Melbourne Fine Dining Restaurants
THE COLONIAL TRAMCAR RESTAURANT
This unique “best of Melbourne tour” is a showcase of Melbourne's charm. Since it's inception in 1983, the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant has become a star attraction in Melbourne. Dining is not only a culinary delight, but also a journey into a little piece of Victoria's past. The converted 1927 tram that has become a glossy, burgundy restaurant on wheels, the first travelling tramcar restaurant in the world and a delightful innovative approach to dining. As it cruises the scenic streets of Melbourne, diners can enjoy fine cuisine and drink the very best of Australian wines or make a selection of beverages from the fully stocked bar at an all-inclusive price. The atmosphere is cosy, the service friendly and the decor as inviting as the colonial period reflects.
To ensure a smooth ride whilst dining, heavy-duty stabilizers have been fitted so not even a glass trembles as the tram glides along. The food itself is prepared on the tram and the Maitre d' oversees traditional silver and white linen service. One-way glass windows have been installed, so diners can enjoy the passing parade without the gazes of the curious to distract them. As well, this 1927 tram features all the modern conveniences you would expect to find in a first class restaurant, such as burgundy carpet underfoot and seats covered in velvet, beautiful brass fittings to cast a coy glow and tables decorated with fresh carnations, which are given to guests when they depart. The tram is air-conditioned for total comfort and piped music helps to create a unique mood on wheels that is the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant. Naturally, there are restroom facilities onboard.
Once you have been onboard, you will understand why it has been the winner of many coveted National Tourism Awards. Bookings are essential to avoid disappointment.
SPIRIT OF MELBOURNE CRUISING RESTAURANT
Cruise the evening away! For that perfect night out, the Spirit of Melbourne Cruising Restaurant offers a romantic experience, right in the heart of Melbourne, the vibrant river city. With a stunning city background of colours and lights, delight in a fashionable fusion of international dishes and fine Australian wines, a reflection of the cosmopolitan culture that is Melbourne. Enjoy a luxurious dining experience whilst cruising the twinkling Yarra River. An evening not to be missed! The Spirit of Melbourne is fully enclosed, catering is for only 40 pampered guests. The vessel's features include luxury fittings, roof top light well, alfresco deck, heating and air-conditioning. Included in your perfect evening dinner cruise is: - Three hour cruise * 6 course gourmet dinner * All beverages, including Australian table wines, sparkling wines, beers, all spirits, cognac and liqueurs.
MV LADY CHELMSFORD SHOWBOAT CRUISING RESTAURANT
Wharf 14, Docklands. Phone 03 9620 5620. Cocktail cruises or four course dinner dancing cruises, with live entertainment, through the waters of the Yarra, Docklands, Port Phillip and Hobson’s Bay. Bookings essential. Bookings available for weddings, parties, lunches and other functions.
FEDDISH
Yarra Building. Federation Square, Corner Swanston and Flinders Streets, Melbourne. Phone 03 9654 3999. Feddish is modern and airy. The uncluttered area is almost minimalist in approach. The large spacious balcony with views over the Yarra River merges uninterrupted into the main dining area through concertinaed glass panels that fold out of sight in beautiful weather. Central in position the main chef performs the BBQ concerto, complete with copper canopy and sizzling steaks. Clients from all corners of the main room view chef’s brilliant performance easily. Careful and practical design of the main grill and servery permits service to be easy and uncomplicated. It extends from the kitchen all the way to the centre of the room creating an efficient flow of food. Feddish aims to create an ambience that is casual and relaxed. One can imagine Sunday afternoons spent on the balcony with a live Jazz band in the background, overlooking the river, talking with friends and enjoying the moment.
SHARK FIN HOUSE
131 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne. Phone 03 9663 1555. Located in the heart of Melbourne's Chinatown, Shark Fin House is undoubtedly the best Chinese Restaurant in Melbourne. Opened in 1989, Shark Fin House serves exquisite and authentic Cantonese cuisine; with an emphasis on live seafood straight form their aquariums that are filled with lobsters, crabs and abalones. Indulge in one of their many specialities such as Steam Boat with Tasmanian Green Lip Abalone. The restaurant is also known for its famous daily Yum Cha. Here one can enjoy a mouth-watering selection of dim sim specialties whilst being captivated by the elegant interior and fast service, making this an ideal location for business lunches. They are fully licensed and have an excellent selection of local and imported wines at competitive prices. It would be hard to go beyond Shark Fin House for a more memorable Melbourne dining experience.
FABRIC RESTAURANT & BAR
16 Kavanagh Street, Southbank. Phone 03 9686 9333. Fabric, named for its keen attention to creating an ambience that is influenced by texture and detail, is one of the finest venues that Melbourne has to offer. An intimate setting tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city, just a short walk into a relaxed atmosphere that offers an escape from that nine to five routine. Fabric is the perfect venue for every occasion. Close enough for after work drinks, or to drop into for a quick coffee, perfect for dinner before and after a show at the Victorian Arts Centre and personal enough for corporate functions.
GAYLORD INDIAN RESTAURANT
4 Tattersalls Lane, Melbourne. Phone 03 9663 3980. A truly Indian Restaurant, proud to offer you the ancient arts of India, world famous Indian foods, art, culture and classical music. India is one of the oldest multi cultural nations on earth. They will provide you with exotic and authentic Indian food cooked to perfection and from which you may with confidence select from a menu, which has been developed, by one of the best and world famous chefs, Mr Mushrraf. With 30 years experience, Mr Mushrraf provides all of his secret recipes for your exclusive enjoyment.
THE LOUNGE ROOM
28 New Quay Promenade, Docklands. Phone 03 9600 0565. The Lounge Room is one of the most dynamic venues to be introduced to the city of Melbourne. This exciting new lounge-bar-restaurant, with its picturesque city views and waterfront access will deliver a dining experience second to none. Indulge in freshly prepared modern Australian Cuisine while dining under the stars on the promenade or relaxing in the restaurant’s lavish interior. Unwind in the extensive lounge area around the warmth of the open fire or simply sip on cocktails at the bar. With its many options The Lounge Room creates the perfect atmosphere for people of all tastes and preferences.
YURIYA JAPANESE RESTAURANT
172 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne. Phone 03 9663 3838. Yuriya Japanese Restaurant holds a distinguished and proud reputation as being a city leader for top quality Japanese Cuisine. Yuriya, which is located in the heart of Chinatown, delivers you, the customers, authentic Japanese cuisine at an affordable price. With a recent addition, Yuriya now caters for the popular, Teppanyaki. Its second level has been refurbished to present a modern and traditional Teppanyaki setting. The service and presentation of food is always prideful of the highest of standards.
LIME LEAVES
Piazza. QV Precinct. Corner Swanston and Lonsdale Streets, Melbourne. Phone 03 9663 9777. Lime Leaves is the first in an anticipated line-up of restaurants to open in the QV Piazza. Owned by the team from popular Melbourne hawker-style restaurants Chinta Blues and Blue Chillies, Lime Leaves is an inspiring and unique addition to the Melbourne restaurant scene. Lime Leaves is all about contemporary dining in a casual, communal environment. Lime Leaves' fresh, fast, flavoured and textured Asian food is slightly more at the higher end than the two Blues restaurants. Australian wine and boutique cocktails complement the menu.
ASIAN FOOD FESTIVAL
Melbourne. Phone 0418 589 778. Held annually from late August to late September. A colourful blend of Asian cuisine and culture, affirming Melbourne's reputation as being the restaurant capital of Australia. Sample Chinese, Indian, Malaysian and Thai dishes in participating restaurants.
BISTRO VITE
Ground Level. Southgate. Southbank. Phone 03 9690 9271. Licensed French riverfront café. Inspired by the traditional cafes of Paris, Bistro Vite is the perfect spot for a quick bite before a show, lunch in the sun, a romantic dinner for two, or just a glass of wine.
BLUESTONE
349 Flinders Lane, Melbourne. Phone 03 9620 4060. A French inspired menu, in exclusive and private surrounds. Complete with original bluestone walls, from the earlier wool shed days, deep colours, comfy chairs and a warm familiar ambience. Downstairs bar offers a café style fare, featuring wood fired pizzas.
BREEZES
Level 3. Crown Towers Hotel. Crown Entertainment Complex. Southbank. Phone 03 9292 6896. Al Fresco Dining, as the name suggests. Breezes offers a refreshingly light, bright and airy environment in which to enjoy some of Melbourne's finest dining of Mediterranean food with Australian flavour. Step onto the stunning, sun drenched terrace and you will discover the perfect venue for unhurried alfresco dining.
CECCONI’S
Ground Level East. Crown Entertainment Complex. 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank. Phone 03 9686 8648. Cecconi's Restaurant is a glamorous, expansive restaurant with two main dining rooms and two secluded private rooms. Sit at the edge of the Yarra River and enjoy the full view of the city skyline. Cecconi's menu is based on traditional Italian recipes made with fresh, aromatic ingredients, complimented by a worldly wine list.
MELBOURNE OBSERVATION DECK
Level 55. Rialto Towers. 525 Collins Street, Melbourne. Phone 03 9629 8222. From the top of the tallest buildings in the Southern Hemisphere, enjoy spectacular 360° panoramic views of Melbourne and surrounding areas. Features include Rialto Vision Theatre film, souvenirs, information desk, free binoculars, museum displays, outdoor viewing balconies and cafe. Information is available in English, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Indonesian, German and Italian.
CHINA BAR
235 Russel Street, Melbourne. Phone 03 9639 1633. With seven branches all around Melbourne, and extended opening hours, you will never miss out on a meal. Famous for its Malaysian and Chinese cuisine. Specialties include Nasi Lemak, Hainanese Chicken, Curry Laksa, Peking Duck and all of your traditional favourite Asian dishes. Day & night Yum Cha is also available. Fast, friendly and delicious!
DRAGON BOAT RESTAURANT
203 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne. Phone 03 9662 2733. Dragon Boat Restaurant is renowned for its daily Yum Cha and lively, energetic ambience. The atmosphere reflects the experience of dining in bustling Hong Kong and the menu represents the full range of traditional dishes. Dragon Boat specialises in live seafood, diners making their choices directly from the fresh fish aquariums.
DA HU PEKING DUCK RESTAURANT
171 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne. Phone 03 9663 3868. A Chinatown favourite since 1988, Da Hu Peking Duck offers traditional Peking, Shanghai, and Szcheung style cuisine to its many dedicated patrons. Famous for its delicious Roast Peking Duck, Da Hu is reasonably priced and represents excellent value for money, quality dining in the heart of Chinatown.
EMPRESS of CHINA
120-122 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne. Phone 03 9663 1883. A Melbourne institution and a Chinatown icon for over 30 years, the Empress of China offers finest quality Cantonese cuisine at its very best. The expert and discreet staff lavish attention and knowledgeably pamper their guests whilst serving award-winning dishes that have earned the Empress of China acclaim both locally and abroad.
GURKHA”S EXPRESS
500 Flinders Lane, Melbourne. Phone 03 9629 7186. Experience the palate tingling flavours of Nepal, home of the Gurkha's. Setting new standards in Modern Nepalese culinary cuisine. A total dining experience with elegant decor, friendly service in a cosy atmosphere.
GOLDEN ORCHID MALAYSIAN RESTAURANT
126 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne. Phone 03 9663 1101. Established in 1972, this popular restaurant is somewhat of an Icon in Chinatown. The menu is vast, and includes a variety of classic Chinese and Malaysian dishes. Favourites such as Satays, Malaysian curries, skewered chicken, beef or pork served on a sizzling plate with a sensationally tasty sauce. The value and variety is incredible.
GINZA TEPPANYAKI
139 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne. Phone 03 9663 1155 or 03 9663 1591. Teppanyaki is based on a traditional Japanese barbecue using fresh seafood, prime steak and seasonal vegetables cooked on a hot plate in front of you by chefs who will amaze you with their culinary skills. Savour Ginza’s extensive Japanese cuisine, where tradition, art and craft are all celebrated.
HOFBRAUHAUS
18-24 Market Lane, Melbourne. Phone 03 9663 3361. Unwind with Hofbrauhaus for a fun night out with world-class entertainment and delicious German food, plentiful beer and schnapps, dancing and live music, all in the true Bavarian style. The Hofbräuhaus was established in 1968 and has become a landmark in the city, being the only restaurant of its kind in Central Melbourne.
KING BO CHINESE RESTAURANT
218 Russell Street, Melbourne. Phone 03 9639 3388. Specialising in delicious Hong Kong style Yum Cha, King Bo offers a truly authentic dining experience. Excellent service and relaxed ambience complement an innovative and adventurous menu partnered with more traditional dishes. Popular amongst King Bo's many patrons, is tofu fried with minced fish and pieces off eggplant, and ducks feet prepared with minced pork and wrapped in bean curd skins.
KOREAN SEOUL HOUSE RESTAURANT
1st Floor. 234 Russell Street, Melbourne. Phone 03 9663 8883 or 03 9663 8889. Korean food has a distinctive, exotic flavour using various vegetables and spices to compliment seafood and meat dishes. Main meals come with traditional Korean side dishes, the most popular being "kimchi". Try the popular Korean BBQ where you cook on your table. It’s a great dining experience! Function room available with Karaoke.
KOKO
Level, 3. Crown Towers Hotel. Crown Entertainment Complex. Southbank. 03 9292 6886. A modern Japanese teppanyaki restaurant featuring authentic cuisine. Teppanyaki and tatami style rooms available, sake bar and private dining surrounded by a Japanese water garden. Free valet parking available during lunch hours.
LE RESTARANT
Level 35. Hotel Sofitel, 25 Collins Street, Melbourne. Phone 03 9653 0000. Fine international cuisine and a wine list of more than 400 superb varieties. Overlooks Melbourne city. The floor-to-ceiling windows in the men’s toilets of Le Restaurant offers “busy’ men, panoramic views of the city. Bookings advisable.
MANCHESTER LANE
234 Flinders Lane (enter via Manchester Laneway), Melbourne. 03 9663 0630. Leave the worries of the world behind and escape in a haven that is all things to all people, be it jazz club, lounge bar, restaurant or gig venue. The dark walled and floored interior is sultry, sophisticated and dimly lit with lamps and illuminated red velvet curtains. The intimate tiered flooring ensures that all diners are in direct view of the stage area.
MEDALLION CAFÉ & CAKES
209 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne. Phone 03 9663 4228. Traditional Greek cakes with recipes, coffee, Greek cheese pies, bougasta, foccacias, toasted sandwiches, ice creams and frappe. Experience unique Greek culture and atmosphere, as well as al fresco dining. Fully licensed, with a wide selection of Greek and international spirits, beers and liqueurs.
MV LADY CHELMSFORD SHOWBOAT CRUISING RESTAURANT
Wharf 14, Docklands. Phone 03 9620 5620. Cocktail cruises or four course dinner dancing cruises, with live entertainment, through the waters of the Yarra, Docklands, Port Phillip and Hobson’s Bay. Bookings essential. Bookings available for weddings, parties, lunches and other functions.
SAWASDEE THAI RESTAURANT
1st Floor. 139 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne. Phone 03 9663 4300. Chinatown's first fully licensed Thai restaurant, Sawasdee provides exquisite and authentic Thai cuisine in elegant surrounds. Relax in the cocktail lounge with a pre-dinner drink before moving into the restaurant to dine in one of the intimate Thai huts or the main dining room. Melbourne's award-winning Thai restaurant since 1987.
SINGAPORE KOPITIAM
213 Russell Street, Melbourne. Phone 03 9662 1867. A restaurant with a bright happy atmosphere and history, Singapore Kopitiam offers a wonderful selection of Hawker style dishes at very reasonable prices. It's a great meeting place for people from all walks of life. Try the popular Singapore Boneless Chicken Rice.
ZAMPELIS CAFÉ GRECO
Crown Casino. 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank. Phone 03 9686 9733. Café Greco is a stylish but casual café style restaurant with an emphasis on simple Mediterranean food, cakes & coffee. Open daily from 12 noon, all day until late into the night for excellent coffee and cakes or a more substantial meal. Relax into one or the many booths or dine alfresco on the terrace overlooking the water and let the ambience of continental Europe take you away.
CLASSIC CARRIAGE RESTAURANT
Spencer Street Station to Geelong Station, Melbourne. Phone 03 9563 1270. Recaptures the bygone days of luxury train travel. Take a step back in time in railway history as you enjoy a delightful four-course dinner in the elegant surrounds of the Spirit of Progress Carriages, which have been lovingly restored to their former splendour.
LA MADRAGUE RESTAURANT
171 Buckhurst Street, South Melbourne. Phone 03 9699 9627. If dining in the backstreets of Paris is a dream of yours, discover this hidden treasure in South Melbourne. New proprietors Leisa Campbell and Alain Blanc continue the tradition of providing Provincial cuisine in an environment filled with warmth and rustic charm. The wine list includes some of the best French vintages as well as fine Australian wines. It seats only 40-45 and offers a small courtyard.
