So you’re keen to splash some cash in Melbourne and you’re looking for those absolute bucket list restaurants you see in your dreams, and on your feed.
From sky-high dining to basement Japanese, elevated French, modern Indian with a twist and everything in between, we got you.
These recs are all thanks to American Express, who are serving up not-to-be-missed dining offers as part of American Express delicious. Month Out (AEDMO). Enrolled Amex Card Members can redeem the AEDMO Offer* at over 18,000 participating businesses across Melbourne—including these top picks. It's the perfect excuse to treat yourself while supporting the hospo industry.
Without further ado, these are our top spots for an elite-tier night out dining in Melbourne.
Vue De Monde
55 Rialto Towers, 525 Collins St, Melbourne
Vue de Monde, located on the 55th floor of the Rialto building, offers an unparalleled dining experience with stunning views of Melbourne's skyline. Recently revamped under the guidance of award-winning executive chef Hugh Allen, the menu features exquisite dishes on their degustation menu, and four different wine pairings that highlight unique drops.
For those opting to go sans wine, they also offer a tea pairing with complex flavours paired similar to that of a sommelier's—in fact, they’re one of the only venues in Melbourne to have their very own tea master. Known for its theatrical dining and international acclaim, Vue de Monde is perfect for special occasions. Reservations are highly sought after, so plan ahead, grab your American Express, and secure your spot.
Amaru
1121 High St, Armadale
Amaru in Armadale, led by ex-Vue de Monde sous chef Clinton McIver—now a rockstar in his own right—offers an exceptional fine dining experience. The intimate 34-seat venue features a 13-course degustation and a compressed lunch menu, showcasing brilliant Australian produce.
The relaxed yet refined atmosphere is something the venue prides itself on. The name Amaru itself translates to "a beautiful place to love," reflecting its aim to provide an experience of excitement, intrigue and familiarity.
The team carefully guides guests through each serving, accompanied by a variety of beverage options from their extensive cellar and house-made infusions and ferments. This is one of Melbourne’s most unreal dining experiences—but if you’re after something a little more relaxed, you can also check out their sister venue Auterra over the road.
Gimlet At Cavendish House
33 Russell St, Melbourne
Gimlet is not only one of Melbourne’s finest restaurants, but it has also gained international recognition. Since its opening, it's secured the 84th spot in the World's Best Restaurants Awards in 2022, and more recently won Australia’s Best Wine List in 2024.
As you step into this elegant venue, it's immediately clear why the accolades keep coming. The menu showcases European flavours and techniques, perfectly complementing sustainable Australian produce, with offerings that change with the seasons. Additionally, they host a late-night supper club on Fridays and Saturdays from 10pm to 1am, featuring signature cocktails, caviar, and their infamous cheeseburger, which is not to be missed.
Supernormal
180 Flinders Ln, Melbourne
This Flinders Lane restaurant is a Melbourne icon, known for its pillowy lobster rolls and Asian-inspired cuisine. You’ll rarely see the restaurant less than bumpin’, with its lively atmosphere, big comfy booths and communal tables, and open kitchen inspiring action and fun.
That buzz is inspired by late-night diners in Tokyo, Shanghai, Seoul, and Hong Kong—made clear not only by the cuisine, but the private karaoke room and neon lights downstairs. And it's not just the food that's worth the visit; the drinks list also features an impressive selection of wine, sake, and whisky.
Coda
Basement/141 Flinders Ln, Melbourne
This French-Vietnamese spot by the same crew who do Tonka (more on that below) is a Flinders Lane must-dine. The sleek industrial basement location and its lively atmosphere set the perfect scene for a date or a catch-up with friends. Coda offers a selection of fresh and technique-heavy plates, including smaller dishes like prawn betel leaf and wagyu ox tongue, as well as larger offerings such as Hiramasa Kingfish and Beef Rendang.
And don't forget the cocktails—Coda's cocktail menu is a bangin’ fusion of Asian aromatics and European classics. The signature drink, the Coda Collins, refreshes with kaffir lime-infused vodka, while the bold Basil Gimlet draws on Thai influences. And of course, the perfect Martini is always available.
Tonka
20 Duckboard Pl, Melbourne
Tonka is a culinary gem that seamlessly blends modern Indian flavours with a chic, urban vibe. This Melbourne institution is vibrant and known city-wide for its innovative dishes, stylish atmosphere and the perfect blend of mouth-watering dining with bumpin’ atmosphere, making it perfect for both big groups of mates and more intimate evenings out.
Our fave is their lunchtime Thali Bar, where you can tuck into plates of tandoori chicken or roasted cauliflower starting at just $29 per person. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Tonka is a must-visit destination for hungry CBD adventurers.
French Saloon
46 Hardware Ln, Melbourne
The French Saloon, perched above the popular after-work drinks spot Kirks Wine Bar in Melbourne's CBD, is a true hidden gem. The Euro-inspired bistro menu features franco-classics like steak frites, fish du jour, chicken liver parfait and steak tartare.
Their cheese selection is dreamily unforgettable, boasting aged French and Swiss varieties from their underground Spring Street Grocer cheese cellar, making it a worthy reason to dine here on its own. The wine list offers a mix of French, Italian, and Australian drops by the glass, along with a selection of stunning, curated cocktails—including our pick, their timeless and elegant Boulevardier.
Minamishima
4 Lord St, Richmond
Tucked away on Lord Street in Richmond, this Japanese fine diner is offering up a super intimate experience with a focus on the omakase (that’s ‘leave it to me’ in Japanese) of Chef Koichi Minamishima. The sushi here is crafted with precision and artistry, using the freshest seasonal ingredients and heavy on the technique.
Otoro, Bafun uni, Hokkaido king crab and Japanese wagyu are flown in from Toyosu and Japan, and feature alongside Australian ocean delicacies. The wine selection is a top-tier and ever-evolving collection of rare French and Japanese styles, but our fave is the sake, which is sourced from breweries that date back centuries. The serene and elegant atmosphere makes it a top choice for authentic Japanese cuisine in Melbourne.
All these venues take American Express, so get on down during American Express delicious. Month Out, and make the most of it while you can. Plus, with an Amex Card, you can access exclusive perks—from points and Pre-Sale tickets to Amex Offers, lounges access and more. (Eligible Cards only, T&Cs apply). To find out more about what you could access as an Amex Card Member, click here.
*Offer must be saved to eligible Amex Card first. Enrolled Amex Card Members can redeem the Amex delicious. Month Out Offer at participating businesses by 01/06/2025. Exclusions apply, for full T&Cs visit amex.com.au/delicious to find out more.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Amex and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.
Images: Vue De Monde, Amaru, Gimlet, Supernormal, Coda, Tonka, French Saloon, Minamishima on Instagram.