The Best Restaurants in South Melbourne

Nestled between the bustling CBD and sparkling Port Phillip Bay, South Melbourne is one of our city’s most prime locations. Not only is it home to heritage architecture, tree-lined streets and the legendary South Melbourne Market, it’s also where you’ll find a well established restaurant scene. Intimate omakase restaurants, lively Greek tavernas, top brass fine dining and funky wine bars are all on offer here, so you’ll be sated no matter the mood or occasion.

Kirbie

New on Clarendon Street: Kirbie, a bistro, cafe and wine bar hybrid exuding European charm. From local restaurateur Kirbie Tate, this intimate 40-seater delivers unfussy, high-quality comfort food in a stylish yet relaxed setting. Diners can enjoy dishes like crudités with braised beets, NY strip steak with Kirbie butter, and indulgent desserts such as chocolate tart and Galaktoboureko.

The drinks list is equally inviting, offering boutique wines and classic cocktails with a focus on quality over theatrics. Whether you're in the mood for a casual bite and post-work sip or a long dinner, Kirbie is the new must-visit restaurant in South Melbourne, for both locals and beyond. 

323 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne 

Lucia

While Lucia may appear unassuming from the outside, step inside to discover a beautifully simple yet elegant interior, where the food becomes a sensory delight. Under the skilled hands of Head Chef Jordan Clavaron, the Mediterranean menu celebrates traditional flavours with modern twists, showcasing his expertise honed under a Michelin Star chef.

Indulge in share plates featuring Fremantle octopus skewers and scampi with garlic butter, or savour tantalising mains like porcini risotto and crab linguine—each dish a meticulously crafted symphony of flavours.

Lucia's commitment to excellence extends to its wine selection, curated by Head Sommelier Simone Garro. The expansive list features iconic wines from around the globe, with rare vintages and approachable selections from local and international producers, elevating your dining experience.

Lucia is undeniably one of our favourite dining experiences of 2024, a sensational addition to South Melbourne's culinary scene.

11 Eastern Road, South Melbourne 

Castlerose

Castlerose is the moody new wine bar that sets the stage for an unforgettable date night. With its inviting booths and intimate ambiance, it’s the perfect spot to unwind with a glass (or bottle) of wine alongside delicious, traditional English small and share plates.

Indulge in standout dishes like the luxurious lobster roll and the delectable duck cigars, presented in a chic box that adds a touch of theatrics to your dining experience. Don’t miss the vintage cheese trolley, featuring some of the finest selections sourced from around the globe—perfect for sharing.

Whether you're a wine connoisseur or simply looking to enjoy a cosy evening out, Castlerose is quickly becoming one of South Melbourne's must-visit spots.

67 Palmerston Crescent, South Melbourne

Pirate Life Brewing

Embark on a culinary adventure at this SA-born brewery anchored in South Melbourne. Housed in a former mechanics garage, Pirate Life exudes industrial charm with its exposed bricks and vibrant decor.

The dynamic menu, curated by head chefs Maria Delengas and Nicolas Lopez, features delights like wood-fired spelt flatbread with rich hummus, charred octopus drizzled with olivo sauce, and blistered Turkish chillies atop velvety labneh. Don’t miss the smoked lamb curry spring rolls or the succulent honey BBQ lamb ribs. For meat lovers, the premium Mayura Station wagyu rump and tomahawk steaks are served by the kilo for a truly indulgent experience.

Pair your meal with expertly crafted beers and a thoughtfully curated wine list by sommelier Foni Pollitt.

Embark on a brew-and-food-focused voyage at this SA-born brewery anchored in South Melbourne.

139-145 Market Street, South Melbourne

The Left Handed Chef

If we could keep this one a secret, we would, but it's too good not to share. The Left Handed Chef is serving up Jerusalem-style street food that will keep you coming back for more! With a lot of thought and emphasis for nutritional, balanced meals for your body, it's the love that goes into the dishes that will 'talk' to your soul...and your wallet. Every plate that leaves this kitchen has its own unique touch and personality - and is affordable! Street eats have never looked better

Temporarily closed

108 Bank Street, South Melbourne

Golden Fleece Hotel

Your holiday at home awaits at this super fun restaurant in South Melbourne. Heritage pub turned Greek Islands-inspired paradise, Golden Fleece Hotel is bringing chic Santorini vibes to south of the river. Make a beeline towards the paradisiacal rooftop for cocktails with the girls, or settle in the equally light filled dining room for a lunch time feast with friends or for a sweet date night outing. Start with a medley of dips, saganaki and fried whitebait, before feasting on lamb or halloumi souvlaki, chargrilled king prawns, or whole baked fish. Don't forget the crispy lemon patatas!

120 Montague Street, South Melbourne 

The Montague Hotel

The Montague Hotel is a neighbourhood eatery that perfectly combines its contemporary aesthetic with a more traditional pub atmosphere and seasonal, modern Australian menu.

Enjoy a relaxed meal, or a drink before the football or even to have your next event at this smart South Melbourne spot. From oven baked scallops with parsley butter and chorizo jam, grazing boards and mac and cheese croquettes, to rockling burgers, classic chicken parma's and black angus steaks smothered in Béarnaise, comfort and class is key at this stalwart. Dessert is an equally fitting affair; think creme brulee or self saucing pudding. 

355 Park Street, South Melbourne 

Tipsy Village

The Tipsy Village is an absolute gem sits right opposite the South Melbourne Market. The menu offers modern dishes, inspired by historic Polish gastronomy. Comforting pierogis run the gamut from classic ruskies (potato, quark cheese and onion) through to sauerkraut with mushroom and a delicious beetroot over cheese combination. Hearty mains of Hungarian goulash with spaetzle noodles, vibrant borscht, and white sausage delight, and lighter fare of Russian salad on dark rye and a pickle platter are all part of the authentic experience. 

Hearty and made with love, as well as reasonably priced? It's a no brainer as to why you need to experience this restaurant in South Melbourne. 

Sitchu Tip: Get the frozen vodka shot. 

313 Coventry Street, South Melbourne

Park Street Pasta & Wine

The kind of place that does exactly what it says on the box, Park Street is a cosy osteria serving flawlessly al dente handmade pasta and juicy Italian wines. The menu is snappy and ever-changing, intertwining classics like cacio e pepe mafaldine and smoked ricotta ravioli with semi-dried roasted tomato sauce, caperberries, lemon zest and mint . The welcoming corner restaurant features a date night-worthy dining room as well as a sunny exterior terrazzo area that’s always lively in summer.

268 Park Street, South Melbourne

WoodsYard

Classic wine bar vibes abound at South Melbourne's WoodsYard, a neighbourhood pizza and small plates joint nestled by Albert Park Lake. The well-crafted sourdough pizza bases are naturally fermented and then laden with local produce before being fired in a wood oven. The tightly-executed small plates range from oysters and kingfish sashimi, to anchovy toast with salsa verde and goats cheese, and snack-tastic gnocco fritto.

The list of natural, biodynamic and organic pours changes almost daily, and there's a range of wild-fermented craft beers from the likes of Hop Nation on tap and by the tin. They also make a mean dirty martini. 

74 Eastern Road, South Melbourne

MeatworksCo

Converted from a 1930s motor garage into an vibrant playground of barbecue, MeatworksCo is a mouthwatering option for dinner and one of the best restaurants in South Melbourne. Their epic smoked meat platter is loaded with over a kilo of 24-hour smoked wagyu brisket, dry rubbed pork ribs, pulled pork, sausages and more, made for pairing with delicious veg sides and luxurious desserts. Turn it into a night out as their bar pours an extensive range of local wines, craft beers and punchy cocktails.

28/30 Ross Street, South Melbourne  

Bambu Eating House

Dine inside or outdoors (undercover) while taking in the hustle and bustle of the South Melbourne Market at Bambu Eating House. It's a fun experience to enjoy in between browsing the shops and stalls, featuring delicious hawker-style Asian plates, an innovative cocktail list and clusters of communal dining areas. Bambu is designed to take guests on a modern journey through South-East Asia. We love their fried chicken bao, scrumptious chilli prawn dumplings and spicy duck and lychee curry. Drinks wise? The Kiwi cocktail is a must. 

South Melbourne Market, 92/116 Cecil Street, Melbourne 

Hotel South Melbourne 

Hotel South Melbourne is set to bring the sparkle back to this historic 1854 build, that once hosted the likes of AC/DC and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. Sailing into a new era of eating, it features a swanky beer garden, elevated dining, plentiful craft beers and a huge calendar of events. Chef Lewis Bryce (ex-Supernormal) has created a confident menu that includes a balanced mix of fan favourites and modern Australian cuisine like slow-cooked lamb shoulder, spanner crab and clam linguini, Porterhouse steak and their delicious vegan cheeseburger with lettuce, pickles and chippies.

160 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne

Tempura Hajime

As far as we know, Tempura Hajime is the only 12-seat omakase-style restaurant in Melbourne specialising in the Japanese art of tempura – battered and fried morsels of food that are crisp yet airy light. Intimate, traditional and evocative of the counter restaurants found across Tokyo, a nightly ‘chef’s choice’ menu could include sweet potato, juicy corn, plump scallops and bouncy prawn all fried to perfection in front of you. Tempura courses are sandwiched between fresh sashimi, salad and appetisers to create a balanced meal that’s deeply satisfying.

60 Park Street, South Melbourne

Komeyui

Komeyui is one of our favourite places for sushi in Melbourne, and for good reason. The fish is always incredibly fresh, and they’ve elevated cooking rice into an art form by using a traditional cast iron pot that highlights the natural sweetness in every grain. The restaurant’s centrepiece is a gleaming, 12-seat counter from which they serve an seven course omakase menu, comprising the day’s best nigiri bookended by seasonal delicacies. More casual but equally delicious, the à la carte menu offers sashimi, sushi and grilled meats alongside an extensive sake list.

181 Ferrars Street, South Melbourne

Bellota Wine Bar

A long serving dame of the South Melbourne neighbourhood, a visit to Bellota isn’t quite a ticket to Europe but it comes pretty close. This handsome wine bar and bistro serves comforting continental fare, from slurpable crab spaghetti to perfectly cooked bavette steak. Friendly and unpretentious, Bellota has hosted countless aperitivo hours, catch ups and quick solo dinners. Best of all, it directly adjoins the Prince Wine Store, meaning you can pick up any of their thousands of bottles to enjoy at your table for a modest corkage.

181 Bank Street, South Melbourne

Half Acre

For bountiful family and group dinners head to Half Acre, a gorgeously picturesque restaurant off Boundary Street. There’s room for everyone in their 95-seat glasshouse dining space, which features a warm open kitchen that makes guests feel at home. Largely cooked over wood fire coals, the menu is best described as modern Australian, with all the cross cultural influences that suggests – from roasted cauliflower with whipped tahini and wattleseed dukkah to berbere spiced lamb ribs with yoghurt and paprika oil.

112 Munro Street, South Melbourne

Lamaro's Hotel

Every self-respecting neighbourhood deserves a great gastropub, and Lamaro’s is South Melbourne’s. The venue might date back to the 1850s but the menu deftly mixes the classic and contemporary, with sourdough crumbed veal schnitzel and lobster bucatini a cut above your usual pub fare. Moreover the kitchen is led by Geoff Lindsay, who opened several top Asian restaurants in the 2010s, so you can also expect rich red duck curries and zingy egg net salads to sink your beer with.

273-279 Cecil Street, South Melbourne

Claypots Evening Star

An offshoot of the original Claypots restaurant in St Kilda, Claypots Evening Star brings all the same fun and fresh seafood to the edge of South Melbourne Market. The blackboard menu changes daily according to the day’s best catch, and could include anything from bouncy king prawns in sambal or a delicate piece of cajun flathead to grilled garfish with za’atar. They often have live entertainment on the go as well, making it a vibey place to spend an evening.

Shop 101, 116 Cecil Street, South Melbourne

Sticking around after a visit to one the 12 best restaurants in South Melbourne? Check out our local’s guide to South Melbourne Market, featuring all the best fashion, homewares and eats on offer. Then, plan your schedule with the best things to do this weekend or start dreaming of your next getaway to one of Victoria’s fabulous wine regions.