8 wines, and $12 margaritas, which pair awesome with items like crispy squid, yellow curry and roti.
Alasya Restaurant
Alasya Restaurant is found of the popular Sydney Rd in Brunswick, and is dedicated to the world of Turkish cuisine. Additional info and a full menu can be found on Alasya Restaurant’s website here.
Ciao Mamma!
Yet another Italian restaurant can be found in Brunswick, Ciao Mamma has quickly become one of the suburb’s most popular dining spots, and easily one of the best restaurants in Melbourne. If you’re still not sure, Ciao Mamma! Makes their pasta and sauce onsite each and every day, so you know you’ll be getting the best of the best.
The best restaurants in Preston, Northcote and Thornbury
Dexter
We’ll admit, the name does remind us of the murdery TV show. But you’re sure to forget about all of that when you’ve got a mouth full of succulent, slow-cooked meat. This Preston locale is laid back and moody on the interior – a little sexier than your average smokehouse, but comfy enough to pull up a chair for the whole night. Plus, the wine selection doesn’t disappoint, full of nice drops that’ll compliment your dinner. The team does an excellent job of blending sweet and savoury. Take, for example, the Caramel Short Rib. Caramel and ribs – who would have thought? But it works! As do the cinnamon-salted fries and the apple-glazed pork belly. And then there’s the star of the show: the meat donut. Don’t ask questions. Just get one. Or two. Get however many you want, it’s your life!
The Wesley Anne
I’ve already spoken about the aptitude of a pie in fighting winter’s bacteria with Beat’s Guide to Melbourne’s Best Pies, but I haven’t touched on an open fire’s expertise in the same field. Well, put them both together and you have Northcote’s 19th century church reconfiguration the Wesley Anne. They’ve sorted out winter to a tee with $12 pie nights on Wednesdays and a $14.99 roo and red (with mash and veggies) occasion on Mondays. The fireplace keeps you warm out the back, and it wouldn’t be a bar without alcohol so make sure you try their dark & stormy.
Kustom Burgers
Kustom Burgers is pretty fresh on the Melbourne burger landscape, but that doesn’t mean it hasn’t become one of the best restaurants in Melbourne. Setting up the joint has been a passion project for Paul Hendrie, who worked hard for two years to turn his dream into a reality. Fittingly, the burgers have car-themed names, and we’d like to focus on the F150 burger in particular. You can get this beauty in its original form, which merges a 100 per cent grass fed Tasmanian beef patty, with tomato sauce, kustom special sauce, hi-melt American cheese, bacon, onion and lettuce. You can also kustomise it and build up to a F250 or even an F350 by adding an extra beef patty, onion, egg, cheese and bacon.
The best restaurants in Fitzroy
Mukka
The first thing that hits you when you walk through the doors of Brunswick Street’s Mukka is the scent of spices wafting from the back – as soon as it hits, your mouth instantly waters. There’s a mix of languages being spoken by both patrons and staff, and the eclectic décor really puts you at home in this cosy restaurant. The charm of the restaurant lies within the decor and the promising smell of Indian food. All the chairs are miss-matched, but still in the colour scheme or orange, white, and teal – similar to the colours of the Indian flag. A local street artist in Fitzroy did the in-house mural featuring old school Bollywood actress Waheeda Rehman – there’s a cocktail on the menu named after her, and everything you smell is all produced in house.
Trippy Taco
Trippy Taco has long held a special place in the hearts and bellies of Melbourne’s vegans and vegetarians. Serving up Mexican street food style dishes, the restaurant has been going strong for over 19 years now. It’s fair to say the store is one of the best restaurants in Melbourne – and with the assorted menu sporting flavours from across the board, it’s clear to see why. A lot of the menu is heavily influenced from owner Simon Fischer’s pre-food truck days in America.
The best restaurants in Collingwood
Maha North
Specialising in Middle Eastern cuisine, the magic meals of Maha North are sure to leave you mesmerised. It’s no wonder that it’s become one of the best restaurants in Melbourne! If sharing meals is more up your alley, then this is the place for you. There’s a killer menu on offer, for $75pp, you can chow into many mouth-watering meals.
Ides
Self described as a restaurant that “reflects a sense of place and evokes the excitement of dining in Melbourne”, eating at Ides is an experience in of itself. Featuring a bevy of high class fine dining options, a visit here will feel like you’ve just stepped into one of those fine dining shows on Netflix. The bourgeois feel to this place makes it a contender for one of the best restaurants in Melbourne.
Le Bon Ton
Calling all meat lovers! Le Bon Ton brings all your favourite red meats under one roof, there’s items you really can’t find anywhere else, things like Brisket, Housemade Sausage, a half pound of pork, chicken, and lots more.
Hotel Jesus
Melbourne’s an awesome spot when it comes to different cultures, many backgrounds come together and make for an awesome world of nightlife. Hotel Jesus focuses on the world of Mexican food, their menu featuring items such as Flauta Con Cane De Res, Enchiladas, and plenty more. If you’re after food a little earlier, Hotel Jesus features a Bottomless Brunch, where you can grab bottomless cocktals and a brunch banquet, more info can be found here.
Jim’s Greek Tavern
After 40 years in business, the popular Greek spot still continues to service many visitors on a regular basis, there’s items like saganaki, tarama, eggplant and tzatziki, among much more. It’s a BYO location too, so you’re able to make the location your own.
The Horn African Cafe & Restaurant
It’s not too often you find an Ethiopian inspired restaurant in Melbourne, so The Horn African Café and Restaurant is a must visit spot in Collingwood. They’ve got a stacked menu, featuring 6 pages of fish, vegetarian, lamb, beef and chicken meals, with their website also featuring a guide on how to best eat Ethiopian food, using Injera. The unique cuisine on offer makes this place one of the best restaurants in Melbourne.
Aka Siro
There’s always something special about those spots that are simple in their layout – all the time is spent acing high quality Japanese fare. A quick gander on their Instagram here will show you the many yum items that you can grab during a visit here.
Easey’s
If you’ve spent more than a day in Collingwood, there’s no doubt you’ve come across Easey’s in your travels. But if you haven’t, this rooftop restaurant is located in a converted train, where you’re able to chow into mouth-watering burgers. It’s got a real distinct American diner feel to it, yet the burgers aren’t simple diner type burgers.
The best restaurants in Richmond and beyond
Serotonin Eatery
Instead of simply gathering up all that’s healthy and light, Serotonin go the extra mile to create dishes that are simply extraordinary. Take their “Smiling Smashed Avo” for instance: it’s smashed peas and beetroot relish on sprouted loaf and fresh chilli, resulting in what I’d say is their most popular dish. If you’re after a vegan option, swap the feta with Serotonin’s house-made almond feta. On the smoothie front, my top picks are the Choc, Cacao & Banana (with organic cacao and ripe bananas), the Peanut Butter Protein Shake (using pea protein, banana and coconut milk), and the Coconut Espresso Bomb (with whole coconut and espresso). Ask for a smile on the top to your smoothie and they may just have something for you, too.
The Dandenong Pavilion
The team at Dandenong Pavilion get their buns made for them by a local Italian baker and has a buttery taste to it. This restaurant is family run, and could almost be called the tourist attraction of Dandenong. The side that comes with the burgers is a simple cup of chips, and the beauty is in the simplicity with a smattering of paprika for kick. Veggos will be pleased with the McClaire Underwood burger, which is a deep fried potato rostie for the patty, cheese, mushrooms, tomato, lettuce and the McDowwell burger sauce. One of the coolest things is the drinks list. You can practically get any type of coffee your hear desires, from a Mexican coffee with Kahlua and whipped cream, an Irish coffee with whiskey and whipped cream, or any style of iced chocolate or mocha. There is also a huge range of cocktails that would honestly go with any burger on the standard menu, and the secret menu, making this joint one of the best restaurants in Melbourne.
The best restaurants in Melbourne’s south
Seoul Garden
Seoul Garden boasts an all-you-can-eat lunch BBQ buffet from Monday to Friday (12pm – 3pm) and Saturday, Sunday from 12pm to 5pm. They offer the full range of BBQ meats, seafood, hot pot, salads, cold dishes and desserts at $43.90 per person, although also offer 50% off for children aged between four and nine.
Andrew’s Hamburgers
Andrew’s Burgers is quite literally the original Melbourne burger joint. It has been family run for over 75 years and the burger business voted in as Victoria’s best bun, coming in second on TripAdvisor’s list of Top 10 Boutique Burger Joints in Australia. “Second in Australia is amazing,” said manager Greg Mitropoulos. “We pride ourselves on our burgers and being old school. Good luck to all the trendy, new burger joints out there.” Andrew’s Hamburgers have been, and always will be dishing up the quintessential hamburger — classic, well-established recipes served with the promise of an unbelievably tasty burger experience.
The best restaurants in Melbourne: south east
Lona
St Kilda’s contemporary Spanish/South American tapas restaurant – has made some recent additions to their all day menu that’s had vegans talking seaside to city. Their widespread indoor, outdoor and garden seating is said to be one of the most polished-yet-charming venues St Kilda has seen, and their menu could also be described as just that. Being one of the best restaurants in Melbourne, it certainly delivers on juicy meat dishes (after all the Spanish and South Americans arguably do this best) while also serving up those vegan options which have been the talk of the town.
Colonel’s Tans at Revolver
Now just a river cross away from the CBD (relax it’s not that far), you’ll find Colonel Tan’s AKA Revolver’s restaurant before it becomes Revolver – which is incredible and never ceases to surprise everyone. There’s not much to be said about Revolver other than it’s ridiculously good. And the food? Ridiculously good also. My favourite dish is the Stir Fried Chinese Broccoli & Pork Belly, or the Corn, Pea and Egg Fried Rice. If you’re after a burger, the Five Spice Chicken is perfect.
Topolino’s
Lights are out, drinks are in, and your legs have been dancing for hours. Or maybe you’re on your way home from a work bender in the office (we hope it’s not the latter). Either way, Melbourne’s your jam, there’s plenty open late and Topolino’s in St Kilda is first on the list. Taking their name from the owner’s first Fiat Topolino back in 1972, they offer a wide range of cheesy pizzas such as the Bologna, layered with spaghetti, bolognese sauce and parmesan cheese. Thin crust pizza doesn’t do it for you? Try their foccacia-style pizza.
Hello Sam
Foodies know Hello Sam as the classy burger joint on the south side of the Yarra. Since opening in October 2013, they’ve been producing gourmet hamburgers that cater for all tastes and dietary persuasions including vegetarian and gluten free. Two years ago the rundown cafe in South Yarra was converted to a vintage burger joint that filled the gap for those of us who wanted a classier burger experience. The mind blowing burger we want to spotlight is the classy Uncle Sam. It’s an American style burger that comes with a 100% Angus beef patty, American cheese, American mustard, ketchup, pickles, tomato relish and red onion, topped with super crispy fabulous onion rings.
The best restaurants in Melbourne: west
Pho Hung Vuong Saigon
Pho Hung Vuong Saigon is where most head to for some of the best Vietnamese cuisine in Melbourne. Don’t be startled upon walking in with their staff yelling in bursts, moving around quickly – the restaurant’s energy aims for nothing less. Once seated by their quick service enjoy complimentary hot green tea while flipping through their menu. Usually, I’ll order combination spring rolls (the fresh lettuce, crunching against deep-fried delicacies) before moving onto the classic dishes – what this restaurant sticks to, and does best – like pho or vermicelli salad (pork is best). Their rice dishes, particularly the pork chops with fried egg and then more shredded pork, is notable.
8bit
8Bit really is the jewel in Footscray’s crown. And the stand out is the Double Dragon burger. Because two is better than one, you get double the bang for your buck with two patties of great quality beef, double bacon, two strips of traditional American cheese, pickles, American mustard, ketchup, crispy fresh lettuce, and their very own 8bit sauce to give it all a brilliant finish. You can also pick from their vast selection of side dishes. On offer are beer battered fries, cheese and bacon fries and ‘loaded’ fries. The best Double Dragon burger pairing would be the crispy onion rings with BBQ sauce; they work together brilliantly.
Lukumades
What makes leaving the DJ for your sweet tooth booty call bearable? Heading to the DJ’s Greek doughnut store in West Melbourne – conveniently one suburb away from the CBD. That’s where you’ll find Exarhos, AKA Greece’s finest selector working his new doughnut shop Lukumandes. Not only does Exarhos play phat beats until 10pm every night, but it’s definitely the most talked about shop on the streets right now. His doughnuts of deep fried dough soaked in syrup, chocolate, honey and nut toppings take their place as Melbourne’s simplest and sweetest pleasure. You can find these Greek delights at their staple store on Peel Street, West Melbourne, or working their many food trucks aiding sugar cravings all over.
New York Minute
Want to know what is cool about New York Minute? Their burgers have no added gluten or preservatives. For reals. They also cater to celiacs and those folk who are lactose intolerant. New York Minute is also home to Matt Preston’s famous top ten burger the New York Burger. Easily one of the best restaurants in Melbourne, their immense burger menu covers Wagyu Beef, Eye fillet, Chicken, Brisket, Pulled Pork and Vegetarian burgers and are all made fresh with no added gluten buns and with homemade patties and sauces.
Keep up with the latest Melbourne restaurant openings and closures here.
