As the culinary capital of Australia, you can bet that eating out in Melbourne doesn’t have to be boring. Known for its innovative approach and unique food scene, the city is full of quirky and unusual dining experiences to appease the hungry appetites of foodies looking for something extra to go with their food.
If you’re in search of unique themed restaurants in Melbourne that will seriously impress your date or an experiential must-do foodie experience, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 most quirky and unique dining experiences in Melbourne of 2023!
Photographed by Macca Sherifi. Image via Shutterstock.
Dinner in the Sky
Since 2008, Dinner in the Sky has been elevating dining experiences across the world, boasting Michelin-star dishes, a spotless safety record and incomparable views. Suspended 50metres in the air by crane, Dinner in the Sky is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for 22 diners who are served by a head chef, sommelier and waitstaff. Promising five-star luxuries, fine foods and first-class service, Dinner in the Sky is a heightened sensory environment creating an exceptionally unique culinary experience. A quirky restaurant that is sure to make dining exciting, with Dinner in the Sky, the sky’s the limit.
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Easey's
Easey’s takes burgers and beers to new lengths on a train carriage overlooking Melbourne’s CBD. This unique burger joint can be found five storeys up in an old-school train carriage that is fixed to a roof and decorated with graffiti and classic orange and brown train seats. With a menu boasting indulgent comfort food and well-stocked with local beer, Easey’s provides a relaxed atmosphere, great food and a retro soundtrack making it one of Melbourne’s must-do foodie experiences.
Photographed by Lucas Alexander. Image via Unsplash.
High Tea Cruise on Yarra River
When it comes to unique dining experiences in Melbourne, one need not look further than a High Tea Cruise along the Yarra River. Thanks to Red Balloon, you can book into this VIP-worthy degustation featuring plenty of dainty sandwiches, canapes, desserts and fluffy scones with jam and cream. Matched with a complimentary glass of bubbles, as well as all the tea and coffee you could dream of, this is a marvelous must-do foodie experience anyone can enjoy. And did we mention that you get to view the wonders of Melbourne CBD from your own seat?
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IceBar Melbourne
If Melbourne isn’t cold enough for you, shiver your way into IceBar – located in the city’s east and one of Melbourne’s must-do foodie experiences! IceBar is permanently -10 degrees Celsius and serves up your favourite drink of choice – appropriately served in ice glasses. Once you’re in IceBar, there is no time limit for your stay; in fact, they ask that you try and stay as long as possible if you want to break their record of eight hours in below freezing temperatures. Don’t worry if you haven’t come prepared for the occasion, IceBar will provide snow capes, ugg boots and gloves if necessary. One of the most fun dining experiences in Melbourne, stay cool at iceBar Melbourne!
Photographed by Josie Withers. Image supplied via Visit Victoria.
Naked For Satan
Meet Naked for Satan: it’s Fitzroy’s answer for a youthful crowd pining for a fiesty vodka-pouring, pintxos-serving rooftop oasis. This Basque-inspired bar has a devilish collection of infused vodkas, beers and, of course, Australian wines. Accompanying a stand-out drinks menu is their pintxos, tapas-style appetizers which are more than welcome at seriously cheap prices. Each pintxos is served with a toothpick that doubles as a billing device: when you’re done, just show the waiter your collection and you’ll be charged either $1 or $2 for each toothpick. With stunning views of the skyline, Naked for Satan is the perfect spot for a drink and a nibble for groups looking to dine out in Melbourne.
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Nevksy Russian Restaurant
Korean BBQs, Vietnamese eateries and burger joints are staples in Melbourne, but it’s time to get a little adventurous with Russian cuisine. At Nevsky Russian Restaurant, you’ll be served a Russian degustation, including a few shots of vodka to wash it all down. Better yet, Red Balloon is offering a 10-course degustation at Nevsky for two, for only $195. Expect Red Caviar, Atlantic Salmon and Duck Legs as part of the feasting journey, which includes a selection of three different vodkas to taste, with a pre-dinner cocktail to get your stomach and mind in the mood.
Image via Visit Victoria.
Overnight Zoo Safari
Through this exclusive experience via Red Balloon, you’ll be treated to more than a brilliant feast. Stay overnight at the Werribee Open Range Zoo in a luxury tented accommodation with your significant other, surrounded by the sounds and sights of their zoo collection. The experience includes sunset drinks, an African-inspired dinner and a hearty breakfast. As part of the package, you’ll gain exclusive animal encounters on a fully hosted safari experience, as well as the opportunity to wake up with the primates and mammals of the Werribee Zoo in Melbourne’s south west. One of the quirkiest places to eat in Melbourne!
Image via Visit Victoria.
Puffing Billy Rail Car Luncheon
Outside the confines of Melbourne’s concrete jungle is the Puffing Billy Railway. And they’re serving a luncheon VIP style nearly every Friday and Saturday. Chug and feast your way through the Dandenong Ranges east of Melbourne, across the historic Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge and through the temperate rainforest. Meanwhile, your friendly host will serve a three-course menu. Expect Colossal Jacket Potatoes, Cauliflower Gnocchi and perhaps some Brandy Snapped Rolls for dessert. All while the luscious jungle steams past your own train window.
Image via Red Balloon.
Silver Clipper Dinner Flight
If you’d like to enjoy your dinner with a panoramic views of Melbourne, hop on board on one of the first plane models in the world – the DC-3, affectionately known as the Gooney Bird. Fresh off the production line from August 1945, this DC-3 is now used to transport diners across the sky. Recreate the elegance of travel from the mid 1900’s and dine in style within this historic airliner. It truly is an unforgettable experience and one of the best unique restaurants Melbourne has to offer. For 70 minutes, you can fly across Port Phillip Bay and watch the sunset over the city of Melbourne while enjoying an award-winning dinner.
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TRAPT Bar and Escape Room
Are you in search of a thrill-inducing experience? TRAPT Bar and Escape Room is no exception. Located in Melbourne’s CBD, TRAPT is an immersive experience that will help you escape reality with unique adventures to choose from. One of the most unique themed restaurants in Melbourne, here you can follow the yellow brick home in the Wizard of Oz, get rich or die trying in an abandoned gold mine in Cave In, or test out your magical skills in Alchemy. After all that fun, you can cool off after your adventure with TRAPT’s completely licensed bar, boasting cocktails to match each escape room experience, a huge range of martinis and other spirits.
For more quirky places to eat in Melbourne, check out our list of The 10 Best Fun Themed Restaurants and Cafes in Melbourne. Or make your next night out exciting thanks to these Top 10 Quirky and Unique Date Night Ideas in Melbourne for 2023.
Looking for must-do foodie experiences in Melbourne? A cool or uniquely themed restaurant? Line on up with this list!