Quirky And Unusual Dining Experiences In Melbourne

Melbourne is home to an incredible array of restaurants, including quite a few quirky dining experiences that are anything but typical. From tramcars to suspended tables, underwater events and theatrical dinners, these are the most unusual foodie experiences in Melbourne.

1. The Colonial Tram Car Restaurant

Bar, Restaurant, Australian, Vegetarian

The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant is an elegant dining experience unique to Melbourne. Behold the sights as you comfortably cruise around the city while enjoying a seasonal menu and quality Australian wines from the all-inclusive bar. Choose between the luncheon four-course meal, early dinner three-course meal and late dinner five-course meal as well as pre-theatre dining.

Dinner in the Sky

Hoisted 50 metres into the air, Dinner in the Sky is the most suspenseful gourmet experience in the world. The dangling dinner table seats 22 people along with the chef, sommelier and waiting team, who stand in the centre ensuring your experience is of the highest quality. Dinner in the Sky not only hosts events but can also be booked for private parties.

Secret Foodies

If you love spontaneity and great food, then purchase a ticket to Secret Foodies. The surprise culinary event takes place in a mystery location only disclosed via text on the day of the event. Launched in 2010, Secret Dinner hosts themed events in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. From warehouses to restaurants, rooftops and laneways, you never know where you’ll be sent or what cuisine you’ll have the pleasure of tasting.

2. Puffing Billy Railway

Train Station

Experience the Puffing Billy Railway in style on board the daily Steam and Cuisine Luncheon. The charming three-hour journey has you seated within the heritage dining carriages and features a three-course meal or “natter platter” and local Yarra Valley wines. Along the way, you’ll see the iconic Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge, and you’re even invited to disembark and explore the picturesque Emerald Lake before relaxing with dessert and a cuppa as you return to Belgrave station.

3. Titanic Theatre Restaurant

Diner, Restaurant, Irish, Australian, Vegetarian

Relive the Titanic’s maiden voyage at a restaurant where your night is guaranteed to be a disaster. Travel in luxury in first class or journey below deck to steerage for a casual night of Irish camaraderie. No matter your class, you’ll receive a three-course meal before the ship of dreams inevitably sinks. Titanic also features roving performers and dramatic effects to keep you entertained throughout your journey across the Atlantic.

4. Lentil as Anything

Restaurant, Healthy, Vegetarian

Established in 2000, Lentil as Anything is unlike any other restaurant in that there are no fixed prices. Instead, the customer determines how much to pay. The vegetarian restaurant has a strong sense of community and values social inclusion above all else. From Mexican-spiced polenta to Sri Lankan uttapam savoury pancakes, the dishes are made with a generous dose of love from donated produce. Lentil as Anything is now located in St Kilda, Abbotsford, Footscray and Thornbury.

5. Easey’s

Restaurant, American

Easey’s is an American Burger joint and bar located on a rooftop in Collingwood where you can dine within graffiti-covered Hitachi M-class train carriages. The train schedule menu offers burgers, hotdogs, barbecue wings, milkshake-flavoured doughnuts and super cheesy macaroni cheese – and the best part is that you can climb on board and enjoy the view for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

6. Silver Clipper Dinner Flight

Restaurant, Australian

In-flight meals are universally recognised as downright horrible, but the Silver Clipper Dinner Flights is different. Departing from Essendon airport, you’ll be treated to champagne and canapes before taking flight in the DC-3 Gooney Bird where you’ll enjoy an elegant hamper meal specially prepared by the award-winning AAG Services of Melbourne, alongside a selection of wine. Following the 70-minute flight, you’ll indulge in coffee, port and fine chocolate in the lounge.

7. SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium

Aquarium

Book your next corporate function or private party at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium and take your guests on an aquatic journey into the fathoms below. Choose between several event spaces, including the extraordinary 2.2 million-litre Oceanarium and the Coral Atoll, which can accommodate cocktail functions for up to 650 people. From the extravagant to the intimate, all events are presented with a highly personalised service – staff can even help organise an underwater proposal.