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Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Melbourne

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OpenTable
Updated January 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in Melbourne? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!


A photo of Bottarga Brighton restaurant
Bottarga Brighton
5.0
5 (16)
$41 to $100
Contemporary Italian
Brighton
About the restaurant
Step into a space where each dish is a meticulously crafted masterpiece, showcasing the best in culinary excellence. Our menu is a unique fusion of the finest global ingredients, reimagining traditional flavors with a modern Italian twist and a hint of Asian influence. Delight in this unforgettable culinary journey with either a 2- or 3-course menu or our full tasting experience at $160 per person.

With just 18 seats in front of our fully open kitchen, Bottarga offers a rare, intimate dining experience where you can witness the magic unfold. We are proud to be Brighton’s only one-hatted restaurant, recognized by The Age Good Food Guide, awarded two glasses in the Australian Wine List of the Year Awards, and celebrated by Wine Spectator.
Top review
Federico
Dined on Dec 29, 2024
Hands down one of the best culinary experiences of my life. Every dish is perfectly balanced in flavour, consistency and colour. The quality of the ingredients is exceptional and the wine wilst has no end. Cannot report even the slightest issue, the staff is ready to help on every aspect and with the open space kitchen you can see everything happening all around, very tidy and clean. If I ever come back to Melbourne this will be on my MUST list and I'll definitely recommend this venue to all friends visiting the city.
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A photo of Aperitivo Hours of a restaurant
Experience
Aperitivo Hours
A photo of Tasting Experience $160pp of a restaurant
Experience
Tasting Experience $160pp
A photo of Group Set Menu $95pp of a restaurant
Experience
Group Set Menu $95pp
A photo of Shelanous restaurant
Shelanous
5.0
5 (106)
$101 and over
Australian
Port Melbourne
About the restaurant
Born from a Melbourne sunset, our pop-up restaurant, Shelanous, evolved into a multi-sensory journey, blending Melbourne’s seasons into each dish. As we transitioned to “Shelanous”, we retained the essence of sharing, embodied in “nous,” meaning “our” or “us” in Hebrew and French.
Top review
Valerie
Dined 1 day ago
Greeted by the friendly staff already in character, the journey begins the minute you step foot into the theatre. Covering all seasons, the experience was fully immersive from the food, decor, lighting and music. It was interactive and fun! With no idea what was going to happen next, your only guide was a menu of dishes and the costumes of the staff. Their extensive knowledge of food and beverage made the pairing to dishes fun and delightful. Incredible experience to remember forever. Well done to the fantastic team.
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A photo of 10 Course Degustation & Matching Beverages Sunday of a restaurant
Experience
10 Course Degustation & Matching Beverages Sunday
A photo of 10 Course Degustation & Matching Beverages Weekday of a restaurant
Experience
10 Course Degustation & Matching Beverages Weekday
A photo of 10 Course Degustation & Matching Beverages Weekday of a restaurant
Experience
10 Course Degustation & Matching Beverages Weekday
A photo of Vue de monde restaurant
Vue de monde
4.9
4.9 (1867)
$101 and over
Modern Australian
Melbourne CBD
About the restaurant
Vue de monde is a testament to the belief that dining can be a wondrous and unforgettable experience. The ever-changing chef’s menu pays homage to classical fine dining in a modern context by exploring the beauty of native Australian ingredients. While in the past the menu looked to Europe for inspiration, Executive Chef Hugh Allen continues to celebrate the unparalleled quality of home-grown produce with thoughtfully considered dishes committed to seasonality and locality.

Vue de monde has been synonymous with Melbourne dining for almost 20 years, continuing to present an exciting and dynamic experience with a progression of flavours and sense of curiosity. The whimsical spirit at the heart of the Vue de monde menu has not been lost throughout the years, with the lighter-handed and more natural approach to cooking being no less infused with theatre.
Top review
Heather
Dined 4 days ago
Fabulous experience, excellent welcoming service - looking forward to next visit
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A photo of Valentine's Day at Vue de monde 2025 of a restaurant
Experience
Valentine's Day at Vue de monde 2025
A photo of Attica restaurant
Attica
4.9
4.9 (45)
$101 and over
Australian
Ripponlea
About the restaurant
We’re an Australian restaurant, both in location and in spirit.

We celebrate the incredible, unique ingredients found in this country and the many rich and varied culinary cultures it’s fostered – beginning thousands of years ago with the First Peoples who call this land home.

The experience you’ll have at Attica is informed by all of this, as well as the values we pursue each day: excellence, kindness, creativity and, of course, fun.

We believe in the unique, the unexpected and the surprising – and we love to meet new people.
Top review
Jason T
Dined 1 day ago
The bucket list restaurant exceeded all expectations. We were treated to an extraordinary journey through Australian native ingredients, presented in dishes that were both reimagined and masterfully crafted. Each sample dish showcased beautifully balanced flavors and textures, making every bite a delight. The attentive and knowledgeable staff guided us seamlessly through the tasting menu, explaining each dish and the origin of its ingredients—some of which were handpicked. We’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity to connect with the restaurant’s owner, chef, and staff, who shared their passion for food with us that evening. It was truly a memorable experience.
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A photo of Attica Tasting Menu - $385pp ($150pp Deposit) of a restaurant
Experience
Attica Tasting Menu - $385pp ($150pp Deposit)
A photo of Atlas Dining restaurant
Atlas Dining
4.7
4.7 (145)
$41 to $100
Global, International
South Yarra
About the restaurant
In case you haven't travelled with us before, let us introduce ourselves. We are a fine dining restaurant located in the heart of South Yarra.

We first opened our doors in 2016, when a then, 22-year-old Charlie Carrington, decided to create a restaurant that changed cuisine every few months. Dubbed the most "Ambitious Restaurant Opening" of the year, Atlas Dining quickly rose to cult status. Within a month, Charlie became the youngest Australian chef to be awarded a Chef's Hat.

Eight years on, and (now) 25 cuisines later, Atlas Dining continues to be one of the most unique restaurants around.

We offer affordable fine dining, but most importantly, an unforgettable experience that helps guests' tastebuds travel the world.
Top review
Zimo
Dined 4 days ago
Food good，service good， thanks，i will come back next time
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A photo of Tex-Mex 3 Course Lunch Menu $65 of a restaurant
Experience
Tex-Mex 3 Course Lunch Menu $65
A photo of The Smokehouse World Series of a restaurant
Experience
The Smokehouse World Series
A photo of Atlas Goes to Singapore of a restaurant
Experience
Atlas Goes to Singapore
A photo of Lee Ho Fook restaurant
Lee Ho Fook
4.6
4.6 (74)
$101 and over
Chinese
Melbourne CBD
About the restaurant
Lee Ho Fook means ‘good fortune for your mouth’ - inspired from the Warren Zevon lyrics in Werewolves of London.
A Chinese restaurant, hidden down a Melbourne laneway, off the iconic Flinders Lane dining precinct.

Our cuisine takes the legacy of deliciousness given to us by generations of Chinese Australians and taking it to a highly personal and creative direction.

A new style of Chinese cuisine.

From the mind of Victor Liong.
Top review
Melinda
Dined 4 days ago
Outstanding. Faultless service, incredible food and a beautiful experience. 2nd time there and just as good as the first visit!
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A photo of Banquet Menu $180/per person of a restaurant
Experience
Banquet Menu $180/per person
A photo of A'La Carte Menu with Pre-Order Options of a restaurant
Experience
A'La Carte Menu with Pre-Order Options
A photo of Shared Banquet Menu for Groups - $140 of a restaurant
Experience
Shared Banquet Menu for Groups - $140
A photo of Lona Misa restaurant
Lona Misa
4.6
4.6 (813)
$41 to $100
Vegetarian / Vegan
South Yarra
About the restaurant
A collaboration with renowned Melbourne chefs Shannon Martinez (Smith & Daughters, Smith & Daughters Deli) and Ian Curley (French Saloon, Kirk’s Wine Bar), Lona Misa is a rebellious renaissance from root to stem, sustainably crafted to be seasonal, full of flavour, and memorable. The result? "A deliciously lively eatery that provides the ideal setting for coming together and taking part in the simple act of enjoying good food that is kind to the planet" (TimeOut).

Awarded One Hat by the prestigious Good Food Guide 2023, Lona Misa’s Latin fare and bistro dining collide against the norms of the classical medley you know of vegan and vegetarian dining. Think of dishes like Brazilian steafood stew Moqueca, roasted padron & manchego croquetas, or pastor mushrooms grilled over charcoals on Josper with corn puree, fermented pineapple & chilli.
Top review
Cassidy
Dined on Jan 7, 2025
The food was amazing! My partner is vegan, I'm not, but the food was such high quality you don't even think twice about it all being plant based, so is a good place for vegans to take their non-vegan friends. Would definitely recommend the meatballs and the taquitos (so yummy). Beware of accidentally ordering too much fried food (which was the mistake we made - filling up on batter rather than deliciousness - we couldn't even finish our patatas bravas!). Lovely, friendly staff. Interior and vibes were immaculate - such a lovely place for a special meal. Also shoutout to the lovely human mixing drinks. Would recommend the creme brulee martini for dessert. Will be coming back here for sure!
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A photo of Chefs Tasting Menu of a restaurant
Experience
Chefs Tasting Menu
A photo of Group Bookings - 4 Course Tasting Menu of a restaurant
Experience
Group Bookings - 4 Course Tasting Menu
A photo of Salted Egg restaurant
Salted Egg
4.5
4.5 (559)
$41 to $100
Asian
Melbourne CBD
About the restaurant
With a menu dominated by the flavours of Thailand, Executive Chef Adam Woodfield (ex-Chin Chin) and his team present dishes full of the richness of their origins such as Twice Cooked Pork Belly, Kao Soi Chicken Curry, Two Rice Fried Rice and Coconut Braised Beef.

Salted Egg is a cosy yet lively space in the New York end of the Melbourne CBD, perfect for date nights, celebrations of all types or even just a place to hide away with some soul-nourishing food. We always recommend a visit to our sister 27 stories above too, The Q Rooftop Bar for pre (and after) dinner cocktails...
Top review
Christopher
Dined 6 days ago
Beautiful food and brilliant service. Thank you very much 👍
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A photo of Valentine's Day of a restaurant
Experience
Valentine's Day
A photo of Lunar New Year Banquet of a restaurant
Experience
Lunar New Year Banquet
A photo of $79 Chef's Banquet Menu of a restaurant
Experience
$79 Chef's Banquet Menu
A photo of Olivine restaurant
Olivine
4.5
4.5 (188)
$41 to $100
Wine Bar
Coburg
About the restaurant
Olivine wine bar is nestled inside of the 170-year-old heritage-listed bluestone walls of the former HM Pentridge Prison.

You will meet your host to guide you through this unconventional space, until you find yourself in velvet-clad, faintly lit booths. Hidden away, the only distraction here is our novel-like book of wine, your key to our walk in cellar.

Olivine is a place for all from the most passionate to those just beginning their journey of wine. Our list is written in a way that encourages you to sample different regions, we hope you'll come away with a few new favorites or some wines to add to the bucket list.

Walk-ins are subject to availability. Booth seating cannot be guaranteed but we aim to accommodate guest requests where we can.
Top review
Roberto
Dined on Jan 4, 2025
Great selection of sharing plates, intimate setting excellent service a standout was Madison. Also fantastic warm greeting by Manager Fabio. Overall an excellent place for very tasty sharing plates and an equally impressive drinks list. We will be back.
A photo of Hoiana restaurant
Hoiana
4.0
4 (61)
$40 and under
Vietnamese
Melbourne CBD
About the restaurant
Inspired from our starting roots in Hoi An, Vietnam, Hoiana brings a twist on Hoi An’s culinary heritage. Discover a fusion of culture, live music (Thursday to Saturdays), and exceptional food that captures the essence of Hoi An’s lively hospitality scene.

Around the corner from Melbourne's iconic Hardware Lane, follow the live music sounds and you'll find our beautiful corner restaurant with the pretty lanterns inside. Come in for a great time!
Top review
Meg
Dined on Jan 3, 2025
Great cocktails, make sure you arrive during happy hour to make the most of it. The food is delicious. We ordered the Bo La Lot - Beef wrapped in Betel leaves and the Hoiana Banh Xeo - pancake. So good! It was a great night with a small band playing which really made it a fun dinner. The staff are super nice and helpful and the bar tender creates awesome cocktails with a real attention to detail. Highly recommend, particularly if you wish to reminisce that last visit to Hoi An 🌼
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A photo of Happy Hour 5-7pm of a restaurant
Experience
Happy Hour 5-7pm
A photo of Live Music Thursday to Saturdays of a restaurant
Experience
Live Music Thursday to Saturdays
A photo of Special Lunch Set Menu of a restaurant
Experience
Special Lunch Set Menu
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