From visual art and performance to installations and live music, RISING Melbourne is an explosion of art, culture, music, and performance in the heart of Melbourne, however, it wouldn’t be a night of sense-tingling experiences without some mind-blowing food and drinks to top it all off. Whether you’re getting lost in ‘The Wilds’ or digging ‘The Hole’, looking for a satisfying dinner at the end of the day or want to set up a mid-RISING food-crawl, we’ve collected the who’s who and the what’s what of the best restaurants and bars near RISING.
PLACES TO EAT NEAR RISING MELBOURNE
Quick Bites
Sushi could be the ultimate ‘on the run’ food, and with the insane line-up at RISING this year, we don’t blame you for wanting a quick bite before you get back out into the action. Chocolate Buddha offers a 22-seater sushi train, and you can order with the QR codes at the tables, or with the super friendly wait staff. Our favourite bite of the day was the Kingfish Jalapeno Sashimi – incredibly fresh and with just the right amount of ‘oomph’ to get you through the afternoon.
Address: Federation Square, Corner Swanston St & Flinders St Melbourne, AU-VIC 3000
Reviews rating: 4.7/5 (Check out what OpenTable diners are saying about Chocolate Buddha)
We’ve listed Higher Ground under ‘Quick Bites’ because the food is gorgeous and perfect for either a late lunch or an early dinner, so you could be in and out in between art installations. However, you could get stuck in here for the afternoon just gawking at the architecture with the lofty ceilings and combinations of steel, stone and brick surrounding you. Not only the environment, but the food here is also a sight to see! As one of our diners mentioned – ‘Food was amazing, starting with the beautiful presentation to the taste which lived up to the look – highly recommended – but book or you will be waiting.’
Address: 650 Little Bourke St Melbourne, AU-VIC 3000
Reviews rating: 4.2/5 (Check out what OpenTable diners are saying about Higher Ground Melbourne)
Bold Flavours
The frontrunners of fusion, Hochi Mama are the talk of the town at both their city centre and Richmond venues, and once you eat there it’s no surprise why. If you have a group of 6 or more you will get to experience the “Favourites Banquet”. The menu is a sensory delight, with the lovely staff bringing out dish after dish of vibrant flavours, textures and ingredient mash-ups. Everything seems to just work seamlessly, even the bold and exciting street-art style murals on the walls.
Address: 35 Little Bourke Street Melbourne, AU-VIC 3000
Reviews rating: 4.6/5 (Check out what OpenTable diners are saying about Hochi Mama CBD)
Eating at Vue De Monde is like partaking in a performance where the takeaway message is how truly stunning native Australian ingredients are. The flavours are not for the faint-hearted, but even unlikely combinations like Sea Parsley Sorbet are a delight. Every dish at Vue De Monde has a sense of whimsy, mystery and excitement. You definitely won’t find a parma here, but if you lean into the experience and trust the chef you will have an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
Address: 525 Collins Street Level 55, Rialto Melbourne, AU-VIC 3000
Reviews rating: 4.9/5 (Check out what OpenTable diners are saying about Vue de monde)
Romantic Rendezvous
The rich smell of the wood-fired pizza oven, the clinking of wine glasses and the murmur of rich conversation – this is the soundtrack to an epic date night. At Freddy’s, the crusts are thin, the ingredients are fresh and the cheese is stretchy, and the intimate setting is a nice wind-down after an intense day moving around the city. When it comes to pizza, we like a classic and the Pina La Regina is as classic as it gets – san marzano, olives, capers, anchovies and garlic. So simple and satisfying, but definitely bring the breath mints!
Address: 78 Chapel St Windsor, AU-VIC 3181
Reviews rating: 4.8/5 (Check out what OpenTable diners are saying about Freddy’s Pizza)
Can you tell that we like a good Italian date? Call us predictable but pasta and wine are where it’s at, and Trattoria Emilia is where it’s good. We cannot get away from the Tagliatelle – a rich pork and beef ragu bolognese with fresh parmigiano reggiano. Top it off with the cheeseboard for the ultimate savoury experience. Or, if you have the time, the Autumn Tasting Menu is a real immersion into the Italian experience, with a 5-course tasting menu designed by the chefs, Luca and Francesco.
Address: 360 Little Collins Street Melbourne, AU-VIC 3000
Reviews rating: 4.7/5 (Check out what OpenTable diners are saying about Trattoria Emilia)
The Full Sit-Down
Omnia, meaning ‘all things’ in Latin, really is an experience in ‘all things’ that a stunning European menu can offer. The menu is elegant, and considered, and not one that you want to rush. So clear your schedule, wrap up your RISING activities for the day, and settle in for some of the most incredible food in Melbourne. Our highlight is the Murray cod with couscous, cucumber, horseradish & oyster leaf. Delicate and delicious.
Address: 617 Chapel Street South Yarra, AU-VIC 3141
Reviews rating: 4.6/5 (Check out what OpenTable diners are saying about Omnia Bistro & Bar)
For a comforting, elevated pub classic, Mt Erica Hotel is the place to be. The fish and chips is an unbeatable favourite and really hits the spot, or for something a little fancier the Confit Chicken Leg is rich and warming – perfect for the biting Melbourne winter! Not only is the food incredibly tasty, but the staff at Mt Erica are fantastic and made your experience top-tier.
Address: 420 High Street Prahran, AU-VIC 3181
Reviews rating: 4.5/5 (Check out what OpenTable diners are saying about Mount Erica Hotel)
Donnini’s is an institution in Melbourne and has been a family favourite for locals since it opened in 1952. The menu is seasonal and simple, and there are always new specials listed daily in-house. The pasta is rolled fresh each day, so to let the pasta shine we like to go for something simple like linguine with prawns, wild rocket, chilli, tomato and garlic. You know that a restaurant is a winner when you go for the simplest thing on their menu because the ingredients are just that good.
Address: 320 Lygon street Carlton, AU-VIC 3053
Reviews rating: 4.7/5 (Check out what OpenTable diners are saying about Donnini’s)
PLACES TO DRINK NEAR RISING MELBOURNE
Afternoon Pick-Me-Up
You’ve probably heard of a wine flight or a whiskey flight, but maybe not a tea flight – until now! Yugen Tea Bar offers a delicate respite from the liveliness of RISING, with pastries and a massive range of gorgeous teas, complete with a tea sommelier to talk you through the plethora of choices. If you have a bit of time between installations, the tea flights truly are an experience not to be missed, where you will be talked through the complex and rich history of the tea, and served a range of beautiful brews.
Address: 605 Chapel St South Yarra, AU-VIC 3141
Reviews rating: 4.8/5 (Check out what OpenTable diners are saying about Yugen Tea Bar)
If your idea of an afternoon pick-me-up is less tea-totalling and more or a tipple, then Riverland is the place for you. Below Federation Square and right up along the river, Riverland is the perfect place for a cold brew or bubbles while soaking in the sun. Aside from having one of the best bar outlooks in Melbourne, they also have a to-die-for nibbles menu including cured salmon carpaccio, herb-crumbed olives and fried calamari with a moreish saffron mayo.
Address: Vault 1-9 Federation Wharf Federation Square Melbourne, AU-VIC 3000
Reviews rating: 4.7/5 (Check out what OpenTable diners are saying about Riverland Bar)
Sit and Sip
If you’re looking for somewhere to spend a relaxed afternoon after a busy morning of RISING activities, Elwood Bathers is the place to be. The beachside view is unbeatable, and the coastal spritz cocktail seems like a no-brainer, with Bombay Sapphire gin, vermouth bianco, prosecco, soda and lemon. We topped the whole experience off with fresh oysters and house-marinated Mount Zero olives. Find a sunny afternoon and pretend it’s summer, we promise you’ll forget about the single-digit temperatures for a while!
Address: 15 Elwood Foreshore Elwood, AU-VIC 3184
Reviews rating: 4.5/5 (Check out what OpenTable diners are saying about Elwood Bathers)
Not quite on-the-beach weather? Tuck yourself away in the Carlton Wine Room with a Pinot (Gris? Noir? Whatever floats your boat) and some beautiful nibbles. In case the name didn’t give it away, the rows of wine bottles lining the walls let you know that this really is a place for wine, and that just about sells it for us! If you’re not a wine buff yourself, never fear, the staff at the Carlton Wine Room are incredibly knowledgeable and with just a few questions they’ll be pointing you in the direction of your new favourite drop.
Address: 172-174 Faraday St Carlton, AU-VIC 3053
Reviews rating: 4.8/5 (Check out what OpenTable diners are saying about The Carlton Wine Room)
Cocktails and Craft
The staff at Waterslide really know their stuff, which you can see coming through in their unique, signature cocktail menu. Sure, the classics are available upon request, but why would you when you could have a basil royale with Strawberry infused gin, grand marnier, cranberry, basil oil or a Luxuria with coffee tequila, dark cacao, cream, marsala wine, dried strawberry. Waterslide also has one of the most extensive spirit menus that we have ever seen. As in, pages and pages of spirits, many that we had never even heard of – guess they need a lot of inspiration for their quirky cocktails!
Address: Shop MR3 Mid Level East End Southgate Avenue, Southgate Centre Southbank, AU-VIC 3006
Reviews rating: 4.7/5 (Check out what OpenTable diners are saying about Waterslide Bar)
Stepping into Nick and Noras feels like stepping back in time to an elegant and glamorous, intimate soiree. This post-prohibition era cocktail and champagne bar is complete with highly skilled bartenders and a decadent menu with items like lobster rolls and a chicken parfait mille-feuille. The cocktail menu is extensive, and we particularly loved the detail that the menu went into when describing each recipe and the inspiration behind them. For the non-cocktail enthusiast among your group, the rest of the menu is just as extensive, and the incredible bar staff will be happy to pair you up with your ideal drink.
Address: 80 Collins Street Entrance 11 Benson Walk (an arcade that connects Collin) Melbourne, AU-VIC 3000
Reviews rating: 4.6/5 (Check out what OpenTable diners are saying about Nick & Nora’s Melbourne)
RISING Melbourne is a huge event, challenging all of your senses as well as your brain, so why not go all-out and round out the experience with the perfect food and drink to complement your line-up? Melbourne is a foodie paradise, but sometimes even long-standing locals can be missing a new favourite sitting right under their nose. So find somewhere on this list that you haven’t been before and head there! Every venue on this list is a must-see so you won’t be disappointed.
