Best Lunch Restaurants in Melbourne CBD

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

BaysideCity CentreEastern SuburbsInner City EastInner City NorthInner City South

Neighborhoods

AbbotsfordAlbert ParkAlphingtonArmadaleAscot ValeAshburton

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

374 restaurants available nearby

1. French Saloon

4.8

Exceptional(363)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• French • Melbourne CBD

Booked 6 times today

Climb the narrow flight of stairs up from the red brick lane to enter the saloon. A table in the bustling dining room? Or a seat at the fluted zinc bar? Whether it’s a lunch, dinner or well crafted cocktails with a snack, bookings are essential.

2. Pinchy's

4.5

Awesome(155)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Melbourne CBD

Booked 9 times today

Melbourne’s best Champagne bar & Seafood restaurant now includes meat into the menu with new Executive Chef Pieter Buijsse. Pinchy’s seafood restaurant and champagne bar is a seaside oasis in the heart of Melbourne. Inviting our guests to experience typically indulgent delectables such as lobster rolls, our new Wagyu beef burger with smoked crispy tuna bacon, we seek to make the finer flavours in life more accessible, encouraging our guests to enjoy shared dishes in a casual style.Located in bustling Bourke Street, Pinchy’s boasts one of Melbourne’s favourite balcony bar destinations, with an insta-worthy interior to boot. So if seafood and champagne, cocktails or chablis tickles your fancy, you know where to find us.

3. Serai Kitchen

4.7

Exceptional(638)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Filipino • Melbourne CBD

Booked 28 times today

When Ross Magnaye and Shane Stafford started Serai, their vision was to create a restaurant that would fit perfectly in the heart of the Philippines. To replicate the spirit, vitality, passion and sense of fun, they knew Serai would become a home from home for our diners.At our restaurant, right in the heart of Melbourne, you can watch the chefs prepare and fresh food daily in our open kitchen at the chef’s omakase table or relax in the restaurant and bar with a glass of our hand picked, vin naturel selections or signature cocktails.

4. Trattoria Emilia

4.8

Exceptional(1318)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 25 times today

Trattoria Emilia is an authentic Italian restaurant focusing on seasonal produce and fresh pasta. Head chefs Francesco Rota and Luca Flammia hail from Modena in Emilia Romagna.At Trattoria Emilia we seasonally change the menu and source a large majority of our produce from regional Victoria, our meat is organic and sustainably grown in Tasmania and Victoria and we import some of the best Italian DOC products. Some dishes that are not to be missed are our Tortelloni Emiliani and the crowd favourite salumi misti with gnocco fritto and tigelle served with mortadella mousse.Rustic, yet refined, Trattoria Emilia boasts fantastic ambience, attentive and professional service whilst all the while remaining a great casual dining spot perfect for a quick lunch, a long relaxing dinner with friends and has always been a romantic date spot.

5. Shoya Melbourne

4.5

Awesome(57)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Melbourne CBD

Booked 11 times today

Founded in 2003 by Chef Shigeo Nonaka, Shoya Nouvelle Wafu Cuisine proudly holds the title of Best Japanese Restaurant in Melbourne for 7 years in a row. We are a "One Hat Awarded" Japanese Fine Dinning Experience by the Age Good Food Guide.Our dishes are prepared with century-old Japanese techniques with contemporary western influence for the purest and delicate flavors and crafted with the highest quality ingredients sourced from Japan, locally, and globally, ensuring a unique culinary journey you cannot find else where. Choose from our offerings: Omakase Courses, à la Carte, and premium Special Lunch Sets, all accompanied by an extensive selection of traditional alcoholic Japanese drinks. Stay tuned for upcoming menu updates and events as we continue to elevate your dining experience.

6. Meatmaiden

4.6

Exceptional(1388)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Melbourne CBD

Booked 29 times today

Meatmaiden is an underground steakhouse and cocktail bar delivering a unique take on the classics.Hidden in the basement of the historic Georges Building, we strive to find the finest grass-fed, grain-fed and Wagyu beef for our custom-built grill and wood-fired smoker and dry-age select cuts in our meat cabinet.Premium steaks from incredible local producers with an ever-evolving lineup, seafood dishes such as our cult lobster mac cheese and modern, diverse menus stand alongside innovative house cocktails and a focused, energetic wine list.Look for the Maiden's face on Little Collins St, descend the metal stairs and discover our dark, seductive venue and individual approach to dining out in this rollicking homage to all things meat.

A photo of Straight Outta Saigon restaurant

7. Straight Outta Saigon

4.6

Exceptional(1137)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Vietnamese • Melbourne CBD

Booked 20 times today

Born out of the wok-tossed flames of Vietnam and introduced into the bustlin’ heart of urban Melbourne, Straight Outta Saigon's serving eastern flavours for it's CBD crew. Immerse yourself in 90s hip-hop mixtapes, swim in our offerings of tropical elixirs, and bask in the taste of street-side viet-fare without the frills!

A photo of Lobby Lounge - The Westin Melbourne restaurant

8. Lobby Lounge - The Westin Melbourne

4.7

Exceptional(535)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Australian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 5 times today

🎭Heading to Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2025? Make a night of it with our MICF offers. Visit www.westinmelbournedining.com.au to learn moreSoak up the polished atmosphere of the Lobby Lounge complete with open fireplace and comfortable club chairs. Known for its crafted cocktails and all-day (and night) bar bites, take your seat amongst the showpiece spiral staircase and gallery-esque art collection.Indulge in High Tea as you savour three tiers of sweet and savoury treats, paired with the finest tea and coffee blends or glass of bubbles. During the day relax with a special brew of loose leaf tea and order your favourite from the lunch menu offering an enticing array of options with thoughtfully considered dishes committed to sustainability.A glamourous drinking space in the heart of Melbourne's CBD, the Lobby Lounge comes alive in the evening for aperitifs and nightcaps, with extensive beverage options such as the signature Espresso Martini.

A photo of Thai Tide - Melbourne CBD restaurant

9. Thai Tide - Melbourne CBD

4.4

Awesome(240)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Thai • Melbourne CBD

Booked 7 times today

Regional Thai Restaurant | Local Produce | Australian and International Wines | Classic Cocktails | Grilled Over FireLocated in the heart of Melbourne CBD, Thai Tide offers an authentic Thai dining experience, perfect for casual dining, date night, business lunches, corporate dinners, after-work gatherings, and hosting events. We serve signature dishes like Patthalung Fried Chicken, Braised Beef Massamun Curry, and Charcoal Grilled Porterhouse with Thai Chilli Relish. Whether it's a casual meal or a special occasion, pair your dish with a curated selection of Australian and international wines or Thai-inspired cocktails. Open seven days for lunch and dinner, Thai Tide provides a unique culinary journey for every occasion.

10. Denmark House

4.7

Exceptional(113)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Danish • Melbourne CBD

Booked 8 times today

Denmark House is a small piece of Denmark in the middle of Melbourne CBD. Offering the best of Denmark: wonderful Danish food, served in beautiful Danish design in a enjoyable atmosphere of Danish music and “hygge”, which translates as ‘coziness’.The New Nordic cuisine is one of the leading gastronomic experiences in the world. Denmark House is part of this Nordic foodrevolution and the restaurant and bar will provide you with a traditional yet modern Danish experience.For lunch we offer 20 different kinds of “smørrebrød” – the traditional Danish open sandwich. You can choose your own selection or go for the tasting platter, a healthy lunch option when you fancy something different.In the evening we serve a contemporary menu inspired by New Nordic cuisine with an emphasis on comfort foods so guests sample true Danish ‘hygge’ when dining at Denmark House.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

A
Anthony
Melbourne •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Everything was delicious! The service was fantastic! 11/10
More info
Trattoria EmiliaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Melbourne CBD
•
4.8
BM
BruceM
Melbourne •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Had a great experience. Excellent food - the fish was delicious and the steaks were juicy and tender. Extensive wine list reasonably priced. Very attentive service. Everything you want from a classic French bistro
More info
French SaloonPrice: Expensive• French• Melbourne CBD
•
4.8
D
Danielle
Melbourne •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Outstanding value for the quality of food and service. The range of flavours was fantastic.
More info
Serai KitchenPrice: Very Expensive• Filipino• Melbourne CBD
•
4.7
C
Craig
Melbourne •1 review
4.0
Dined on Mar 2, 2025
Fantastic food and beautiful surroundings however it doesn't come cheap.
More info
Shoya MelbournePrice: Very Expensive• Japanese• Melbourne CBD
•
4.5
N
Nicole
Melbourne •1 review
5.0
Dined on Mar 1, 2025
Staff were excellent and attentive. Food was excellent and we tried almost everything on the menu. Reason for 4 stars was, I found the lobster linguine a bit boring after having the amazing taste of the snacks and entrees. Definitely worth a visit.
More info
Pinchy'sPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Melbourne CBD
•
4.5

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