The 20 Best Restaurants in Melbourne

Chin Chin

Asian · Melbourne CBD

Chin Chin is an Asian restaurant in Melbourne, with Thai influences and a fusion approach to its cooking. Several readers count it among their old favourites, and one says it is hard to pick just one place but this is always on the list. Another saves it for something special. A reader with coeliac disease says the staff know how to look after people with that need, which makes it a comfortable choice for a celebration.

“Chin Chin's in North Carlton is a regular.” — Deb

“Stalactites for late night. Chin Chin for something special.”

“Chin chin yum!” — Marnie

Also picked by Ami, Michelle, Allyson, Suzana — and 19 more.

125 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000 · Website

Gimlet

Melbourne CBD

Gimlet is a cocktail bar and dining room in Melbourne, on the corner of Russell Street and Flinders Lane. The venue's own description links it to Andrew McConnell. Readers speak warmly of its class, its customer service, its food and its atmosphere, and one calls it a favourite restaurant. Another saves it for high days and holidays, which suggests it suits a proper celebration.

“Its class, customer service, food and atmosphere.” — Elizabeth

“I love Gimlet! High days and holidays unfortunately.”

“I can't choose between Gimlet and MoVida. Both wonderful restaurants.”

Also picked by Aristide, Eleanor, Michael, Joanne — and 16 more.

33 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000 · Website

Supernormal

Asian fusion · Melbourne CBD

Supernormal is an Asian fusion restaurant in the heart of Melbourne, also described as Modern Australian. Readers speak of it warmly. One calls her dinner there the night before fantastic, and another counts it among her current favourite places in the city. Kristen says it is where she takes out-of-town guests, which suggests a place that shows Melbourne off well, whether for a relaxed dinner or a visit from friends.

“Is the best!” — Jane

“Big ask to pick 1 fav, so many to choose from.”

“Just ate dinner last night at Supernormal.. fantastic!” — Deb

Also picked by Michael, Jacqueline, Chris, Bernie — and 13 more.

180 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000 · Website

Pellegrini's

Cafe · Melbourne CBD

Pellegrini's is an Italian restaurant and espresso bar on Bourke Street in Melbourne. Readers use words like "institution" when they talk about it, and some have been going for decades, long enough that it feels like a fixture of their city. One reader calls it a go-to when it is open, and says she loves the authentic Italian feel. It suits a coffee or a relaxed meal with people who know the place well.

“My go to when open, love the authentic Italian vibe.”

“These are Melbourne institutions I've been visiting for nearly 40 years.”

“Pellegrini's. Melbourne Institution.” — Scotty

Also picked by Ilana, Mary, Sarah — and 9 more.

66 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000 · Website

France-Soir

French · South Yarra

France-Soir is a French brasserie in South Yarra, and it describes itself as an iconic one, offering authentic French cooking, fine wines and a classic Parisian dining experience. Several readers named it, and Maree calls it something of an institution, adding that it has earned the title. It suits a long, unhurried meal in the French tradition, the kind that makes an ordinary evening feel like an occasion.

“A bit of an institution and so it should be.” — Maree

Also picked by Litsa, Rose, Paul, Sonia — and 7 more.

11 Toorak Rd, South Yarra VIC 3141 · Website

MoVida

Spanish · Melbourne CBD

MoVida is a Spanish restaurant in Melbourne that also works as a tapas bar and wine bar, and it has a function room for gatherings. Readers speak of it warmly, with one finding it hard to pick between MoVida and Gimlet because both are wonderful restaurants. Another says both have stood the test of time. It suits a relaxed meal of small plates and wine with friends, or a group celebration.

“I can't choose between Gimlet and MoVida. Both wonderful restaurants.”

“Both have stood the test of time and deliver THE trilogy.”

Picked by Deborah, Margaret, Agnieszka — and 9 more.

1 Hosier Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000 · Website

Maha

Middle Eastern · Melbourne CBD

Maha is a Middle Eastern restaurant and bar in the Melbourne CBD, and it describes itself as a premium place for signature dining. Several readers named it, and it seems to suit people who like to make an occasion of a meal. The venue also offers private dining and group experiences, and says it welcomes locals and visitors alike. It is a sensible choice for a celebration with family or friends.

Picked by Carol — and 8 more.

21 Bond St, Melbourne VIC 3000 · Website

Bistro Guillaume

French · Southbank

Bistro Guillaume is a French restaurant in Southbank, set along the Riverwalk terrace at Crown. The venue describes its food as a mix of fine traditional Parisian and modern French cuisine. Several readers name it, and it seems to be a place they save for occasions that matter. One calls it a favourite for very special celebrations, another goes for a family dinner, and a third found a single visit memorable.

“One of my favourite restaurants for very special occasions.”

“Went there once. Amazing.” — Tracey

“Oh so many!”

Also picked by Lani, John, Jules — and 4 more.

Crown Riverwalk, 8 Whiteman St, Southbank VIC 3006 · Website

Maison Batard

Melbourne CBD

Maison Bâtard is a French restaurant in the heart of Melbourne's CBD, and several readers have taken to it. Sue says the ambiance is wonderful and the food amazing, though she notes it is a considered spend. Therese calls it her new favourite. The venue describes itself as a love letter to modern French cuisine and Parisian sophistication, with elegant dining spaces for a special meal.

“Not cheap but such a wonderful ambiance and amazing food.” — Sue

“My new favourite is Maison Batard.” — Therese

Also picked by Tricia — and 5 more.

23 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000 · Website

Stalactites

Greek · Melbourne CBD

Stalactites is a Greek restaurant on Lonsdale Street in Melbourne, and it also does takeaway and catering. The venue calls itself an iconic Greek restaurant, and readers seem to agree, with one saying it has always been Stalactites. Several mention it as the place they head to when the evening runs late and they want a proper feed without any fuss. It suits a relaxed night out.

“Stalactites for late night. Chin Chin for something special.”

“Always has been Stalactites!”

“Bistro Guillaume for a special dinner with the family.” — Jules

Also picked by Mignon — and 6 more.

177/183 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000 · Website

Brunetti

Italian · Melbourne CBD

Brunetti is an Italian cafe and cake shop in Melbourne, with a bar and restaurant side as well. Several readers name it, and one simply appreciates that it is there and open, whether she wants tea, coffee or cake. The venue says it offers traditional Italian cakes, pastries and sweets, and describes its Melbourne locations as iconic. It suits a relaxed sit-down with something sweet.

“For simply being there and being open - for tea for coffee - for cake.” — Susannah

Also picked by Joy, Russell, Jan — and 3 more.

250 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000 · Website

Flower Drum

Chinese · Melbourne CBD

“My favorite restaurant is The Flowerdrum.” — Stephanie

Also picked by Theresa — and 5 more.

17 Market Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000 · Website

San Telmo

Argentinian · Melbourne CBD

San Telmo is an Argentinian restaurant and steak house in Melbourne's city centre, on Meyers Place. Readers who name it tend to think of it first for steak, and one counts it among her favourite places to eat in town. The venue says its menu follows the Argentine tradition of sharing food, inspired by a love of the country's wine, lifestyle and culture. It suits a long table of shared plates.

“For steak - San Telmo. European is fabulous. Dujo is good.” — David

“It's an Argentinian restaurant on Meyers Place off Bourke St.” — Julie

“San Telmo, Chin Chin are two of my favs!” — Eileen

Also picked by Nicole — and 3 more.

14 Meyers Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000 · Website

Hochi Mama

Asian fusion · Melbourne CBD

Hochi Mama is an Asian fusion restaurant on Little Bourke Street in Melbourne, with Vietnamese flavours at the centre of what it does. The venue describes its food as bold, with a street-style energy. Several readers count it among their favourites, and one says it is her current go-to because everything tastes delicious. Another notes that its two sites feel quite different, which suits a relaxed, lively meal out.

“Two bangers but both very different.”

“Hochi Mama is one of my favourites!”

“My current favourite restaurant is Hochi Mama, delicious!” — Yvonne

Also picked by Teena — and 4 more.

35 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000 · Website

Lucy Liu

Asian · Melbourne CBD

Lucy Liu is a Modern Asian restaurant in Melbourne's centre, and it has found a following among readers. One says she went recently and quite enjoyed it, and several others have named it as a place they like. The venue describes itself as a kitchen and bar made for shared plates and cool drinks, with a buzzing, stylish, street food feel. It suits a relaxed meal with friends, where everyone shares a few dishes across the table.

“Went to Lucy Liu in the CBD recently and quite enjoyed.”

Picked by Mark, Jerry — and 4 more.

23 Oliver Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000 · Website

Florentino

Italian · Melbourne CBD

Florentino is an Italian restaurant on Bourke Street in Melbourne, with a bar and a grill alongside the fine dining room. The venue says a new edition has begun, and describes its style as refined, assured and unmistakably Florentino. Several readers name it as a favourite, and the classic sophistication of Italian dining is what the restaurant itself says endures here, which suits a long, unhurried dinner.

Named by 5 readers.

80 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000 · Website

Spaghetti Tree

Italian · Melbourne CBD

Spaghetti Tree is an Italian restaurant in the Melbourne CBD, serving pasta, grilled mains, wine and cocktails for lunch and dinner. Several readers mention it as a reliable choice before a night at the theatre, and one calls it a favourite from many years back. It suits an unhurried meal ahead of a show, and the venue invites guests to book a table.

“Spaghetti Tree best spot to eat before seeing a show.”

“Spaghetti Tree is always a good option before a theatre show.”

“My favourite from many years ago is the Spaghetti Tree.” — Karen

Also picked by Gail — and 3 more.

59 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000 · Website

Taxi Kitchen

Asian fusion · Melbourne CBD

Taxi Kitchen serves modern Australian food with an Asian fusion twist, on the first level of the Transport Hotel at Federation Square. The venue says its dining room looks out over the Yarra River and the city skyline. Several readers name it, and one suggests it for relaxed, casual eating. It suits an easy lunch or dinner in the middle of Melbourne, with the view part of the occasion.

“For casual eating it's the Taxi Kitchen.” — Adrian

“Can't decide. Put me down for both.”

Also picked by Russell, Mandy — and 2 more.

Taxi Kitchen, Transport Hotel, Level 1 Federation Square, Melbourne VIC 3000 · Website

Bamboo House

Chinese · Melbourne CBD

Bamboo House is a Chinese restaurant on Little Bourke Street in the Melbourne city centre, with dim sum among the styles it covers. The venue describes its food as Cantonese and Northern Chinese, served as fine dining with authentic flavours. Several readers named it, and one says simply that she and her family love the place. It suits those who enjoy a sit-down Chinese meal in the middle of the city.

“We love Bamboo House!” — Karen

Also picked by Jennifer — and 2 more.

47 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000 · Website

Kiss & Tell

Asian fusion · Melbourne CBD

Kiss & Tell is an Asian fusion restaurant and cocktail bar on Little Bourke Street, upstairs from the street in the middle of the city. Several readers name it when asked about their favourite places to eat, and one says she loves it alongside another restaurant she returns to often. Another reader points out how different each Melbourne restaurant is, which makes a favourite hard to choose. The venue calls itself an Asian fusion and cocktail bar.

“I love Daughter in Law, as well as Kiss and Tell.” — Sheree

“Probably the hardest question to answer given how every restaurant here is unique.” — Nitesh

Also picked by Cathy, Cathy.

Level 1/37-41 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000 · Website