Melbourne boasts a vibrant culinary scene, with a plethora of renowned restaurants offering diverse cuisines and unique dining experiences. Here, we present a curated list of the top 10 famous restaurants in Melbourne, each promising exceptional flavors and ambiance.
1. Attica:
Attica is a celebrated fine dining establishment, known for its innovative Australian cuisine infused with native ingredients and techniques.
- Location: 74 Glen Eira Rd, Ripponlea VIC 3185, Australia.
- Highlights: Awarded three hats by the Good Food Guide, Attica offers an immersive dining journey, blending creativity with impeccable service.
- Special Dishes: Don’t miss their signature dish, “Potato Cooked in the Earth It Was Grown,” showcasing Chef Ben Shewry’s commitment to sustainability and locality.
- Phone: +61 3 9530 0111
2. Vue de Monde:
Vue de Monde elevates dining to an art form, situated atop the iconic Rialto Tower, offering breathtaking views of Melbourne skyline.
- Location: Rialto Towers, Level 55/525 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia.
- Highlights: Renowned for its avant-garde cuisine and luxurious ambiance, Vue de Monde delivers an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
- Special Dishes: Indulge in their signature dish, the “Forest Floor,” a whimsical creation inspired by nature’s bounty.
- Phone: +61 3 9691 3888
3. Dinner by Heston Blumenthal:
Helmed by the legendary Heston Blumenthal, Dinner presents a culinary journey through time, reimagining historic British dishes with a modern twist.
- Location: Crown Towers Melbourne, 8 Whiteman St, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia.
- Highlights: Combining culinary innovation with historical narrative, Dinner offers a unique dining experience steeped in nostalgia and creativity.
- Special Dishes: Try the “Meat Fruit,” a playful interpretation of a medieval dish, featuring chicken liver parfait encased in mandarin jelly.
- Phone: +61 3 9292 5779
4. Flower Drum:
Flower Drum is an institution in Melbourne’s dining scene, renowned for its exquisite Cantonese cuisine and elegant ambiance.
- Location: 17 Market Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia.
- Highlights: With over four decades of culinary excellence, Flower Drum continues to captivate diners with its authentic flavors and impeccable service.
- Special Dishes: Sample their iconic Peking Duck, meticulously prepared and served with traditional accompaniments.
- Phone: +61 3 9662 3655
5. Supernormal:
Supernormal offers a contemporary take on Asian cuisine, showcasing bold flavors and innovative cooking techniques in a chic, bustling setting.
- Location: 180 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia.
- Highlights: Known for its vibrant atmosphere and inventive dishes, Supernormal is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
- Special Dishes: Don’t miss their famous Lobster Roll, a decadent indulgence that embodies the restaurant’s playful approach to food.
- Phone: +61 3 9650 8688
6. Cumulus Inc:
Cumulus Inc. is a beloved Melbourne institution, renowned for its relaxed atmosphere and seasonal, European-inspired dishes.
- Location: 45 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia.
- Highlights: With its bustling open kitchen and communal dining ethos, Cumulus Inc. offers a convivial dining experience for all occasions.
- Special Dishes: Try the house-made Charcuterie Board, featuring an array of cured meats and pickles, perfect for sharing.
- Phone: +61 3 9650 1445
7. Chin Chin:
Chin Chin is a vibrant and eclectic eatery, serving up modern Thai cuisine in a lively, bustling atmosphere.
- Location: 125 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia.
- Highlights: Known for its bold flavors and inventive dishes, Chin Chin promises an unforgettable dining experience from start to finish.
- Special Dishes: Indulge in the Crispy Pork Belly with Apple Slaw, a crowd favorite that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and crunchy textures.
- Phone: +61 3 8663 2000
8. Cutler & Co.:
Cutler & Co. showcases contemporary Australian cuisine in an elegant and intimate dining space, perfect for special occasions.
- Location: 55–57 Gertrude St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia.
- Highlights: With a focus on seasonal produce and expertly crafted dishes, Cutler & Co. offers a refined yet approachable fine dining experience.
- Special Dishes: Try the Dry-Aged Ribeye with Bone Marrow, a carnivore’s delight that highlights the restaurant’s commitment to quality ingredients.
- Phone: +61 3 9419 4888
9. Embla:
Embla is a cozy wine bar and eatery, known for its rustic charm and innovative small plates, perfect for sharing over a bottle of natural wine.
- Location: 122 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia.
- Highlights: With a focus on organic and biodynamic wines, Embla offers a curated selection that complements their seasonal and locally sourced menu.
- Special Dishes: Don’t miss the Grilled Lamb Ribs with Fermented Chilli, a flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with their eclectic wine offerings.
- Phone: +61 3 9654 5923
10. The Press Club:
The Press Club combines traditional Greek flavors with modern techniques, offering a refined dining experience in the heart of Melbourne.
- Location: 72 Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia.
- Highlights: Helmed by acclaimed chef George Calombaris, The Press Club celebrates the rich culinary heritage of Greece with a contemporary twist.
- Special Dishes: Try the Spanakopita with Feta Mousse and Tomato Confit, a sophisticated reinterpretation of a classic Greek dish.
- Phone: +61 3 9677 9677
From avant-garde fine dining to cozy neighborhood eateries, Melbourne’s culinary landscape is as diverse as it is exciting. Whether you’re craving innovative fusion cuisine or traditional flavors from around the world, these top 10 restaurants promise an unforgettable gastronomic journey through the vibrant streets of Melbourne.
I’ve been to a few of these restaurants and they definitely live up to the hype. I can’t wait to try the others on the list!