Melbourne's Best Restaurants Are Being Voted On Right Now, Here's How to Have Your Say

Throw your hat in this hospitality-focused ring to support your favourite local, and you might win $250 to spend at it.
Alec Jones
Published on April 22, 2026

In partnership with

Have you ever dined or drank somewhere and been absolutely floored by its quality? Have you showered praise onto the venue via their waitstaff, half-yelled thanks to the chef as you walk out the door and left them a review online? Well, if you love any of the venues shortlisted for the inaugural OpenTable Restaurant Awards, you can now go a step further.

Recent OpenTable consumer research found that 63 percent of Aussies are more likely to try a new restaurant if it's won an award, the restaurant booking platform is looking to celebrate the rich hospitality scene in Melbourne by awarding venues in three categories, two of which are open to Aussies wanting to have their say.

The categories open to vote submissions online are the Industry Choice Awards, a space for hospitality professionals to celebrate their favourite restaurants, and the People's Choice Awards, which give a voice to diners who keep the industry alive.

Scarf

"OpenTable's inaugural Restaurant Awards will shine a light on Melbourne's incomparable hospitality scene, the venues that help make the city a world class dining destination and set the global standard time and time again," said Drew Bowering, General Manager Australia at OpenTable. "We're proud to celebrate our partner restaurants and reward the exceptional experiences and service that they're delivering."

Need more incentive? Voting will also give you a chance to win a $250 OpenTable gift card, so browse the nominee shortlist below and visit the website to cast your vote before it closes on Monday, May 18. Winners will be announced during the awards ceremony at Luci, on Monday, June 15.

Vue de monde

Industry Choice Shortlist

Restaurant Design Award
Circl
Coupette
Disuko
Yiaga
Yugen Dining

Innovation Award
Amaru
Babines
Serai
Shelaneous
Vue de monde

Impact Award
All Things Equal
Farmer's Daughter
RESIDENCE at The Potter
Scarf
The Mulberry Group

Standout Service Award
Bistra
Il Solito Posto
Malin
Reed House
Ripponlea Food and Wine

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People's Choice Shortlist

Neighbourhood Gem
Lagoon Dining
Neighbourhood Pizza
Punch Lane Wine Bar
Salona
The Carlton Wine Room

Bar & Pub Of The Year
Babines
Lamaro's Hotel
Lui Bar
Marquis of Lorne
Toorak Cellars

Bucket List
Amaru
Attica
Lee Ho Fook
Shelanous
Vue de monde

Opening of The Year
Daphne
Disuko
Muses
Suze
Yiaga

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Lead image: Babines

Voting for the Industry Choice and People's Choice Awards is open now and closes on Monday, May 18. Visit the website to cast your vote.

Published on April 22, 2026 by Alec Jones
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