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Overview
Docklands' culinary offerings are nothing if not diverse. The area plays host to a broad lineup of cuisines and has a restaurant or bar to suit just about every mood, occasion and palate. Trek through the regions of Asia, chow down on European favourites or take the opportunity to revel in a classic Aussie-style fish 'n' chips. Best of all, there's waterfront dining aplenty, inviting long, lazy lunches and romantic date-night dinners alike.
Head to these spots for a good feed and some bevs to go with.
BANOI
Sister to the popular CBD outpost, Banoi Docklands brings fresh, fun Vietnamese fare to the western tip of Bourke Street. Its menu blends tradition with a contemporary edge. You'll sense a respect for time-honoured, homestyle family recipes, but also a taste for adventure. Regional favourites like steaming bowls of pho, vermicelli salads and crispy Hoi An-style crepes are the kind you'll want to linger over, while grab 'n' go options like fresh rice paper rolls and loaded banh mi prove a huge win for the area's lunchbreak set. Don't miss the proper Vietnamese coffee, sweetened with a lug of condensed milk.
TAP831
Tap831 is an all-day operation that skips easily from work lunches to knock-offs to dinner feasts on the upper balcony, proving to be a winner at just about any time of day. Championing Victorian produce, the kitchen plates up a lively mix of contemporary pizzas, house-made pastas and globally inspired mains, while an array of great weekly specials will inspire you to make plenty of regular return visits. The beer fridge features a considered range of crafty gems from both near and far, and the wine list celebrates locality. Don't miss happy hour, running 4–7pm Wednesday through Friday.
POK POK
Plating up a contemporary riff on Thai street eats, Pok Pok has cemented its status as a much-loved Docklands dining destination. Packed with flavour and big on vibrancy, the food offering trips across all regions of Thailand while mixing in top local ingredients. Current highlights include the tender beef cheek curry, a seafood-laden fried rice and Pok Pok's signature green papaya salad. This spot even has the goods come knock-off time, with happy hour specials on Thai beer and local wines from 3–6pm on weekdays.
WATERMARK
A restaurant, tapas bar and events space, Watermark has an offering to suit every occasion, whether you're hunting a few after-work drinks by the water or throwing an elegant cocktail do. From the kitchen flies a selection of gourmet pizzas, hearty share platters and contemporary bites, like angus beef meatballs and slow-cooked pork ribs. The tap rotation is a roll call of international favourites, the wine list is equally well travelled and cocktails celebrate the classics. Fancy a dance? Check out Thursday night's weekly Timbalero sessions, where you can let your hair down to salsa, bachata and zouk tunes courtesy of DJs Alberto and Truongy.
BLACK COD
You simply can't have a waterfront dining precinct without some top-notch fish and chips, which means Black Cod is a no-brainer addition to the Docklands area. Helmed by fourth-generation fishers, this spot is your go-to for ocean-fresh goodies served in classic combo packs that'll have you reminiscing about childhood holidays to the beach. Also on offer is a solid range of burgers, including an Asian-style soft shell crab number and a good old-fashioned steak sanga. Team your feed with some sunshine and good vibes out on the restaurant's waterfront terrace.
A25 PIZZERIA
For a sexy take on a globally loved Italian classic, see the young, fun A25 Pizzeria on Collins Street. Here, tradition meets innovation in the most delicious way, producing a cracking range of handcrafted pizzas built on stand-out seasonal ingredients. Breakfast time also offers Euro-inspired dishes like frittata and pancetta bruschetta, while at lunch, those pizzas are backed up by a range of salad bowls and generous Italian sandwiches. It proves extra great value each Monday when all pizzas are slashed to just $14.50.
ROSETTA — SOUTHBANK
The brainchild of acclaimed chef Neil Perry, Rosetta — just over the Yarra in Southbank — is your destination for stand-out Italian fare with a sophisticated edge. Here, plush designer interiors provide a backdrop for a culinary tour of Italy. Pasta is the unquestionable hero, made fresh each day by the kitchen's own resident sfoglina (pasta specialist). Meanwhile, wine sourced from all corners of the homeland has been carefully chosen to complement the menu's various regional influences.
LUME — SOUTH MELBOURNE
Renowned for its creativity and theatrical edge, South Melbourne's esteemed fine diner Lûmé serves up a multi-sensory dining experience. Head chef Shaun Quade's technique-driven menu invites you on a journey of flavour and texture with dishes that are sure to impress. There are two dining options: a seven-course menu called An Incitation and an even more extensive experience of about 14 courses dubbed The Road. The drinks offering is every bit as considered and innovative, running from seasonal cocktails through to a stellar crop of wines. Opt for one of three beverage pairings and leave the decision-making to the professionals.
SMALLS — SOUTH MELBOURNE
This South Melbourne wine bar is as small as its name suggests — the room fits 24 — though it's big on personality. The focus here is on small producers from across the globe, with a food and drink offering that changes up on the regular. The wine list champions the interesting, so a night here might find you sipping the likes of an orange wine from Georgia or something adventurous from closer to home. To match, expect a seasonal array of share plates, both big and small.
BANGPOP — SOUTH WHARF
For punchy, vibrant Thai fare overlooking the Yarra, it's hard to beat South Wharf's BangPop. A festival of colour, the bright decor here works as an upbeat setting for any meal, and the dishes prove every bit as lively. Nab a table in the lofty dining hall, or opt for a sunny spot on the riverside terrace and prepare to feast. The menu's a tantalising spread of modern creations and old favourites, featuring share-friendly small bites, noodle dishes and spice-driven salads, along with hearty curries and stir-fries. Look out for the Aussie-led wine list and range of Asian-inspired signature cocktails.
Surround yourself with everything Docklands has to offer at the new 883 Collins Street development. Top restaurants, cafes, bars and activities are just a stone's throw away.