Best Authentic Restaurants in East Melbourne

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

BaysideCity CentreEastern SuburbsInner City EastInner City NorthInner City South

Areas

AbbotsfordAlbert ParkArmadaleBalwyn NorthBlackburnBrighton

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeaway only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

245 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Geppetto Trattoria restaurant

1. Geppetto Trattoria

4.8

Exceptional(113)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • East Melbourne

Booked 9 times today

Located in the bustling heart of Melbourne, adjacent to iconic venues such as the MCG, AAMI Park, and Rod Laver Arena, Geppetto Trattoria has been a cherished dining destination since 1981. Under the skilled ownership of Nino Cea and his son Adriano, this restaurant has earned a reputation as one of Melbourne's best spots for authentic home-style Italian cooking.Geppetto Trattoria offers a menu that features a variety of famous dishes that have delighted diners for decades. From the rich and savoury Osso Buco to the classic and comforting Spaghetti Pescatora, each dish is prepared with care and expertise, capturing the essence of traditional Italian cuisine.Whether you're craving the hearty flavours of the Lasagna al Forno or the freshness of the Eggplant parmigiana made with locally grown tomatoes, Geppetto Trattoria ensures the best of Italian gastronomy. Step into this welcoming and relaxed atmosphere and immerse yourself in the timeless charm of Geppetto Trattoria.

A photo of IL Duca Restaurant restaurant

2. IL Duca Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(27)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Australian • East Melbourne

Booked 5 times today

We are a family orientated restaurant located in East Melbourne, just a few steps away from the CBD. Serving up traditional and appetizing italian cuisine in an intimate and cosy setting.Landamark italian restaurant and fuction room (est. 1983) in East Melbourne, a stone's throw away from the MCG and the sport's entertaining precint. We have a loyal customer base and real honest italian food and a family friendly atmosphere that makes Il Duca feel like a home away from home. Come and explore our a la carte dining room and private function room and enquire about our famous entertainment evenings. "Anybody can make you enjoy the first bite of a dish. But only a real chef can make you enjoy the last".

3. Trattoria Emilia

4.8

Exceptional(1300)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 40 times today

Trattoria Emilia is an authentic Italian restaurant focusing on seasonal produce and fresh pasta. Head chefs Francesco Rota and Luca Flammia hail from Modena in Emilia Romagna.At Trattoria Emilia we seasonally change the menu and source a large majority of our produce from regional Victoria, our meat is organic and sustainably grown in Tasmania and Victoria and we import some of the best Italian DOC products. Some dishes that are not to be missed are our Tortelloni Emiliani and the crowd favourite salumi misti with gnocco fritto and tigelle served with mortadella mousse.Rustic, yet refined, Trattoria Emilia boasts fantastic ambience, attentive and professional service whilst all the while remaining a great casual dining spot perfect for a quick lunch, a long relaxing dinner with friends and has always been a romantic date spot.

4. Il Solito Posto

4.8

Exceptional(1194)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 59 times today

One of Melbourne's most renowned Italian restaurants. Il Solito Posto is an institution. A real Melbourne Italian dining experience with a warm urban chic feel. Tantalise your taste buds with regional Italian dishes, prepared with the freshest seasonal produce and revel in the awarded wine list. This is Il Solito Posto ..... The usual place..

A photo of Kafeneion at the Melbourne Supper Club restaurant

5. Kafeneion at the Melbourne Supper Club

4.5

Awesome(142)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Greek • Melbourne CBD

Booked 19 times today

Melbourne's favourite spot is joining forces with the city's hottest Greek restaurant! Brace yourself for a culinary love affair that merges the best of Melbourne's charm with the rich flavours of traditional Greek cuisine.

A photo of Secret Kitchen - Chinatown - Melbourne CBD restaurant

6. Secret Kitchen - Chinatown - Melbourne CBD

4.4

Awesome(856)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Asian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 41 times today

Founded in 2007, Secret Kitchen brings to the city of Melbourne chinese dining experience the like of which youwon’t find anywhere else in the state. Combining traditional flavours with innovative techniques, an extensive variety of menu items and an incomparable atmosphere, Secret Kitchen offers its guests an inimitable feasting experience. We are awarded one of the top Yum Cha restaurant on Time Out Melbourne and rated 4 stars out of 5 by The Age Good Food Guide. Secret Kitchen is located strategically opposite Her Majesty's Theatre, also serving pre-theatre menus for your before show meal.

A photo of Ichi Ni Nana Izakaya - Fitzroy restaurant

7. Ichi Ni Nana Izakaya - Fitzroy

4.3

Awesome(1718)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Fitzroy

Booked 14 times today

Ichi Ni Nana, is a modern style Izakaya experience spread across multiple levels along the iconic Brunswick Street offering delectable Japanese dishes with a modern twist (such as our must try Ebi Mayo). The venue also comprises an amazing beverage list of Japanese inspired cocktails, the best Japan has to offer in sakes and whiskies and a comprehensive wine list covering local and international regions. Our friendly and professional team will take you on a guided tour through a Japanese experience that will leave you eagerly anticipating your next visit. Whether it’s an intimate dinner in one of our hand crafted booths or a group celebration, Ichi Ni Nana has an abundance of breathtaking indoor and outdoor areas (including a courtyard with a retractable glass ceiling which can be enjoyed rain, hail or shine), to suit any occasion.

A photo of Bodega Underground restaurant

8. Bodega Underground

4.5

Awesome(1545)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Melbourne CBD

Booked 30 times today

A restaurant smuggled from Mexico to Melbourne. Find Little Bourke Street’s late night mezcal bar and taqueria hidden underground in the China Town precinct, and open 7 days a week until late, including lunch Thursday - Sunday. Try a Tequila or Mezcal cocktail, or speak to our team about sipping some exciting Agave spirits instead. The $59 Feed Me banquet offers great value and a huge mix of traditional Mexican street food, plus some dishes with a twist. We also offer a $75 Bottomless Brunch on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sundays, with unlimited cocktails and 5 dishes; or a Pre-Theatre deal available every night of the week. We are located on the corner of Little Bourke and Crossley Street, Melbourne, with a moody bar and dining area perfect for both a quiet drink, or a larger celebration.

9. Gilson

4.5

Awesome(726)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • South Yarra

Booked 66 times today

Gilson is an authentic Italian restaurant. It's praised for its 'authentic Italian cuisine' and 'flavor-packed pasta dishes' by customers in their reviews. The 'Seafood Linguine', 'avocado bruschetta', and 'tiramisu' are particularly noted as delicious. The ambiance is also described as cozy and welcoming, further adding to the authentic Italian experience.

A photo of DOC Pizza & Mozzarella Bar - Carlton restaurant

10. DOC Pizza & Mozzarella Bar - Carlton

4.5

Awesome(581)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Pizzeria • Carlton

Booked 20 times today

D.O.C is real Italian eating and age old simplicity refreshed with contemporary flair. A celebration of heritage. A joy in sharing. Authentic, exuberant and outrageously Italian.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

P
Peter
Melbourne •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
My partner and I had a great experience! The staff were knowledgeable and pleasant, the food and wine were great as was the ambience! We will be back with others! Peter
More info
Geppetto TrattoriaPrice: Expensive• Italian• East Melbourne
•
4.8
L
Lesley
Melbourne •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We had the degustation menu. The food was excellent, the staff were just the right amount of attentive and very pleasant, wine a little pricey. We left full. We will definitely be back.
More info
Trattoria EmiliaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Melbourne CBD
•
4.8
S
Sally
Victoria •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Loved our dinner , good was simple but sooooo amazing . Have the lamb the best
More info
Kafeneion at the Melbourne Supper ClubPrice: Expensive• Greek• Melbourne CBD
•
4.5
R
Richard
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
I loved it when it opened in the mid 1990's and I still love it now nearly 30 years later. Little seems to have changed at Il Solito Posto, which is a blessing - great food, great wine, top service and a great vibe. And the signature pasta dish"farfalle al salmone" is still on the menu. Magnificent!
More info
Il Solito PostoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Melbourne CBD
•
4.8
C
Caroline
Vancouver / British Columbia •14 reviews
5.0
Dined on 22 Jan 2025
A perfect place to have dinner before the tennis. Highly recommended
More info
IL Duca RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Australian• East Melbourne
•
4.7

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