Melbourne's 20 Most Popular Restaurants of 2022 So Far
These are the spots you went looking for so far this year, from stunning beachside restaurants to hidden Inner West eateries — and lots of omakase, of course.
There's always something to eat in Melbourne, no matter what you're craving. Hankering for a burger? Extravagant multi-course omakase? Quality lunchbreak eats 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 2022 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 2022 — and as a guide to planning the rest of your meals before 2023 hits.
Top Image: Nomad Melbourne, by Sharyn Cairns
-
RestaurantThe Commons at Ormond Collective
Corner Moubray Street And St Kilda Road, Melbourne
This four-in-one St Kilda Road venue has a huge beer garden.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
RestaurantPanda Hot Pot
100 Victoria Street, Carlton
The former Dracula's site is now home to an international sichuan hot pot chain.
-
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.
-
RestaurantNomad Melbourne
187 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Sydney's much-loved Mediterranean restaurant Nomad has landed on Flinders Lane with its first Melbourne outpost, celebrating local produce and wine.
-
RestaurantHigher Ground
650 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne
The mammoth CBD cafe was an instant classic and remains a beauty.
-
RestaurantThe Grain Store
517 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
A little slice of comfort with damn fine food on Flinders Lane.
-
RestaurantMaverick
95 Little Collins Street, Melbourne
A contemporary CBD pit stop serving Axil coffee and a menu of updated brekkie classics.
-
RestaurantThe Old Garage
2A Glen Iris Road, Camberwell
A supremely dog-friendly cafe, with puppychinos aplenty and a vegan alternative for every dish on the menu.
-
RestaurantLa Fantaisie
297 Victoria Street, Abbotsford
A café, patisserie, florist and event venue, all rolled into one drop-dead-gorgeous package.
-
RestaurantMr Brownie
343 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne
A multi-level pub, Punjabi-style deli and rooftop bar run by chef-restaurateur Jessi Singh.
-
RestaurantPope Joan
16/45 Collins Street, Melbourne
This familiar favourite has a new head chef and a revamped menu, running from breakfast to after-work snacks.
-
RestaurantThe Journal Cafe
253 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
A reliable Flinders Lane cafe that's open late each night.
-
RestaurantHardware Societe
10 Katherine Place, Melbourne
A sprawling new cafe that marks the second CBD venue for the Melbourne institution.
-
RestaurantDamiao Panda Fan
Level 1, 388-396 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne
Score all-you-can-eat hot pot from $35 per person.
-
RestaurantPelikan Societe
2 Marine Parade, Hastings
One of the best spots on the Mornington Peninsula for brunch or lunch with a view.
-
RestaurantJiyu Thai Hotpot
208 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne
A lush two-storey hot pot joint serving up Thai-style soups.
-
RestaurantGimlet at Cavendish House
33 Russell Street, Melbourne
Andrew McConnell's elegant cocktail bar and European bistro serves up caviar, champagne and truffles aplenty.
