Dining riverside is a staple of any good city, Melbourne’s Southbank although relatively new in comparison to other dining regions of the CBD has really developed over the past few years.
Home to a motley collection of different cuisines, there’s plenty to choose from the Yarra-adjacent precinct, here are the best restaurants on Southbank for 2023:
DOC Southbank
Tucked away down Riverside Quay, you’ll find one of Southbank’s Italian restaurants. Expanding from its original casa in Carlton, DOC Southbank continues to serve the city of Melbourne with the freshest pizza we know and love. From house-made prosecco to top-notch antipasti, through to the renowned lasagne and ever-so-sweet Nutella calzone, this is undoubtedly one of the best restaurants Southbank has to offer.
Nobu
This world-renowned institution, brought to you by praised Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, delivers the highest quality Japanese food with an innovative twist. The sophisticated ambience and iconic menu items of Nobu make it into the list of Southbank’s best restaurants. Think crispy rice with spicy Tuna, Black Cod loaded with Miso, crunchy Wagyu Tacos, and most importantly, warm chocolate fondant with house-made Matcha ice cream. Pro tip: be sure to book in advance.
Rockpool
Rockpool Bar & Grill, inspired by top-quality steakhouses in North America, presents an amazing meat-centric food menu with a strong focus on excellent local produce, as well as an extraordinary wine list that includes wines from vineyards all over the world. Don’t stress if you’re not a steak fan, the restaurant also has a cold seafood bar and vegetarian options to cater for all dietary needs.
Saké
Located beneath the Arts Centre landmark is Saké, a chic Japanese restaurant with outstanding views of the city skyline and Yarra River. Descending from its interstate siblings, eat up all Saké Classics, such as White Soy Snapper, Nori Crisps with Tuna and Kingfish, and seared Paradise Prawn Sashimi. Finish with the hot miso caramel and white chocolate Dragon Egg and thank us later for recommending one of the best Southbank restaurants.
Asado
Brought to you by the crew behind Pastuso, San Telmo and Palermo, Asado is one of the top restaurants in the Southbank area. This BBQ-focused diner delivers a menu that combines Argentine and Spanish flavours with the highest quality, locally sourced meat. With food cooked on an open fire pit and three-metre Parrilla Grill, you're in for one of the most authentic South-American culinary experiences in the centre of our city.
Spice Temple
Spice up your tastebuds at Crown’s modern Chinese eatery. Spice Temple is by far one of Southbank's best restaurants, with a strong focus on bringing the flavours of China's lesser-known regions to life. Expect to be served with world-class service as you indulge in dishes made with high-quality ingredients and sip on the signature ‘Chinese Zodiac’ cocktails.
Five Guys
Burger fans, don't miss out on this one. The iconic American fast-food brand, Five Guys, established its first Melbourne location in late 2022 and has since graced the neighbourhood with one of the best restaurants in Southbank Melbourne for a quick and easy food fix. Begin with an old-fashioned vanilla milkshake and follow it up with a classic cheeseburger made with melted American-style cheese and fresh patties on a toasted sesame bun - oh, and don't forget the boardwalk-style fries, which are cut fresh and cooked twice.
Rosetta
Situated just outside the Crown Complex, Rosetta is a no-brainer when considering Southbank restaurants. Some may argue that it is the ideal date-night destination, transporting you to a world of spectacular architecture, exquisite wine, and delectable Italian cuisine. From house-made Ricotta to Fraser Island Spanner Crab Tagliollini and twice-cooked thyme potatoes, you’ll be sure to run back for seconds.
Silks
If you're searching for a memorable Chinese culinary experience, this one might just be the best restaurant in Southbank for you. Inside Crown Melbourne is Silks—a luxurious eatery engulfed with a Chinese-inspired tapestry, world-class service and a menu made with locally sourced produce, bringing you high-quality dishes every time. If you’re a private diner, there are 5 rooms you can choose from, with one of them being a giant Magnolia tent.
Pure South Dining
Pure South Dining, located in the middle of the Boardwalk, this Southbank Restaurant is an amazing diner with views of the Yarra River, the city, and everything in between (magicians included). But it's the philosophy that makes it one of the top spots in Southbank - serving top-quality produce and flavours from Tasmania and the Bass Strait Islands (thus the name). With two dining spaces and unique menus for each, this place is sure to become your new favourite.
Bistro Guillaume
Inside Crown lies the sophisticated eatery by the name of Bistro Guillaume. The space, brought to you by renowned Parisian chef Guillaume Brahimi, has established itself as one of Southbank's best restaurants serving up classic French cuisine with a contemporary flair. Eat up iconic dishes, including an oozing twice-baked cheese Souffle, flavoursome Escargots with garlic and parsley butter, juicy Steak Frites with creamy Bearnaise, and even Ratatouille.
Gradi
Get a slice of Italy at Johnny Di Francesco’s famed diner, Gradi. The award-winning restaurant is one of the few Southbank Italian restaurants that can accommodate any occasion. Whether it's for a massive birthday dinner with ten Marghertias or an intimate date over a plate of gnocchi, you can always count on a top-quality feed at this Italian institution.
Meat & Wine Co.
With multiple locations throughout our city, the Meat & Wine Co. is undoubtedly one of the best restaurants to dine at in Southbank. The rustic yet modern setting provides an excellent dining experience with views of the metropolitan skyline. This is the place to go if you want a delicious steak, tender skewers, flavorful ribs, and delicate drops of wine.
Ging Thai
Nourish your body with a delectable Thai feast at Ging Thai, a vibrant eatery located beside the Crown Riverwalk. The menu emphasises Thai cultural traditions with a contemporary touch and features flavorful stir-fries, crisp salads, aromatic curries, as well as speciality drinks like the Pkuet Bramble or Muay Thai Mule.
The Atlantic
The Atlantic is one of the best restaurants in Southbank to feast on the freshest seafood possible, with the philosophy of providing an ocean-to-plate experience. This sleek diner inside the Crown Complex features a la carte and degustation menus that change daily to suit your cravings with the finest produce. The venue also has three other nooks for you to enjoy, including the Oyster Bar & Grill, a cosy area with an unparalleled selection of oysters; The Fish & Chippery, a casual yet contemporary take on the classic fish and chip shop; and The Den, a basement cocktail bar with an intimate, nocturnal atmosphere.
Chessell & Clarke
On the ground floor of the Euro-style Market Lane building you’ll find a slick, new Mediterranean all-day diner serving various fresh dishes on hand-picked porcelain plates—Chessell & Clarke. The premium, contemporary interior and unique, heavenly menu secure why it’s a clear go-to Southbank restaurant. Enjoy Turkish poached eggs with creamy yoghurt, brown butter, sun-dried tomatoes, and sourdough or a Middle Eastern PB&J on thick-cut seeded bread topped with lashings of tahini and swirling date syrup.
The Merrywell
At the very end of the promenade is Merrywell - aka, a cult-fave venue for all Melburnians. For a fast bite, head to the lower-level Burger Bar and snack on an award-winning, juicy, American-style burger cooked with 100% grass-fed beef. But if you're looking for something more lavish, head upstairs to the Bar & Dining section and explore their sharing-style menu, which includes mini lobster brioche rolls filled with lemon mayo, and super-juicy 205g wagyu sirloin.
The Conservatory
Load up your plate and overlook the glorious city skyline at The Conservatory - Melbourne’s grand buffet inside the Crown Complex. The all-day venue is one of Southbank’s best restaurants, providing diners with many international cuisines. Not sure what you feel like? Try sushi and pizza, lamb roast and oysters, and even wok dishes and curry. But be sure to leave room for dessert, as the mighty chocolate fountains aren’t going to eat themselves.
Lucky Chan
At Lucky Chan, savour a night of genuine Cantonese cuisine. One of Southbank's best restaurants, this venue offers delectable Asian treats in large and small portions. You can choose from a variety of live seafood options, such as lobster or king crab, or you can take the Yum Cha route and indulge in a variety of small dishes including dumplings, noodle rolls, steamed buns, and more.
Koko
Looking for a date night activity other than sitting and talking? Look no further, my friend. Koko, located inside Crown, is one of the top restaurants in Southbank, delivering authentic Japanese food and cutting-edge architecture. Pop a squat on the teppanyaki tables and watch the amazing chefs prepare a delectable dinner, including Mayura Wagyu Striploin and Murray Cod Miso - now that'll impress your lover.
Check out more of Melbourne's best:
Melbourne's best restaurants
Melbourne's best cafes
Melbourne's best bars
Melbourne's best breakfast
Image credit: Andy Wang (Unsplash)