Discover the World of Mouth Global Culinary Report 2023
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Melbourne

Best Fine Dining in Melbourne

Discover the best that Melbourne fine dining has to offer.

World of Mouth team | Oct 22, 2023

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Known for its vibrant culture and diverse culinary scene, Melbourne stands as the gastronomic capital of Australia. From restaurants that have secured their place in the Michelin Guide to those that offer affordable fine dining, Melbourne fine dining provides a spectrum of options that cater to all. Our curated guide focuses on the top fine dining restaurants in Melbourne, spotlighting favorites such as Attica, Flower Drum Restaurant Melbourne, and Tonka. This isn't just another list; our recommendations are made by chefs, food writers and sommeliers, including personalities like James Hird, Thomas Carr, and Tony Schifilliti. So get ready to for an unforgettable dining experience as we take you through Melbourne's most distinguished culinary spots.

Attica

Attica is a restaurant that prioritizes ambition and flavor, showcasing the best of Australian cuisine by Chef Ben Shewry. The restaurant is known for its thoughtful cooking that respectfully acknowledges the land and country it's located in, offering dishes such as handpicked crab with macadamia purée, kangaroo with saltbush, and potatoes cooked in the earth they were grown in. The dining experience at Attica is thorough and well-executed, providing an opportunity to try world-class cuisine whether dining in the restaurant or enjoying their at-home offerings.

Recommended by

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Vue de monde

Vue de monde is a renowned restaurant that constantly evolves its chef's menu to highlight the beauty of native Australian ingredients. With a young and creative chef at the helm, the dishes are a perfect blend of modernity and tradition, featuring local produce such as marron, wallaby, and green ants. Situated atop a tall building, it offers stunning views across the bay and city skyline, making it a perfect place to enjoy an ever-changing seasonal menu paired with fine wines.

Recommended by

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Flower Drum Restaurant Melbourne

Flower Drum Restaurant Melbourne is a renowned establishment known for its fine Cantonese cuisine. The restaurant is an institution in Melbourne, offering an array of well-prepared dishes such as the classic Peking duck, Pearl Meat and Quail Sang Choi Bao, all served with meticulous attention to detail. With its combination of great food, extensive wine list, and dedicated service, Flower Drum provides a refined and elegant dining experience.

Recommended by

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View recommendation

Tonka

Tonka is a modern Indian restaurant that offers a blend of traditional and experimental cuisine. Known for its flavorful dishes, the restaurant is particularly praised for its exceptional desserts and its warm, pillowy naan bread. The trout cooked in the tandoori oven is also a must-try, promising a memorable dining experience.

Recommended by

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View recommendation

Gimlet at Cavendish House

Gimlet at Cavendish House is an elegant dining room known for its glamorous ambience and attention to detail. The establishment offers a balanced menu of modern bistro dishes, with notable choices like the lobster with saffron rice, prepared on a wood grill. Customers also appreciate their extensive cocktail selection, particularly the yuzu Alberto, and the restaurant's interior, which radiates old-world glamour.

Recommended by

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Navi

"Navi" is a restaurant that offers contemporary Australian cuisine with a special emphasis on seasonal and local produce. The menu features creative dishes like the Golden Plains pork, which combines meat from different parts of the pig, caramelised radicchio, and a sour-sweet ragoût of native fruits. The restaurant also has a lounge area, and the chef's interest in foraging for seasonal ingredients reflects in the dishes served.

Recommended by

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View recommendation

Stokehouse St Kilda

Stokehouse St Kilda is an upscale oceanfront eatery in Port Phillip Bay, renowned for its emphasis on seafood and an extensive wine list. The restaurant offers a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere, where guests can enjoy a long lunch while appreciating the impressive views. The desserts are particularly noteworthy, adding a sweet touch to the overall dining experience.

Recommended by

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Fitzroy Town Hall Hotel

Fitzroy Town Hall Hotel is a classic public house that has been rejuvenated with fresh, vibrant dining spaces, textured wallpapers, and rich tartans. The restaurant offers quality-driven dining experiences featuring artisan ingredients and a rustic yet polished cooking style, courtesy of Chef Sean Donovan. It also boasts a traditional yet stylish public bar with vintage tiling, wood paneling, and a snug with an open fire, providing an ideal space for casual dining and premium craft beverages.

Recommended by

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CTA

Recommended by

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Amaru

Amaru is a cozy dining spot known for its tasting menu featuring high-quality local produce. The restaurant offers a unique experience with dishes like the salted Woodside goat’s curd served with honeycomb, lemon myrtle, and sorrel, which is highly recommended by visitors. The drink pairing of mango kombucha is also a standout, adding to the overall gastronomic journey at Amaru.

Recommended by

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Hero at ACMI

Hero at ACMI is a day-to-night restaurant and wine bar that serves a seasonal menu crafted by renowned chef Karen Martini. The space is designed with abstract art, various shades of blue, sleek clean lines, and soft lighting, offering a calming ambiance. The restaurant is known for its wholesome dishes, beautifully presented, and an impressive wine list that is both high-quality and reasonably priced.

Recommended by

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View recommendation

NOMAD Melbourne

NOMAD Melbourne is an Australian restaurant that serves dishes inspired by travels through Spain, Morocco, and the Middle East, cooked with fire and smoke. The menu includes dishes such as wood-fired flatbread, raw kingfish with avocado, and burrata with fennel jam, all made from locally sourced produce. Patrons recommend the affordable wine selection, the extraordinary flatbread, and the kingfish dish.

Recommended by

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View recommendation

Kisumé

Kisumé is a calm and detail-focused Japanese restaurant known for its precision and refinement in every dish served. The chefs at Kisumé are known for their consistency, presenting each course as a work of art with a sleek and sharp aesthetic. As per the recommendations, it's regarded as one of the top spots for Japanese cuisine, offering a sexy vibe and a killer aesthetic.

Recommended by

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View recommendation

Osteria Ilaria

Osteria Ilaria is a modern Italian eatery known for its extensive global wine list. The restaurant is highly recommended by patrons for its creative yet familiar dishes, offering a blend of modern and classic Italian cuisine. From the reviews, it's clear that customers enjoy building their own eight-course meal, often paired with some of the finest Chardonnays.

Recommended by

Round photo icons on a pile.
View recommendation

Sunda Dining

Sunda Dining is an industrial-chic restaurant that offers a sophisticated interpretation of modern Australian cuisine, with a menu that draws on the flavors of Southeast Asia and native Australian ingredients. The restaurant is known for its roti covered in shaved truffle with vegemite curry and Bannockburn chicken with Thai sausage, gai lan and bush apple. The restaurant provides a four-course menu for all guests, and it is recommended to make reservations in advance to enjoy the dining experience.

Recommended by

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View recommendation

Freyja

Freyja is a restaurant that blends a Nordic approach with Australian dining. The establishment, located in a majestic, gothic building from the 1890s, offers a multi-sensory dining experience that combines traditional Northern European practices with experimental principles, resulting in a balance of adventurous and classic dishes. Chef Jae Bang, with his experience from El Bulli and Re-naa, contributes to the diversity of the dining scene by incorporating locally sourced ingredients and simplicity into the menu, including notable dishes like the waffle with trout roe.

Recommended by

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View recommendation

Ishizuka

Ishizuka is a hidden gem offering a modern yet traditional kaiseki dining experience. It's known for its meticulous preparation techniques and excellent produce, served in an intimate and sleek environment. Ideal for special occasions and gourmet dining, Ishizuka is often considered among the top Japanese restaurants.

Recommended by

Round photo icons on a pile.
View recommendation

Looking for more restaurant recommendations to

Melbourne

? Download the World of Mouth app for free and discover expert recommendations to over 2,000 destinations, curated by top chefs, food writers and sommeliers. From street food to fine dining and well known institutions to hidden gems, World of Mouth is your ultimate insider's guide to the world's best restaurants.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

Known for its vibrant culture and diverse culinary scene, Melbourne stands as the gastronomic capital of Australia. From restaurants that have secured their place in the Michelin Guide to those that offer affordable fine dining, Melbourne fine dining provides a spectrum of options that cater to all. Our curated guide focuses on the top fine dining restaurants in Melbourne, spotlighting favorites such as Attica, Flower Drum Restaurant Melbourne, and Tonka. This isn't just another list; our recommendations are made by chefs, food writers and sommeliers, including personalities like James Hird, Thomas Carr, and Tony Schifilliti. So get ready to for an unforgettable dining experience as we take you through Melbourne's most distinguished culinary spots.

Attica

Attica is a restaurant that prioritizes ambition and flavor, showcasing the best of Australian cuisine by Chef Ben Shewry. The restaurant is known for its thoughtful cooking that respectfully acknowledges the land and country it's located in, offering dishes such as handpicked crab with macadamia purée, kangaroo with saltbush, and potatoes cooked in the earth they were grown in. The dining experience at Attica is thorough and well-executed, providing an opportunity to try world-class cuisine whether dining in the restaurant or enjoying their at-home offerings.

Recommended by

Round photo icons on a pile.
View recommendation

Vue de monde

Vue de monde is a renowned restaurant that constantly evolves its chef's menu to highlight the beauty of native Australian ingredients. With a young and creative chef at the helm, the dishes are a perfect blend of modernity and tradition, featuring local produce such as marron, wallaby, and green ants. Situated atop a tall building, it offers stunning views across the bay and city skyline, making it a perfect place to enjoy an ever-changing seasonal menu paired with fine wines.

Recommended by

Round photo icons on a pile.
View recommendation

Flower Drum Restaurant Melbourne

Flower Drum Restaurant Melbourne is a renowned establishment known for its fine Cantonese cuisine. The restaurant is an institution in Melbourne, offering an array of well-prepared dishes such as the classic Peking duck, Pearl Meat and Quail Sang Choi Bao, all served with meticulous attention to detail. With its combination of great food, extensive wine list, and dedicated service, Flower Drum provides a refined and elegant dining experience.

Recommended by

Round photo icons on a pile.
View recommendation

Tonka

Tonka is a modern Indian restaurant that offers a blend of traditional and experimental cuisine. Known for its flavorful dishes, the restaurant is particularly praised for its exceptional desserts and its warm, pillowy naan bread. The trout cooked in the tandoori oven is also a must-try, promising a memorable dining experience.

Recommended by

Round photo icons on a pile.
View recommendation

Gimlet at Cavendish House

Gimlet at Cavendish House is an elegant dining room known for its glamorous ambience and attention to detail. The establishment offers a balanced menu of modern bistro dishes, with notable choices like the lobster with saffron rice, prepared on a wood grill. Customers also appreciate their extensive cocktail selection, particularly the yuzu Alberto, and the restaurant's interior, which radiates old-world glamour.

Recommended by

Round photo icons on a pile.
View recommendation

Navi

"Navi" is a restaurant that offers contemporary Australian cuisine with a special emphasis on seasonal and local produce. The menu features creative dishes like the Golden Plains pork, which combines meat from different parts of the pig, caramelised radicchio, and a sour-sweet ragoût of native fruits. The restaurant also has a lounge area, and the chef's interest in foraging for seasonal ingredients reflects in the dishes served.

Recommended by

Round photo icons on a pile.
View recommendation

Stokehouse St Kilda

Stokehouse St Kilda is an upscale oceanfront eatery in Port Phillip Bay, renowned for its emphasis on seafood and an extensive wine list. The restaurant offers a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere, where guests can enjoy a long lunch while appreciating the impressive views. The desserts are particularly noteworthy, adding a sweet touch to the overall dining experience.

Recommended by

Round photo icons on a pile.
View recommendation

Fitzroy Town Hall Hotel

Fitzroy Town Hall Hotel is a classic public house that has been rejuvenated with fresh, vibrant dining spaces, textured wallpapers, and rich tartans. The restaurant offers quality-driven dining experiences featuring artisan ingredients and a rustic yet polished cooking style, courtesy of Chef Sean Donovan. It also boasts a traditional yet stylish public bar with vintage tiling, wood paneling, and a snug with an open fire, providing an ideal space for casual dining and premium craft beverages.

Recommended by

Round photo icons on a pile.
View recommendation

CTA

Recommended by

Round photo icons on a pile.
View recommendation

Amaru

Amaru is a cozy dining spot known for its tasting menu featuring high-quality local produce. The restaurant offers a unique experience with dishes like the salted Woodside goat’s curd served with honeycomb, lemon myrtle, and sorrel, which is highly recommended by visitors. The drink pairing of mango kombucha is also a standout, adding to the overall gastronomic journey at Amaru.

Recommended by

Round photo icons on a pile.
View recommendation

Hero at ACMI

Hero at ACMI is a day-to-night restaurant and wine bar that serves a seasonal menu crafted by renowned chef Karen Martini. The space is designed with abstract art, various shades of blue, sleek clean lines, and soft lighting, offering a calming ambiance. The restaurant is known for its wholesome dishes, beautifully presented, and an impressive wine list that is both high-quality and reasonably priced.

Recommended by

Round photo icons on a pile.
View recommendation

NOMAD Melbourne

NOMAD Melbourne is an Australian restaurant that serves dishes inspired by travels through Spain, Morocco, and the Middle East, cooked with fire and smoke. The menu includes dishes such as wood-fired flatbread, raw kingfish with avocado, and burrata with fennel jam, all made from locally sourced produce. Patrons recommend the affordable wine selection, the extraordinary flatbread, and the kingfish dish.

Recommended by

Round photo icons on a pile.
View recommendation

Kisumé

Kisumé is a calm and detail-focused Japanese restaurant known for its precision and refinement in every dish served. The chefs at Kisumé are known for their consistency, presenting each course as a work of art with a sleek and sharp aesthetic. As per the recommendations, it's regarded as one of the top spots for Japanese cuisine, offering a sexy vibe and a killer aesthetic.

Recommended by

Round photo icons on a pile.
View recommendation

Osteria Ilaria

Osteria Ilaria is a modern Italian eatery known for its extensive global wine list. The restaurant is highly recommended by patrons for its creative yet familiar dishes, offering a blend of modern and classic Italian cuisine. From the reviews, it's clear that customers enjoy building their own eight-course meal, often paired with some of the finest Chardonnays.

Recommended by

Round photo icons on a pile.
View recommendation

Sunda Dining

Sunda Dining is an industrial-chic restaurant that offers a sophisticated interpretation of modern Australian cuisine, with a menu that draws on the flavors of Southeast Asia and native Australian ingredients. The restaurant is known for its roti covered in shaved truffle with vegemite curry and Bannockburn chicken with Thai sausage, gai lan and bush apple. The restaurant provides a four-course menu for all guests, and it is recommended to make reservations in advance to enjoy the dining experience.

Recommended by

Round photo icons on a pile.
View recommendation

Freyja

Freyja is a restaurant that blends a Nordic approach with Australian dining. The establishment, located in a majestic, gothic building from the 1890s, offers a multi-sensory dining experience that combines traditional Northern European practices with experimental principles, resulting in a balance of adventurous and classic dishes. Chef Jae Bang, with his experience from El Bulli and Re-naa, contributes to the diversity of the dining scene by incorporating locally sourced ingredients and simplicity into the menu, including notable dishes like the waffle with trout roe.

Recommended by

Round photo icons on a pile.
View recommendation

Ishizuka

Ishizuka is a hidden gem offering a modern yet traditional kaiseki dining experience. It's known for its meticulous preparation techniques and excellent produce, served in an intimate and sleek environment. Ideal for special occasions and gourmet dining, Ishizuka is often considered among the top Japanese restaurants.

Recommended by

Round photo icons on a pile.
View recommendation

Looking for more restaurant recommendations to

Melbourne

? Download the World of Mouth app for free and discover expert recommendations to over 2,000 destinations, curated by top chefs, food writers and sommeliers. From street food to fine dining and well known institutions to hidden gems, World of Mouth is your ultimate insider's guide to the world's best restaurants.

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