Melbourne's 20 Most Popular Restaurants of 2023 So Far
These are the spots you went looking for so far this year, from stunning beachside restaurants to hidden Nonna-worthy Italian — and lots of omakase, of course.
There's always something to eat in Melbourne, no matter what you're craving. Hankering for Nonna-worthy Italian? Extravagant multi-course omakase? Quality hot pot in the CBD? Basque-inspired seafood and sangria by the bay? Whichever fits, this city of ours has just what you're looking for.
And in 2023 so far, you have been looking. So, with the year at its halfway point, these are the results. Our most-viewed restaurants of the past six months provide a snapshot of your recent faves and a roadmap of places to visit — either for the first time or the sixth.
Use this list as a look back on some of your favourite eats from 2023 — and as a guide to planning the rest of your meals before next year hits.
Top Image: Yugen, Sam Davis.
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RestaurantSebastian Beach Grill & Bar
26 Esplanade, Williamstown
This Basque-inspired waterfront bistro grills seafood and pours sangria on a sprawling shaded deck right on the sand.
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RestaurantYugen Dining
605 Chapel Street, South Yarra
Chapel Street's sumptuous subterranean Japanese diner and bar has a flair for the dramatic.
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RestaurantStokehouse Pasta & Bar
30 Jacka Boulevard, St Kilda
A breezy all-day spot for Mediterranean eats and beachside spritzes, in an iconic St Kilda site.
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RestaurantStella Restaurant and Bar
427 Chapel Street, South Yarra
This modern take on the classic Italian trattoria has a primo pizza offering, an all-weather rooftop terrace overlooking Chapel Street, and now an all-day weekend brunch offering.
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CafePelikan Societe
2 Marine Parade, Hastings
One of the best spots on the Mornington Peninsula for brunch or lunch with a view.
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RestaurantPanda Hot Pot
100 Victoria Street, Carlton
The former Dracula's site is now home to an international sichuan hot pot chain.
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RestaurantFollies Bar
34 Johnston Street, Fitzroy
Head into Follies for a plant-based menu served bite-sized on toothpicks, as a nod to the pintxos bars found in Barcelona and San Sebastian.
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PubThe Palace Hotel
505-507 City Road, South Melbourne
This South Melbourne pub has an impressive list of craft brews.
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RestaurantVesper - CLOSED
23-25 Toorak Road, South Yarra
You'll find a secret bar, a courtyard and an ex-Vue de Monde chef at this Mediterranean bistro.
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RestaurantTokyo Tina
66A Chapel Street, Windsor
Located on the vibrant Windsor end of Chapel Street, Tokyo Tina is an energetic and modern Japanese restaurant, serving consistently top-quality food from its kitchen.
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RestaurantSpice World
172-176 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne
This Melbourne hot pot spot offers solo pots so you can cook whatever and however you want.
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RestaurantYakimono
80 Collins Street, Melbourne
This colourful Chris Lucas venture features a futuristic aesthetic and a menu filled with Japanese street food that's cooked over flames.
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RestaurantLOTI - CLOSED
14-16 The Esplanade, St Kilda
This breezy bar and diner delivers big coastal holiday energy via a fire-driven menu heavy on ocean flavours.
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RestaurantGimlet at Cavendish House
33 Russell Street, Melbourne
Andrew McConnell's elegant cocktail bar and European bistro serves up caviar, champagne and truffles aplenty.
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RestaurantThree Blue Ducks Melbourne
309 Melrose Drive, Tullamarine
Eat vibrant farm-to-table dishes and sip sustainably focused drinks overlooking a two-hectare surf lagoon.
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Restaurant1800 Lasagne
653 High Street, Thornbury
A bricks-and-mortar bar and eatery from an inner north lasagne delivery service.
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RestaurantOsteria Renata
436-438 High Street, Prahran
Prahran's Nonna-worthy neighbourhood Italian joint boasts its own dedicated pasta lab.
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PubHotel Collingwood
376 Smith Street, Collingwood
This classic corner pub has gotten a refresh with breezy interiors, elevated pub grub and a drinks list filled with local names.
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RestaurantMr Miyagi
99 Chapel Street, Prahran
Mr Miyagi has stayed loyal to their original commitment to fun — which won them hearts in Windsor and across the river all the way back in 2013.
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RestaurantEstelle
243-245 High Street, Northcote
Celebrated chef Scott Pickett has combined Estelle Bistro and ESP to create one venue celebrating wining, dining and everything in between.
