Best Seasonal Restaurants in Melbourne CBD

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

BaysideCity CentreEastern SuburbsInner City EastInner City NorthInner City South

Areas

AbbotsfordAlbert ParkAlphingtonArmadaleAscot ValeAshburton

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

166 restaurants available nearby

1. Trattoria Emilia

4.8

Exceptional(1300)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 39 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.

2. Meatmaiden

4.6

Exceptional(1378)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Melbourne CBD

Booked 28 times today

Meatmaiden is an underground steakhouse and cocktail bar delivering a unique take on the classics.Hidden in the basement of the historic Georges Building, we strive to find the finest grass-fed, grain-fed and Wagyu beef for our custom-built grill and wood-fired smoker and dry-age select cuts in our meat cabinet.Premium steaks from incredible local producers with an ever-evolving lineup, seafood dishes such as our cult lobster mac cheese and modern, diverse menus stand alongside innovative house cocktails and a focused, energetic wine list.Look for the Maiden's face on Little Collins St, descend the metal stairs and discover our dark, seductive venue and individual approach to dining out in this rollicking homage to all things meat.

3. The Moat

4.9

Exceptional(324)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 11 times today

Enjoy an Italian escape at The Moat, an intimate haven in the heart of Melbourne. Set in the basement of the State Library.Our new menu reflects the Italian heritage of our two owners, Paul and Rosie, and of our head chef Monica. Together, they have created authentic dishes that are hand-made with seasonal local produce, simplicity and love.Our family welcomes yours to join us.

4. Il Solito Posto

4.8

Exceptional(1194)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 62 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..

5. Ishizuka

4.8

Exceptional(41)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Melbourne CBD

Booked 9 times today

Awarded two hats at the 2025 Good Food Guide Awards, Ishizuka is renowned for its contemporary interpretation of Kaiseki—an elevated and intricate culinary art form, practiced exclusively by Japan’s most expert culinary master Katsuji Yoshino. Each Kaiseki meal is a multi-course journey that celebrates the integrity of seasonal ingredients, with a balance of flavours and textures that are as artistically presented as they are meticulously crafted.Designed by esteemed architecture and design practice Russell & George, Ishizuka was awarded Restaurant of the Year at the 2019 Frame Awards in Amsterdam, International Winner in the Australia & Pacific Restaurant category at the prestigious Restaurant & Bar Design Awards in London, and Restaurant Design of the Year at the 2018 Eat Drink Design Awards in Melbourne.

6. Shoya Melbourne

4.6

Exceptional(55)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Melbourne CBD

Booked 5 times today

Founded in 2003 by Chef Shigeo Nonaka, Shoya Nouvelle Wafu Cuisine proudly holds the title of Best Japanese Restaurant in Melbourne for 7 years in a row. We are a "One Hat Awarded" Japanese Fine Dinning Experience by the Age Good Food Guide.Our dishes are prepared with century-old Japanese techniques with contemporary western influence for the purest and delicate flavors and crafted with the highest quality ingredients sourced from Japan, locally, and globally, ensuring a unique culinary journey you cannot find else where. Choose from our offerings: Omakase Courses, à la Carte, and premium Special Lunch Sets, all accompanied by an extensive selection of traditional alcoholic Japanese drinks. Stay tuned for upcoming menu updates and events as we continue to elevate your dining experience.

7. Mesa Verde

4.7

Exceptional(393)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Melbourne CBD

Booked 12 times today

Finding harmony between authenticity and originality is something that first ignited the flame at Mesa Verde back in 2013 and continues to feed it today. While it’s fairly evident that an affinity for Mexican food and agave spirits is at the helm of what we do, our city’s rank on the culinary frontier has brought with it a particular nose for experimentation. So, since we’re very literally in the heart of Melbourne up here on the sixth floor of Curtin House, high above the city’s jugular Swanston Street, we feel it’s our responsibility to highlight what Mexican dining (and drinking) looks like in the eyes of the modern Melburnian. $10 Margaritas 4pm - 6pm daily.

A photo of Blacksmith Bar and Grill restaurant

8. Blacksmith Bar and Grill

4.6

Exceptional(236)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Melbourne CBD

Booked 2 times today

Contemporary Australian grill with a great view.Join us, overlooking Melbourne's city skyline at our relaxed and modern Australian bar and grill. The perfect spot for a memorable dinner date, a delicious wine or a small, lively gathering with a group of friends. Experience impressive views and a feast of fire-cooked, locally sourced food where our steak is the main event.

9. Bouvardia

4.7

Exceptional(77)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • Melbourne CBD

Booked 4 times today

*Best Cocktail Bar 2023 Critics Choice Award - TimeOutMelbourne*Bouvardia is a modern experimental cocktail bar and exhibition space. The cocktails are all highly experimental and unique incorporating local products, seasonality, sustainability and gastronomical processes. The interiors mid century modern design contrasts aspects of minimalism with opulent colours and textures. The venue also doubles as an exhibition space showcasing local artists on a rotational monthly basis. Bouvardias concept was designed to be unique and inspire creativity through providing a multi-sensory experience to all patrons and visitors.

10. La Madonna

4.6

Exceptional(107)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Fusion / Eclectic • Melbourne CBD

Booked 4 times today

La Madonna - a Good Food Guide listed day to night dining and drinking enclave dedicated to spontaneous menus, a celebration of local produce and the spirit of sustainability. Enjoy menu highlights such as Wagyu bresaola with romesco, pickled zuchinni and togarashi, Seared Scallop Artichoke Pureé, Parsley Pangrattato or Roasted John Dory Pureé All’olio Fennel, Sea Herbs.Or perhaps wind down after a busy day at La Madonna Bar. With plenty of comfortable couches and dimly lit corners to enjoy a cocktail, or two and a selection of snacks. Sink into a seat surrounded by wooden barrels and glass bottles ageing various cocktails, tinctures and spirits.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

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
M
Margaret
Melbourne •14 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Our experience at Meatmaiden was one of perfection, the food and ambience were outstanding but rhe overall experience was topped off by our waiter Logan McBride, who was not only extremely knowledgeable about the menu and drinks list but looked after us in a friendly and efficient manner, he made us feel welcome and in no way could have performed his job better, well done Meatmaiden for employing staff who care
More info
MeatmaidenPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Melbourne CBD
•
4.6
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
Connor
Adelaide •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 7 Feb 2025
We had a great dinner here, the staff were all very friendly and really made our night, especially offering to take our photo
More info
The MoatPrice: Expensive• Italian• Melbourne CBD
•
4.9
KL
KinL
Melbourne •1 review
5.0
Dined on 13 Sept 2018
Fine dining atmosphere, detail on the presentation on the food, can't get any better Japanese food in Melbourne
More info
IshizukaPrice: Very Expensive• Japanese• Melbourne CBD
•
4.8

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