Victoria is Australia's most compact yet culturally rich state, home to the cosmopolitan city of Melbourne, world-famous Great Ocean Road, and diverse landscapes from the Grampians to alpine regions. The state blends urban sophistication with natural wonders, offering everything from world-class dining to pristine national parks.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Vue de monde
Vue de monde sits on the 55th floor of the Rialto building, offering one of Melbourne's most breathtaking dining experiences. Chef Shannon Bennett pioneered the farm-to-table movement in Australia, and the restaurant continues to showcase exceptional Victorian produce through a degustation menu. The wine list is one of Australia's finest, and the city views are unparalleled.
55th Floor, Rialto, 525 Collins Street, Melbourne
Attica
Consistently ranked among the top 50 restaurants in the world, Attica in Ripponlea is the creative domain of chef Ben Shewry. The restaurant serves a multi-course tasting menu inspired by Australian indigenous ingredients, childhood memories, and the produce of the surrounding garden. Bookings are released months in advance and are highly sought after.
74 Glen Eira Road, Ripponlea
Flower Drum
Flower Drum in Melbourne's Chinatown has been a Melbourne institution since 1975, widely regarded as one of the finest Chinese restaurants in the world. The restaurant serves impeccable Cantonese cuisine with exceptional attention to detail, from live seafood tanks to legendary Peking duck. The formal service, elegant dining room, and exceptional wine list make it an extraordinary experience.
17 Market Lane, Melbourne CBD
Chin Chin
Chin Chin on Flinders Lane is one of Melbourne's most popular restaurants, serving vibrant and punchy Southeast Asian food in a buzzing no-reservations atmosphere. The menu draws from Thai, Vietnamese, and Lao cuisines, with dishes designed for sharing. Queues form nightly but the bar downstairs (Go Go Bar) keeps waiting guests entertained.
125 Flinders Lane, Melbourne CBD
MoVida
MoVida on Hosier Lane is one of Melbourne's most loved restaurants, serving authentic Spanish tapas and raciones in a vibrant setting opposite Melbourne's famous street art laneway. Chef Frank Camorra's menu celebrates Andalusian and broader Spanish cuisine with fresh Victorian produce. The wine list specialises in Spanish varietals and the atmosphere is always lively.
1 Hosier Lane, Melbourne CBD
Tipo 00
Tipo 00 on Little Bourke Street is one of Melbourne's most celebrated pasta restaurants, earning a devoted following for its handmade pasta and simple but precise Italian cooking. The menu changes regularly to reflect seasonal produce, and every dish demonstrates a masterful approach to Italian culinary tradition. The list of Italian natural wines is exceptional.
361 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD
Patricia Coffee Brewers
Patricia Coffee Brewers is a tiny standing-room coffee bar in the Melbourne CBD that has earned an outsized reputation for serving exceptional espresso. The narrow laneway space serves only coffee and a handful of snacks, forcing drinkers to engage with the coffee itself. Patricia is widely considered one of Melbourne's finest coffee experiences.
493-495 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD
Seven Seeds
Seven Seeds in Carlton is one of Melbourne's pioneering specialty coffee roasters, operating out of a converted garage space with industrial-chic design. The cafe serves outstanding single-origin coffees alongside an excellent all-day brunch menu. Seven Seeds has been instrumental in shaping Melbourne's world-famous coffee culture.
114 Berkeley Street, Carlton
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Modern Australian
Lake House Restaurant
The Lake House Restaurant at Daylesford's Lake House hotel is one of regional Australia's most awarded restaurants. Chef Alla Wolf-Tasker's cooking celebrates the produce of the surrounding spa country region, including local mineral water, herbs from the garden, and seasonal foraged ingredients. The wine cellar is extraordinary and the views over Lake Daylesford are romantic.
King Street, Daylesford
Cumulus Inc.
Cumulus Inc. on Flinders Lane is chef Andrew McConnell's all-day dining institution, offering exceptional food from breakfast through late-night snacks. The long marble bar and open kitchen create a convivial atmosphere, and the menu draws on produce from the McConnell group's farm in regional Victoria. From oysters and charcuterie to beautifully executed mains, the food is consistently excellent.
45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne CBD
Estelle by Scott Pickett
Estelle by Scott Pickett in Northcote is a neighbourhood fine dining restaurant that has become one of Melbourne's most awarded. Chef Scott Pickett's cooking is precise and creative, showcasing Victorian produce in a menu that changes with the seasons. The intimate 40-seat restaurant offers a refined dining experience in a relaxed inner-suburban setting.
243 High Street, Northcote
Oakridge Winery Restaurant
Oakridge Winery's restaurant in the Yarra Valley is one of regional Victoria's finest dining experiences, combining outstanding wine with thoughtful contemporary cooking. The menu showcases local Yarra Valley produce and pairs beautifully with the estate's award-winning Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The cellar door setting among the vines is beautiful.
864 Maroondah Highway, Coldstream
European
Epocha
Epocha in Carlton occupies a beautiful heritage terrace home with an open fireplace and a dining room that has the feel of a Viennese salon. The menu is classically European, celebrating dishes like duck confit, rabbit rillettes, and house-made charcuterie, paired with an impressive selection of European and Australian wines.
49 Rathdowne Street, Carlton
Donovans
Donovans is a Melbourne institution on St Kilda beach, occupying the former 1920s St Kilda Sea Baths building with spectacular Port Phillip Bay views. The restaurant serves polished modern European cuisine with a focus on seafood, in a comfortable, upscale beach house atmosphere. Sunday brunch overlooking the bay is a quintessential Melbourne experience.
40 Jacka Boulevard, St Kilda
French
Lune Croissanterie
Lune Croissanterie in Fitzroy has been called the world's best croissant by the New York Times and attracts queues before opening every day. Kate Reid's obsessive approach to laminated pastry produces croissants of extraordinary quality, along with cruffins, kouign amann, and seasonal specials. The 'Lune lab' in the centre of the open kitchen provides theatre to match the product.
119 Rose Street, Fitzroy
Bistro Vue
Bistro Vue on Little Collins Street is the more casual sibling of Vue de monde, serving excellent French bistro classics in a relaxed setting. The steak frites, moules mariniere, and house-made charcuterie are highlights, and the wine list is extensive without being intimidating. An excellent option for a quality lunch in the CBD.
430 Little Collins Street, Melbourne CBD
Italian
Grossi Florentino
Grossi Florentino has been a Melbourne institution on Bourke Street since 1928. The restaurant comprises the upstairs formal Mural Room with its stunning hand-painted murals, the Cellar Bar for casual Italian dining, and the Grill for steaks and grilled meats. The Grossi family's commitment to classical Italian cooking and outstanding Italian wine makes this a Melbourne landmark.
80 Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD
Pellegrini's Espresso Bar
Pellegrini's Espresso Bar on Bourke Street has been serving Melbourne since 1954 and is the city's oldest continuously operating Italian cafe. The time-capsule interior has barely changed in 70 years, and the short menu of pasta, risotto, and Italian sweets remains as it has always been. Pellegrini's is as much a part of Melbourne's soul as the MCG or Federation Square.
66 Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD
Japanese
Minamishima
Minamishima in Richmond is Australia's premier omakase experience, serving just 20 guests per sitting at the counter in front of chef Koichi Minamishima. The omakase menu showcases exceptional Japanese techniques applied to the finest Australian seafood and produce, with fish flown in from Japan's Toyosu market. Reservations are released online and sell out in minutes.
4 Lord Street, Richmond
Don Don Japanese Restaurant
Don Don on Little Bourke Street in Melbourne's Chinatown district is a beloved casual Japanese restaurant serving excellent, affordable Japanese staples. The katsu curry, udon, and set lunches have built a devoted following among Melbourne workers and students. Simple, consistent, and outstanding value.
198 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD
Argentinian
San Telmo
San Telmo on Meyers Place is Melbourne's finest Argentinian restaurant, bringing the asado traditions of Buenos Aires to the heart of the CBD. The wood-fired grill produces exceptional beef, including prime cuts of grass-fed and grain-fed Argentinian-style beef. Empanadas, chimichurri, and an excellent South American wine list complete the experience.
14 Meyers Place, Melbourne CBD
Armenian
Sezar Restaurant
Sezar on Little Bourke Street is Melbourne's finest Armenian restaurant, introducing diners to the rich and complex flavours of Armenian cuisine. The mezze-style menu features dishes like mante (Armenian dumplings), grilled meats with pomegranate molasses, and outstanding dips and flatbreads. A unique and thoroughly enjoyable dining experience.
37 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD
Bistro
Restaurant Hubert (Joanna's)
Joanna's in Heathcote is a celebrated regional restaurant showcasing the outstanding produce of central Victoria. The bistro menu features local lamb, Heathcote beef, seasonal vegetables, and the excellent wines of the surrounding Heathcote wine region. The relaxed, warm atmosphere makes it a perfect stop on a wine region road trip.
Main Street, Heathcote
Brunch
The Hardware Societe
The Hardware Societe on Little Hardware Lane is one of Melbourne's most Instagram-famous cafes, known for its extraordinary brunch dishes served in a lush, plant-filled space. The menu pushes the boundaries of cafe food with dishes like white chocolate and raspberry croissant bread and butter pudding and prosciutto and brie croque madame.
120 Hardware Street, Melbourne CBD
Cocktails & Bar Food
Vue de monde The Lui Bar
The Lui Bar on the 55th floor of the Rialto building is the cocktail bar adjoining Vue de monde, offering the same breathtaking Melbourne views without the commitment of a full degustation dinner. The bar serves inventive cocktails, exceptional spirits, and a selection of snacks that showcase the kitchen's creativity. Perfect for a special occasion drink at sunset.
55th Floor, Rialto, 525 Collins Street, Melbourne
Contemporary Farm
Brae
Brae is chef Dan Hunter's extraordinary farm-to-table restaurant in Birregurra in the Otways region. The restaurant sits on a 30-hectare biodynamic farm that supplies the majority of the produce used in the menus. Consistently ranked among the world's best restaurants, Brae offers an immersive experience connecting diners to the landscape of southwestern Victoria. On-site accommodation is available.
4285 Cape Otway Road, Birregurra
Greek
The Press Club
The Press Club on Flinders Street by chef George Calombaris (now under new ownership) remains one of Melbourne's most distinctive fine dining restaurants, serving sophisticated modern Greek cuisine. The menu celebrates Greek culinary traditions through a contemporary lens, with dishes featuring outstanding Victorian produce alongside Greek ingredients like wild herbs, honey, and preserved lemons.
72 Flinders Street, Melbourne CBD
Health Cafe
Tulum Eatery
Tulum Eatery in St Kilda is a popular plant-forward health cafe serving vibrant, creative dishes using seasonal produce. The menu features outstanding grain bowls, smoothie bowls, cold pressed juices, and excellent specialty coffee. Located on Acland Street in the heart of St Kilda's cafe strip.
Acland Street, St Kilda
Indian
Tonka
Tonka on Duckboard Place is Melbourne's premier contemporary Indian restaurant, serving refined modern Indian cuisine that respects tradition while exploring new flavour combinations. Chef Adam D'Sylva's menu features stunning tandoor-cooked proteins, inventive curries, and beautifully crafted desserts. The wine list is thoughtfully matched to the spiced menu.
Duckboard Place, Melbourne CBD
Korean
Gami Chicken & Beer
Gami Chicken & Beer started in Melbourne and has become one of the city's favourite casual dining chains, serving phenomenal Korean fried chicken with a choice of sauces and an excellent selection of Korean beers and soju. The multiple Melbourne locations are always busy and lively, making them a great option for groups.
Multiple Melbourne CBD locations
Lebanese
Rumi
Rumi in Brunswick East is a Melbourne favourite for authentic Lebanese cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Chef Joseph Abboud's menu draws on his Lebanese heritage, producing dishes of extraordinary depth and generosity. The mezze are outstanding and the room has the feel of a family home.
116 Lygon Street, Brunswick East
Malaysian Hawker
Hawker Hall
Hawker Hall in Windsor is a lively Malaysian hawker-inspired food hall serving outstanding Southeast Asian street food in a casual, buzzy atmosphere. The menu spans Malaysian, Singaporean, and broader Southeast Asian dishes including laksa, char kway teow, roti canai, and satay. Excellent cocktails and beers complete the experience.
98 Chapel Street, Windsor
Middle Eastern
Maha Restaurant
Maha Restaurant on Bond Street by chef Shane Delia is Melbourne's most acclaimed Middle Eastern restaurant, serving sophisticated Maltese and Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine in an elegant underground setting. The menu blends Lebanese, Turkish, and Maltese traditions with outstanding Victorian produce, and the carefully curated wine list bridges European and Australian selections.
21 Bond Street, Melbourne CBD
Modern Australian Neighbourhood
The Long Apron at Spicers Vineyards
Merricote in Northcote is a beloved neighbourhood restaurant serving elegant, unfussy contemporary Australian food in a comfortable and welcoming dining room. The seasonal menu celebrates Victorian produce with confidence and creativity, and the wine list prioritises small Australian and European producers. One of Melbourne's most consistently excellent restaurants.
386 Queens Parade, Fitzroy North
Modern Australian Pub
Copperhead
Copperhead Bar & Grill in Apollo Bay is a Great Ocean Road favourite for fresh local seafood, wood-fired pizza, and Victorian craft beers. Situated on the main street of the charming coastal town, the restaurant is a reliable and enjoyable stop on any Great Ocean Road road trip. The crayfish and locally caught fish are outstanding.
Main Street, Apollo Bay
Pan
Supernormal
Supernormal on Flinders Lane by chef Andrew McConnell is a beloved Melbourne restaurant serving a pan-Asian menu in a stylish, high-energy dining room. The New England lobster roll is legendary, and the selection of dim sum, sashimi, and wok-tossed dishes reflects the best of Japanese, Chinese, and Korean cuisines. The restaurant never takes reservations, creating a democratic buzz.
180 Flinders Lane, Melbourne CBD
Seafood
Chin Chin Geelong
The Wharf Shed Cafe on Geelong's beautiful waterfront precinct is a popular spot for fresh local seafood and modern Australian dishes. The venue occupies a converted heritage shed on Eastern Beach with stunning views of Corio Bay. Seafood platters featuring locally sourced fish, prawns, and oysters are the star of the menu.
Waterfront, Eastern Beach Road, Geelong
Snacks & Wine
Smalls
Smalls in the CBD is one of Melbourne's most popular wine bars, offering a short menu of exceptional small plates designed to complement the natural and minimal-intervention wine list. The tiny room creates an intimate atmosphere, and the knowledgeable staff are genuinely passionate about the wines they pour.
397 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne CBD
Specialty Coffee & Brunch
Proud Mary
Proud Mary in Collingwood is a beloved Melbourne cafe that has built an international reputation for its exceptional specialty coffee and creative brunch menu. The large, light-filled space attracts queues on weekends and is famous for its elaborate brunch dishes that push the boundaries of Australian cafe food.
172 Oxford Street, Collingwood
Steakhouse
Rockpool Bar & Grill Melbourne
Rockpool Bar & Grill in the Crown complex on Southbank is a glamorous Melbourne steakhouse serving dry-aged grass-fed and grain-fed beef alongside exceptional seafood. The Art Deco-inspired room is spectacular and the raw bar featuring oysters, crab, and lobster is a highlight. The extensive Australian wine list is one of the city's finest.
Crown Entertainment Complex, 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank
Vietnamese
Anchovy
Anchovy in Richmond by chef Thi Le is the finest Vietnamese restaurant in Melbourne, serving creative modern Vietnamese food that honours the cuisine's traditions while exploring new directions. The carefully crafted menu uses exceptional produce and precise technique, paired with a wine list that bridges the gap between Vietnamese flavours and natural wines.
338 Bridge Road, Richmond
Wood
Embla
Embla on William Street is Melbourne's definitive natural wine bar and wood-fired restaurant. Every dish passes through the wood-fired hearth, oven, or grill, resulting in deeply flavoured, smoky cooking. The natural wine list is extraordinary and the knowledgeable staff make it an educational experience. The room is always buzzy and intimate.
122 Russell Street, Melbourne CBD
Food tours & tastings in Victoria
Eat your way through Victoria with a guide.
Browse food experiences in VictoriaWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Tipping practices vary — check local customs. Service charge is often included.
Restaurants may close between lunch and dinner. Plan meals around local dining hours.
Popular restaurants may not take reservations — arrive early or be prepared to wait.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-15/meal | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |