Discover the Best Restaurants Melbourne Offers Right Now
Melbourne’s dining scene never stops evolving. In 2025, the city continues to cement its reputation as Australia’s culinary capital, blending innovation, tradition, and unmistakable personality. Whether you’re in the mood for world-class tasting menus or relaxed neighbourhood dining, these seven venues capture the essence of Melbourne’s vibrant food culture.
Flower Drum
17 Market Lane, Melbourne
A Melbourne institution for over 40 years, Flower Drum remains one of the city’s most elegant Cantonese experiences. The menu celebrates refinement — think delicate dim sum, perfectly crisp Peking duck, and baked crab fragrant with ginger and shallots. Known for impeccable service and precision, it’s the kind of restaurant where every detail is considered. Pricey, yes, but worth every cent for special occasions.
Attica
74 Glen Eira Road, Ripponlea
Ben Shewry’s Attica continues to redefine fine dining in Australia. The multi-course tasting menu celebrates native ingredients — from wattleseed and quandong to finger lime and saltbush — creating a sensory journey through Australian landscapes. It’s intimate, daring, and deeply personal, earning its place as one of the most innovative restaurants in the country. Reservations open months in advance, and they fill up fast.
Ishizuka
B01/139 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Hidden beneath a city building, Ishizuka offers a tranquil escape where every course feels like art. The 16-seat kaiseki restaurant by Chef Katsuji Yoshino delivers an elegant progression of seasonal dishes that balance taste, colour, and harmony. Expect refined Japanese flavours with French finesse — beautifully plated, precise, and unforgettable.
Minamishima
4 Lord Street, Richmond
At Minamishima, every movement is deliberate and graceful. Sushi master Koichi Minamishima’s omakase experience is pure theatre — 15 courses of Edomae-style nigiri crafted before your eyes. The experience is intimate, serene, and an education in balance and restraint. It’s Melbourne’s ultimate destination for sushi lovers seeking authenticity.
Etta
60 Lygon Street, Brunswick East
Etta brings warmth and creativity to neighbourhood dining. Under Head Chef Lorcan Kan, the restaurant blends global flavours with local ingredients — expect grilled seafood, vibrant vegetables, and thoughtful wine pairings in a relaxed, contemporary space. The menu changes often, keeping it fresh and exciting, and the friendly service makes it feel like home.
Cumulus Inc
45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Cumulus Inc remains a quintessential Melbourne experience — effortlessly stylish, always buzzing. From breakfast pastries to late-night oysters, it’s an all-day diner that adapts to your mood. The menu balances simplicity and finesse, with standout dishes like slow-roasted lamb shoulder and fresh ceviche. Perfect for business lunches, solo bites, or weekend brunches with friends.
Stokehouse
30 Jacka Boulevard, St Kilda
Few venues capture Melbourne’s coastal charm like Stokehouse. Overlooking Port Phillip Bay, this beachside restaurant blends sophistication with a laid-back feel. The menu showcases sustainable seafood, crisp local produce, and indulgent desserts — all best enjoyed with sunset views and a glass of sparkling. It’s both a local favourite and a bucket-list spot for visitors.
Melbourne’s restaurant scene thrives on creativity and community — a city where fine dining meets street food, and every meal tells a story. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just exploring, these seven restaurants show why Melbourne truly is the heart of Australia’s dining culture.