Photograph: Parker Blain
July 2025 update: Wanna know the cure to the winter blues? Eating your way through all the cosy, warming dishes at Melbourne’s top restaurants. So chuck on that North Face puffer jacket and get out there ā there’s a Sunday roast, aromatic laksa or fresh-outta-the-oven apple pie just waiting to be devoured.
The continually evolving and expanding dining scene in Melbourne is both a blessing and a curse: how do you choose between so many incredible restaurants? Well, that’s where we come in. Stop endlessly scrolling, and commit to making your way through Time Outās list of the best restaurants in the state right now.
From culinary institutions like Flower Drum and France-Soir, to emerging standouts and instant icons such as Serai, Gimlet and Kafeneion, we’ve got it all covered here. And as for the brand new restaurant and bar openings catching our eye? Check out this guide instead.
Get out, and get eating! You’ve got a lot to get through!
1. Greasy Zoe’s
Photograph: Supplied / Greasy Zoe’s
What is it? Greasy Zoeās is an intimate produce-driven restaurant hosted on the outskirts of Melbourne. Itās spearheaded by the naturally creative and ever-resourceful chef Zoe Birch (ex-Courthouse Hotel and Healesville Hotel) and her intelligent hosting partner and sommelier, Lachlan Gardner. Together, theyāre co-curating an exceptional ā and distinctly Australian ā dining experience.
Why we love it: Birch and Gardner stick to the hyperlocal brief by championing small Victorian producers, described on the menu as Our Family. This might not sound earth-shatteringly different from other sustainability-focused restaurants on this list, but what Birch does with these raw materials is nothing short of epic. The ācheeseā course, for example, comes in the form of a toasted wattle seed and brown sugar-filled croissant, topped with 24-hour cheese and a well of wattleseed syrup.
Time Out tip: Definitely opt in for the wine pairing and be sure to chat to Gardner about each drop. His remarkable knowledge is an unmissable part of the experience.
Address: Shop 5/850, Heidelberg-Kinglake Rd, Hurstbridge, 3099
Opening hours: Thu-Fri 6.30-10pm, Sat 3-10pm.
Expect to pay: Set menu $190, wine pairing $110, non-alcoholic pairing $70
Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.
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2. Navi
What is it? A superb yet relaxed fine diner in Melbourneās west for imaginative contemporary Australian food with the wow factor.
Why we love it: Chef and owner Julian Hills describes Navi as his “dream” and you can taste how much heart heās poured into it ā from his clever marriage of native produce and European technique to his well-nurtured relationships with sustainable and ethical farmers. Anticipate a wildly unique culinary adventure that somehow still manages to feel grounded in the earthy dining space. Every morsel is a delight.
Time Out tip: Thereās a separate cocktail bar area called Navi Lounge where you can sneak in for amaro tasting flights, elevated snacks (Murray cod katsu sanga, anyone?) and one of the best Gin and Tonics in town. No bookings needed here, and itās a nice way to dip your toe into Naviās world without committing to a full degustation.
Address: 83b Gamon St, Yarraville, 3013
Opening hours: Wed-Fri 6-11pm, Sat 2-5pm and 6-11pm
Expect to pay: Set menu $190, beverage pairing $110, Saturday matinee menu $105
3. Amaru
Photograph: John O’Rourke & Reuben Gates
What is it? Nestled in leafy Armadale, this intimate fine diner from ultra-talented chef Clinton McIvey (who’s also the mastermind behind top wine bar Auterra) offers a multi-course seasonal degustation menu.
Why we love it: Enigmatic, daring and engrossing at every turn, Amaru offers one of Melbourne’s most ambitious contemporary dining experiences right now. Expect fresh local produce with a native edge, cutting-edge fermentation and cooking techniques, and plating aesthetics prettier than a picture.
Time Out tip: Even if youāre partial to a bit of booze, we recommend giving the non-alcoholic beverage pairing a go. From a sparkling bergamot shrub and Champagne vinegar (alc-free) wine to juicy fejoia tea with blackcurrant leaves, the imaginative concoctions we tried on our last visit here were a highlight.
Address: 1121 High St, Armadale, 3143
Opening hours: Tue-Thu 5.45-9.15pm, Fri-Sat noon-2pm and 5.45-9.15pm
Expect to pay: Insight menu featuring five snacks, five courses and petit fours (lunch only) $260 or Sensory menu featuring six snacks, seven courses and petit fours $320
4. O.My
What is it? A small family-run restaurant in Beaconsfield offering a critically acclaimed daily tasting menu at excellent value.
Why we love it: Time Out’s Restaurant of the Year in 2023 stands out as one of the most energising fine dining experiences in Melbourne. The farm-to-table restaurant kitchen sources all of its ingredients from nearby Cardinia, a property owned and run by friends of the chefs. Over the years, the restaurant has set up nearly 400 garden beds, an orchard of 50 fruit trees, a berry patch, beehives and many other perennials they use on the menu. Each dish elevates humble produce to new heights, an alchemical feat that looks far outside the box in delivering an experience you’ll remember.
Time Out tip: Read our review to find out why O.My almost made this writer cry (in a good way).
Address: 70 Princes Hwy, Beaconsfield, 3807
Opening hours: Fri noon-3pm, Sat-Sun noon-2pm and 6-9pm
Expect to pay: Four-course seasonal menu with snacks and sourdough $180 (drinks pairing $75-110), seven-course option $245 (drinks pairing $100-145)
5. Cutler
What is it? Located in a former metalworks factory on Gertrude Street in Fitzroy, Cutler (formerly Cutler and Co) is the flagship restaurant of Andrew McConnell and Jo McGann. Since opening in 2009, it’s consistently been at the top of Melbourne’s dining game, winning our Best Fine Diner Award in 2017 and continuing to wow both loyal and new guests 15 years on.
Why we love it: While Cutler may have somehow relaxed its sense of formality in line with current dining trends, crucial aspects of the experience remain: world-class service, a creative yet comforting menu that makes use of Australia’s superb produce and ā yep, we’re calling it ā the best long Sunday lunch in Melbourne.
Time Out tip: Keen to kick on after dinner? You’re in the right ‘hood! Fitzroy is brimming with cool bars and pubs to explore. Here’s our guide to the area so you can plan your night.
Address: 55ā57 Gertrude St, Fitzroy, 3065
Opening hours: Wed-Sat 5.30-11pm, Sun noon-11pm
Expect to pay: Appetisers $10-22, seasonal seafood served on ice $60 per person, entrƩes $30-34, 1.2-kilogram dry-aged rib eye steak (on the menu since day one) $240, mains $35-90, accompaniments $12-16, desserts $18-30
6. Vue de Monde
What is it? For more than 20 years, this luxe restaurant atop Collins Streetās Rialto Tower has been a favourite fine diner for Melburnians celebrating all manner of special occasions. Describing itself as an Australian restaurant, Vue de Monde artfully showcases a blend of native ingredients and high quality produce across its dynamic multi-course menu. The Australian theme continues across its landscape-inspired design, down to the sustainably sourced kangaroo fur chairs.
Why we love it: While Vue de Mondeās long-admired menu may not shift and shake up as wildly as other fine diners on the scene, thereās a comforting quality to the restaurant thatās hard to not fall in love with. Executive chef Hugh Allenās influence brings warmth and vibrancy to the operation, while the sense of theatre that accompanies each dish remains as exciting as ever. Oh, and that famous billy tea chocolate souffle remains the lightest, fluffiest bite of heaven in town.
Time Out tip: Try and time your visit around sunset. Golden hour is when the views are at their most spectacular.
Address: Rialto, Level 55, 525 Collins St, Melbourne, 3000
Opening hours: Wed-Thu 6pm-midnight, Fri-Sun noon-4pm and 6pm-midnightExpect to pay: Signature Chef’s Tasting menu $360, wine pairings from $220-500+
