The 10 Best Restaurants In Melbourne

Melbourne is a city that prides itself on its range of unique restaurants serving great food. Home of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, the city has enough restaurants to try a new one every day of the year; we list a selection of some of the best here.

Mamasita

Restaurant, Bar, Mexican, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free

On Collins Street, hidden at the top of a flight of stairs, behind an inconspicuous door is a high-ceilinged, authentic Mexican restaurant and tequila bar, Mamasita. Using ingredients you’d never think of to make mouth-watering Mexican delights, you’ll be sure to be singing its praises as you walk out the door. This cosy tapas bar is a great place to come with a friend or three who love to share.

Pure South

Restaurant, Australian

Pure South provides a world-class culinary experience with some of the best produce Australia has to offer. Pure South pays homage to Australia’s most southern, and only island state, Tasmania, by using ethically cultivated ingredients assembled from local farmers, fishermen and artisan producers. This is a romantic location, which is perfect if you’re looking to try some authentic Australian fine dining that is matched with a stunning selection of Australian wines.

Naked for Satan

Restaurant, Spanish

Doubling as one of Fitzroy’s most popular bars, as well as one of the best restaurants in the suburb, Naked for Satan is a superb spot to eat or drink. Its intriguing décor matches the hipster feel for which Fitzroy famous. On the bottom floor you will find their revered vodka bar with a line-up of vodka from all around the world.

Hofbräuhaus

Market, Restaurant, Austrian, German, Beer

In an indistinct laneway between Bourke Street and Little Bourke Street is this multi-level southern-German inspired beer hall. You can be sure that you won’t leave hungry after being served a hearty schnitzel with chips and salad. Be sure to try one of the many genuine German and Austrian beers or ciders Hofbräuhaus has to offer.

Rockpool

The award winning Rockpool Bar & Grill, located within the chic Crown Casino complex, offers a menu that exhibits the highest quality regional produce from Australia. Inspired by the great North-American steakhouses, Rockpool provides an uncomplicated display of delicious Australian grain-fed beef.

Rockpool Bar & Grill, Crown Casino, 8 Whiteman Street, Crown Towers, Southbank VIC, Australia +61 3 8648 1900

Belgian Beer Café

Bar, Cafe, Restaurant, Pub Grub, Belgian, Australian

Sunday afternoon scene at Belgian Beer Cafe Melbourne Victoria Australia

With a refreshing mix of Australian cuisine and classic Belgian specialities, the Belgian Beer Café never disappoints. Located at the foot of the esteemed Eureka Tower, this European-style bar and restaurant houses beers from all around the world, displaying, above all, their fascinating collection of Belgian beers.

Shanghai Village

Restaurant, Chilean, Asian, Vegetarian

In the middle of Chinatown, you will find an array of different Asiatic restaurants. Our pick for best restaurant on this bustling thoroughfare is Shanghai Village. This three-level dumpling house is the perfect place if you want something quick, simple, cheap and delicious. Order a few plates of dumplings and chow down before exploring some more of Melbourne.

Vue de Monde

Restaurant, Australian

Soaring over Melbourne at 234 metres, and occupying the observation deck of the second tallest building in the city, Vue de monde houses itself serving modern fine dining with a view extending up to 60 kilometres on a clear day. Be sure to book in advance to get a table at this prestigious restaurant if you want to have the opportunity to taste some of Melbourne’s best haute cuisine.

Tiamo

Bistro, Restaurant, Italian

Even on an inner-suburb street famous for it’s Italian food, Tiamo is a highlight. This authentic Italian kitchen serves well balanced gourmet pizza and pasta that leave you dreaming of the rustic Italian countryside. The décor gives this little restaurant the air of a traditional Italian bistro, as does the homemade pasta and wait-staff who communicate in Italian.

Supernormal

Restaurant, Diner, Asian

Supernormal gives the impression of being a communal dining canteen, with long benches and Japanese décor. This under-stated diner serves some of the finest Asian food in Melbourne. With friendly service, this kitchen, located on Flinders Lane, provides a dining experience that can’t be overlooked.

About the author

Matthew Clark

Matt is a Linguistics graduate who was born and raised in Melbourne, Australia. A passion for travel and foreign cultures was developed from a young age thanks to his well-travelled, multi-lingual parents who encouraged him to study foreign languages and find a way to live abroad. After graduating from La Trobe University in 2013, Matt moved to southern France to become an English teacher, from where he plans on exploring the European continent and all the fascinating history and culture that it has to offer.