The Best Restaurants in North Melbourne

Opened in 2007, Sosta Cucina is a welcoming, white-tablecloth restaurant that blurs the line between traditional and contemporary Italian cuisine. The ever-evolving a la carte menu showcases seasonal produce and offers daily specials. Think linguine with blue swimmer crab and bottarga, and pan-roasted boneless quail involtino filled with pork and raisins, witted radicchio, toasted hazelnuts and aged balsamic. Sosta Cucina also has two private dining rooms and can cater to groups of up to 30 people.

Not just another pub, The Leveson has a bar, a modern restaurant, a casual courtyard and an elegant upstairs function room. Since opening 11 years ago, The Leveson has quickly become the go-to venue in North Melbourne, with annual Grand Final Day, Derby Day and Super Bowl events. When it comes to pub grub, the restaurant is renowned for its chicken parma, and the a la carte menu offers a diverse range of meals, including seafood paella, spicy chicken wings, and the absurdly large beef ribs. Leveson also boasts an extensive beer list, with Monday to Friday happy hours.

Translating to “smoky house” in Korean, Yeonga delivers a unique dining experience influenced by Korean barbeque. A carnivorous feast, the menu includes marinated Wagyu mix, black Angus Scotch fillet, chilli paste pork belly, tiger prawns with chili sauce and mozzarella and grilled spicy or sweet chicken. There is also the choice of a set menu for two or four people, and with seating for up to 150 people, Yeonga can cater for larger functions. The venue itself is modelled on the ‘Hanok’, a traditional Korean architectural style, which adds to the authenticity of the restaurant.

Located on the bustling Errol Street, Hot Poppy has been a favourite brunch spot with locals for over 20 years, and has since expanded to include neighbours Oskar Pizza and Joe Taylor Bar. Not only do they serve all-day breakfast, but there is also a selection of toasties and baguettes as well as a range of larger meals, including vegetarian and vegan options, and a children’s menu. The accompanying drinks menu features a range of juices, teas, and alcoholic beverages.

From the French concrete garden setting to the Romanesque statuary, cherubs, ornate mirrors and enormous crucifix, The North Melbourne Hotel in an over-the-top nod to European opulence. Inspired by modern Mediterranean cuisine, the menu includes bite-sized bar meals, share plates and satisfying mains. The North Melbourne Hotel also hosts Duck Duck Goose Tuesday, Paella Night Wednesday, Moules Frites Day Friday and The North Carvery Sunday. There is also a fantastic wine selection sourced from France, Italy, Portugal and Australia.