Restaurants

Pssst... Word is that there is a GLO up on Lygon Street (that is, a new GLO Gelateria of course!). The owners of the beloved Universal Restaurant on Lygon Street are taking a step into the dessert realm, and we are here for it.

The crew that brought us Tipo 00 are back at it again with their fifth restaurant, but this one is noticeably different.

Looking for the best cheap eats in Melbourne? We've got you covered with a curated list of delicious, budget-friendly spots around the city. Dive into our picks for the top cheap eats Melbourne has to offer and discover how to satisfy your cravings without splurging.

Feeling like the Melbourne nightlife is looking a little samey-samey? Us too, there’s are only so many tucked away wine bars and eateries you can adventure to for date night, so why not try something a little different.

We may not love Melbourne’s cold, but it’s the perfect excuse to indulge in a steaming cup of hot cocoa. Sure, you can enjoy hot chocolate any time of year (no judgment here) but there’s something special about cradling a warm mug in both hands, savouring its silky richness as it melts away the chill.

Tiramisu —literally “pick me up” in Italian—more than lives up to its name, with a mood-boosting trifecta of coffee, sugar, and creamy decadence. While its traditional recipe (and origin) are hotly contested we do know one thing, Melbourne has some bangin' iterations.

Melbourne’s culinary scene is about to get smoky and seductive with the arrival of II.II.VI (Two-Two-Six), a 115-seat modern Australian restaurant from the crew who brought us Ministry of Crab.

Carvery has taken us right back to the 90s with their supreme offering of roast meats, fresh salads and takeaway rolls. Expect Victorian proteins by weight, a daily salad bar, fresh house-made rolls dripping in gravy and a grocery section at this Toorak soon-to-be-staple.

At the north end of the city in Healeys Lane (where Paik’s BBQ is, IYKYK) has officially been turned into the city’s Koreatown, marked with Australia’s first traditionally crafted Korean totem poles. 

We’re pretty lucky in Victoria, we definitely have some of Australia’s best country pubs. Big, grand old dames, or ramshackle, quirky little numbers with plenty of nooks and crannies. Victoria’s Best Country pubs are tough to nail down. Is it the vibe, is it solid gigs, where does food fit into the equation? What about a bangin’ wine list, because that certainly exists too.

From smoky mezcal cocktails to slow-braised birria tacos dripping with consommé, Melbourne's Mexican food scene is hotter than a habanero right now. We've scoured the city to bring you the must-try taquerias, cantinas and modern Mexican kitchens that'll transport your taste buds straight to Mexico City.

When midnight cravings hit, Melbourne’s late-night dining scene delivers. From steaming bowls of Cantonese noodles to New York-style pizza slices, these late-night restaurants in Melbourne keep the city fed long after dark.

Move over, Sydney—Melbourne’s about to get a dose of the Merivale magic and we've got our fingers and toes crossed for a certain famous woodfired bread.

Ever been at the kids’ play centre and thought, ‘I wish there was a little more here for me?’ Well, you’re not the only one. Hoopla has opened as Australia’s first ‘parent’ focused kids indoor play centre and family outing spot (read: there’s a grown-ups menu). 

Hamilton Island—the holiday place of the nation’s rich and famous and if you're lucky, you and yours. we’ve done the legwork and scoped out the best restaurants Hamilton Island has to offer, so get that online booking forefinger ready.

Melbourne has countless bakeries and patisseries crafting these golden-kissed baked goods each day, but hunting down an incredible croissant is another thing entirely. That’s why we’ve searched high and low to find the absolute best croissant Melbourne has to offer. 

We asked Collingwood Captain Darcy Moore where he hits when he’s off the field and heading out in his hometown.

Brunswick East has well and truly bloomed, and now you can hardly walk a few metres down Lygon Street without encountering another restaurant you want to try. From hatted Thai fusion to iconic Middle Eastern, these are the best of the best East Brunswick restaurants in 2025. 

The team behind Carnegie's Sowl is bringing refined Greek eats to South Melbourne with Aegli—expect luxe regional dishes, heritage flavours and a next-level slow-roasted lamb shoulder.

If there’s one guarantee in this life, it's that there's always something to do in Melbourne—even when the temps start dropping offensively low.

Bendigo has seriously diversified its portfolio since its opulent gold rush era. Now with an impressive food scene, buzzing creative community and regional charm aplenty, it's the weekend getwaway from the city you need to take. 

Adelaide—and all of South Australia alike—have skyrocketed their way to some of the country's hottest culinary merits thanks to their stunner local produce, homegrown talent and some gutsy big openings.

The vibes in Noosa are immaculate and the dishes are bucket list-worthy.

What's Melbourne's best new restaurant is something we're forever being asked here at Urban List. The thing is, what's best and what's new is always changing because the restaurant, bar and cafe scene is ever-evolving. Good thing we've made it easy for you, we've pulled together all Melbourne's newest openings right here.

Geelong, it's only an hour away from Melbourne but it's a whole new world and there's plenty of things to get around. Here's the local inside scoop on where to eat, drink, play and stay when you're in The Pivot.

Grey Goose is celebrating martini month with specialty cocktails and snacks at these Melbourne venues.

The heart of Melbourne, the CBD. We've got heaps of good restaurants here in Melbourne and Victoria as a whole. Whether you're looking for Flinders Lane restaurants or you're just looking to tuck into some affordable fare, we've nailed down the best.

Basement Japanese, elevated French, modern Indian—the list goes on. These are just some of the city's fine diners topping our list right now.

If you're a hungry herbivore, look no further than our guide to Melbourne's best spots for vegan eats, from burgs to fine dining, it's all here.

The Melbourne CBD is a labyrinth for hidden bars, whether they be upstairs, underground or tucked away at the end of a laneway. You don’t need to be Sherlock Holmes to suss them all out though—we’ve done the detective work for you, and found the best hidden bars Melbourne has to offer. 

Arguably Melbourne’s most picturesque regional city, Ballarat was founded in 1838 and was the centre of the gold rush in Victoria—and very briefly one of the wealthiest cities in the world. It’s come a long way since then and it’s not just about gold rush history anymore—there’s more things to eat, drink, do and see than ever before.

These are our favourite six spots to grab a martini when you’re cruising about Melbourne. 

The sun is shining, the beach is beckoning, and you’ve got that hunger that only fish and chips can satiate. Thankfully we have no shortage of seriously good fish and chips in Melbourne and surrounds.

Feel good knowing your meal didn't come at a cost to the planet.

This experience-led social living hotel offers oh-so-much more than a place to lay your travel-weary head.

It's no secret that you can find some of the best ramen in Melbourne/Naarm. The list of ramen joints in this city is long. That's why we've done the broth-sipping, noodle-slurping hard work and found the most deliciously soul-warming bowls out there.

Our editor reckons these 20 spots from casual to fine dining are the best restaurants in Melbourne as of July, 2025. How many have you been to?

From slow-cooked beef rendang to perfectly peanuty gado-gado with a side of fiery sambal, this is our roundup of each belly-filling, heart-warmingly good Indonesian restaurant Melbourne locals and visitors alike need to try. 

We’ve got the largest Greek population outside of Athens, so it’s no surprise the city is brimming with Greek taverns and family-owned restaurants to suit all occasions and budgets. It’s a tough task, but we’ve pulled together the best Greek restaurants Melbourne has to offer, with plenty of options for the souv-fans, seafood lovers, dairy queens and vegetarians out there. 

In 2025, Melbourne high tea is bringing together the best of old-world charm and modern-day fun. Whether you're in the mood to channel some classic 19th-century vibes, complete with dainty finger sandwiches and scones stacked high, or you're looking for something a bit more daring—think themed high teas, live music, and a splash of burlesque—Melbourne’s got you covered.

Some mornings are meant for sleep-ins and some are meant for indulging in the best bottomless brunch in Melbourne. Are you after endless mimosas, too many proseccos, more margaritas than you can poke a stick at? Well, if you've woken up on that side of the bed, get your Sunday (or Saturday) best on, and get ready to party. Check out our list of the best bottomless brunches in Melbourne for 2025.

One of the most important food groups to Melburnians, pizza is held in a treasured category of its own. Boasting some of the finest pizzerias outside of Italy, the level of craft here is world-class from classic leopard spotted Neapolitan-style to thick-cut deep dish. 

Melbourne has some of the best sushi going around and we’re not talking about a food court hand roll here. The city’s esteemed restaurants and takeaway storefronts are here to remind us that sushi is not only a traditional Japanese cuisine but also an honoured art form.

Camberwell is not just for the avid thrifters who go trawling through the Sunday Market each week — it’s a foodie haven. Consider her the quieter older sister of the neighbouring Hawthorn; a bit less of a nightlife buzz, but a bit more urbanity.

Brunswick East is having its main character moment. Over the past few years, more wine bars, specialty cafes and trendy restaurants have popped up than you could poke a bottle of lo-fi wine at. This ‘burb is the spot to be. 

Brunswick, where the vibes are strong and the coffee’s stronger. It’s a suburb forged in history, and now radiates with a diverse cultural energy that's truly one-of-a-kind. This is your express ticket to the best eats, drinks, and good times this legendary 'burb has to offer.

When it comes to St Kilda restaurants, you’ll find a mix of iconic dining spots and hot new places just waiting for you to pay them a visit. From the freshest seafood around to classic pub fare and everything in between, here's your guide to the best St Kilda restaurants in 2025.

Brunswick is a true icon of Melbourne, a glorious pocket of the city like no other. It dances to the beat of its own drum, and honestly? So does its food scene. These are the best Brunswick restaurants you need to get a seat at. 

Between some seriously breathtaking natural gems, uber-exciting eats, and a range of stays to satisfy all kinds, Townsville has quickly become one of the country's best places to explore this year. 

It may be a whole lot colder but the prospect of a three-day weekend is one mighty-fine way to warm the soul. This coming King’s Birthday in Melbourne for 2025, Monday 9 June, a selection of Melbourne’s venues will still be turning it on for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. 

Not just for meandering strolls along the Yarra or a quick pit stop before hitting the Arts Centre, Southbank is a goldmine for your tastebuds and foodie destination in its own right. 

From little bistros that will transport you to the streets of Rome to meticulously made nigiri at hatted omakase restaurants, you could easily (and happily) get lost in Richmond's food scene. These are the best restaurants for every types of occassion. 

It's not easy to land on a single choice for the best restaurants in Fitzroy, and that's because there are simply too many. The previously working-class inner-city suburb has blossomed through the renaissance of Melbourne’s cultural boom and is now home to some of the highest-rated diners in the entire city. So, read on, and tick off the best Fitzroy restaurants for 2025.

You've seen that mouth-watering cheese pull on socials, now you want to try it for yourself. What do you do? Hit up Urban List of course.

Collingwood is historically home to some of Melbourne's best restaurants, bars, shopping, street-art, and well ... just about everything else. The inner-city (hipster, shh) suburb is truly a cultural melting pot, simmering from the north and south end of the suburb. But if you want a local tip, cut through the main drag on Smith Street and you'll see what's on offer is proper fire.

Sandy McIntyre is the actor, writer, producer and model making waves across Australia’s creative scene. We picked their brains on the best of what to do in Sydney this winter season. 

Melbourne’s CBD just got a delicious chunk of Taipei with the arrival of AhMa Taiwanese Streetfood—the latest venture by acclaimed chef Spring Chee who has creds from Big Comma and Tokyo Motto. 

If there’s one person who knows how to make the most of a weekend in Sydney, it’s the powerhouse NRLW player, sharp-witted commentator, and podcast co-host Millie Elliott. 

From rainforests to art deco terrace homes, treat yourself to a retreat among picturesque surroundings this Easter. 

Bastille Day means different things to different people. If you’re French it probably represents throwing off the shackles of an oppressive monarchy. For the rest of us, it’s an excuse to order massive plates of steak & pomme frites, or drink Burgundy by the bottle while toasting “liberty, equality, fraternity and reasonably priced booze!” That’s the good thing about Bastille Day. There’s something for everyone.

If New York is the city that never sleeps, Melbourne’s the city that never stops eating, and there are a myriad of excellent spots waiting to welcome you for a Monday wine-and-dine.

Finding that perfect combination of crackling puff pastry, rich stewy filling, and buttery shortcrust is practically a spiritual quest. Lucky for us, you don't need to make the pilgrimage out of Melbourne to satisfy your pie cravings anymore.

South Melbourne's new pizza spot Pizzateca Lupa is an ode to Roma, with two different (but equally delicious) styles of pizza on offer.

Once again May has crept up on us out of nowhere, bringing with it one very important day. It’s that one thing you should be prepared for, yet every year it comes as another suprise. That’s right, it’s Mother’s Day. 

Here's your ultimate Eat, Play, Stay guide to the Barossa Valley with Andy Allen.

Melbourne’s Japanese cafe scene has always marched to its own beat—espresso in one hand, chopsticks in the other. But lately, a new wave of Japanese-inspired spots has been quietly rewriting the Melbourne brunch playbook. 

Whether you’re planning a first date, an anniversary, or a sweet surprise for your special someone, organising a date that makes them swoon (and scores you some serious brownie points) is always a win.

The long weekend is just around the corner so it’s time to start planning your social movements for the mini-break. Whether you celebrate Easter or not, we can all agree it’s pretty nice to have a four-day weekend to catch up with friends and family while letting someone else do all the cooking and cleaning—surcharges are totally worth it. Here’s your list of what’s on over the Easter weekend in Melbourne. 

Crabzilla has entered the chat. Ministry of Crab has just opened on Flinders Lane and we're here to get our bib on, meet our crab and indulge in some champagne.

Like the precinct’s spruikers, the choice really is overwhelming when it comes to Lygon Street restaurants. One will tell you they have the freshest carbonara in the southern hemisphere while the other will stake claim to a 400 cheese pizza. Both worthy options, but dig deeper and you’ll find a diverse culinary offering ranging from fiery ramen at one end and modern Australian at the other.

Want to relive that Japanese holiday, or get your eye in before you head overseas? You're in luck, because Melbourne is full of top-tier Japanese restaurants. Whether you’re craving freshly made sushi, bowls of steaming ramen, sizzling teppanyaki, melt-in-your-mouth sashimi, or flavourful donburi, there’s no shortage of authentic Japanese restaurants in Melbourne to dive into. 

Searching for the best Italian restaurants in Melbourne? From hidden trattorias to fine dining, here are Melbourne’s top 25 Italian spots for pasta, pizza and more in 2025.

For those on the hunt for a cultural experience rich with all things history, people, stories, and nature, Auckland (Tāmaki Makaurau) should be top of the list. 

We’ve all got our local Melbourne Thai restaurant that we swear by and practically have on speed dial—or at least saved in our favourites on our food delivery app of choice. No matter your preference, if you're looking for the best Thai restaurant Melbourne has to offer, you're in luck.

Gone are the days when vegetarian dining in Melbourne meant cheerless salads and the same old pasta dishes. This city’s plant-based scene has exploded into a vibrant ecosystem of its own, where vegetables aren’t just an afterthought—they’re the headliners.

Go behind the scenes of LA's biggest icons to explore the other side of the city of angels.

Forget diamonds—Melbourne’s real luxury is a perfectly cooked steak. Whether you’re after a melt-in-your-mouth wagyu, a charred, smoky ribeye, or an old-school pub porterhouse with all the trimmings, this city delivers.

An Aussie-born chef and Singapore local, Peter Smit has carved a unique place for himself with his nose-to-tail cooking style. We followed the Dirty Supper chef-owner, to uncover what he does to decompress when he's out of the kitchen and off the clock.

This destination diner in the Southern Grampians is the very essence of local, Victorian dining. And it doesn't hurt that the surrounds are stunning.

Forget ordering pizza to your neighbourhood bar/bottleshop combo. Benchwarmer has completely smashed the mould on what to expect by installing an izakaya inside their craft beer haven.

Arguably Melbourne's best restaurant, and the one with the best view, Vue de Monde has seen some incredible chefs through its doors. But current executive chef Hugh Allen has achieved quite a lot in his 29 years and counting, and now he can add restaurateur to his resume. 

Flinders Lane is the beating heart of Melbourne’s dining scene, a laneway where culinary magic happens. This is undoubtedly one of Melbourne’s foodie hotspots. From hole-in-the-wall gems to high-end hotspots, this iconic strip is a dining paradise. 

Whether you have a couple of hours airside transiting to your next destination or you’re lucky enough to make a day of it in Jewel, we’ve sorted your next layover at Changi Airport in Singapore.

Chef and food advocate Simone Watts has done it all—cooked, farmed and travelled the world—and now she’s landed at Barragunda Dining on the Mornington Peninsula, transforming the way we think about food. 

The southern hemisphere’s largest shopping centre, Chadstone has just dropped the lineup for a massive 26,500sq m foodie precinct. The two areas, The Market Pavilion and Dining Laneway will host some of Melbourne’s tastiest food retailers. 

Tucked away on Tasmania's picturesque East Coast is Devil's Corner winery. This is the kind of place you drive past wistfully, wondering if you have time to stop in. We're telling you, you need to make the time.

As the action revs up on the track, we'll show you how to ace the off-track scene

Melbourne’s bustling dining scene owes a very honest tip of the hat to France. Every suburb has its own cache of bakeries, bistros and patisseries reminiscent of the City of Lights, and if you're like us wondering why you're here rather than there, well, this list might just save you the trip.

There was a time when the best burgers in Melbourne came from your local fish and chip place, usually with a slice of beetroot and a couple of extra dim sims. Actually, now we think about it, those are still pretty bloody good, but we've pulled together our top picks so you can eat easy.

The Melbourne edition of il Mercato Centrale, originally launched in Florence in 2014, offers a dynamic day-to-night dining experience, from light snacks to full restaurant meals. Located in the iconic McPherson building on Collins Street, this 2,500 sqm space has been transformed into a vibrant retail and culinary hub.

Korean BBQ restaurants have made quite the splash, a cuisine dear to many Melburnian's hearts and for very good reasons. The flavour-packed dining experience of K-BBQ is a sight to behold; with sizzling plates of chargrilled meats accompanied with sauces, salads, and sides. 

Today’s diners are more intentional, discerning, and value-driven than ever. They’re eating out more frequently, but scrutinising every dollar, expecting premium experiences without the premium price tag.

Melbourne has one of the most culturally diverse culinary scenes in the world, but you already know that and so do we. What you may not know though, is where to find the cream of the crop when it comes to Indian food—enter Urban List.

There’s a reason Jackalope on the Mornington Peninsula is on everyone’s bucket list: from its stunning grounds to unique architectural design, moody black colour palette or funky bar and restaurant, the hotel is the very definition of a luxury stay.

Housed within the former St Kilda Ichi Ni site, The Espy has dropped a fresh open-air bar, right in the peak of summer. 

Geelong’s restaurant scene is thriving, offering a vibrant mix of culinary experiences that firmly establish it as a must-visit destination for food lovers. Once living in Melbourne’s shadow, this seaside gem has emerged with its own bold personality, leaning heavily into its love for fresh, local seafood.

The Prince Hotel's snuck in another cheeky refresh, just in time for summer. 

With its effortlessly cool vibe, buzzing bars, and eateries that punch above their weight, Thornbury has cemented itself as one of Melbourne’s best-kept secrets.

It's the earmarked sports event of the summer, the Australian Open 2025 is the iconic stretch of January where Melbourne suddenly transforms into tennis-arm-chair experts. 

We wanted to really find out what constitutes a good burger, so we asked the masterminds behind some of our faves. It turns out that there’s a bit of a theme—a secret ingredient if you will—to all of the burgers we know and love.

Good things come in small packages, and so do great things, such as Xiao Long Bao. Our city is spoilt for choice when it comes to these often-steamed, sometimes-fried pockets of flavour, so much so that you’ll be left doing laps of Chinatown until everything shuts up shop for the night.

The Super Bowl is a big deal, and whether or not you're into American sport you can't help but get caught up in the fever, the chicken wings and of course the drama.

It’s hard to name a more iconic pub feed than the chicken parma. These slabs of perfection have found their way into the hearts of Melburnians, and it doesn’t look like the love affair is slowing down anytime soon. Here is Urban List's guide to the best parmas in Melbourne for 2024:

We had to ask Tanuki's general manager Joong Charpentier the secret to his success—and the answer might surprise you.

Melbourne’s such a cultural melting pot. We’re so lucky to have an incredible and eclectic mix of cuisines from across the globe right at our fingertips—and fortunately, a stack of options from the tiny South Asian island Sri Lanka.

Finding the best oyster bar in Melbourne is no easy task, that’s why we're shelling out the details on the city’s best.

Have a bit of a sweet tooth after dinner? Or maybe you're just craving a sugary fix from one of Melbourne's many incredible dessert bars. Don't worry, we've got you covered with our top picks for dessert in the CBD and further afield. These are Melbourne's best dessert spots for 2025.

Navigating Melbourne’s vibrant dining scene while sticking to gluten-free options has never been easier. Think gluten-free pasta dishes, pizzas, and even indulgent desserts—all made with care and quality ingredients. If you’re seeking the best gluten-free restaurants in Melbourne, these spots have you covered.

This one's probably going to be controversial given we can't cover every single amazing example of dim sims around Melbourne. But, we've called upon the heavy dim sim hitters at Dim Sims 4 Lyf to help us out here.

Carlton restaurants extend far beyond cherished Lygon Street—although the historic strip is still home to a massive concentration of Italian joints. With that being said, over the years Carlton has grown to become one of the most vibrant culinary hotspots in town. Here are Urban List’s recommendations on the best restaurants Carlton has to offer in 2025:

Arguably one of the greatest, most historic and popular cuisines that the world has to offer, it’s never a surprise to our wallets or our stomachs when we start craving Chinese food, and we’re sure you’re no different. Something about it makes it the ultimate comfort food, what with the savoury, salty, complex fusion of flavours.

It could be a quick refuel, a boozy business meeting, or perhaps sharing a meal to catch up—lunch is a sacred part of the day for many Melburnians. We love lunch here. We're starting to steer clear from the grab and go, a hangover from (we won't say it) the past few years, and taking the time to sit and dine now. These are some of our top picks for Melbourne's best lunch spots for 2025, that are sure to impress your mates, visitors or colleagues. 

Cost of living keeps creeping upwards and onwards, and most of us practically have the words “value for money” tattooed on wallets to stop unnecessary spending. Of course, that’s where the humble buffet comes in, with endless plates and infinite options to make you feel like life isn’t so bad.

Sushi no doubt holds a special spot in Melbourne’s heart, which is why eating via train makes it all the better. With plenty of spots that specialise in the much slower-paced ritual of 'Kaiten-sushi', sit back, relax and let the food come to you. 

Yum Cha, it's the culinary experience that's greater than the sum of its parts, and each part is already pretty delicious. You’ll find dim sum galore, from pan-fried to steamed to boiled, all designed to be washed down with piping-hot tea. Melbourne has got some amazing for all your yum cha needs. So needless to say, we’ve curated a list of the best yum cha in Melbourne for 2025. 

The Lunar New Year is fast approaching and 2025 is the year of the Wood Snake, which symbolises wisdom, transformation, stability and creativity and we're here to learn and grow, and celebrate.

Melbourne certainly has no shortage of restaurants being home to some of the country’s best hospitality. However, every parent knows fine dining is not always synonymous with kid-friendly.

Home to six diverse dining havens, the slick new entertainment hub has cosy spots for date night, slick breweries, and lantern-laiden restaurants. 

Elevate your Hong Kong dining experience at these top-tier restaurants and hawkers markets.

Let’s be honest, when you roll out of bed on New Year’s Day you’re going to want a rather large coffee–preferably made by someone else. Luckily, there are plenty of cafes open New Year’s Day in Melbourne for all your hangover needs. You won’t want to cook your own food either, right? Don’t stress, we’ve got you covered for that too.