Heading down to Chapel Street precinct for a bite to eat is no walk in the park. With over 2km of venues to choose from across three suburbs, you could spend half your night just trying to pick a place. But don’t worry, we’re here for you. We’ve narrowed the offerings down so you can take the guesswork out.
From Vietnamese to Middle Eastern and modern Australian flavours, there’s something for all tastes and occasions in the list of Chapel St's (and surrounds) best restaurants.
Hawker Hall
Windsor
Known as one of the best restaurants Chapel Street could serve up, almost everyone from Melbourne should have visited at least once. With the slogan ‘open late for hungry people’ and a menu that’ll have your mates rolling you out the door, you’ll definitely need those stretchy pants for Hawker Hall. Tuck into the dumplings and buns, roti, satay barbecue, salads, noodles, rice, curries, stir-fries, greens, sweets and drinks galore. It’s a culinary global tour within a single venue, so buckle up because you’re in for a big feed.
Hanoi Hannah Express Lane
Windsor
Could you really have a best restaurants Chapel Street list without this southside stalwart? One of our absolute favourites is Hanoi Hannah Express Lane. Technically they’re on High Street, and your best bet is takeaway here, but at only a few doors down from Chapel Street we know you’ll forgive us for the technicality when you try their food. As the name would suggest, Hanoi Hannah isare serving up their take on Vietnamese classics—think hot pho, lemongrass beef, rice paper rolls, spring rolls and of course, plenty of fresh coconut to wash it down with.
Freddy's
Windsor
The pizza-leaning Freddy's has undoubtedly become a Chapel St favourite, and there's good reason for it. Quality slices made with 72-hour fermented dough, a banging local and Italian wine list, and a tiramisu that'll knock your socks off. A considered selection of pasta is also on offer where the prawn, zucchini and chilli number is just one star of the show.
LOVER
Windsor
A little bit Euro, though more progressive and playful than anything else, LOVER leans into having a good time with food and wine while not forgetting about the modern sensibilities one has come to expect in Melbourne's dining scene. The pan-fried gnocchi on the menu has built quite the reputation along Chapel, but that shouldn't stop you exploring the offering here to its fullest, and until late—the kitchen is open until close of service, after all.
Firebird
Prahran
The name doesn’t lie, this place is all about fire. With a whole section of the menu literally called ‘from the fire’, Firebird is the place for all your chargrilled needs. Head Chef Steven Ngo leads the team, serving up Vietnamese-inspired flavours from their custom-built chargrill and woodfire oven. The folks behind Hanoi Hannah are the ones to thank for this fiery venue, so book your place because seats here are hot.
Tokyo Tina
Windsor
You know the old phrase, ‘the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree’? Well it definitely applies here. Tokyo Tina has hit the ground running much like their big sister restaurant Hanoi Hannah. The Japanese-style street food menu features all your favourites like pork belly bao, okonomiyaki Japanese pancakes, edamame and karaage fried chicken. Tokyo Tina is bustling all year round, with folks stopping in for snacks and sake, or going all in. The choice is yours, but we recommend keeping your evening free, just in case.
Mr Miyagi
Windsor
Any guide to eating along Chapel Street would be incomplete without Mr Miyagi. The Japanese-style foodie hotspot can often be seen with wannabe patrons queuing out the door for a seat. It goes without saying that you’ll need to book ahead for this one, but once you’re in, good luck sticking to your budget.
Pidapipo
Windsor
Ok, so it’s not a restaurant, but your night won’t be complete until you’ve topped it off with a gelato from Pidapipo. If you’re feeling too full after your meal, then why not grab a take-home tub to save for later? We won’t judge. The Nutella Swirl flavour is a must, and there’s a range of sorbets for all the dairy-free folks out there.
Don's
Prahran
Don's is defined as a wine bar, but the considered and cracking food menu earns itself a spot on the list of Chapel St's best restaurants. Don's comes from Alex Gavioli of Stan's Deli, so it's only expected you'll find one or two homages to the sandwich on the menu, but it's the pasta on a spoon that leads the way for us—don't miss the burnt lemon butter and lean spinach ravioli number, or, opt for a classic beef tartare that might be the best south of the river.
Entrecote
Prahran
After seven years in what was meant to be a pop-up location in South Yarra, Entrecôtelaid down foundations at their Greville Street home a little over a year back. Inspired by the community of culinary institutions close by—The Continental Fog, Cafe Blu Pols, the Greville Bar—the revived Entrecôte is a homage to the romance and charm of French Brasseries. The à la carte ‘Menu Gourmand’ will feature familiar favourites from over the years, including their iconic Cape Grim Angus Porterhouse with frites and secret herb butter sauce. There will also be some newcomers to look forward to such as their ‘Homard Frites’—anyone fancy grilled crayfish with sauce Choron?
Maha East
Prahran
We all know Shane Delia’s award-winning restaurant Maha, so you can fearlessly keep those expectations high for the more relaxed sister venue, Maha East. Order à la carte or let them make the decisions for you with the ‘soufra’ three-course set menu. These Middle Eastern dishes are perfect for sharing, whether you’re a party of two or verging more on squad numbers—or why not sit at the bar and have a ‘treat yourself’ evening for one. Go on. You deserve it.
David’s
Prahran
David’s is a mainstay of the yum cha scene in Melbourne and has been for some time now. With over 20 years of heritage in every dish; highlights include the San Choi Bao and authentic Chinese pork belly. They’ve also got an all you can eat yum cha menu with a version for vegans too.
Osteria Renata
Prahran
There's been plenty of anticipation for this one, Osteria Renata and its all-green facade opened up on High Street Prahran just last week. The all-new venture from South Melbourne's famed Park Street Pasta & Wine may seem small in stature, but its light-filled and open-planned space is the perfect accompaniment for the modern Italian-centric dishes. The starter plates are absolutely mandatory here, from the smokey and spicey the skewered barbecued octopus with nduja to the Jerusalem artichokes, which come grilled with capacollo and goats curd; a salty and creamy sensation decoratively arranged across the plate. As you'd expect, the pasta here is perfectly executed. Options vary from the more traditional tagliatelle with a slow-cooked pork ragu to the incredible visual squid ink Mezzemaniche with cuttlefish and bottarga.
Leonards House of Love
SOUTH YARRA
A local favourite around the Chapel St traps, Leonard's House of Love is the perfect spot to perch up for a casual meal and a pint or two. The double cheeseburger is your go-to, and could easily be a contender for the best burger in Melbourne, but they've also got great vegan burger options for you to tear into as well if you’re more of a plant-based persuasion.
Yugen
South Yarra/Melbourne
Resting right above the now infamous speciality tea destination Yugen Tea Bar, the South Yarra venue is now welcoming Yūgen, a brand new, two-level eatery with three unique spaces, each one evoking a sense of intimacy mixed with innovation and newness. On the mezzanine level, there’s a private, six-seater Omakase bar, where you’re invited to sit back as the chefs and choose a selection of dishes for you, including Kobujime, A5 Wagyu, and Engawa Sushi. Alternatively, if you really want to live it up, there’s a private Golden Orb, a dining area suspended from the ceiling.
Accessible only through the glass-walled elevator, diners can also find themselves underground in the 85-seat restaurant an industrious but welcoming space, decked out with warm lighting illuminating 6-metre concrete walls. The design by Architects EAT has an impressive quality to it with intricate lighting features and shelves displaying delicate terracotta vases and teapots adorning the walls.
Abacus Bar & Kitchen
South Yarra
Abacus is the go-to place for anyone wanting to impress. With beautiful bronze trimmings, soft wood furnishings and a load of plants, the atmosphere is super sophisticated. Better yet, the menu is bloody delicious. Open for all your daily meals, this light-filled venue is even more spacious now with their new pop-up beer garden. From morning to night, they’re meeting all your bevvy needs with great coffee, great food and great cocktails. Definitely a favourite with the locals.
Once you've made your way through this list, check out Lygon Street's best restaurants.
Image credit: supplied