Welcome to our guide to the most unique restaurants in Melbourne! This top spot to live and visit in Australia is a foodie’s paradise, offering more than just great food—it’s all about unforgettable experiences. From rooftop bars to hidden gems, Melbourne’s dining scene is packed with surprises.
Start with high tea aboard the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant, or enjoy a hot pot surrounded by street art at Dragon Hot Pot. For something elegant, try the Russian-inspired menu at Borsch, Vodka, and Tears. Love a view? Head to Naked in the Sky for tapas and stunning cityscapes, or Arbory Afloat for riverside dining that captures the beauty of Oceania.
Ready to explore Melbourne’s most memorable dining spots? Let’s dive into this one-of-a-kind food scene!
👉 Pro Tip: The Social Yarra Valley Winery Tour is a must for wine lovers! Sip amazing wines, take in stunning vineyard views, and enjoy the chill vibes. Wear comfy shoes and get ready for a fun day out!
Unique Restaurants in Melbourne: 22 Incredible Melbourne Eateries
From hidden laneway cafes to rooftop bars with breathtaking views, each spot in Melbourne has its own story to tell. Let’s explore these dining destinations and see what makes them stand out in the city’s vibrant food scene.
1. Panda Hot Pot
- 📍 Location: Carlton
- 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Sichuan Hot Pot / Chinese
- 🔥 Standout Features: Traditional Chinese decor, theatrical presentations, authentic Sichuan spicy broths.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Groups, interactive dining, spicy food lovers, and cultural immersion.
Walking into Panda Hot Pot is like stepping onto the set of a Chinese epic film – there’s a giant dragon boat, elaborate carvings, and traditional music. The air is thick with Sichuan peppercorns and chili. You choose your broth, then cook your own meats and veggies.
Ordering the Sichuan spicy broth is a must for heat lovers. Popular items for cooking include thinly sliced Wagyu beef, fresh prawns, and an assortment of mushrooms and leafy greens. The sheer variety of dipping sauces adds to the fun, communal experience.
2. Vue de monde
There are plenty of “elevated” dining experiences in Melbourne, but Vue de monde truly takes that idea sky-high. Perched on the 55th floor of the Rialto, this restaurant delivers jaw-dropping views across the city skyline – especially breathtaking at sunset. Chef Hugh Allen’s tasting menu refuses to play it safe. Expect things like wallaby with macadamia and wattleseed, or their iconic smoked eel with white chocolate. The modern Aussie focus extends to just about every ingredient and everything is plated with some serious flair. The vibe? Moody theatrical lighting, a massive open kitchen, and soft jazz in the background. Pro tip: Book a seat by the window for a front-row sunset show, then sneak a look at the heritage Royal Mint building next door for a classic slice of Melbourne history. Honestly, that skyline left me grinning for days.
3. Attica
- 📍 Location: Ripponlea
- 💲 Price range: $250+ per person (Tasting Menu)
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern Australian / Fine Dining / Indigenous Ingredients
- 🔥 Standout Features: World-renow
- ned, multi-award winning, focus on native Australian ingredients, innovative tasting menus.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Ultimate foodies, once-in-a-lifetime splurges, and experiencing groundbreaking Australian cuisine.
Attica isn’t just a meal; it’s an entire experience, one of the top restaurants in the world. The focus is on native Australian ingredients. The tasting menu is a journey through the Australian landscape, with impeccable service and a surprisingly relaxed atmosphere.
Dishes are ever-changing, but expect creations like salted red kangaroo with quandong. Other highlights might include unique preparations of native seafood like marron or abalone, or desserts featuring wattleseed and finger lime. It’s an unforgettable adventure.
4. Supernormal
Supernormal is that champion of Asian fusion you’re always hearing about but didn’t realize was legitimately cool. Inside, the David Chang-meets-Neon Tokyo vibe keeps things stylish and buzzy, with red lighting, clean lines, and a playlist that swings from 90s hip hop to Japanese pop. Top dishes? The lobster roll (don’t split it – get your own) and the sticky pork bao, hands down. If you’re feeling adventurous, dive face-first into the kimchi-laced New England lobster. Walkable from Federation Square and Flinders Street, this is the spot you rally the group to after a night of rooftop drinks. Personal tip: Sit at the bar and watch the brigade crank out magic from the open kitchen. The energy here genuinely made me want to come back with different friends just to show off how dang fun it is.
5. Eureka 89
- 📍 Location: Southbank (Level 89, Eureka Tower)
- 💲 Price range: $100 – $200+ per person (Degustation or set menus)
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern Australian / Fine Dining
- 🔥 Standout Features: Panoramic views of Melbourne from the 89th floor, sophisticated dining.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Special occasions and romantic dinners.
Dining at Eureka 89 feels like you’re on top of the world. Located on the 89th floor of the Eureka Tower, the views over Melbourne are jaw-dropping, especially as city lights twinkle at night. The whole experience is refined and elegant.
Their degustation menu features beautifully presented dishes. You might enjoy seared scallops with a delicate sauce, tender lamb loin with seasonal vegetables, or an artful chocolate and berry dessert. It’s perfect for a special celebration with an unbeatable backdrop.
6. Hakata Gensuke Tonkotsu Ramen
If you want legit Japanese ramen, none in Melbourne battle Hakata Gensuke. This place gets lines even on humid nights. Inside is all hustle: steamy open kitchen, Japanese banners, and elbow-to-elbow bar seating. Their signature tonkotsu ramen is a creamy, porky fiesta with crazy good noodles made by hand every morning. You pick your noodle firmness, add an extra egg, and don’t skip the “black garlic” version for a smoky punch. Grab a cold Sapporo and slide into ramen heaven right on Russell Street, only minutes from Chinatown’s neon action. The slurping is infectious and the staff don’t mind if you go a little wild snapping pics of your bowl. I left vowing to make ramen my next personality trait.
7. Easey’s
- 📍 Location: Collingwood
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American Diner / Burgers / Comfort Food
- 🔥 Standout Features: Dining inside actual train carriages perched on a rooftop, graffiti art, creative burgers.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Burger lovers, casual dining, and soaking in Melbourne’s street art culture.
You can’t miss Easey’s – it’s old train carriages on a Collingwood rooftop, covered in graffiti. Climb a few flights and eat your burger inside a train! It’s such a Melbourne concept. The whole vibe is super laid-back and cool.
Ordering the Melbourne Madness burger, a glorious, towering stack of patties, cheese, bacon, and a potato cake, is a good plan. Their crispy Easey’s fried chicken sandwich or the loaded mac and cheese burger are also fantastic.
8. Tipo 00
Pasta dreams come true at Tipo 00. This compact, always-booked Italian spot delivers a big city trattoria buzz – all clinking glasses, exposed brick, and the happy aroma of brown butter. The namesake tagliolini al nero (jet black with squid ink and prawn) is a must-order, but don’t sleep on the oozy truffle gnocchi or the twice-baked ricotta cheesecake. Chefs hand-crank every noodle daily, which you can watch from your seat. Pro tip: Nab a window perch for street watching along Little Bourke. Between giggling over perfect pasta and the playful staff, I left plotting my next visit before I even got the bill.
9. High Tea on the Sea
- 📍 Location: Departs from Sorrento or Queenscliff (On the Ferry)
- 💲 Price range: $40 – $60 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Traditional High Tea / Cafe
- 🔥 Standout Features: High tea served during a ferry cruise across Port Phillip Bay, scenic water views.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Unique high tea experience, scenic outings, and a relaxing afternoon.
Imagine enjoying delicate scones while gliding across Port Phillip Bay – that’s High Tea on the Sea with Searoad Ferries. It’s a different way to do high tea. We sailed between Sorrento and Queenscliff, and the coastal views were lovely.
The traditional three-tiered stand includes fluffy scones with jam and cream. A selection of finger sandwiches, like cucumber and cream cheese or smoked salmon, and an array of miniature cakes and pastries complete the experience. Sipping tea and watching the waves is calming.
10. Sezar Restaurant
Armenian cuisine hiding in a tiny laneway? Yes, and it’s a knockout. Sezar channels Yerevan energy with soft lighting, lacquered timber tables, and just enough mystery to make it prime for date night. The standout is the signature twice-cooked chicken wings glazed in pomegranate and sumac, and the soft shell crab kebab is surprisingly addictive. Their New Armenian cocktails (try the quince Old Fashioned) are an underrated gem too. Hidden just off Exhibition Street, it’s near Her Majesty’s Theatre and a short walk to the Parliament House gardens for a quiet stroll. Honestly, I’m still dreaming about that neon orange tarama dip – scoop it up with the house bread and never look back.
11. Nevsky
- 📍 Location: Elsternwick
- 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Russian / Eastern European
- 🔥 Standout Features: Traditional Russian decor, homemade infused vodkas, classic Russian dishes.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Exploring Eastern European cuisine, vodka enthusiasts, and a cozy, traditional meal.
Nevsky in Elsternwick is like a warm hug from a Russian grandmother. The decor is wonderfully traditional, with painted murals and cozy nooks. They have an impressive list of homemade infused vodkas – the horseradish one is surprisingly smooth!
Sharing a plate of pelmeni (Siberian meat dumplings) served with sour cream and dill is essential. Their rich beef stroganoff, or the classic blini with red caviar, are also comforting and flavorful. It’s a great place for authentic Russian food.
12. Serai
Serai throws out everything you thought you knew about Filipino food. The vibe lands somewhere between fast-paced laneway bar and modern bistro, with open flames roaring out of the wood grill and murals from Filipino-Aussie artists. Try the kinilaw (Filipino ceviche) made with locally-caught kingfish and a wild calamansi vinaigrette, or their showy lechon belly with tamarind jus. Their fire-grilled ube cake is properly Insta-worthy. It’s wedged into the Chinatown fringe, perfect for pre- or post-theatre feasts. I was low-key obsessed with the energy here – the music jumps, the cocktails go hard, and the food feels both inventive and honest. Don’t skip the calamansi margarita!
13. Naked in the Sky
- 📍 Location: Fitzroy (Rooftop of Naked for Satan)
- 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person (Drinks/Pintxos), $40-$70 (Restaurant mains)
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Spanish / Basque Pintxos / Modern Australian (Restaurant)
- 🔥 Standout Features: Rooftop views, extensive range of infused vodkas, Basque-style pintxos.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Sunset drinks, casual bites with a view, and vodka lovers.
Head up to Naked in the Sky, the rooftop bar above Naked for Satan in Fitzroy, for some of the best panoramic views of Melbourne. They’re famous for their house-infused vodkas, and the pintxos (little Basque-style snacks) are perfect for sharing.
Grabbing a skewer of chorizo and quail egg or the smoked salmon with dill cream cheese pintxos is a great idea. Their infused vodkas, with flavors like chili or strawberry, are a must-try. Watching the sun set over the city here is a classic Melbourne experience.
14. Smith + Daughters
If you’re convinced vegan food is boring, Smith + Daughters will change your mind before you’ve finished the sangria. Punk-rock vibes collide with intimate dark woods and candlelight, and the staff treat you more like family than customers. Their Spanish-inspired “cheese” boards, cult-favourite vegan Fiorentina steak, and empanadas are flavor bombs even carnivores rave about. The moody, mural-lined dining room feels equal parts Soho and Fitzroy. It’s walkable to the Rose Street Artists’ Market if you fancy hunting quirky Melbourne crafts after dinner. My personal pick? Their vegan churros and that snappy house hot sauce – total game changers.
15. The Toff in Town
- 📍 Location: Melbourne CBD (Curtin House, Swanston Street)
- 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person (Bar/Snacks), $40-$70 (Dining Carriages)
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern Thai / Cocktail Bar / Performance Venue
- 🔥 Standout Features: Private train carriage-style booths, live music and performances, sophisticated cocktails.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Pre-show drinks and bites, intimate dates, and discovering new music.
The Toff in Town, in Curtin House, has a unique setup. One side is a lively bar and performance space; the other features intimate dining in private, old-school train carriage booths. It’s very atmospheric, with dim lighting and a vintage feel.
They offer fantastic Thai-inspired share plates. The son-in-law eggs with tamarind caramel are amazing. Their flavorful green curry with chicken or the crispy pork belly sliders are also popular. It’s a great spot for a sophisticated night out.
16. NOMAD Melbourne
NOMAD is a real stunner housed in a converted warehouse lit with swoon-worthy pendant lights and flashy open flames. The menu celebrates Aussie produce through a Middle Eastern lens – the wood-fired flatbread with smoked butter and burrata is wild, and the spanner crab crumpets are infinitely craveable. Watch chefs blaze away in the open kitchen from communal tables or intimate booths drenched in metropolitan chic. It’s right near Lygon Street (translation: dessert or late-night espresso options after), and you can roll out to Carlton Gardens in minutes. I spent half the meal trying to decide if I wanted to move in or just see how many crumpets I could eat in one sitting.
17. Embla
- 📍 Location: Melbourne CBD (Russell Street)
- 💲 Price range: $40 – $80+ per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern Australian / Wine Bar / Wood-Fired Cooking
- 🔥 Standout Features: Exceptional wine list, shared plates cooked over a wood fire.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Wine lovers, refined shared plates, and intimate dinners.
Embla is a wine bar that takes its food just as seriously as its incredible wine list. The space is rustic yet chic, with exposed brick and a warm glow from the wood-fired oven, which infuses many dishes with a subtle smokiness. Book ahead, it’s popular.
The wood-roasted whole flounder with lemon and herbs is simple but cooked to perfection. Their house-made sourdough bread with cultured butter, or the stracciatella cheese with seasonal accompaniments, are also fantastic. Let the sommelier guide your wine choices.
Bar Liberty isn’t trying to be cooler than you. It already knows it is. A speakeasy-style hideout in Fitzroy, this bar-restaurant hybrid does things its own way: records spinning rock and soul, mismatched mid-century chairs, and a back wall thick with ferns. Smoked trout toast with pickled chili and the epic fried cauliflower with labneh are headline grabbers, but so’s their natural wine and zesty cocktails list. Nab a seat at the windows for people-watching, or find a corner for a low-key date. It’s close to the buzz of Brunswick Street so you can easily hop between live gigs, vintage stores, and late-night dessert spots. I stumbled in for brunch, stayed hours, and it only got better as afternoon faded into groovy evening.
19. The LuWow
- 📍 Location: Melbourne CBD
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person (Mainly Drinks/Snacks)
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Tiki Bar / Cocktails
- 🔥 Standout Features: Over-the-top tiki decor, exotic rum cocktails, retro island vibes, occasional live music/DJs.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Tiki fanatics, fun group nights out, and potent, fruity cocktails.
Step into The LuWow, and you’re instantly transported to a kitschy, vibrant tiki paradise. It’s decked out with bamboo, totem poles, and pufferfish lights – wonderfully over-the-top. The air smells faintly of coconut and rum.
Their cocktails are strong and served in fun tiki mugs. Trying a classic Zombie, a potent mix of rums and fruit juices, is essential. The “Painkiller” or a simple Mai Tai are also great choices. It’s a fun, escapist spot for a night out.
20. Ishizuka
Ishizuka is Melbourne’s most secretive Japanese dining experience – quite literally hidden underground, in a basement with no street signage. Step inside, and you’ll find a serene 16-seat counter with minimalist timber details that brings Kyoto right to the CBD. Ishizuka only serves a multi-course kaiseki menu, changing with the seasons and presented like edible art. Look out for the shabu shabu with wagyu and the snacks disguised as tiny bonsai trees. The wine and sake pairings are out of this world. This is the spot for big celebrations or when you want to properly wow someone. Enter via Bourke Street’s humdrum, and emerge into a pocket of calm and artistry. Honestly, I still can’t believe this place exists in Melbourne.
21. Natural History Bar & Grill
- 📍 Location: Melbourne CBD (Collins Street)
- 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: French Bistro / Bar / Grill
- 🔥 Standout Features: Museum-esque decor with taxidermy animals, classic French bistro fare, late-night dining.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Unique bar experience, after-work drinks, and hearty bistro meals.
Natural History Bar & Grill is not your average bistro. The place is filled with impressive taxidermy animals and natural history displays, like dining in a cool, eccentric museum after hours. They serve classic French bistro dishes. The lighting is dim, and the atmosphere is buzzy.
A really satisfying steak frites with a rich peppercorn sauce is a popular choice. Their classic French onion soup or a hearty beef bourguignon also hit the spot. It’s a great spot for a drink and a substantial meal.
22. Rice Queen
- 📍 Location: Fitzroy
- 💲 Price range: $25 – $50 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern Asian / Pan-Asian / Cocktail Bar
- 🔥 Standout Features: Funky, colorful decor, karaoke rooms, Asian-inspired share plates and cocktails.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Fun group dinners, karaoke lovers, and vibrant Asian fusion.
Rice Queen in Fitzroy is all about fun, vibrant Asian fusion in a super colorful, eclectic setting. Think paper lanterns, quirky art, and a playful vibe. They do great share plates, and their cocktails have an Asian twist. They also have private karaoke rooms!
The Korean Fried Chicken Bao buns are a must-try. Their crispy salt and pepper squid or the flavorful pork belly sliders are also fantastic for sharing. It’s the perfect spot for a lively dinner with friends that might just end with some enthusiastic singing.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Unique Places to Eat in Melbourne
In our FAQ section, you’ll find answers to common questions using insights from our Melbourne restaurant guide, helping you discover the city’s diverse food scene.
What is the name of the oldest Italian restaurant in Melbourne?
The oldest Italian restaurant in Melbourne is Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar. It’s a classic spot that has been serving up delicious Italian coffee, pasta, and desserts since 1954. Pellegrini’s is more than just a restaurant; it’s a piece of Melbourne’s history, embodying Oceania’s charm. Here, you can enjoy traditional Italian dishes in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. It’s a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience a slice of Italy in the heart of the city.
Does Melbourne have an Eat Street?
Yes, Melbourne is famous for its vibrant Eat Street, known as Lygon Street. This bustling area is packed with a variety of dining options, from cafes and bakeries to upscale restaurants. Lygon Street is especially known for its Italian cuisine, offering some of the best food in Melbourne. Whether you’re in the mood for pizza, pasta, or a sweet treat, Lygon Street has something to satisfy every craving.
What foods are Melbourne famous for?
Melbourne is famous for its diverse food scene. The city’s culinary highlights include coffee, considered among the best in the world, and brunch dishes that blend creativity with flavor. Melbourne is also known for its multicultural cuisine, offering everything from authentic Italian pizza to vibrant Vietnamese pho. Don’t miss trying the local seafood, especially at waterfront restaurants where the catch is fresh. For dessert, Melbourne’s laneways hide some of the best bakeries and dessert bars around.
Where can I find Melbourne’s best restaurants?
Melbourne’s best restaurants can be found scattered throughout the city. Each represents an Australian gem, offering unique flavors and experiences. From the bustling lanes of the CBD to the trendy streets of Fitzroy and South Yarra, there’s no shortage of culinary excellence. For the ultimate dining experience, check out the restaurants along the Yarra River for stunning views. Melbourne’s food scene is constantly evolving, so there’s always something new and exciting to discover.
How can I enjoy fine dining in Melbourne without breaking the bank?
Enjoying fine dining in Melbourne doesn’t have to be expensive. Many top-tier restaurants offer lunch specials or early bird menus that provide the same exquisite dishes at a fraction of the price. Another tip is to look for tasting menus, which allow you to sample the chef’s best creations at a set cost. Also, keep an eye out for restaurant week events, where luxury dining spots offer discounted menus.
What are some must-try cheap eats in Melbourne?
Cheap eats in Melbourne are easy to find and can be just as delicious as pricier options. The city is filled with food markets, like Queen Victoria Market, where you can enjoy a variety of cuisines at low prices. Laneways and food courts in the CBD also offer affordable dishes from around the world. For a truly Melbourne experience, try a classic meat pie or a savory sausage roll from a local bakery.
Can you recommend a romantic restaurant for a special occasion in Melbourne?
For a special occasion, Melbourne offers many romantic restaurants that combine fine dining with a cozy atmosphere. Look for places with intimate settings, like those with candlelit tables or stunning city views. Waterfront dining along the Yarra River provides a picturesque backdrop for a memorable evening. Choose a restaurant that offers a degustation menu for a truly indulgent experience, where you can savor each dish and enjoy the chef’s artistry.
What is the best way to explore Melbourne’s diverse food scene?
The best way to explore Melbourne’s diverse food scene is by embarking on a food tour. These tours take you through the city’s various neighborhoods, each known for different cuisines. You’ll get to try everything from street food to fine dining in Melbourne. Another great way is to visit food festivals and markets, where local and international dishes are all available in one place. Don’t be afraid to venture into Melbourne’s laneways and hidden alleys; they’re often where the most authentic and delicious finds are.
Final Thoughts On Unique Melbourne Restaurants
We hope you enjoyed exploring the flavors and stories behind some of the city’s most unique dining spots with our Melbourne restaurant guide. Melbourne’s food scene is a vibrant tapestry, woven from the many cultures that call this city home, making it one of Australia’s most beautiful places.
From cozy cafes to bustling eat streets and hidden gems, there’s always something new and exciting to discover. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, we invite you to dive into these culinary adventures and taste the diversity that makes Melbourne so special, once you fly to Australia.
