Taste A-Grade Meals at the Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Melbourne
We’ve dined, we’ve wined, and we’ve debated the perfect truffle-to-pasta ratio. Fine dining is all about stepping into a world where every detail feels curated just for you.
The ambiance is set, the service feels like an art form, and the food? Let’s just say it’s the kind of experience that makes you linger over each bite, savoring flavors you didn’t know existed.
Whether you’re impressing someone special or just treating yourself (because you deserve it), we’ve hunted down the fine dining spots in Melbourne that know exactly how to create magic on a plate.
Eureka 89
– Media from: 89_eureka
Location: Eureka Tower, Level 89/7 Riverside Quay
Contact: +61 3 9693 8889
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday (dinner only) – 5.30:00 PM to late
- Saturday & Sunday (lunch) – 12.00 PM to 3: 30 PM
Perched high on the 89th floor of the Eureka Tower in Southbank, Eureka 89 offers a dining experience that feels like a celebration of Melbourne itself.
We remember the first time we dined here—being captivated by the sweeping 360-degree views of the city skyline, the lush Botanical Gardens, and the shimmering expanse of Port Phillip Bay.
Their tasting menus are a love letter to Victoria and Australia since they feature the finest seasonal ingredients. The menu shifts with the seasons, so there’s always something new to explore, perfect for those who love to try fresh takes on local flavors.
You can opt for a six-course tasting menu complete with an optional wine pairing, or dive into an eight-course feast stretching the culinary adventure even further.
Pro Tip:
If you’re celebrating something special (or just want to make it feel like you are), make sure to reach out to the restaurant in advance to arrange cakes or floral touches.
Farmer’s Daughters
– Media from: farmersdaughters
Location: 95 Exhibition Street, 80 Collins Precinct
Contact: +61 3 9116 8682
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Saturday – 11:30 AM to 12:00 AM
- Sunday – 11:30 PM to 10:00 PM
This place is the brainchild of the ridiculously talented chef Alejandro Saravia, and let me tell you, he’s not messing around.
They’ve transformed this amazing three-level space on Collins Street into a love letter to Gippsland. (We may or may not have become best friends with the bartender, who spilled all the secrets.)
On the ground floor, it’s all about relaxed vibes and incredible food. Think handmade mozzarella with macadamia and black garlic and ridiculously good Amber Creek confit pork belly.
Once you head upstairs, it’s a more refined setting with an open kitchen fueled by charcoal and wood. The aroma is intoxicating. They showcase the best of Gippsland’s seasonal bounty here with dishes like baked Baw Baw alpine trout and Yarragon rabbit.
Now, their rooftop bar is the ideal spot to unwind with a botanical cocktail (made with their exclusive Farmer’s Daughters Gippsland vermouth) or a glass of regional wine.
Pro Tip:
Always check out the “What’s On” section on their website so you don’t miss out on any special events or collaborations.
NOMAD Melbourne
– Media from: nomad.melbourne
Location: 187 Flinders Ln
Contact: +61 2 9280 3395
Operating hours:
- Monday to Tuesday – 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM
- Saturday – 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
NOMAD takes the best of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean culinary traditions and gives it a distinctly Melbourne twist, using top-notch Victorian produce.
It’s the sister restaurant to Sydney’s acclaimed NOMAD, and it definitely lives up to the hype.
The menu is made for sharing, which is perfect because you’re going to want to try everything.
Here, you can dive into plates of house-made charcuterie and wood-fired flatbreads. And don’t get us started on their legendary raw kingfish with avocado, finger lime, and coriander crackers (we may have fought over the last cracker, no judgment).
The vibe? Expect warmth and energy. The place has these gorgeous polished wooden floors, cool blue tones, and an open kitchen where you can watch the magic happen.
Pro Tip:
Do yourself a favor and book a table on their website. You don’t want to miss out on this culinary adventure.
Philippe
– Media from: philippe_restaurantmelb
Location: 115 Collins St,
Contact: +61 3 8394 6625
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 12:30 PM to 9:30 PM
- Saturday – 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Philippe is the culinary masterpiece of legendary chef Philippe Mouchel. He began his journey at 16 and has become one of the world’s most respected French chefs.
Going here is like entering a Parisian bistro. You’ve got the open kitchen and a zinc-topped bar where they shuck oysters fresh to order. The whole place oozes elegance, with whitewashed vaulted ceilings and perfectly spaced tables.
Their pâté en croûte is a work of art – this classic terrine encased in pastry is pure perfection. And the rôtisserie chicken? Forget everything you thought you knew about roast chicken.
This masterpiece is stuffed with a mushroom and herb farce, cooked to perfection, and served with the most incredible chicken jus.
Pro Tip:
If you’re planning a get-together with a larger group, be sure to book Le Salon “Paul Bocuse,” their private room. It’s the perfect setting for a special occasion.
The George on Collins
– Media from: thegeorgeoncollins
Location: 162-168 Collins St
Contact: +61 3 9663 7226
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 12:00 PM to 10:30 PM
- Saturday – 12:00 PM to 3:00 AM
- Sunday – 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
The George on Collins is a real gem since it blends Southeast Asian flavors with modern techniques in the stunning, historic Georges building. Imagine a stylish New York-style basement bar and restaurant with a touch of old-fashioned charm – that’s The George.
While the food is fantastic (and we’ll get to that in a minute), The George is really known for its drinks. We’re talking about an extensive list of house cocktails (the “One Night in Paris” is a must-try), a huge variety of wines and beers, and a spirit selection that’ll make your head spin.
Now, about that food. Think fresh, vibrant Southeast Asian flavors with a modern twist. (We may have overheard the chef saying they source some of their spices from a secret rooftop garden. Okay, maybe not so secret, but it sounds cool, right?)
Pro Tip:
Don’t miss their bottomless brunches. They’ve got live music, happy hour deals, and a seriously delicious spread. It’s the perfect way to kick off your weekend.
Attica
– Media from: atticamelbourne
Location: 74 Glen Eira Rd
Contact: +61 3 9530 0111
Operating hours: Tuesday to Saturday – 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Attica’s chef and owner, Ben Shewry, is a bit of a legend. He’s created something truly special here.
This place consistently ranks among the world’s best, and for good reason. In fact, it was even named Australia’s best restaurant at the Gourmet Traveller Food Awards in 2019!
Plus, they’re all about showcasing native Australian ingredients in exciting and innovative ways. You can expect bunya nuts, finger limes, and all sorts of incredible native herbs, many of which are grown right nearby.
They even have dishes like crocodile ribs and kangaroo samosas – talk about a walk on the wild side.
Pro Tip:
Whatever you do, don’t miss their “A Simple Tart of Crab & Lemon Aspen.” It perfectly captures the essence of Attica, with the sweetness of fresh crab balanced by the zesty lemon aspen.
Vue de Monde
– Media from: vuedemonde
Location: 55 Rialto Towers
Contact: +61 3 9691 3888
Operating hours: Wednesday to Thursday – 6:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Under the brilliant stewardship of Executive Chef Hugh Allen, Vue de Monde has transformed into something truly extraordinary.
When we went here, we couldn’t help but marvel at how seamlessly they’ve embraced native Australian ingredients. They’ve crafted a tasting menu that feels like an edible story of the land.
It’s not just dinner – it’s a performance. One of us has even over-churned our butter during their interactive experience. But hey, when else do you get to make your own butter or assemble a seafood sausage at a fine dining spot?
The interiors, designed by Elenberg Fraser, are as striking as the menu. Picture black basalt bars, kangaroo fur chairs (yes, really), and walls reminiscent of corrugated iron. They all come together to evoke the rugged beauty of Australia.
And if you needed a little nudge to book, here’s a flex: Vue de Monde ranked fifth globally on La Liste’s 2025 list. No big deal – just Australia’s top dining destination.
Pro Tip:
Want to be in the know? Make sure to subscribe to their newsletter for the inside scoop on reservations, events, and news.
Flower Drum
– Media from: foodporn and flower_drum
Location: 17 Market Ln
Contact: +61 3 9662 3655
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday – 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Flower Drum has been a cornerstone of Melbourne’s dining scene since 1975, and it has earned every bit of its legendary status.
We’ll admit, we went in expecting great things, but the Peking duck? It genuinely left us debating if it’s the best we’ve ever had.
Tender, juicy meat wrapped in perfectly crispy skin, paired with delicate pancakes and just the right accompaniments—it’s an experience we’ll be talking about for a while.
Plus, their quail san choi bao is a perfect starter. The mud crab sui lung bao is bursting with flavor, and the stuffed garfish in mushroom sauce? Let’s just say it had one of us rethinking our go-to seafood orders.
But their real magic lies in how it stays true to its Cantonese roots while adapting just enough to stay relevant in Melbourne’s ever-changing culinary scene.
Pro Tip:
Dress in smart business casual attire. Management reserves the right to deny entry if you don’t follow their dress code.
Tonka
– Media from: tonkarestaurant
Location: 20 Duckboard Pl
Contact: +61 3 9650 3155
Operating hours:
- Monday – 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday – 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 12:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Tonka, since its inception in 2013, has garnered acclaim for its innovative approach to Indian cuisine.
The restaurant’s dedication to excellence has been recognized with multiple accolades, including the Age Good Food Guide’s ‘Hat Award’ every year since its opening.
Standout offerings include the feather-light pani puri, which is filled with spiced potatoes and mung beans. We also love the tandoor-cooked spatchcock, which exemplifies the restaurant’s mastery of traditional cooking methods.
The vindaloo steak tartare, accompanied by fenugreek raita, is a brilliant example of well-balanced spicing.
Pro Tip:
Make sure to check their digital vouchers on their website so you can add an extra layer of indulgence or surprise someone with an exceptional dining experience.
Grossi Florentino
– Media from: grossiflorentino
Location: 80 Bourke St
Contact: +61 3 9662 1811
Operating hours: Monday to Saturday – 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Grossi Florentino has been in the fine dining scene since 1928. It blends authentic Italian cuisine with a touch of local Australian flavor.
Under the masterful guidance of Chef Guy Grossi, the restaurant stays true to its Italian roots while celebrating the finest seasonal produce Australia has to offer.
When we tried their tortellini filled with pumpkin and sage, it was like a warm embrace on a plate. The Bistecca alla Fiorentina, on the other hand, delivered that perfect balance of tenderness and bold flavor.
The service here is as impeccable as the food. The staff makes you feel like a VIP by offering thoughtful wine pairings and personal recommendations that make the experience unforgettable.
Pro Tip:
Don’t leave without popping into their cellar bar since it’s the perfect spot to sip on a glass of Italian wine and soak in the ambiance of this iconic establishment.
Amaru
– Media from: amaru_melbourne
Location: 1121 High St
Contact: +61 3 9822 0144
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 5:45 PM to 9:15 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 12:00 PM to 9:15 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Since its debut in 2016, Amaru has been turning heads and tantalizing taste buds. It offers a dining experience that feels more like an intimate performance than just a meal.
With only 34 seats, it’s the kind of place where you feel like the star of the show—though the real spotlight belongs to Chef Clinton McIver’s contemporary Australian creations.
The menus here are a journey in themselves. The Sensory Menu, available for lunch and dinner, offers a 2.5-hour exploration of flavor. It features standout dishes like Marigold with carrot and finger lime or Western Australian marron with blood lime and marron head sambal.
Meanwhile, the Insight Menu that’s exclusive to lunch is a curated selection of snacks, courses, and petit fours that feels like the chef’s personal playlist – think Radish with bonito and horseradish or sweetbreads paired with turnip and spelt.
Pro Tip:
Skip the usual wine and go for the non-alcoholic beverage pairing. Their house-made ferments and creative concoctions are so good you won’t even miss the booze.
Sunda Dining
– Media from: sunda.melbourne
Location: 18 Punch Ln
Contact: +61 3 9654 8190
Operating hours: Tuesday to Saturday – 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Sunda Dining has been shaking up Melbourne’s food scene since 2018. It serves a bold fusion of Malaysian, Indonesian, and Vietnamese traditions with a distinct Aussie twist.
It’s the kind of place where you can expect the unexpected, like their buttermilk roti with Vegemite curry. It’s an irresistible nod to local flavors that somehow just works.
And don’t even get us started on the Bika Ambon honeycomb cake; it’s the kind of dessert that haunts your dreams – in the best way – thanks to its delicate texture and rich, caramel-like sweetness.
With multiple accolades under its belt and glowing reviews from Gourmet Traveller, it’s safe to say Sunda is a playground where creativity reigns supreme.
Pro Tip:
Reserve a spot near the open kitchen to watch the chefs in action to add an interactive and engaging element to your dining experience.