Must see restaurants in Melbourne

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Attica
Attica is Australia's only restaurant on San Pellegrino's World's Top 50 Restaurants list. Ben Shewry creates contemporary dishes with native ingredients,…
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King and Godfree
It took three years to transform King and Godfree, an Italian grocer since 1884, into this multi-venue wonder. There's Johnny's Green Room, with 360…
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Lune Croissanterie
Good things come to those who queue, and here they come in the form of unrivalled pastries, from innovative cruffins to plain croissants often dubbed the…
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Minamishima
Arguably Australia's best Japanese restaurant – if you care to empty your pockets and book two months in advance. It's hidden down a side street; the best…
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Stokehouse
Striking contemporary architecture and floor-to-ceiling bay views set the tone at Stokehouse, a top draw for its waterside setting and modern, seafood…
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Cutler & Co
Hyped for all the right reasons, this is Andrew McConnell’s flagship Melbourne restaurant and its attentive, informed staff and joy-inducing dishes make…
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Maker & Monger
What was a small cart now has a shop complete with 40 seats, neon, pretty sage-colour tiling and Savignac-inspired posters. Cheap-eats favourite Maker &…
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Smith & Daughters
This busy corner restaurant has an all-vegan menu and punk sensibility. Italian dishes like 'beef' ragu on 'cheesy' polenta will have you swearing it's…
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Hellenic Republic
The ironbark charcoal grill at George Calombaris’ northern outpost works overtime as long-time staff serve and chat with ease. The slow-roasted lamb…
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Sunda
This contemporary Southeast Asian laneway restaurant sits in a former car park. It's slick, with metal scaffolding, raw brick, a long communal table and…
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Brunetti
The newest branch of Melbourne's favourite pasticceria chain occupies sleek, central digs right near Flinders St Station. Try not to drool as you walk…
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Navi
Seating 25 people, chef Julian Hills serves an eight-course tasting menu (five courses for $85 on Wednesday and Thursday), expertly prepared using local…
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Hakata Gensuke
The original of four locations, Gensuke only does one thing and does it extraordinarily well: tonkotsu (pork broth) ramen. Choose from four types – …
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Serotonin Eatery
This plant-based cafe (eggs and feta are on the menu, but a lot is vegan) on the cusp of Richmond is centred on happiness – the joy that comes from seeing…
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Chin Chin
Insanely popular, bustling Chin Chin serves Southeast Asian hawker-style food with big flavours, designed to share. It's housed in a glammed-up warehouse…
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Higher Ground
Melbourne's most impressive cafe looks more like an industrial designer hotel as it's housed in a former power station. Within 15m-high ceilings are nooks…
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Abacus
Big, breezy eatery on Chapel St, with high ceilings, potted plants, and a touch of glam in its marble table tops and timber finishes. It’s a cafe during…
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Miznon
Originating in Tel Aviv, Miznon is a fun and fresh option on iconic Hardware Lane. Book seats at tables outside, or sit on the 'steps' inside or on the…
Charcoal Lane
Housed in a former bluestone bank, this training restaurant for Indigenous and disadvantaged young people is one of the best places to try native flora…
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Word spread quickly when Attica sous chef Peter Gunn started his own establishment, where he implements a creative contemporary take on fine dining,…