With summer on the horizon, eating and drinking outside is on every Melbournian’s mind. From lively alfresco aperitivo joints serving shareable plates with fresh local beers, beachside spots with seafood platters and creative cocktails at sunset and romantic date night dinners, the best outdoor restaurants in Melbourne promise a memorable time.
Whether you’re looking for a casual family dining option, a sun-soaked beer garden, or waterside dining with epic views, Melbourne is a city that makes the most of its outdoor dining spaces during the warmer months.
Read on for the best outdoor restaurants in Melbourne to enjoy this summer – and beyond, and book your spot on OpenTable.
The best outdoor restaurants in Melbourne to book right now – read on for a guide
For fresh seafood by the water – visit Pipi’s Kiosk in Albert Park
Pipi’s Kiosk, at the Albert Park foreshore, offers alfresco dining so close to the water you can smell the ocean breeze. Watch the boats sail past as you enjoy a seafood and fresh farm produce-focused menu. Highlights include cod croquettes with aioli, bucatini pasta with Goolwa pipis and chilli, and roasted strawberry trifle with diplomat cream. You can also leave the decision-making up to the chef, with a four-course selection for $110 per person. The expansive wine list featuring natural and biodynamic options is another reason Pipi’s Kiosk shines.
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For a beautiful Tuscan-inspired courtyard – try Officina Gastronomica Italiana in Prahran
Walk through Officina Gastronomica Italiana and step out into a Tuscan-inspired courtyard offering all-day Italian fare. Exposed red brick walls covered with crawling vines and lush greenery surround a mix of wooden and mosaic tile tables with wrought-iron chairs. Numerous breakfast options include fruit toast, and ‘nduja (spicy Italian sausage) scrambled eggs. For lunch or dinner, start with Italian tapas such as truffle croquettes or fried calamari, before moving on to pasta made fresh in-house. Choose between cacio e pepe, rock lobster, Parmigiano or slow-braised beef ragù, or tuck into charred asparagus, eggplant parmigiana or veal tonnato. For dessert, the tiramisù is a crowd favouriter that pairs well with coffee.
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For one of the best outdoor restaurants in Melbourne for pizza and spritz – book at Gilson in South Yarra
Gilson is a seasonal neighbourhood eatery offering all-day drinking and dining on Domain Road. Sit out front under the awning or umbrellas with picturesque views of the Royal Botanical Gardens. Enjoy sipping on a glass of bubbles or one of the many cocktails, including an Aperol spritz. Pair your drinks with antipasti, Roman-style artichokes, a Niçoise salad with grilled tuna filet, pizza, prawn linguine, or wood-grilled mains and sides. With its extensive selection of coffee, pastries, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Gilson offers something for everyone.
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For a lively neighbourhood hotspot serving Brazilian sandwiches – don’t miss Bossa Nova Cafe in Carlton
Bringing Brazilian soul to Carlton, Bossa Nova Cafe is a quirky, colourful café with footpath dining out front. Soak up the sunshine whilst dining on dishes such as the popular mortadella sandwich. More traditional offerings include the picanha steak with chimichurri, feijoada (slow-cooked pork and black beans) and the fish and prawn Brazilian-style curry. In summer, the cafe hosts Live music on Friday and Saturday – allowing you to enjoy your delicious snacks, local beers, and Brazilian beats.
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For one of the best outdoor beer gardens in Melbourne – try Goldy’s! Tavern in Collingwood
Goldy’s! Tavern is in a restored red brick building with a leafy atrium that fills with natural light. Pass through the kitschy, retro indoors to the spacious outdoor beer garden for a classic pub meal featuring fish and chips or a panko parma. The drinks list is extensive with a selection of beers, Australian wines and cocktails. With a Wednesday night pool comp, DJ’s spinning tracks on weekends, regular live music acts and its dog-friendly space, it’s no surprise Goldy’s Tavern won the 2022 pub of the year at the prestigious Australian Bar Awards.
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For a healthy alfresco brunch to remember – don’t miss Edithvale General Store in Edithvale
Serving up coffee from 6 am, Edithvale General Store has become a beloved local spot for a morning brew. The outdoor space has coastal vibes with its white decor, wooden tables, rope fencing, and pastel beach umbrellas. To eat, there’s a granola bowl with coconut tapioca and seasonal fruit; chilli-infused scrambled eggs, sweet potato and corn fritters, smashed avocado bruschetta, poached eggs and breaky buns served with hashbrowns and aioli; and a burrito bowl with tortilla chips, cajun chicken salad, lime and pepper calamari and burgers. On a former milk bar site, the corner spot offers plenty of outdoor dining for a relaxed and leisurely brunch or lunch in the sunshine.
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For one of the best outdoor restaurants in Melbourne for vegan cuisine – book at Good Love in St Kilda
Good Love brings vegan cuisine, cheeky cocktails, and strong beats to a busy corner in St. Kilda. The outdoor space is done up with neon-pink lighting, tropical umbrellas and splashes of greenery. From the all-day menu, snack on soy ‘duck’ fried rice, Korean fried mushrooms and loaded patatas bravas with walnut chorizo mince and cashew crumbs. For something more substantial, order the KFC burger with jackfruit nuggets, chipotle and chips. Round out the fun vibes with a speciality cocktail such as the lavender cosmo.
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For French-Vietnamese fusion fare – head over to Jardin Tan in South Yarra
Jardin Tan, in the heart of the Royal Botanical Gardens (or Tan, as it is known by the locals), specialises in high tea with staples such as homemade scones, cream, and jam served alongside savoury bites and free-flowing coffee or tea. During summer months, the restaurant has a French-Vietnamese menu focused on local, seasonal produce with dishes such as sweet glazed salmon with pea puree or braised beef cheek with cauliflower purée and rainbow salad. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a reason not to stop by, whether for a quick coffee, leisurely lunch, afternoon tea or cocktails with friends.
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For sustainably sourced top-notch seafood – visit Tommy Ruff Fishbar in Mordialloc
Some of the freshest seafood in Melbourne can be found at Tommy Ruff Fish Bar, a Mordialloc favourite with footpath dining just one block from the beach. Seafood options include fish wings, calamari, prawn skewers, a range of market fish (barramundi, Atlantic salmon, blue grenadier) and seasonal salads. Pair it with housemade cider. Time Out declared this spot the number one fish and chips establishment in Melbourne in 2020 and remains popular with families looking for a Bayside meal.
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For one of the best outdoor restaurants in Melbourne for sushi and ramen – try Chocolate Buddha in Melbourne CBD
This bright and airy restaurant has a large outdoor seating area with a view of Federation Square. Chocolate Buddha serves casual Japanese fare such as sushi, bento boxes, and ramen. Come for lunch or dinner and order kingfish sashimi, ocean trout nigiri or miso udon ramen. Or stop by for after-work drinks with colleagues and sample the extensive sake menu as you people-watch.
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For a lively brunch on a sunny outdoor deck – book at The Deck in Brighton
On busy Bay Street, in the heart of Brighton, The Deck offers spacious seating on its sunny outdoor deck. It’s a great place to enjoy a casual bite with family or friends all day long. Visit early for a round of coffees, fresh juices or smoothies, alongside avocado or French toast. Or stop in for a lunch of fish tacos or a beef burger accompanied by a glass of wine or cold beer.
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For a Greek feast at one of the best outdoor restaurants in Melbourne – don’t skip YASSAS The Greek Way in Southbank
Outdoor balcony dining overlooking the Yarra River makes YASSAS The Greek Way the perfect spot to enjoy a Greek feast with a large group of friends. YASSAS’ Southbank location means you can escape the hustle and bustle whilst still enjoying the buzz of city life. Be sure to order the housemade dips such as tarama, tzatziki and hummus, along with a host of yiros. Don’t miss the $69 Feed Me menu and the $89 YASSAS experience for a feast of mezzes, grilled meats, salads and desserts.
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