Melbourne is home to some of the best fine dining experiences anywhere in Australia.
It should come as no surprise that Melbourne, known for its vibrant and diverse culinary scene, is also home to a plethora of exceptional fine dining restaurants. These gourmet and luxury dining experiences elevate a meal from sustenance to a high art, delighting diners with exquisite flavours, impeccable service and, ultimately, a one-of-a-kind culinary experience.
Innovative, unforgettable, cutting-edge and elegant, each of these fine dining restaurants serve as a testament to Melbourne’s culinary prowess. From French cooking to world-class sushi, discover the ten best fine dining restaurants in Melbourne for your next special occasion!
Photographed by James Harris. Image via Unsplash.
Attica
Regarded as one of Australia’s best restaurants, Attica is a true icon of Melbourne’s dining scene. Under the guidance of chef Ben Shewry, Attica has gained international acclaim for its innovative and nature-inspired cuisine that celebrates Australia’s unique dining history. Combining native Australian ingredients with a touch of international flair, Attica offers an ever-evolving menu that surprises and delights diners. This culminates in their multi-course tasting menu ($385pp) that lets you sample the vast range of flavours and textures on offer. Located just 25 minutes out of the CBD in Ripponlea, Attica has earned its place as one of Melbourne’s best fine dining restaurants.
Photographed by Josie Withers. Image via Visit Victoria.
Cutler & Co.
Nestled in the artsy neighbourhood of Fitzroy, Cutler & Co. personifies the excentric and avant-garde stye of the suburb. The Australian restaurant, housed in a former metalworks factory, exudes a stylish and industrial charm that nonetheless has a relaxed atmosphere. And that style is paired with a creative menu that features locally sourced ingredients. Think Wild Mushroom & Ricotta agnolotti; King George Whiting with kombu butter and sorrel; as well as 1.2 kg of Dry Aged Rib Eye servied with shaved cabbage and fennel salad.
Image supplied.
Flower Drum
Opening in 1975, for over four decades, Flower Drum has been a pillar of Melbourne’s dining scene. Tucked away in Chinatown Melbourne, this Chinese fine dining restaurant is serving up exceptional Cantonese cuisine in an elegant and refined setting. The restaurant’s expertly crafted dishes, attentive service and warm ambiance create a memorable culinary journey that keeps patrons coming back for more. For your visit we recommend trying the Roast Duck, the Jade Tiger Abalone Crystal Noodles, ‘Typhoon Shelter’ Lamb Cutlets and, to finish, the Bird’s Nest in Almond Cream dessert that will set you back $150 per serve.
Photographed by Josie Withers. Image via Visit Victoria.
Minamishima
For those seeking the finest sushi experience in Melbourne, Minamishima is the place to be. This intimate Japanese restaurant, helmed by sushi master Koichi Minamishima, offers an omakase-style menu that showcases the freshest seasonal ingredients. With two dining areas: the counter sushi bar that accommodates just two guests and, the dining room for gatherings of three and above. Despite of where you’re seated, guests will be charmed by the exceptional attention to detail and the overall serene atmosphere. One of the best fine dining restaurants in Melbourne, Minamishima delivers an authentic and unforgettable sushi experience.
Image supplied via @vuedemonde Instagram.
Vue de monde
Perched on the 55th floor of the iconic Rialto Towers, Vue de monde not only offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city’s skyline, but it is one of the best special occasion restaurants in Melbourne. The restaurant, led by renowned chef Shannon Bennett, showcases a sophisticated and contemporary approach to Australian cuisine. Expect meticulous attention to detail, luxurious ingredients and an emphasis on sustainability, making for a truly memorable dining experience. A must try in 2025!
Reine & La Rue, Melbourne. Image via Visit Victoria
Reine and La Rue
Located within the historic confines of Melbourne’s original stock exchange at 380 Collins Street, Reine La Rue in The Cathedral Room stands as a beacon of culinary excellence. This heritage-listed venue, with its elegant ambiance, celebrates French cuisine with standout dishes such as the excellent cured Ora King Salmon and the succulent Loddon Estate duck. Complemented by an extensive wine list and an intimate cocktail bar, Reine La Rue provides a dining experience that is both luxurious and unforgettable in Melbourne.
NOMAD, Melbourne. Image via Visit Victoria
NOMAD
Situated on the bustling Flinders Lane, NOMAD Melbourne offers a dining experience that is both dynamic and refined. Inspired by gastronomic journeys through Spain, Morocco, and the Middle East, NOMAD’s menu is a testament to the art of cooking with fire and smoke. Highlights include the wood-fired flatbread with za’atar, the succulent house lamb sausage, and the innovative olive oil ice cream sandwich. All this and more come from the restaurant’s commitment to sourcing the finest Victorian produce, ensuring each dish is a celebration of Australian ingredients.
Lona Misa, Melbourne. Image via Visit Victoria
Lona Misa
For those after some of the finest vegetarian and vegan cooking in Melbourne, look no further than Lona Misa. Located in South Yarra, this lively Latin bar and dining experience offers a fully plant-based menu that redefines what you’ve come to expect from the label. From their Brazilian seafood stew Moqueca to the fresh sensational potato gnocci in zucchini sauce Noqui de Paratas, this is a must-visit epicurean destination. Add in the eclectic Latin-inspired decor and a lively atmosphere, and you have an unforgettable night out with Lona Misa.
Tonka Restaurant Melbourne. Image via Visit Victoria
Tonka
Tonka is a modern Indian restaurant that masterfully blends traditional flavours with contemporary techniques. The heart of Tonka’s kitchen lies in its two tandoor ovens, where skilled chefs create dishes that are both innovative and authentic. The crispy Crystal Bay prawn betel leaf, the tandoori mustard chicken tikka, and the turmeric and pistachio meringue are the highlights of this modern Indian eatery. The restaurant’s vibrant atmosphere and award-winning wine list further elevates Tonka to a refined yet adventurous culinary journey.
Pasta at Tip 00, Melbourne. Photography by Kristoffer Paulsen. Image supplied by Tipo 00.
Tipo 00
If you’re on the hunt for an unforgettable dining experience in Melbourne, Tipo 00 should be at the top of your list. Nestled on Little Bourke Street, this modern pasta bar is a haven for Italian cuisine lovers. The open kitchen and marble bar create a refined yet inviting atmosphere where you can watch the chefs work their magic. And their favourite spell is the fresh, handmade pasta that elevates Tipo 00 to another level. We recommend the squid ink tagliolini and the rich paccheri with beef neck ragu, as well as their excellent selection of entrées for a refined and sophisticated dining experience in Melbourne.
Looking for other cool restaurants to try? Check out these 10 Quirky and Unique Dining Experiences in Melbourne. Or, if you fancy a drink, we’ve found the Best Rooftop Cocktail Bars in Melbourne.
This article was first published on July 07 2023. It was updated and edited by Hunter and Bligh on April 23 2025.