12 Melbourne Restaurants Worth Your Next Reservation
From St Kilda's beachside dining to the CBD's bustling laneways, Melbourne's restaurant scene offers something for every occasion. Whether you're after Italian comfort food, Japanese specialties, or innovative modern cooking, these venues deliver reliable experiences across the city's best neighbourhoods.
2Restaurants Docklands2. 30ML Bar & Restaurant Docklands
Located in Docklands, this spot works well for those seeking a waterfront setting combined with casual dining in a growing precinct.
View venue4.9(1,220)· Google70Spot ScoreGreat
3Restaurants St Kilda3. Flour Child St Kilda
Choose this St Kilda location if you want a casual, approachable meal in a venue that clearly has local regulars.
View venue4.7(2,108)· Google$$$$68Spot ScoreWorth a Look
4Restaurants Hawthorn4. Vaporetto Bar & Eatery Hawthorn Italian Restaurant est 2014
View venue4.7(1,631)· Google$$$$68Spot ScoreWorth a Look
5Restaurants North Melbourne5. Sassy Italian Restaurant
Positioned in North Melbourne, this Italian venue suits diners who prefer a neighbourhood-focused spot over city-centre bustle.
View venue4.7(2,518)· Google68Spot ScoreWorth a Look
6Restaurants Melbourne CBD6. The George on Collins
Centrally located on Collins Street in the CBD, it's a practical choice if you need a restaurant in the heart of the city.
View venue4.7(4,693)· Google$$$$68Spot ScoreWorth a Look
7Restaurants Richmond7. ONDA Bar & Eatery - Richmond
Richmond's Brunswick Street strip makes this a good base for a night out combining dining with nearby bars and live music venues.
View venue4.7(1,617)· Google$$$$68Spot ScoreWorth a Look
8Restaurants Richmond8. Flour Child Richmond
The Richmond branch of Flour Child offers the same casual approach in one of Melbourne's most vibrant dining precincts.
View venue4.8(1,137)· Google68Spot ScoreWorth a Look
9Restaurants North Melbourne9. Hua Lu Peking Duck
Specialising in Peking duck in North Melbourne, this restaurant is the clear choice if you want focused, authentic Chinese cooking.
View venue4.7(4,456)· Google68Spot ScoreWorth a Look
10Restaurants South Yarra10. Stella Restaurant and Bar
South Yarra's dining scene benefits from this venue—a practical option if you're already in the neighbourhood or prefer its leafy, upmarket character.
View venue4.7(1,823)· Google68Spot ScoreWorth a Look
11Restaurants Carlton11. Henry Sugar
Carlton's artistic and student-friendly vibe is reflected in this restaurant, making it ideal for a more casual, creative dining experience.
View venue4.8(793)· Google$$$$67Spot ScoreWorth a Look
12Restaurants Melbourne CBD12. IKKAI - Sukiyaki, Izakaya & Donburi
Located in the CBD, choose IKKAI if you're after Japanese specialties in a convenient city-centre location.
View venue4.7(1,502)· Google67Spot ScoreWorth a Look
At a glance
| Venue | Spot Score | Price | Suburb | Top feature | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lady Of St Kilda | 70/100 | 4.8(2,118) | $$ | St Kilda | — |
| 30ML Bar & Restaurant Docklands | 70/100 | 4.9(1,220) | — | Docklands | — |
| Flour Child St Kilda | 68/100 | 4.7(2,108) | $$ | St Kilda | — |
| Vaporetto Bar & Eatery Hawthorn Italian Restaurant est 2014 | 68/100 | 4.7(1,631) | $$ | Hawthorn | — |
| Sassy Italian Restaurant | 68/100 | 4.7(2,518) | — | North Melbourne | — |
| The George on Collins | 68/100 | 4.7(4,693) | $$ | Melbourne CBD | — |
| ONDA Bar & Eatery - Richmond | 68/100 | 4.7(1,617) | $ | Richmond | — |
| Flour Child Richmond | 68/100 | 4.8(1,137) | — | Richmond | — |
| Hua Lu Peking Duck | 68/100 | 4.7(4,456) | — | North Melbourne | — |
| Stella Restaurant and Bar | 68/100 | 4.7(1,823) | — | South Yarra | — |
| Henry Sugar | 67/100 | 4.8(793) | $$ | Carlton | — |
| IKKAI - Sukiyaki, Izakaya & Donburi | 67/100 | 4.7(1,502) | — | Melbourne CBD | — |
Frequently asked questions
Are any of these restaurants in the Melbourne CBD?+
Yes, The George on Collins and IKKAI - Sukiyaki, Izakaya & Donburi are both located in the CBD.
Which suburbs have multiple restaurants on this list?+
St Kilda has two (Lady of St Kilda and Flour Child St Kilda), Richmond has two (ONDA Bar & Eatery and Flour Child Richmond), and North Melbourne has two (Sassy Italian Restaurant and Hua Lu Peking Duck).
Is there a specific cuisine I should expect?+
The list includes Italian, Chinese, and Japanese options. The remaining venues don't have cuisine details confirmed, so it's worth checking their websites before booking.
How current is this information?+
These are active, listed venues. However, opening hours, menus, and specific policies can change—always contact the restaurant directly or check online before visiting.
Keep exploring
Melbourne guides
roundupMelbourne Nightlife: The Best Bars & Live Music
From hidden CBD cocktail bars to jazz, karaoke, craft beer and Yarra-side drinks, find the Melbourne nightlife venue that fits your night.
Read guide →roundupFree Things to Do in Melbourne
From grand gardens and riverside lawns to a bayside lookout and the 1000 Steps, these are Melbourne's best free outdoor days.
Read guide →roundupMelbourne With Kids: Family-Friendly Things to Do
From nature play and riverside parks to escape rooms and VR, these are Melbourne family outings worth planning around.
Read guide →The best of Melbourne, in your inbox
New openings, hidden gems and weekend ideas. One thoughtful email a week. No spam.