Often overshadowed by Sydney’s uber-cool dining scene, Melbourne is a serious culinary underdog with a fierce punch that cannot be ignored. A vibrant gastronomic landscape that’s bursting with gems – from intimate eateries nestled in iconic laneways to the high-end restaurants where you’ll often find local and international celebs – Melbourne is a treasure trove for fine dining enthusiasts. Below, we’ve put together a guide that’ll show you why this city, with its eclectic mix of innovative cuisines and world-class chefs, is giving its northern rival a serious run for its money in the fine dining stakes.
Best Fine Dining Restaurants Melbourne at a Glance
- Best overall: Reine & La Rue
- Best vegan fine dining: Lona Misa
- Best Italian fine dining: Il Bacaro
- Best Japanese fine dining: Yugen
- Best fine dining set menu: Nomad
- Best special occasion restaurant: Amaru
1. Reine and La Rue
- Address: 380 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Phone: (02) 9280 3395
- Opening Hours: Sat-Sun: 12:00-2:30pm, 5:30pm-12am
Since opening its doors in August 2023, Reine and La Rue (commonly referred to as Reine) has set the foodie scene in Melbourne alight. The two-hatted restaurant – sister venue to Nomad – is set in the beautiful old stock exchange on Collins St, with the menu (headed by Chef Jacqui Challinor) offering a creative mix of Australian, French, and American cuisine. Its signature feature is the dual bars – one for cocktails, the other for fresh seafood – complemented by an impressive grill serving up premium steaks. The wine list is also a journey in itself, with sensational picks from Australia and the US. Overall, our pick of the best fine dining restaurants in Melbourne.
2. Nomad
- Address: 187 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Phone: (02) 9280 3395
- Hours: Mon-Sun 12-2:30pm, 5-10.30pm
Nomad (also one of Sydney’s best restaurants), opened its doors in Melbourne in 2021 and has remained one of the best fine dining experiences in the CBD – especially its set menu. At a very reasonable $110 per head, you’ll experience the best of what Nomad has to offer, including its wood-fired flatbread, charcuterie selection, raw kingfish, spatchcock and an exceptional olive oil ice-cream sandwich. Plus, with a wine list that focuses on small Aussie growers and producers (with some classic French and Italian bottles too), you know you’re in for a seriously good time at Nomad.
3. Cumulus
- Address: 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, 3000
- Phone: (03) 9650 1445
- Opening Hours: Mon-Sun: 12:00pm – 11:00pm
Nestled in a historic building on Flinders Lane you’ll find Cumulus Inc. Andrew McConnell is the visionary behind Cumulus – twice named Chef of the Year by The Age. With all-day dining and an expansive à la carte menu designed for sharing (with the option for a set menu), McConnell’s culinary approach at Cumulus combines European techniques with a focus on fresh produce and simple yet elegant dishes. With a sleek, minimalist, industrial design with high ceilings, open kitchen, and wall-sized windows framing the iconic culinary lane, Cumulus is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and best fine dining restaurants in Melbourne.
4. Amaru
- Address: 1121 High St, Armadale VIC 3143
- Phone: (03)9822 0144
- Opening Hours: Sun 12-2pm, Tues-Thurs 5.45pm-9.15pm, Fri-Sat 12-2pm & 5.45pm – 9.15pm
At Amaru (one of Melbourne’s only 3-hatted restaurants), Chef Clinton McIver, previously of Vue de Monde, presents a dining experience that transcends typical labels. Situated in Armadale, this 34-seat venue blends minimalist design with a degustation menu that showcases global culinary influences. Signature dishes include seaweed-seasoned crisp potatoes with blue swimmer crab and dry-aged game duck, complemented by a curated selection of Australian, French, and Italian wines.
5. Gimlet
- Address: 33 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Phone: (03) 9277 9777
- Hours: Sun-Thurs 12pm-12am, Sat-Sun 12pm-1am
Gimlet is undeniably one of the best fine dining restaurants in Melbourne. Recently named Australia’s best restaurant in the World’s 50 Best awards, Gimlet brings a Chicago-style flair to Melbourne’s CBD. Housed in a 1920s landmark, it’s the go-to for everything from laid-back catch-ups to upscale dining, offering an array of wood-fired delights and even a luxurious caviar service. Committed to sustainable and ethical produce, Gimlet is a true standout in Melbourne’s culinary landscape.
6. Yūgen Dining
- Address: 605 Chapel Street, South Yarra, Melbourne
- Phone: (03) 7000 3232
- Opening Hours: Wed, Thu, Sun 6:00–10:30pm, Fri & Sat 6:00–12:30am
Yūgen Dining, under the guidance of Chef Alex Yu and Stephen Nairn, merges traditional and modern Japanese cuisine with Asian touches. Nestled in Melbourne’s CBD and part of the LK Hospitality Group, the restaurant is a true feast for the senses, boasting a dramatic interior complete with a striking chandelier and natural stone finishes. It’s an opulent backdrop for an extraordinary dining experience.
7. Flint
- Address: 199 Smith St, Fitzroy, VIC 3065
- Phone: (03) 8590 1706
- Opening Hours: Tue–Sat 5:30 pm–11:00 pm
After working in Europe and at Melbourne’s San Telmo, chef Nicki Morrison opened Flint in Fitzroy. The restaurant, transformed from a former Japanese eatery, features a unique cooking style with no traditional ovens, focusing on fire, smoke, and charcoal. The decor mirrors this fiery theme with dark charcoal walls, floors, and banquettes in a muted olive green. Must-try dishes include smoked carrot and venison tartare. Whether you’re up for a modern twist on a classic dish or craving something entirely new, Flint’s creativity and flair promise an unforgettable dining experience.
8. Vue De Monde
- Address: 55 Rialto Towers, 525 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Phone: (03) 9691 3888
- Opening Hours: Wed-Thurs 6pm-12am, Fri-Sat 12-4pm, 5-12am
Founded by Shannon Bennett in 2000 and now headed by chef Hugh Allen, Vue de Monde is located on the 55th floor of the Rialto Towers in Melbourne. The restaurant is known as go-to spot for local and international celebs, so you know it’s top-tier. Famed for its French bistro style, kangaroo chairs and table dressings of stretched black leather, Vu De Monde is a fine dining experience that’ll leave a lasting impression.
9. Il Bacaro
- Address: 168-170 Little Collins St, Melbourne, VIC 3000
- Phone: (03) 9654 6778
- Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 12pm-3pm, 6pm-10pm
Opened in 1995, Il Bacaro is known for its romantic, Venetian-inspired décor and contemporary Italian classics. The restaurant recently underwent a stellar refurbishment, led by the original designer Chris Connell, refreshing the space while maintaining its iconic elements. The menu features modern Italian cooking with traditional and regional influences, and the wine list has a strong Venetian focus. Must-try for Italian lovers!
10. Attica
- Address: 74 Glen Eira Rd, Ripponlea VIC 3185
- Phone: (03) 9530 0111
- Hours: Tues-Sat 6pm-10pm
Attica in Melbourne takes culinary innovation to a new level, offering an eclectic mix of dishes made with unique ingredients like bunya nuts and marron. Here, the dining experience errs on the interactive and fun – diners are encouraged to eat with their fingers! Coupled with a groovy soundtrack, Attica creates an atmosphere that’s both lively and inviting, making it a standout destination for people seeking an up-scale but unconventional dining experience.
11. Enter Via Laundry
- Address: Disclosed on Booking, Nicholson St, Carlton North VIC 3054
- Opening Hours: Sun 12-4pm, Thurs 6-8.30pm, Fri-Sat 7-10.30pm
Enter Via Laundry has evolved from its origins as a private dining room in Box Hills to a renowned spot for Mughaliya cuisine. Its 10-course set menu is an exploration of flavours and textures, inviting diners to fully engage with their meals by eating with their hands (we sense a theme here…) The experience transcends fine dining; it’s an immersive experience that captures the essence of the cuisine’s steep-rooted traditions.
12. Matilda
- Address: 159 Domain Rd, South Yarra, VIC 3141
- Phone: (03) 9089 6668
- Opening Hours: Fri-Sun 8:30am-3pm, 6-10pm, Mon-Thurs 6pm-10pm
Matilda in South Yarra is a true celebration of Australian flavours. From the mouth-watering Lamb Ribs to the fresh Fraser Island Spanner Crab, each dish is pure Australiana. The menu is perfectly paired with a thoughtfully curated wine selection from Australia and abroad. Matilda provides a dining experience that’s not just about the food but also the ambience, making it a beloved fine dining experience in Melbourne.
13. Minamishima
- Address: 4 Lord St, Richmond, VIC 3121
- Phone: (03) 9429 5180
- Opening Hours: Tues-Sat 6.30-10pm
Sushi master Koichi Minamishima, with his deep-rooted shokunin philosophy – a relentless quest for perfection – guides the team at Minamishima. Opened in 2014, Minamishima is renowned for its daily-changing makase menu. This Richmond institution truly shines as the go-to spot in Melbourne for the freshest seafood and unpretentious ambience, all complemented by an impressive sake collection.
14. Ides
- Address: 92 Smith St, Collingwood VIC 3066
- Phone: 0432 365 869
- Hours: Sun 2pm-4pm, 6pm-10pm, Mon-Sat 6pm-10pm
At Ides, chef Peter Gunn (Attica alum) brings a spark of culinary creativity to Smith Street. This cosy 36-seater buzzes with an edgy vibe, featuring dim lights and chic decor. Gunn’s approach is all about surprise and experimentation. With a menu that flips between four and six courses, each visit promises something new. You can, however, always expect bold, flavour-packed dishes – making every meal at Ides an exciting and unpredictable experience.
15. Lona Misa
- Address: 234 Toorak Rd, South Yarra, VIC 3141
- Phone: (03) 9116 2000
- Opening Hours: Sun-Fri 7am-11.30am, 5pm-11pm, Sat 7am-11.30am, 12pm-3pm, 5-11pm.
Shannon Martinez, a powerhouse in Melbourne’s vegan scene, has outdone herself with Lona Misa. Nestled in South Yarra’s Ovolo Hotel, this all-day, meat-free diner is a vibrant twist on a mid-century bistro, complete with graffiti art and a bold interior. Martinez brings a Latin flair to the menu, drawing from her Spanish roots and time in New York and Los Angeles. From oyster-mushroom ceviche to vegan moqueca, the dishes are a creative blend of tradition and innovation. The drink menu matches this zest, offering everything from Latin-inspired cocktails to non-alcoholic options too.
Things to Consider for Melbourne’s Best Fine Dining Restaurants
- Ambience: Overall, fine dining restaurants do offer a much more intimate, relaxed vibe. Some, however, can be buzzing and noisy (like Reine – the high ceilings do make it a bit challenging to have a conversation!) You can get a good sense of a restaurant’s ambience by reading reviews, checking out pictures or simply calling up the restaurant.
- Dietaries: Most fine dining restaurants can cater to a range of dietaries, from vegan to gluten-free, dairy-free and beyond. Interestingly, many fine dining menus don’t list dietaries next to the meals. However, a simple phone call or mention it in your booking will make sure you’re needs are well looked after.
- Location/Parking: Melbourne’s best fine dining restaurants are dotted across the city and even further afield. Most are accessible by trams, trains or buses. You can drive, but think ahead about parking – there are plenty of paid car parks across Melbourne’s CBD, as well as timed on-street parking.
- Price: Melbourne restaurant prices can vary greatly – even when it comes to fine dining. In general, fine dining is on the pricier end, but it’s a good idea to check the price list online to avoid bill shock!
Why Trust Our List of Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Melbourne
Our editorial team, full of food and drink enthusiasts, has personally sampled and experienced many of Melbourne’s best fine dining restaurants. Led by our resident Melbourne dining expert Ally Burnie, this list is based on our direct experiences, in-depth research, and customer reviews, offering an independent viewpoint. We consider not just the food, but also the service and atmosphere, and make an effort to include some of Melbourne’s exciting new restaurants, as well as older/iconic restaurants people come from all over the world to visit.
Read our reviews policy surrounding how we maintain our independence in our editorial lists.
Alternatives to Best Melbourne Restaurants
Looking for other places to check out in Melbourne? From the best whiskey bars to the best Japanese restaurants, here are our top picks for eating and drinking your way across Melbourne:
- Best Melbourne Restaurants
- Best Whiskey Bars in Melbourne
- Best Date Ideas Melbourne
- Best Japanese Restaurants Melbourne
- Best Bars in Melbourne
- Cool Restaurants in Melbourne
- Best Italian Restaurants in Melbourne
Best Fine Dining Melbourne FAQs
In Melbourne, celebs have often been spotted at Vue de Monde, Chin Chin, Flower Drum, Ides, Smith & Daughters, Kisume, Society, and Grill Americano.
Other noteworthy fine dining restaurants in Melbourne include Society, Kisume, Chin Chin, Florentino, Bistrot d’Orsay, Grossi, Freyja, Eureka 89, Chae, Navi, Cutler & Co, O.My, and Longrain.
The Good Food Guide Awards presented by The Age in Melbourne and The Sydney Morning Herald in Sydney is the Aussie version of Michelin stars (with chef’s hats replacing stars). Restaurants are rated out of 20, with those scoring 15 or higher awarded one, two, or three chef’s hats, reflecting their level of culinary excellence.
