These are our top 10 personal favourites, real places we’ve eaten at (more than once!) and truly love. We’re not just throwing random names at you. We’ve sat at the tables, tasted the dishes, and soaked up the vibes ourselves.
So if you’re after the best eats in town, here’s what we honestly recommend, because we’ve been there, and we’d go again.
Best Restaurants in Melbourne
1. Attica
74 Glen Eira Rd, Ripponlea VIC
Let’s kick things off with a true Melbourne legend. Attica isn’t just one of the best restaurants in the city, it’s one of the top places to eat in all of Australia. Run by chef Ben Shewry, this fine dining spot is known for doing things differently.
Here, you’ll try dishes made with native Australian ingredients like wallaby, wattleseed, or pepperberries, stuff you won’t find on your usual dinner plate. Every dish has a story, and some might even surprise you or make you think. It’s more than just a meal—it’s a full experience.
The vibe is calm and welcoming, and the staff treat you like a guest in their home. If you’re celebrating something big or just want to try food that feels a little magical, Attica is the place to go.
Local tip: Book early—this one gets snapped up fast, sometimes months ahead!
2. Vue de Monde
Level 55, Rialto Towers, 525 Collins St, Melbourne
If you want dinner with a view, Vue de Monde is the place to go. It sits way up high on the 55th floor of the Rialto Towers, and the view over Melbourne’s skyline is just amazing, especially at sunset.
The food here is fine dining, which means lots of small, beautiful dishes made with care. Chef Hugh Allen, who used to work at Noma in Denmark, uses native Australian ingredients like marron (a type of crayfish), lemon myrtle, and wattleseed to make food that’s creative and really tasty.
Everything here feels special, from the cool-looking plates and cutlery to the way each dish is cooked and served. It’s not just about eating—it’s a full dining experience.
Local tip: Dress nice and try the wine pairing. It’s a bit expensive, but totally worth it for a big night out.
3. Ishizuka
Basement B01, 139 Bourke St, Melbourne
Ishizuka is a secret spot hidden under the street in Melbourne’s CBD. You won’t see big signs, just a quiet entrance that takes you into one of the most peaceful and special Japanese restaurants in the city.
Here, you’ll try kaiseki, a traditional Japanese meal with lots of small courses, each one made with care and meaning. It’s quiet, calm, and beautiful inside. You sit at a small bar or in a cosy room while the chef prepares dishes right in front of you using seasonal ingredients.
The whole Melbourne dining experience feels like a short trip to Tokyo without leaving Melbourne.
Local tip: You can only book by phone, and spots are limited, so plan ahead. It’s perfect for special dates or if you love Japanese food.
4. Reine & La Rue
380 Collins St, Melbourne
Reine & La Rue feels like something out of a movie. It’s inside the old Melbourne Stock Exchange building, which means high ceilings, fancy lights, and beautiful old Gothic-style architecture. It’s the kind of place that makes you say “wow” when you walk in.
The food is French fine dining, so think dishes like dry-aged duck, ocean trout, and amazing sauces. They also have a great list of French wines to match the meal. It feels fancy, but it’s not too serious—you can still have fun.
Local tip: Can’t get a booking? Try La Rue, their bar next door. They’ve got a cool late-night menu and a great vibe.
5. Gimlet at Cavendish House
33 Russell St, Melbourne
Gimlet is one of those places that looks just as good in real life as it does on Instagram. It’s set inside Cavendish House, an old heritage building, and the vibe is classic and cool, like an old-school European bistro with a Melbourne twist.
The food, created by top executive chef Andrew McConnell, is always spot-on. You’ll find fancy plates like lobster with saffron rice, juicy grilled steak, fresh oysters, and even a secret cheeseburger that only comes out after 10pm (and yes, it’s worth staying up for).
Local tip: Start your night with the Gimlet cocktail. It’s citrusy, smooth, and a great way to kick things off.
6. Leonardo’s Pizza Palace
29 Grattan St, Carlton
Leonardo’s Pizza Palace is part pizza place, part fun bar, and totally full of good vibes. It feels like stepping into a retro diner, with red leather booths, disco lights, and music that makes you want to stay all night.
The food is all about comfort. The pizzas are thick, cheesy, and loaded with flavour. You’ll also find spaghetti bolognese, chicken parma, and the kind of garlic bread that deserves a trophy. It’s the perfect spot for dinner with friends or even just a chill night on your own.
Local tip: Order a Negroni, grab a booth, and enjoy the throwback tunes while you wait for your slice.
7. Soi 38
38 Royal Ln, Melbourne VIC
You could walk right past Soi 38 and never know it’s there. It’s hidden under a Melbourne CBD carpark, but once you step inside, it’s like being in a busy street market in Bangkok. You’ll smell things like lemongrass, chilli, and sizzling pork before you even sit down.
The food is simple, spicy, and packed with flavour. Think Thai boat noodles, fermented sausage, and a super fresh papaya salad. It’s not fancy, and that’s what makes it great—just good, honest food that hits the spot.
Local tip: Bring a few friends and order lots of small dishes to share. They don’t take bookings, so show up early to grab a table.
8. Old Palm Liquor
133B Lygon St, Brunswick East
Old Palm Liquor is where you go when you want something fun, tasty, and a little different. It’s not fancy, but it’s cool. The lights are low, the music’s good, and the whole place smells like a wood fire.
The food here is cooked over open flames, things like lamb ribs, charred corn, and whipped feta. Every bite feels cosy and full of flavour. They also have a huge list of natural wines (the kind that’s made with fewer chemicals), and the staff always have great suggestions.
Local tip: Grab a seat at the bar and ask what wine they’re loving that week. They know their stuff.
9. Marion Wine Bar
53 Gertrude St, Fitzroy
Marion is one of those places where you can pop in for a quick drink or stay for a long, slow dinner. It’s a little bit wine bar, a little bit restaurant, and all-around good vibes. It’s another great spot from Andrew McConnell, one of Melbourne’s top chefs.
The menu is full of tasty small plates like kingfish crudo, burrata, charred greens, and fresh baked bread. It’s perfect for sharing with a mate or two. And the wine list? It’s huge—full of both local bottles and international picks.
Local tip: Go during the week if you can; it’s quieter, and you might score a comfy corner table.
10. Supernormal
180 Flinders Ln, Melbourne
Supernormal is one of those places that just gets it right every time. It’s fun, fast, and full of flavour. This is Asian fusion done really well with dishes like lobster rolls, sesame noodles, and Korean fried chicken. They even have sake on tap!
The space feels modern and cool, and it’s always busy but not too noisy. It’s great for group dinners, a date night, or even a quick meal before a show in the Melbourne CBD.
Local tip: Save room for dessert; the peanut butter parfait is legendary. You’ll be thinking about it for days.
Conclusion:
So there you have it—our top 10 personal picks for the best restaurants in Melbourne right now. These aren’t just random names we pulled off a list. We’ve actually tried these spots ourselves, sat at the tables, tasted the food, and soaked up the vibes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best fine dining restaurant in Melbourne currently?
The best fine dining restaurant in Melbourne right now, most food lovers and even us, we would say it’s Attica in Ripponlea. Chef Ben Shewry creates amazing dishes using native Australian ingredients. It’s fancy but full of heart; every meal feels special.
What are the best places to eat in Melbourne that aren’t too formal?
For places that aren’t too formal to eat, we recommend you check out Gimlet at Cavendish House, Reine & La Rue, or Vue de Monde. They all offer top-level food in beautiful spaces, but without the stuffy vibes. Great for a night out that feels both classy and relaxed.
What are the secret places to eat in Melbourne?
Ishizuka is a quiet Japanese kaiseki restaurant, tucked in a Bourke Street basement. And Soi 38 serves bold Thai street food from under a Melbourne CBD carpark. Hard to find, but totally worth it.
What are the best wine bars in Melbourne with food?
For the best wine bars in Melbourne with food, try Marion in Fitzroy or Old Palm Liquor in Brunswick East. Both serve top-quality small plates and have amazing wine lists, perfect for a chill night with good food and drinks.
Where to eat in Melbourne with a big group?
Supernormal in Flinders Lane is a go-to for big groups of diners. It has tasty Asian fusion dishes, a buzzing vibe, and lots of options for sharing. Great for birthdays, catch-ups, or pre-show meals in the city.
