Essential Eats: The Must-Book Restaurants in Melbourne CBD

From small eateries to cult takeout joints and refined fine dining, Melbourne takes food very seriously. And in a city that seemingly has a new culinary spot opening every night—many of which don’t take bookings—chances are you’ll have to queue for your meal if you want a taste of the very best.

Join us as we dine our way through the best restaurants in Melbourne CBD. 

Warabi

Warabi is a modern Omakase Japanese restaurant seating a mere 37 diners each night.

The evolving fourteen-course menu explores rotating sashimi and nigiri dishes, with ingredients including tuna, flounder, prawn, and kingfish. Watch in awe as each nigiri and other types of Japanese dishes are made in front of you and delicately placed right on front of you. 

Changing at the direction of the chef, this menu features a mid-week (Tuesday to Thursday) 'Sushi Omakase' experience—which is a must book, each sushi and nigiri dish is divine, and impossibly better than the one before it. On Fridays and Saturdays, you can experience the Warabi Omakase Multi-course 'Impression' menu, which will take you on a Japanese culinary journey.

Expect a contemporary food offering, delicious sake, and a full theatrical experience as you watch the chefs work their magic.

408 Flinders Lane, Melbourne

Pinchy's

This inner-city seafood paradise has unveiled a fresh new menu that’s an absolute must-try! Immerse yourself in stylish interiors while savouring delights like King Crab tacos, tuna tartare, grilled octopus, and prawn katsu with togarashi cream.

Crowd-pleasing classics include fish ‘n’ chips with crispy whiting, comforting fish pie, and Pinchy’s iconic lobster roll with saltbush fries and stellar béarnaise sauce.

The vegan set menu also shines, offering plant-based perfection. Plus, there's an array of fantastic winter specials currently on offer, including a sumptuous lobster linguine.

Sitchu Tip: You need to try the Holiday in Osaka cocktail—Toki whisky, roasted Japanese green tea syrup, citrus, mint—it's incredible.

Level 1/200 Bourke Street, Melbourne 

Red Chilli House 

Prepare for a culinary journey at Red Chilli House, where Szechuan magic unfolds in a red wonderland. This cosy Chinatown spot not only revives forgotten dishes but also introduces innovative creations, celebrating the rich, diverse culinary traditions of Southern China.

Immerse yourself in comforting classics like mapo tofu and garlic pork spare ribs, or venture into the bold, exciting flavours of catfish and green peppercorn sauerkraut soup or the Sichuan stir-fried rabbit. The must-try yabby noodles promise a delightful balance of savoury and spice.

Although the restaurant itself is small, their portions are anything but!

119 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne

Kata Kita 

Prepare for flavour bombs of zesty lemongrass, tongue-spiking chilli, and homemade aromatic sambal at Kata Kita. Specialising in Bali-style grilling, it serves its tantalising signature pork dish, Babi Guling, alongside a variety of grilled seafood and meat dishes. 

Other memorable dishes include the smoked kingfish on a palm bittnut cracker, succulent dry-aged Madura-style duck, and a squid ink fried rice with kaffir lime leaf and crispy fried squid. Don't miss the crispy Chinese broccoli as a side, and for dessert, indulge in the pandan crepe, caramelised coconut and sesame layer cake or the honey ginger crème brûlée.

The welcoming team and friendly service enhance the dining experience at Kata Kita, making every visit better than the last. It's safe to say we're huge fans of this restaurant in Melbourne CBD. 

266 La Trobe Street, Melbourne 

Ming Dining

This below-ground Asian fusion restaurant is a must-book dining destination in the CBD. Ming Dining has an incredible range of delicious eats, plus specialty cocktails that are bound to impress even the fussiest of inidividuals.

Their entrees are perfect for sharing. Our top picks are the light and refreshing Hiromasa Kingfish, rich black truffle xiao long bao, and the prawn toast, which may be the best we've ever put in our mouths.

Their mains hone in on premium, quality meats, including a 14-day dry aged duck breast, whose rich flavour pairs perfectly with the sweet tang of the pickled blackberries alongside it. Their wagyu beef is another must-order, cooked medium-rare to perfection.

299 Queen Street, Melbourne

Doju

This sleek and moody restaurant in Melbourne CBD is a must-book for incredible Korean food. Doju puts seasonal produce and sophistication to the forefront, with an impressive chef leading the charge (Chef Mika Chae, ex-Sezar and Attica). 

Settle in under a chandelier of fermenting meju (you have to see it to believe it), where trailblazing Korean barbecue meets high-brow fermentation. Savour the flavours of a heavily marbled rib-eye paired with six-month-aged kimchi, oysters shucked to order and topped with dongchimi granita, bite-sized tartare, a unique jeotgal-style calamari dish with seasoned rice and sorrel, and strong house Martinis.

It's essential to wrap things up with a round of Injeolmi ice cream, to truly experience the full Doju vibe. 

For a cool date night, settle in at Doju's bar. It's decked out with high-backed chairs and solid marble - and has direct views of the open kitchen and the pass; which is a great way to see what you'd like to order next! 

9/530 Little Collins Street, Melbourne 

Antara 128

Welcome to Antara, an impressive eating house with it's very own bakery included. Your tastebuds will go on a delicious journey from morning to night, with viennoiserie, bread and breakfast, dishes from the woodfired oven and aperitivo at the standing bar. 

Slowly make your way through the menu, starting with snacks like Antara's own sourdough with Parcs' sourdough miso butter, woodfired scallops swimming in a carrot curry sauce, and Sydney Rock Oysters laced in Champagne, cucumber and wakame. 

The menu is seasonally-focused and ever-changing, so there's never a dull moment. We can't get enough of this must-book restaurant in Melbourne CBD. 

128 Exhibition Street, Melbourne

Freyja

Smorrebrod, anyone? Known for their sophisticated interior design, progressive values and next-level pop music, the Scandinavians get many things right. And, as it turns out, contemporary dining is no exception.

Freyja, a stunning Nordic restaurant on Collins Street, puts Michelin-trained chef Jae Bang and his team's superior skills on show through traditional Nordic cooking methods such as pickling, curing, smoking and preserving. The result? An inventive menu of well-balanced, beautifully-plated dishes that celebrate Scandinavian flavours using the best local produce.

Sitchu Tip: We highly recommend going all the way in with the Taste of Freyja menu, offering an array of exciting dishes created by Bang and his team. Highlights include the oysters with rhubarb and kosho, a magnificent lamb tartare, their already legendary Freyja waffle with a mixed herb and smoked sour cream and trout roe or Oscietra caviar add-ons.

477 Collins Street, Melbourne

Hazel

Aleksis Kalnins has hopped aboard as new Head Chef at Hazel, having previously spent four years as Head Chef at Matilda 159 in South Yarra. His thoughtful take on Hazel's vision is a must-try dining experience in the CBD. 

Fall in love with their oysters with nasturtium, housemade charcuterie, beef tartare, and the aged cheddar with brioche, which is melt-in-your-mouth perfection. The wood roasted pork belly, with charred leek and wild garlic is vibrant and comforting, best paired with the lemony kipfler potatoes and simple farm leaf and radish salad.

Whether you're looking for a delicious new wine or well-made cocktail, Hazel also has you covered, with tantalising options that range from a lush orange pour to a strawberry Negroni. 

Plus, if you want the decision making taken care of, the new Chef's Spring Lunch menu or Shared Chef's Menu are the perfect fit. 

Located in the historic Richard Allen Building in Melbourne, Hazel brings together timeless values, relaxed service & understated style. It's a place where thoughtful cooking, nourishing food, and sustainable practices come together to deftly craft your next unforgettable lunch or dinner date. 

Chef's Menu to share, $90 per person

Chef's Spring Lunch Menu, $65 per person

164 Flinders Lane, Melbourne

Reine & La Rue 

One of Melbourne's most highly anticipated openings  has been Reine & La Rue, a French-inspired restaurant and bar. Sitting ornately within the 1890's neo-gothic Melbourne Stock Exchange, the space has transformed into a quixotic dining experience. With a menu inspired by French classics and designed to allow guests to choose the way they want to dine, you could simply walk in for snacks and Champagne at the bar, or procure a cosy booth for two to indulge in a three-course meal. 

Sip your way through the large selection of French and American wines, with over 40 available by the glass, and finish things off with a drink from the cocktail list. Inspired by New York classics, you can't go wrong with Reine & La Rue's riff on a Manhattan or Sazerac. 

380 Collins Street, Melbourne

Bar Lourinha 

Many a weary office worker making the 5pm trundle to Parliament Station has peered longingly into the warm glow of Bar Lourinha. This intimate venue has been a favourite for years, where you can share both conversation and plates of tapas, alternating murmurs and laughter with spiced spanner crab tostados, jamon croquettes and tinkering glasses of fine wine.

Buzzy and beautiful, it's decorated with all sorts of conversation-starting bric-a-brac, making it the perfect place for both a first date, friend date or milestone anniversary. One of the best restaurants in Melbourne CBD. 

37 Little Collins Street, Melbourne

The European & City Wine Shop

RuYi Modern Chinese

Combining award-winning interior design with authentic, artfully-plated cuisine, RuYi is relaxed fine dining at its best - and one of Melbourne's best modern Chinese restaurants since its conception in 2013. Tucked away in a quintessential Melbourne laneway, the menu here aims to transport you beyond these city streets, to a modern China. Each menu item has been chosen from a unique regional or provincial recipe and adapted to meet the tastes and desires of the Melbourne palate.

Ground Floor, 16 Liverpool Street, Melbourne 

Robata

This striking CBD restaurant captures the fun side of dining out. The menu is centred around robatayaki, a style of cooking in which different cuts of meat and vegetables are skewered, grilled over charcoal and paired with a dressing to enhance their flavours. Snacky and interactive, you’ll love washing down bite-sized pieces of pork belly, wagyu and chicken, alongside delicious sushi, Japanese beers and fruity cocktails. The sleek venue seats over 100 guests, but the most sought after spots are at the kitchen bar, where you’ll get a close-up view of chefs working the grills.

2 Exhibition Street, Melbourne

Lucy Liu 

NOMAD

Located along the recognisable and buzzing Flinders Lane dining precinct, NOMAD Melbourne is housed in an iconic  subterranean space that's a must-try for your next fancy work lunch, long lunch or delicious dinner date. 

With a roaring wood fired oven as the centrepiece, the dining room features a large open kitchen and bar. Be sure to try as many cocktails here as you can - they all hit the spot! 

Celebrating local produce, the menu features it’s own unique spin on Middle Eastern flavours cooked over fire and smoke. This is a tried and true spot that never fails to deliver, with every dish smart, with on-point flavours. 

187 Flinders Lane, Melbourne 

INDU

Sitting behind a Victorian terrace frontage on Collins Street, INDU is an intimate Sri Lankan and South Indian fine diner, employing old family recipes, with a few contemporary twists.

It’s a moody and atmospheric space, with a particularly striking palatial mirrored doorway and a series of cosy booths separated by soft linen curtains.

By fusing classic flavours with modern techniques, the menu provides an evolved take on homely village fare. You’ll find real-deal, aromatic Sri Lankan curries and plenty of delicious hoppers and dosas (the mushroom dosa being a standout), but there’s an element of fusion being plated up as well.

The drinks list is dominated by gin – with delicious signature combinations like the ‘Colombo No.7’ (London Dry gin, curry leaves and coconut) and ‘INDU x Young Henry’s’ (butterfly pea gin with strawberry and mint).

A reimagined hidden gem and celebration of Southern Indian and Sri Lankan village culture, flavours and local hospitality, INDU a must-book restaurant in Melbourne CBD. 

86A Collins Street, Melbourne 

Sunda 

Sunda is a one-hat Modern Australian dream, found in Melbourne's theatre district. The menu, by Khanh Nguyen, is intricate and ever changing, progressive and provocative. It perfectly marries Native Australian ingredients with South East Asian flavours to create a distinctive interpretation of modern Australian cuisine. Combined with its unique interiors of steel, glass and mesh, that are inspired by the glowing lanterns of Asia, Sunda is a destination that is as essential Melbourne eating as it gets. 

18 Punch Lane, Melbourne

Mamasita

Not only is Mamasita worth the hype, but this colourful Mexican joint has managed to sustain its buzz in the decade since it first opened its doors. Indeed, people are still patiently queuing down Collins Street for a taste of the famed fish tacos (try them) and a host of authentic, flavourful dishes – all washed down with a dash of mezcal. This place is the real deal.

1/11 Collins Street, Melbourne

BKK

Opening as part of HER Melbourne, a glamorous multi-level venue in a CBD heritage building, BKK serves Bangkok street food and tropical cocktails in a quintessentially Melbourne setting. With everything from spicy ocean trout salad to barbecue skewers, charred meats and Thai curries on the menu, we recommend sharing multiple dishes and sampling them amongst friends. Wines are picked to match the flavour profiles of the food, so you can rest assured you're washing down your dish with an appropriate drop. Don't forget to head upstairs to the stylish European-inspired rooftop for a nightcap and a dance afterwards.

Level 3, HER, 270 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

Supernormal

One of the hippest eateries in a city brimming with hip eateries – it may have been on the scene for quite a few years now, but everyone’s still raving about Supernormal. The sleek Japanese inspired décor matches a menu that is in equal parts adventurous and moreish, offering everything from crispy suckling pig to yuzu tuna. One thing’s for sure – it’s all worth the wait.

Sitchu Tip: You haven't been to Supernormal if you haven't indulged in their iconic lobster roll. Run, don't walk!

108 Flinders Lane, Melbourne

Farmer's Daughters

Respected Melbourne chef Alejandro Saravia has brought his vision to establish an embassy for Gippsland in the heart of the CBD. All areas of the striking three-level Farmer's Daughters champion the true essence of Gippsland, celebrating the diversity and richness of produce from the region. You'll find the restaurant on the middle floor, and the food is more formal; best suited to long business lunches, formal dinners, and special occasions. The open kitchen is fuelled by charcoal and wood, bringing a sense of theatre to the rustic yet elegant dining room.

6/80 Collins Street, Melbourne

Chin Chin

Far from a flash in the pan, iconic Asian eatery Chin Chin has become even more popular since it’s 2011 opening debut. A local institution turned tourist destination – there’s a reason you can expect to wait up to two hours for a table. Namely, because the food is so damn good. From gooey, sticky pork to sizzling jungle curry – grab a seat at the bar and savour the wait.

125 Flinders Lane, Melbourne

Chancery Lane

Chancery Lane, a European bistro by Scott Pickett welcomes diners to the historic Normanby Chambers building. Suited for any occasion, from a glass and a bite at the bar to a private dinner party, you can expect classic European dishes with a twist. The 100-seater bistro is ensconced in a rich palette of dark green, checkerboard tiling and dark timber, emulating old-world charm and opulence of La Belle Epoque. Antique brass and textured gold details are featured throughout.

430 Little Collins Street, Melbourne

Coda

A true Melbourne institution, sleek and chic Coda is widely agreed to be one of the city’s best. Always buzzing with its own special brand of energy, not only is this the place to be seen on a Friday night (or any other night for that matter) – but you’re guaranteed a brilliant meal in the process. Trust us, the yellow fin tuna alone is worth the wait.

141 Flinders Lane, Melbourne

Ishizuka

To find high-end kaiseki dining in Melbourne you’ll need to visit acclaimed chef Tomotaka Ishizuka’s ultra-exclusive, hidden basement restaurant. Seating just 16, all guests are served the 11-dish tasting menu in which luxe ingredients, exceptional technique, and art gallery-level plating shine in complex yet restrained dishes. Come here for a masterclass in Japanese perfectionism.

139 Bourke Street, Melbourne

Cumulus Inc.

A light-filled contemporary eatery serving up award-winning fare, Cumulus Inc. is well-loved within the Melbourne foodie scene. Acclaimed chef Andrew McConnell is a jack-of-all-trades, plating up deceptively simple breakfasts and sophisticated yet wholesome lunch and dinners. Make sure you wander upstairs to sister bar Cumulus Up. for one of its signature cocktails.

45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne 

Tipo 00 

Located on Little Bourke Street within a small yet sophisticated laneway locale, Tipo 00 serves as a nice little reminder that eating spaghetti cooked al dente is good for the soul. Named after the finely ground flour used to make pizza and pasta, this venue takes an unfussy approach with clean, simple elements. Try one of the restaurant’s best-sellers including the squid-ink tagliolini or gnocchi with porcini mushrooms and braised duck.

361 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne

Vue de Monde

Expectations will be as high as the 55 levels above ground level that this Melbourne institution sits on, but it more than delivers and lives up to its name. With executive chef Hugh Allen at the helm of this Shannon Bennett establishment, you’ll be treated to the chef’s tasting menu, made up of a 10-course degustation. The Tasmanian sea urchin with caviar is a standout, whilst the dry aged duck with Leatherwood honey is an experience in itself. Pair your fine-dining adventure with the 360-degree views of the city and you’re in for a night to remember.

Level 55, Rialto, 525 Collins Street, Melbourne

Gimlet at Cavendish House

There is something about Gimlet at Cavendish House that makes you want to sit back and sip on cocktails (gimlet’s of course) until the wee hours of the morning. Bringing old-world charisma to this landmark 1920’s Chicago-style building could only be the brainchild of renowned restaurateur Andrew McConnell (Marion, Cumulus Inc, Cutler & Co, Supernormal) and Sydney firm Acme & Co. Contrary to what the name suggests, the food is held in equal regard as their prized Gimlet which can be paired with fresh rock oysters, premium wood-fired meats and seafood. If you’re looking to really step things up, the caviar service is always a go too. 

33 Russell Street, Melbourne

Osteria Ilaria

Cosy and casual yet effortlessly sophisticated, Osteria Ilaria instantly signals good taste and serious intentions. Modern Italian plates like paccheri pasta with Crystal Bay prawns and sorrel, and rhubarb semifreddo with rye and coffee will have you sighing with pleasure, while the list of ace European wines will buy you more date time after the last dish is cleared.

367 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne

The Hardware Club

Put down your tools for fresh, contemporary Italian food served from the glossy surrounds of what used to be a social club for members of the hardware industry. Sporting a cosy, neighbourhood feel, The Hardware Club is an intimate all-day trattoria serving up antipasti, handmade pasta and pizza by day, before branching out to share plates by night. The wine list hones in on Australian and Italian wines, accompanied by a snappy selection of Italian cocktails including negronis and spritzes. Bellissima!

43 Hardware Lane, Melbourne

Longrain

Some things never go out of style, and Longrain – Melbourne’s favourite Thai restaurant – is one of them. Here, the food is simple yet flavourful, while the elegant bar offers up the perfect spot to while away the wait for a table. With a contemporary take on classic dishes and an eternally buzzy atmosphere, there’s a reason this city still can’t get enough of Longrain.

40-44 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne

Flower Drum

With a focus on high-quality food and wine with top service, Flower Drum is an intimate and elegant Chinese restaurant serving authentic Cantonese cuisine. Dishes are inspired by the seasons to create fresh and unique fare, using only the best of locally sourced ingredients.   

17 Market Lane, Melbourne

Embla

This dark, wood-lined CBD wine bar is as sophisticated as it is laid-back. Abuzz every night of the week with colleagues, friends and lovers, mid-week revellers can’t get enough of the aperitivo vibe at Embla. Think thoughtfully curated small plates (green olive sourdough and pickled mussels FTW) and “slightly weird” natural and small producer vinos. Two appetising reasons to check it out. 

122 Russell Street, Melbourne

Cookie

Centrally located (and in the minds of most Melbournians), Cookie is one of the city’s most popular restaurants. Fusing together a Thai restaurant, a beer hall and a cocktail bar, Cookie is a one-stop-shop, guaranteed to delight everyone in your party. Always buzzy, you’ll find diners digging into the likes of drunken noodles, crispy pork belly curry and moreish beef ribs with lemongrass and star anise. Bookings are recommended, especially if you’re after one of those coveted balcony tables. 

First Floor, Curtin House, 252 Swanston Street, Melbourne

Tonka

Fiery Indian cuisine with a refined and contemporary touch is what you can expect from this CBD mainstay, tucked off one of Melbourne’s most iconic laneways. The luxe white tablecloths won’t be pristine for long after you devour Tonka’s glorious saucy and succulent dishes. The lamb curry with roasted coconut and black cardamom is hard to pass up or try something from one of the Tandoor ovens, like the whole spatchcock or Petuna ocean trout.

20 Duckboard Place, Melbourne

The Supper Inn

A long-standing institution of Melbourne's Chinatown, what The Supper Inn lacks in frills it more than makes up for in flavour and general culinary badass-ery. Settle in for a late-night dinner to remember. Be sure to come with a large group (try to keep the raucousness at a minimum) and order as much as the table can handle. In fact, let it heave - the 200+ item menu gives ample room to get creative with your order. Must-try dishes are the suckling pig and chicken congee though, which is essentially a hug in a bowl. 

Sitchu Tip: BYO drinks. 

15 Celestial Avenue, Melbourne 

Saké Restaurant & Bar

With a prime spot on the Yarra River, alfresco setting and serving up quality Japanese fare, Saké Restaurant & Bar is a Melbourne favourite. Using traditional Japanese techniques on fresh local produce results in delicious and beautifully presented dishes. To get the very best from this fine-dining institution, be sure to dine off one of the set menus. That way you get a taste of all the signature dishes without the added stress of having to decide between them.

100 St Kilda Road, Melbourne

Stalactites

Ending a big night with a hot Stalactites souvlaki is basically a rite of passage in this city. This 24-hour icon of Melbourne has been operating for over 40 years, doing simple, classic Greek fare across dips, giros platters, grilled meats and homey comfort food just like yiayia makes. Let’s be real though, the souvlaki is the main calling here – fluffy pita wrapping crisp lettuce, tomato, onion, homemade tzatziki and your choice of lamb, chicken, spiced bifteki or veggie and feta patties.

177/183 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

Philippe

Tucked away up Paris end of Collins St, the latest venture from acclaimed chef Philippe Mouchel is a must-try for French loving foodies. It might only be a few steps down off the street, but this cosy basement eatery will have you feeling a thousand miles away. With its open kitchen at the helm, Philippe’s refined menu might read traditional, but the final product is far from played out. Atop the crisp white tablecloths, perfectly manicured servers place exquisite plates of Wagyu beef tartare, twice baked cheese soufflé and Bannockburn rôtisserie chicken. And for dessert, it's crème brûlée all the way!

115 Collins Street, Melbourne

Chef David

You’d be forgiven for mistaking spiffy hot pot restaurant Chef David for a nightclub, with all the neon lights, chrome chandeliers and patent leather seats in tow. Sibling venue to soupy stalwarts David's Spicy Pot and David's Hot Pot, you’ll find not only the standard, tongue-numbing Sichuan beef broth here but eight other options including Thai tom yum, Malaysian seafood and oxtail soup. From there you can take your pick of thinly sliced high-grade meat, vegetables, tofu, seafood, dumplings and noodles to bolster your pot. You’ll want to have a crack at the drinks list, too, with an extensive list of everything from beer and bubble tea, as well as mocktails and cocktails designed by former Lûmé head bartender Orlando Marzo.

1/462 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne

Ling Nan

Another Cantonese classic in Melbourne is Ling Nan. This two-storey spot charms, with its soft pink walls and small round tables bustling with customers eagerly devouring the restaurant's iconic XO pippies and Chinese doughnut combo. The shredded duck pancakes and chicken ribs are also must-try.

Blow the budget by ordering a lobster or two for the table. There's usually some delicious Queensland mud crab worth fighting for as well. It's never a bad idea to ask the wait staff what they recommend here, either. 

Ling Nan has been satisfying post-bar-crawl cravings for over a three decades now - and shows absolutely no signs of slowing down.

BYO drinks. 

207 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

Loved making your way through the best restaurants in Melbourne CBD? Continue your journey of culinary discovery with the best brunches, barbecue, and bakeries in Melbourne. After a spot for post-feed drinks? Visit these gorgeous wine bars for an A+ tipple.