There’s no denying that Prahran is one of the coolest suburbs in this city and is home to some of the best restaurants Melbourne has to offer.
If you've not ventured to Prahran before—perhaps you're not keen on crossing the river—here are the best restaurants in Prahran to look out for.
Angus & Bon
Angus & Bon looks like it’s been time-warped straight out of New York’s golden age. On to the menu, Angus & Bon is divided neatly into a casual bar and an elegantly modern restaurant. With one serving sophisticated yet great value bar grub and the dining room handling the fancy stuff, there's truly something for everyone.
Angus & Bon has recently introduced a breakfast menu on weekends (it's unbelievable by the way) so there’s no excuse not to make your way down to Angus & Bon for a meal any time of the day. This place is unreal and it on top of the list for a reason.
Hanoi Hannah
Fast, fresh and flavoursome is the name of the game at Hanoi Hannah—one of our favourite restaurants in Prahran. Here you’ll find some of the best Vietnamese in Melbourne; big call, yes, however one bite of the Vietnamese chicken slaw, pho, or banh mi and you’ll soon know why.
A word of warning: come early and be prepared to wait, because Hanoi Hannah gets busy fast. Can’t be bothered waiting? Stop by Hanoi Hannah Express Lane a few doors down.
The Smith
The creation of Michael Lambie and Scott Borg, The Smith on High Street in Prahran is a cool and casual spot that's perfect for dining and drinking after its multi-million dollar renovation in 2017, expanding to the building next door and doubling the size of the venue.
Grab a perch in the front bar and devour the Modern Aussie bar snacks, or enjoy à la carte in the restaurant space. There's also the new atrium bar next door, looking pretty under its enormous retractable glass roof.
Woodland House
Housed in a beautiful Victorian mansion on Williams Road in Prahran, Woodland House is the culinary collaboration between chefs Thomas Woods and Hayden McFarland.
Arguably one of Melbourne's best restaurants, Woodland House has a huge focus on using local, seasonal and sustainable produce, making for a truly unique dining experience. And quite often, there are several new dishes making an appearance.
Colonel Tans
Bet you didn’t think you’d find lip-smackingly delicious Thai food in Revolver, right? It’s true, though. Brought to you by the team behind Cookie and The Toff in Town, Colonel Tans at Revolver Upstairs churns out some killer Thai food including betel leaf salad, fat duck noodles and, our favourite, Five Spiced Chicken.
One of our fave restaurants for a group dinner, Colonel Tans also offers locals 50% off food on Thursdays—simply show a valid ID and you’re sorted.
Chez Oliver Le Bistro
Tucked away on Greville Street in Prahran, Chez Olivier is a charming Parisian bistro with an indulgent menu of butter-rich French fare.
Adopting the term 'Frozzie', Chez Olivier combines traditional French cooking techniques with Australian tastes; the menu features everything from charcuterie boards to a popular coq au vin. Head to Chez Olivier on a Wednesday for their Duck & Pinot night, where you can dine on duck with green beans or a salad, dessert and a glass of pinot for just $50. Bon appétit.
Amok Restaurant
Skip your typical weekly dinner date and run amok at amok restaurant this weekend. Offering modern, Cambodian cuisine, this traditionally decorated restaurant serves a seasonal menu championing vibrant Khmer flavours.
Expect staple favourites like flavour-packed calamari salad or sticky, slow-cooked pork ribs with tangy Asian coleslaw and chilli coriander dressing. If you’re willing to take the ultimate leap of faith, order a serve of perfectly balanced crispy king prawns in a brioche roll, gherkin, smoked paprika and chocolate bacon.
Cucinetta
Cucinetta is famous for a few things, but most people come here for the quality of the food and the cosiness of the atmosphere. This is Italian the way Nonna used to make it: fresh, simple and cooked with love.
There’s a very compact rotating menu of four main dishes, plus a few Dolce sweets (think apricot crostata or crema pasticcera with savoiardo ladyfingers).
Working your way through Melbourne's best eats? Here are all the best restaurants in Windsor.
Image credit: Annika Kafcaloudis