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17 Cool Restaurants in Melbourne
When it comes to fun restaurants Melbourne has got you covered. If you’re looking for cool restaurants Melbourne is essentially a cluster of trendy establishments catering to every eye and palate. You’ve got your high tea hotspots and your steak sensations, but sometimes you just want an outright cool venue at which to enjoy a delicious meal and refreshing beverage while soaking up the eclectic atmosphere. From the novel, daily-changing menus to Aussie-themed degustations to exquisite Japanese meals with a knife show, there is an incredible array of funky restaurants in Melbourne to add some pizzazz to date night or catch-ups with the boys.
If you’re the type of person who seeks out unique restaurants Melbourne has got your back.
Best of Cool Restaurants in Melbourne
- Best for Drinks: Longsong
- Best for Indian Fusion: Tonka
- Best for Lunch: Cutler & Co.
- Best for Thai Food: Cookie
- Best for Oysters: Florentino
How We Chose This List of Cool Restaurants in Melbourne
This list was compiled through personal experience and online research, as well as through commentary from food critics and expert restaurant reviewers.
Reinvigorate your love of Melbourne’s dining scene with this list of 17 cool restaurants in Melbourne.
Image: Attica
1. Attica
For an adventurous Aussie degustation restaurant Melbourne, you simply can’t go past Attica. The twenty-course tasting menu at this trendy establishment features a vegemite pie, a wallaby blood pikelet, giant emu eggs and of course kangaroo. Attica frequently appears in lists of the world’s 50 best restaurants, so you know you’ll get world-class cuisine and service with the top locally sourced and appreciated fodder.
What We Like: The Native Australian Ingredients.
What We Don’t Like: Limited Menu.
Address: 74 Glen Eira Road, Ripponlea VIC 3185
Hours: Tue-Fri 6pm-7:30pm, Sat 6pm-12am
Phone: (03) 9530 0111
Image: Kisumé
2. Kisumé
Kisumé isn’t just a trendy restaurant in Melbourne, it’s an experience. Situated in Flinders Lane, you can discover three levels of art, design and dining at this Melbourne restaurant. Take advantage of a bespoke menu, phenomenal sushi and Japanese specialities, while marvelling at the work of famed photographers Nobuyoshi Araki and Polly Borland.
What We Like: The Atmosphere.
What We Don’t Like: They’re better at seafood than other dishes.
Address: 175 Flinders Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000
Hours: Mon-Thur 5-10pm, Fri-Sun 12-11pm
Phone: (03) 9671 4888
Image: Longsong
3. Longsong
Best for: Drinks
Longsong seamlessly combines historic ambience with modern features and cuisine. Inside the spacious 118-year-old warehouse you will find kegs of locally distilled spirits (currently vermouth, gin, vodka and moonshine) as well as just one piece of cooking equipment – a woodfire grill. The constantly evolving menu at this cool Melbourne restaurant features meats and seafood on skewers and other fresh pan-asian dishes.
What We Like: The Cocktails.
What We Don’t Like: Slow Service.
Located in: Longrain Melbourne
Address: Upstairs, 44 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Hours: Sat 5pm-12am
Phone: (03) 9653 1611
Image: Embla
4. Embla
What may appear from the outside as a simple inner-city wine bar is actually a rare and rustic establishment filled with mouth-watering dishes, a buzzing atmosphere and unparalleled wine list. Embla describes their wine as ‘slightly weird’ as they focus more on what the wine tastes like and where it’s from rather than the name. Let their knowledgable staff guide you on an evening of exciting experimentation at one of the most awesome places to eat in Melbourne.
What We Like: The Steak.
What We Don’t Like: Not a quick drink place.
Address: 122 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Hours: Mon-Sat 12pm-12am
Phone: 0455 122 121
Image: Tonka
5. Tonka
Best for: Indian Fusion
If the combination of Tandoor ovens and Tandoor-trained experts from one of Melbourne’s coolest restaurants doesn’t get your tastebuds tingling in anticipation, perhaps a few of Tonka’s menu highlights will: lamb curry with roasted coconut, vindaloo steak tartare, spicy Kashmiri pork tikka. Add in a comprehensive wine and cocktail list celebrating the world of Indian spice and your salivary glands don’t stand a chance.
What We Like: The Indian Fusion Cuisine.
What We Don’t Like: Slow service.
Address: 20 Duckboard Place, Melbourne VIC 3000
Hours: Tue 6-10:30pm, Wed-Sat 12-3pm & 6-10:30pm, Sun 12-5pm
Phone: (03) 3 9650 3155
Image: Juliet Melbourne
6. Juliet Melbourne
This moody underground vino basement is the ideal spot for a few adventurous drinks and delicious nibbles, easily making it one of the best restaurants in Melbourne. Juliet opens just four whites and reds each night and takes a twist on your standard cocktails with a Tequila old fashioned and a cider sangria. Expect many more hidden surprises such as spiced mince stuffed into the olives and regular raclette and jazz nights to give you a full sensory overload.
What We Like: The Atmosphere.
What We Don’t Like: Better for drinks than food.
Address: Basement/37 – 41 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Hours: Fri-Sat 5:30pm-12am
Phone: (03) 9639 4944
Image: Atlas Dining
7. Atlas Dining
In 2017, Atlas Dining appeared in many a list of the top new trendy restaurants in Melbourne. In 2018 it’s already a bona fide Melbourne establishment. Owner and head chef, Charlie Carrington, has vowed to explore the cuisine of a different country he has visited every four months, adding locally sourced ingredients and touching them with fire to create one of the closest things to magic you can experience on a night out in Melbourne.
What We Like: The Food and Wine Pairings.
What We Don’t Like: Price to portion ration.
Address: 133 Commercial Road, South Yarra VIC 3141
Hours: Wed-Thur 6-11pm, Fri-Sat 5:30-11pm
Phone: (03) 9826 2621
Image: Mamasita
8. Mamasita
If the sound of the name on your tongue is anything to go by, Mamasita promises to be one of the most fun restaurants in Melbourne. Mamasita claims partial responsibility for the Mexican craze sweeping the nation, and with regular hour-long waits for seats at this innovative and authentic Mexican restaurant, they may have a point. The space is quaint and quirky, the spirits are artisan and refreshing and the food is mouth-watering and constantly evolving.
What We Like: Great Service.
What We Don’t Like: Small Location.
Located in: Collins Place
Address: Level 1/11 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Hours: Tues-Sat 5:45-11pm
Phone: 0451 616 653
Image: Cutler & Co.
9. Cutler & Co.
Best for: Lunch
Located in an old metal works factory in Fitzroy, Cutler & Co exudes elegance and minimalism. Whether you want to sit at the stand-alone bar for a drink and snack or take the whole evening for a degustation style menu that changes daily, Andrew McConnell’s venue easily makes the list of cool places to eat in Melbourne.
What We Like: The Sunday lunch service and menu.
What We Don’t Like: Price to portion ratio.
Address: 55/57 Gertrude St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Hours: Thu-Sat 6-10pm, Sun 12-10pm
Phone: (03) 9419 4888
Image: Etta
10. Etta
Etta defines their menu as Australian with influence from Greek, Italian, Middle Eastern and Asian cuisine. Suffice to know that it’s varied and delectable. It’s a small neighbourhood bistro in East Brunswick with a homely atmosphere and friendly staff that want to give you the most memorable dining experience at one of the top cool restaurants in Melbourne.
What We Like: The Experience.
What We Don’t Like: Price to portion ratio.
Address: 60 Lygon St, Brunswick East VIC 3057
Hours: Wed-Fri 4-10pm, Sat 12-10pm, Sun 12-3pm
Phone: (03) 9448 8233
Image: Osteria Ilaria
11. Osteria Ilaria
Succulent seafood, mouth-watering gnocchi, perfectly grilled zucchini and smoked beetroot is just the start of what you will be treated with at Melbourne restaurant Osteria Ilaria. If narrowing down options on this Italian menu and the international wine list is not your strong point, simply opt for the chef’s selection to get the best of the crop.
What We Like: The Wine List.
What We Don’t Like: Slower service.
Address: 367 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Hours: Mon & Thu-Sat 11:30am-10:30pm, Tue 11:30am-5pm
Phone: (03) 9642 2287
Image: Cookie
12. Cookie
Best for: Thai Food
Cookie’s reputation as one of the best restaurants in Melbourne’s is not an easy identifier to claim. The blend of Australian and Thai flavours, fantastic signature cocktails and buzzing Melbourne vibe in the restaurant and beer hall create an irresistible night out of spirited indulgence.
What We Like: The Thai Food.
What We Don’t Like: Spicy, so be prepared.
Located in: Curtin House
Address: 252 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Hours: Wed-Thur 12-9pm, Fri-Sat 12-11pm, Sun 12-10pm
Phone: (03) 9663 7660
Image: Rice Paper Scissors
13. Rice Paper Scissors
The great thing about having two locations is that you are more likely to nab a spot at this bustling hawker-style eatery. At Rice Paper Scissors share not only exquisite South-East Asian chow with your loved ones but also a guaranteed evening of fun and frivolity.
What We Like: The Pork Belly.
What We Don’t Like: Price to portion ratio.
Address: 15 Hardware Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
Hours: Mon-Thu 11:30am-3pm & 5-9:30pm, Fri 11:30am-3pm & 5-11pm, Sat 11:30am-11pm, Sun 11:30am-9:30pm
Phone: (03) 9663 9890
Image: Minamishima
14. Minamishima
Omakase is an increasingly rare culinary art form that will dazzle the eyes and gratify the stomach. Sushi master Koichi Minamishima has 25 years of experience in this mesmerising display of knife skills meaning that at Minamishima you will be treated to dinner and a show. As far as Melbourne’s coolest restaurants go, it doesn’t get much more novel than that.
What We Like: The Omakase Menu.
What We Don’t Like: Small Fish Selection.
Address: 4 Lord St, Richmond VIC 3121
Hours: Tue-Sat 6pm-10pm
Phone: (03) 9429 5180
Image: IDES
15. IDES
When a pop-up restaurant becomes a permanent institution, you know it must be doing something right. And we think chef Peter Gunn’s restaurant is much more than just alright – in fact, one of the best restaurants in Melbourne. The mere photos of their cucumber boat, salmon caviar and mandarin, honeycomb and clove black box get the salivary glands working overtime. Don’t just treat your eyes, test out this superb nosh for yourself.
What We Like: The Presentation.
What We Don’t Like: Slow service.
Address: 92 Smith St, Collingwood VIC 3066
Hours: Tue-Sat 6-9pm, Sun 12-2pm
Phone: 0432 365 869
Images: Florentino
16. Florentino
Best for: Oysters
Florentino has the perfect formula for an exceptional evening (or daytime) of dining: genuine hospitality, top-quality raw produce and lesser-known Italian wine varieties. No list of cool places to eat in Melbourne would be complete without it. The cellar bar, grill and Florentino have graced Melbournians with its luxurious style and authentic Italian cooking for nearly a century, meaning it is rooted in tradition but also committed to contemporary, sustainable practices.
What We Like: The Oysters.
What We Don’t Like: Price to portion ratio.
Address: 80 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Hours: Mon-Sat 8:30am-11pm
Phone: (03) 9662 1811
Image: Matilda 159 Domain
17. Matilda 159 Domain
One of the newest restaurants in Melbourne, Matilda 159 Domain is here, and it’s very very cool. This smoke focused restaurant in Melbourne is a visual and sensory journey. The kitchen is fuelled by an open fire and hot coals, which delivers great food, strong design and a feeling of comfort and warmth. More than a labour of love for Chef Scott Pickett, it’s aptly named after his daughter. The restaurant is a bit more relaxed than his usual style so guests can visit often to find a local piece of meat cooked to perfection over live flames.
What We Like: The Duck.
What We Don’t Like: Price to portion ratio.
Address: 159 Domain Rd, South Yarra VIC 3141
Hours: Mon-Thur 6-9:30pm, Fri 12-3pm & 6-9:30pm, Sat-Sun 11am-3pm & 6-9:30pm
Phone: (03) 9089 6668
Key Things to Consider for Melbourne’s Hottest Restaurants
The key factors to keep in mind when deciding where to go:
- Price – how expensive is your food.
- Variation – menu variety and ability to make changes when needed.
- Location – whether that be in the center of all the action or somewhere quaint and quiet.
- Service – good service makes the experience at a restaurant that much more enjoyable.
Alternatives to These Restaurants in Melbourne
If you’re looking for other things to do in and around Melbourne, we’ve got you covered with some of the options listed below. You can also check out our list of Fun Thing To Do in Melbourne. If you’re looking for a more specific cuisine, check out our list of Japanese Restaurant in Melbourne or the Best Italian Restaurants in Melbourne. If you’re full, we can also help you with your search for the best vintage clothes with our list of the Best Op Shops in Melbourne for Vintage Clothes or show you the Best Beaches in Melbourne for Surfing and Swimming.
General FAQ
What is the best Melbourne restaurant for fine dining?
Attica frequently appears in lists of the world’s 50 best restaurants, so you know you’ll get world-class cuisine and service with the top locally sourced and appreciated fodder.
Where is the best restaurant for Japanese in Melbourne?
Kisumé isn’t just a trendy restaurant in Melbourne, it’s an experience. Take advantage of a bespoke menu, phenomenal sushi and Japanese specialities, while marvelling at the work of famed photographers Nobuyoshi Araki and Polly Borland.
What restaurant in Melbourne also serves Natural Wine?
Embla describes their wine as ‘slightly weird’ as they focus more on what the wine tastes like and where it’s from rather than the name. Which is a good thing if you're into 'Natural Wine'. You'll find some of the rarest drops from the likes of Frank Cornelissen.
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Greta Mayr
Greta Mayr is an established writer and content producer with over seven years’ experience in the media industry. Specialising in culture, food and lifestyle reporting, Greta’s work has appeared in Concrete Playground and Weekend Notes. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Media and Communications, Germanic Studies, International Relations) at the University of Sydney.
