Just 15 minutes outside of the CBD, Malvern is a Melbourne suburb bustling with an abundance of parks (and adorable cavoodles), a vibrant High Street adorned with shops, and a thriving activewear scene that rivals South Yarra or Brighton. However, that's not all it offers. With plenty of restaurants in Malvern, the suburb is home to a hefty selection of spots to add to your must-try list.
From family-friendly eateries to elegant wine bars, there is a plethora of dining choices to suit any occasion. Melbourne’s Southeast suburb is home to cuisines including, but not limited to Italian, Turkish Japanese, making it a vibrant food hub for locals and visitors alike.
So have a snack, feast and wine (or two) at one of these top-tier Malvern restaurants for 2023:
Remy
Since 2005, Remy’s has been a culinary oasis, serving up quality tapas and Mediterranean food. The Spanish tapas bar is adored with terracotta tiles and a large oil mural which adds to the lively atmosphere. Adding to the warm and fun vibe, the menu boasts an extensive range of share plates, perfect for visiting with family or friends. To start, pass around plenty of patatas bravas, beef empanaditas and merluza fritas (golden crumbed barramundi fillets) and more. Next up, share a paella with your choice of seafood, veggies, meat or a combination of all. Their house-made sangria is the perfect pairing, otherwise, Remy’s has an extensive collection of local, Spanish or international wines (plus cocktails, beers and other classics) that you can choose from. Finally, finish off your Mediterranean feast on a sweet note with Spanish churros, Pastel de Manzana (a Spanish-style apple pie) or one of their other decadent desserts.
Kolonaki
One of Malvern's best restaurants, serving hearty Greek food, is Kolonaki. Its street-style flair is reflected in a menu that includes Gyros filled with your choice of chicken, lamb, Bifteki (beef patty), Keftedes (zucchini fritters—and they're vegan too), and more. If you're looking for something more substantial, indulge in one of their plates, featuring your choice of protein, a generous portion of chips and dips, and a side of Greek salad, of course.
Made in Casa
The recently opened Made in Casa is one of Malverns best new Italian restaurants. As you step in, it feels like you’re entering a Nonna’s kitchen and the dishes similarly reflect that. Try traditional wood-fired pizzas along with the restaurant's own specialties, such as the ‘Patate Viola’ which is topped with purple potato purée, smoked scamorza, pork sausage, crispy leek and nduja. As for pasta, think Spaghetti alle Vongole and tender Gnocchi alla Sorrentina which are all homemade by chefs Valerio and Annapoala.
Teo’s Pizza & Bar
Another Italian haven is Malvern restaurant–Teo’s Pizza & Bar. Dig into plenty of antipasti, pizza, pasta and salads. The zucchini cacio e pepe and ragu bolognese are heavenly, along with the prawn pizza topped with spicy nduja, garlic prawns, cherry tomatoes, fior di latte and parsley. Finally, finish off with Teo’s ‘Puff Pizza’ containing Nutella, hazelnut praline and strawberries or their classic tiramisu. If you struggle to choose what to order, their set menus (starting at $35pp) showcase menu highlights and are the perfect way to sample a bit of everything.
Nicosia
Nicosia is a family-owned and run Turkish restaurant in Malvern that has been at it since 1992. Priding themselves on high-quality hospitality and traditional Cypriot food–dishes include mouthwatering Shish Kebabs and Shasliks made from lamb, beef or chicken that are all cooked on an open charcoal grill. While the menu debuts lots of succulent meat options, there is a strong variety of vegetarian bites including stuffed vine leaves, falafel, spinach casseroles, dips and more. Finish off your meal with an authentic Turkish Delight or indulge in Nicosia's assortment of traditional Cypriot desserts, featuring an array of options like Baklava, Kadin Parmagi (a round pastry with almond and pistachio filling), Helva (a delightful tahini and pistachio bar), and various other sweet treats.
Sozai
For traditional Japanese which is simultaneously one of the best restaurants in Malvern, Sozai is a local favourite. Always full of diners and plenty of takeaway orders–it’s no wonder that their Teriyaki Salmon, Nasuden and Tempura keep people coming back. With an in-house sushi chef, the sashimi is some of the best in the area and the eggplant nigiri is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Essie Wine
Malvern’s local wine spot and shop; Essie, holds a hearty selection of sparkling, white, skin-contact, rose and red wines. With options from local and internationally selected wines, they also have a range of beer, ciders, cocktails and non-alcoholic choices too. Like the wine list, the menu frequently changes according to seasonal produce–but you can expect small plates of salmon gravlax; burrata with a peach and walnut crumb; porcini and pecorino croquettes; and popcorn chicken with red pepper mayo.
Milton Wine Shop
From the people behind Clover, The Moon, The Alps, Toorak Cellar and The Hills, is Malvern’s own Milton Wine Shop. The small bottle shop focuses on quality winemaking and the kitchen plates up food designed to accompany the wines. The cosy venue is inviting and homely and chefs prepare the food on an open fire in the courtyard. Think oysters, grilled skate wing wrapped in cabbage and roast potatoes with garlic butter. Prone to change, the menu rotates according to seasonal produce and on Tuesdays, it’s pasta night–where rotating pasta dishes are paired alongside an in-house favourite glass of wine.
Otter’s Promise
Neighbouring some of Malvern's best restaurants is a bar and bottle store—Otter’s Promise. With a hearty selection of unique beers, wines, ciders, spirits, ciders, seltzers and even alcohol-free picks–there is a strong focus on local and quality imports. The cosy atmosphere makes it a perfect pre or post-dinner drink spot, plus with over 300 different beer options–you’re guaranteed to find a new favourite.
Riserva Wine
Just opposite Central Park, Riserva is practically a Malvern restaurant or at least one of the best wine bars and restaurants in Malvern East. The European wine bar serves simple, honest, food with a menu featuring mushroom risotto with water chestnuts and truffle butter; and eye fillet with pomme purée, dutch carrots and Madeira jus. From marinated olives to burrata and king prawns, there’s also a handful of small plates to pass around. The wine list shows off a hearty collection of European varietals and the cocktails are a mix of classic negronis and house specials with a fresh, seasonal flair.
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Image credit: Teo's (supplied)