Best Restaurants in Melbourne

Melbourne's restaurant scene rewards the curious. From intimate laneway spots to hidden gems serving bold, unexpected flavours, this city takes its food seriously. We've spent time exploring what makes our local dining landscape distinctive, testing everything from innovative cooking techniques to time-honoured traditions. Whether you're chasing a specific craving or ready for discovery, our curated selection below showcases the restaurants genuinely worth your time and money.

Melbourne's central business district pulses with culinary ambition, home to laneway bars tucked beneath heritage facades and restaurants pushing modern Australian cuisine forward. The CBD draws professionals, students, and serious food enthusiasts into its network of arcades and side streets, where hidden gems compete alongside established institutions. This densely packed urban core defines the city's dining identity, blending cafe culture with high-end experimentation and casual neighbourhood feel amid towering Victorian and contemporary architecture.

Showing 100 restaurants in Melbourne, ranked by local reviews.

100 listings 4.5 avg rating 🟢 2 open now 💰 $$–$$$ Updated July 3, 2026
Jump to: #1 Mesa Verde #2 Hwadam #3 Yamagen #4 Daughter in Law #5 Buza Chicken #6 Kenangan #7 Fishing Season #8 Fishpot ↓ FAQs
Sort:

Restaurants in Other Melbourne Suburbs

Great Restaurants in Carlton (61) Docklands Restaurants Guide (54) Top Southbank Restaurants (42) Restaurants in Epping (38) Great Restaurants in Thomastown (35) Campbellfield Restaurants Guide (30) Preston Restaurants Guide (29) Great Restaurants in Eltham (26) Best Restaurants Coburg North (22) Restaurants in Tullamarine (22) Greensborough Restaurants Guide (19) Great Restaurants in Reservoir (19) Restaurants in Broadmeadows (18) Top Bundoora Restaurants (18) Restaurants in Coburg (17)

More in Melbourne

Beauty & Wellness in Melbourne (45) Best Cafés in Melbourne (277) Top Melbourne Pubs & Bars (121) Melbourne Retail Guide (320)

📰 From Melbourne Insider

Public Works Committee to hold Melbourne hearings on 8 July 2026
News
Public Works Committee to hold Melbourne hearings on 8 July 2026
Jul 3, 2026
Yempo Solutions outsourcing roadshow will visit Melbourne
News
Yempo Solutions outsourcing roadshow will visit Melbourne
Jul 1, 2026
Melbourne pre-press workshop set for indie authors
News
Melbourne pre-press workshop set for indie authors
Jun 30, 2026
Victorian water bills will rise
News
Victorian water bills will rise
Jun 30, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best Restaurants in Melbourne?+
The highest-rated Restaurants in Melbourne based on local reviews include Mesa Verde, Hwadam and Yamagen. Melbourne Insider ranks 100 restaurants in Melbourne by verified customer reviews.
How many Restaurants are there in Melbourne?+
There are 100 restaurants listed in Melbourne on Melbourne Insider, each with reviews, photos, and opening hours.
Are there affordable Restaurants in Melbourne?+
Most restaurants in Melbourne fall in the mid-range ($$) price range. You can filter by price on Melbourne Insider to find options that fit your budget.
What is the highest rated restaurant in Melbourne?+
The highest rated restaurant in Melbourne is Mesa Verde with a rating of 5.0 stars from 6 reviews.
What are the best restaurants in Melbourne, Melbourne?+
Melbourne offers diverse dining options ranging from casual cafes to fine dining establishments. Top-rated restaurants in the area typically feature local produce, innovative cuisine, and strong community recommendations on platforms like Google Reviews and TripAdvisor.
How much does it cost to eat at restaurants in Melbourne?+
Prices vary significantly depending on the restaurant type—casual dining and brunch spots typically range from $15–$30 per meal, while mid-range restaurants average $40–$70 per person, and fine dining can exceed $100+ per person before drinks.
Do I need to book ahead at Melbourne restaurants?+
It depends on the venue and time. Popular lunch spots and dinner services usually require bookings, especially on weekends, while casual cafes and some bistros operate on a walk-in basis—calling ahead is recommended during peak hours.
What are the typical opening hours for restaurants in Melbourne?+
Most restaurants in Melbourne open for lunch from 11:30am–2:30pm and dinner from 5:30pm–10:30pm, though cafes open earlier from 7am–8am and some venues close between lunch and dinner service—check individual restaurant websites for exact hours.
Curated by Melbourne Insider editors — every listing verified by local reviewers with genuine ratings. About us →
← Browse All Melbourne Businesses

Melbourne’s biggest moments, straight to you.