Melbourne’s Best BYO Restaurants for Your Next Group Dinner Date

Whether your budget is a little (make that ‘a lot’) tighter than you’d like, or you’ve been saving that special bottle of something for just the right occasion – there’s nothing like a top-shelf BYO dining experience. But sometimes it can be a little tricky to know where you’re allowed to turn up vino in hand. Here at Sitchu, we’ve done the legwork for you. So sit back, and raise a glass to Melbourne’s best BYO restaurants; because there's nothing quite like turning up at one of Melbourne's best restaurants and pouring out a glass of two of exactly what you want to drink. 

Agapi

Peko Peko

Ling Nan

Teta Mona

Lebanese soul food, reimagined. As if you needed another reason to join the legions of loyal Teta Mona fans, we're here to tell that there is in fact one more tick you can add to this Melbourne restaurant's pro list, and it's this; you can BYO wine and beer for just $5pp. Falafels and hummus aplenty, and a drinks list pre-approved at your nearest bottle shop? It's clear to see why this beloved local is one of Melbourne's best BYO restaurants. 

100A Lygon Street, Brunswick East

Yuni's Kitchen

Simon's Peiking Duck 

Pinto Thai 

Sichuan House 

Shandong Mama 

Soi 38

France Soir

Did you know that this Melbourne institution has BYO available for lunch Mondays through Thursdays - and with no corkage charge? We'll see you there! While French dining isn't exactly on the cheaper end of the dining scale, heading to France-Soir with a bottle of special vino you've been saving is more than worth forking out for. So, yes. Grab your partner or best friend, book in a lunch date to remember and order yourselves the steak or some crusty bread, a salad and the salmon tartare. It's the quintessential Melbourne dining experience we all deserve to experience. 

11 Toorak Road, South Yarra 

Ladro Gertrude

BYO Monday's and with a worthy cause? For that Ladro Gertrude is a true Italian gem. From 5.15pm to 11pm every Monday, head on over to this Fitzroy spot with a bottle of your favourite red, for the $5 corkage fee that is then donated to StreetSmart. StreetSmart responds to and prevents homelessness in Australia because they believe everyone should have a safe and secure place to call home; making this not-for-profit a worthy cause to enjoy your favourite tipple for. It also makes Ladro Gertrude one of the most impressive BYO restaurants in Melbourne. We recommend inviting a larger group, to share in both a few bottles of vino and a round of pizzas and pasta. Bottoms up! 

224 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy 

Laksa King

It's BYO for $8 a bottle at another of Melbourne's iconic eateries, which has been bringing a touch of authentic Malaysia to Flemington for over a decade now. We recommend sourcing a German Riesling to match with Laksa King's sensational seafood laksa. The aromas and the spices and the creaminess are perfectly aligned with a stone fruit, citrus and herbed flavour profile of this medium-bodied white. With tasty, cheap eats and plenty of room for a rambunctious crew (if you get in early, of course), this is a clear front-runner for best BYO restaurant in Melbourne. 

6-12 Pin Oak Crescent, Flemington

Shanghai Village

A favourite of penny-strapped students and weekend pre-gamers looking to line their stomachs, Shanghai Village is a local treasure. While the dumplings draw the crowds (fifteen will set you back a tenner), you’ll find page after page of hearty Shanghai-style plates to satisfy every mood. Charming chaotic with an enviable BYO policy to match, Shanghai's no-fuss brand of hospitality is everything we love about Chinatown.

112 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne

I Love Pho

Melburnians might love dumplings, but they really love pho. Just don’t make them choose their favourite. I Love Pho, situated smack bang in the middle of buzzing Victoria Street, is one of the originals, and the best – serving up steaming bowlfuls of winter warmers, with a no frills, all-flavour mentality. And nothing elevates a low-key meal quite like sharing a pre-purchased bottle sparkling amongst friends.

264 Victoria Street, Richmond

Mamak

When it comes to cheap, cheerful and traditional Malaysian eats, Mamak is the place to go. For the ultimate in comfort food, their mouthwatering satay and crispy roti are the only craving cures. The thing that makes this street food fave even better is that you can pair your fave meal with your fave drop, no corkage.

366 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

The Recreation Bistro x Bottleshop

This gastropub-slash-wine store is Fitzroy North's pride and joy. The Recreation is the local watering hole that serves hearty meals with a refined French twist – think ham and gruyere croquettes and dry-aged duck breast. Better still, you can either sip your way through their International wine menu or BYO for $20. If you forget to pick up a bottle, don't worry, you can stop in at the onsite bottle shop and purchase one there.

162-170 Queens Parade, Fitzroy North

HuTong

Melbourne is a town that loves its dumplings. HuTong, named for the alleyways that wind through China’s bustling cities, is unanimously agreed to be one of the best. Luckily, it also happens to be one of the best BYO restaurants in Melbourne, now with two handy locations. So prep that bottle of white, rally your crew and prepare to gorge on xiao long bao and mountains of other authentic street food until your heart's content.

14-16 Market Lane, Melbourne

Cullen Hotel, Unit 1/162 Commercial Road, Prahran 

Jinda Thai

Nestled just off bustling Victoria Street and its mecca of Asian eateries, much-loved Jinda Thai has garnered a host of devotees who can’t get enough of its celebrated Thai cuisine –think fragrant curries and local classics like Tom Yum and Pad Thai. As well as sipping on chilled Thai beers, you’re welcome to bring along a bottle of your favourite drop – all the better when paired with a spicy jungle curry.

1-7 Fergus Street, Abbotsford

Horn Please

Nestled in leafy Fitzroy North, the colourful Horn Please has become a local institution, known for its delicious menu of regional Indian dishes and inventive specials such as Papdi Chaat – described as ‘the motherland's version of nachos and salsa’. The perfect occasion to share a special drop with friends, this delightful eatery is a real crowd pleaser.

167 St Georges Road, Fitzroy North 

Jim’s Greek Tavern

Delicious Greek delicacies served with a side of FUN. They don't get more festive than Jim's. Food is simple yet spectacular, with hearty traditional classics including pan-fried Saganaki, homemade Greek dips, and a veritable smorgasbord of chargrilled meats and seafood. Raucous crowds and joyful tunes bring the party vibes, so you can truly make a night of it. And the best bit? You can also bring along your own tipple – so grab a bottle or two and join the party. It's far and away one of our favourite BYO restaurants in Melbourne. 

32 Johnston Street, Collingwood

Pizza Meine Liebe

One of Melbourne’s best BYO restaurants, in one of Melbourne's best suburbs – Pizza Meine Leibe serves up some of the city’s tastiest pizzas fresh from the stone oven. Crispy, thin bases are complemented by fresh produce (from classics like prosciutto to spicier additions such as jalapenos) and cheerful 60s décor. All that’s left to add is a glass of your favourite red – straight from the home cellar.

231 High Street, Northcote

Worked your way through the best BYO restaurants in Melbourne and looking to try something new? From Indian and Italian to Japanese and Greek, we've rounded up the best in the biz for you to add to your list!