Pictured: Gimlet at Cavendish House. Photography credit, Sharyn Cairns.
Melbourne’s dining scene is full of contrasts, from sky-high fine dining with city views to cozy laneway restaurants serving bold, shareable plates. The city blends global flavours with seasonal Australian ingredients, offering modern Australian tasting menus, Italian pastas, Spanish tapas, Mediterranean-inspired dishes, and vibrant Asian fusion.
This guide highlights ten of the best restaurants in Melbourne, each showcasing the diversity, creativity, and quality that make the city one of the world’s top destinations for food lovers.
Vue de monde: Fine Dining with a View
• Fine dining restaurant • Open Wednesday to Sunday; Lunch Fri–Sun 12:00 PM–1:00 PM; Dinner 6:00 PM–12:00 AM
Perched on the 55th floor of Melbourne’s Rialto Tower, Vue de monde is one of the city’s most iconic fine dining restaurants, renowned for its luxurious modern Australian tasting menu experience. Under the direction of Chef Hugh Allen, the multi-course Signature Tasting Menu showcases exceptional Australian produce through highly refined, creative dishes such as Sydney Rock Oysters, Marron Curry, Smoked Eel Tofu, and the restaurant’s celebrated Chocolate Soufflé with Billy Tea Ice Cream.
Consistently awarded top accolades, including multiple Three Hats from The Age Good Food Guide and international recognition in La Liste, Vue de monde offers not just a meal but a memorable Melbourne CBD fine dining experience defined by precision, innovation, and panoramic city views.
Philippe: Classic French Elegance
• French Restaurant • Open Tuesday to Saturday; Lunch 12:00 PM–2:30 PM; Dinner from 5:30 PM (Tue–Fri) and from 5:00 PM (Sat)
For lovers of French cuisine in Melbourne, Philippe Restaurant on Collins Street is a standout destination. This elegant Melbourne CBD French restaurant is known for its refined approach to classic French cooking, delivered with contemporary finesse in a sophisticated dining setting.
The restaurant’s signature dish is its confit duck, widely regarded as one of the best in Melbourne, showcasing precise technique and rich, balanced flavours. Paired with an extensive, carefully curated French wine list and attentive service, Philippe offers a timeless dining experience and remains a top choice for upscale French dining in Melbourne’s city centre.
Gimlet: Elegant Brasserie in the CBD
• Restaurant • Open Monday to Sunday; Lunch & Dinner 12:00 PM–late
Located in the heart of Melbourne CBD, Gimlet brings European brasserie elegance to the city, led by acclaimed Chef Andrew McConnell. The striking dining room, warm lighting, and open kitchen centred around a wood-fired grill create a lively yet refined setting that feels both classic and contemporary. Seasonal Australian produce takes centre stage, prepared with bold flavours and polished technique.
Diners can enjoy a curated menu featuring premium seafood, quality meats, and inventive seasonal dishes, while the late-night Supper Service adds indulgent options like oysters and caviar in a relaxed, sophisticated atmosphere. Combining style, precision, and vibrant city energy, Gimlet stands out as one of Melbourne’s most sought-after dining destinations.
Il Bacaro: Italian & Venetian Small Plates
• Italian Restaurant • Open Monday- Saturday Lunch 12:00PM-3:00PM; Dinner from 5:30PM
Just a short stroll from Melbourne CBD’s cultural heart, Il Bacaro offers an authentic Venetian cicchetti experience, bringing the charm of small-plate Italian dining to the city. This intimate and cosy Melbourne Italian restaurant is ideal for those who love to share plates and explore a variety of flavours in a relaxed, stylish setting.
The menu showcases classic Italian flavours through elegant small plates, including Truffle Arancini, Fresh Seafood, House-made Pasta, and Artisan Cheeses, all complemented by a thoughtfully curated selection of Italian and local wines. Close to Melbourne’s theatres and laneways, Il Bacaro is an ideal destination for pre-show dinners, long lunches, or anyone seeking refined Italian dining in the heart of the CBD.
Lucy Liu Kitchen and Bar: Asian Fusion Hits
• Asian Restaurant • Open Monday to Sunday; Lunch 11:30 AM–11:00 PM; Dinner 11:30 AM–11:00 PM
Tucked into Oliver Lane in Melbourne CBD, Lucy Liu Kitchen and Bar is a vibrant laneway destination known for bold pan-Asian flavours, share-style dining, and a lively, design-forward atmosphere. Blending influences from China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam, the menu delivers a contemporary take on Asian cuisine that feels both playful and refined.
Signature dishes include Kingfish Sashimi with Yuzu and Chilli, Soft-shell Crab Jianbing Pancakes, Prawn and Spinach Dumplings, and Crispy Pork Buns with Kimchi Mayo — all crafted for sharing. Paired with inventive mains and a creative cocktail list, Lucy Liu is a go-to spot for date nights, group dinners, and energetic Melbourne city dining experiences.
NOMAD Melbourne: Mediterranean Magic on Flinders Lane
• Restaurant • Open Monday to Sunday; Lunch 12:00 PM–2:15 PM; Dinner 5:00 PM–late
Located in the heart of Flinders Lane, NOMAD Melbourne brings bold Mediterranean flavours to the CBD, blending seasonal Victorian produce with a distinctly modern Australian approach. Designed for shared dining, the menu encourages guests to experience a variety of textures and flavours in one vibrant meal.
Highlights include House-made Flatbread with fragrant Za’atar, Wood-fired Meats cooked over open flames, and fresh seafood dishes layered with aromatic spices and bright, herb-driven finishes. Desserts such as olive oil ice cream sandwiches add a creative, memorable touch. With its warm interiors and lively, social atmosphere, NOMAD is a standout for long lunches, relaxed dinners, and group dining in Melbourne’s city centre.
MoVida: Spanish Tapas in Hosier Lane
• Spanish Restaurant • Open Monday to Sunday; Lunch 12:00 PM–3:00 PM; Dinner 5:00 PM–10:30 PM
No guide to Melbourne dining is complete without MoVida, one of the city’s most celebrated Spanish restaurants. Set within the iconic, street-art-filled Hosier Lane, this Melbourne CBD institution captures the spirit of traditional Spanish tapas culture, centred around vibrant, shareable plates.
Signature dishes include Jamón Ibérico carved to order, Tender Grilled Octopus, and Crispy Patatas Bravas, all complemented by a thoughtfully curated selection of Spanish wines and classic cocktails. Seasonal tapas showcase premium local seafood and produce, keeping the menu fresh and dynamic for returning diners. With its warm, energetic atmosphere and prime laneway location, MoVida is ideal for group dining, date nights, or relaxed evenings exploring Melbourne’s culinary scene.
Tipo 00: Pasta Perfection
• Italian Restaurant • Open Monday to Sunday; Lunch 11:30 AM–3:00 PM; Dinner 5:00 PM–9:30 PM
For lovers of Italian cuisine, Tipo 00 on Little Bourke Street in Melbourne CBD is a standout destination. This popular Italian restaurant is renowned for its handmade pastas, refined flavours, and perfectly balanced dishes that blend traditional and modern Italian techniques.
The menu features Rich Ragu, Truffle-infused Sauces, and creative twists on classic recipes, all crafted with high-quality, fresh ingredients. The casual yet stylish setting makes Tipo 00 perfect for lunch dates, relaxed dinners, or special occasions. With expertly prepared pasta and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s consistently rated among Melbourne’s best restaurants for pasta enthusiasts.
Rice Paper Scissors: Fun & Flavorful Southeast Asian
• Restaurant • Open Monday to Sunday; Lunch 12:00 PM–3:00 PM; Dinner 5:00 PM–10:00 PM
Set in Melbourne CBD’s vibrant Hardware Lane, Rice Paper Scissors is a lively Southeast Asian-inspired restaurant celebrated for its communal dining style and bold, flavour-packed dishes. Perfect for sharing, the menu features Vietnamese Rice Paper Rolls, Crispy Pork Belly, Lemongrass Chicken, and Fresh Seafood Creations, all designed to be enjoyed in a social, interactive setting.
Paired with a dynamic cocktail program and an energetic atmosphere, Rice Paper Scissors is ideal for group dinners, casual nights out, or adventures through Melbourne’s laneways. Its central location and focus on flavour-forward, fuss-free cuisine make it a go-to destination for both locals and visitors seeking authentic Southeast Asian dining in the heart of the city.
Farmer’s Daughters: Farm-to-Table Goodness
• Restaurant • Open Monday to Sunday; Breakfast 7:00 AM–10:30 AM; Lunch 12:00 PM–2:00 PM; Dinner 5:30 PM–9:00 PM
In the heart of Melbourne CBD, Farmer’s Daughters is a standout farm-to-table restaurant celebrating the best of local Victorian produce and seasonal ingredients. The ever-changing menu draws from nearby farms, featuring fresh vegetables, free-range meats, and house-made breads, all thoughtfully prepared to highlight natural flavours and the quality of the ingredients.
With a modern, inviting space, Farmer’s Daughters is ideal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, appealing to anyone who loves fresh, seasonal cuisine. Emphasising sustainability, flavour, and community, the restaurant provides a relaxed yet refined dining experience, showcasing the very best of Melbourne’s farm-to-table scene.
The Last Bite
From sky-high fine dining to cozy laneway eateries, Melbourne’s culinary scene is as vibrant and diverse as the city itself, blending global influences with a strong focus on fresh, local ingredients and innovative cuisine. With over 3,500 restaurants serving flavours from more than 70 countries, Melbourne is truly a must-visit destination for food lovers.
Whether you’re seeking a luxury dining experience, casual meal, or a shared-plate adventure, the restaurants featured above are the perfect starting points to explore the best of Melbourne’s renowned food scene.
