Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Melbourne

OpenTable

Updated January 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes 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!

Borsch Vodka & Tears

4.8

4.8 (282)

$40 and under

Polish

Windsor

About the restaurant

Borsch, Vodka and Tears is a Melbourne institution currently celebrating 20 years at the colourful end of Chapel Street. Styled after a Kraków cellar bar, Borsch is a romantic Bohemian enclave, the home of the Green Faery, an ode to a hazy and debauched bygone world. We specialise in Polish vodka, vodka-centric interpretations of classic and modern cocktails, authentic wormwood absinthe, Eastern European beers, contemporary Polish dishes and late night fun times.

Top review

Margi

Dined 6 days ago

Fabulous food and wonderful service. Can get noisy but that’s just the space you are in. Would go there every week if I could :)

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Popular dish

Gołąbki Cabbage Rolls

Experience

WÓDKA TASTING TRAY

Bali Hai

4.8

4.8 (18)

$41 to $100

Thai

Melbourne CBD

About the restaurant

Sawasdee Ka 🌸 Welcome to Bali Hai, where Melbourne meets Pattaya! Thai-Fusion flavours in the Melbourne CBD.

Nestled in the heart of Melbourne CBD, Bali Hai brings together the vibrant flavours of Thailand and the sophistication of Melbourne’s dining scene. Our passion for authentic Thai cuisine has created a unique fusion experience that will tantalize your taste buds.

Inspired by the bustling streets of Bangkok and the serene beaches of Pattaya, our menu features a diverse range of traditional Thai dishes, each infused with a modern twist. From fiery curries and fragrant stir-fries to delicate noodle dishes and flavourful appetizers, our menu satisfies every palate.

Top review

margaret

Dined 5 days ago

Delicious food and great value.

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Lost Watering Hole - The Lancefield Brewery

4.7

4.7 (236)

$40 and under

Australian

Lancefield

About the restaurant

Lost Watering Hole, The Lancefield Brewery was born from a tiny idea two mates from Lancefield had one day whilst having a beer… “Let’s open a brewery!” They never expected that one day, several years later, Lost Watering Hole, The Lancefield Brewery would become the special place it is today. It all began in 1888, when Henry Lindsay bought the former flour mill in Lancefield and converted it into a brewery (God bless him…). Lindsay trademarked the name ‘The Trent Brewery’ and began producing both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. In the years that followed, the brewery changed hands many times, continuing to trade until early 1898, when it seems both the building and equipment were put up for auction, although it did not find a buyer. Sadly, a mysterious fire gutted the building the night after the auction, signalling its closure. Gladly, our brewery is lost no more… Today, we are proud to welcome you and your friends to Lancefield’s brewery, Lost Watering Hole.

Top review

Tricia

Dined 3 days ago

Great decision to go here… was 18 of us for my Mother’s 80th and everybody really enjoyed it. From 8 to 80… good food and really warm and efficient service.

Regale

4.7

4.7 (15)

$41 to $100

Comfort Food

Carlton

About the restaurant

Hello, Carlton! Your new favorite Restaurant and Basement Bar is about to light up the neighborhood, just steps away from Melbourne CBD.

With a focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, Regale's menu showcases a curated selection of innovative dishes, from indulgent small plates to signature mains that celebrate Asian flavors with a modern Australian flair.

Downstairs, Bar Galer offers an inviting blend of contemporary elegance and casual sophistication, perfect for unwinding with friends or catching up over a few drinks.

Top review

Ester

Dined on Dec 21, 2024

Everything was excellent, especially the service. It’s a lovely evening to have dinner here.

Mesa Verde

4.6

4.6 (384)

$41 to $100

Mexican

Melbourne CBD

About the restaurant

Finding harmony between authenticity and originality is something that first ignited the flame at Mesa Verde back in 2013 and continues to feed it today. While it’s fairly evident that an affinity for Mexican food and agave spirits is at the helm of what we do, our city’s rank on the culinary frontier has brought with it a particular nose for experimentation.

So, since we’re very literally in the heart of Melbourne up here on the sixth floor of Curtin House, high above the city’s jugular Swanston Street, we feel it’s our responsibility to highlight what Mexican dining (and drinking) looks like in the eyes of the modern Melburnian.

$10 Margaritas 4pm - 6pm daily.

Top review

Sharon

Dined 1 day ago

Venue had a cool vibe. Food was fab washed down with a frozen margarita all st happy hour prices. Who could ask for more!!

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4.5

4.5 (606)

$41 to $100

Indian

Brunswick

About the restaurant

Bhang is a unique warehouse cocktail bar serving contemporary Indian fare off Sydney Rd in Brunswick exploring the many different flavours of India through food and drink. We have a cocktail for every occasion and taste, and dishes from all corners of India such as the Mangalorean inspired 'Kori Gassi', 'Kashmiri Trout' and Rajasthani 'Junglee Maas'. Come and try our THALI available every night $30 Veg $32 Non-Veg

Bhang has an ample selection of vegan and gluten free items that compete equally in flavour and popularity with our charcoal meats and tandoor dishes. Bhang's wine and craft beer list showcase local producers, while our Indian inspired cocktails are an absolute must try.

HAPPY HOUR EVERY NIGHT 5-7PM: $14 COCKTAILS, CHEAP WINE, BEER & CHAAT

Top review

Alicia

Dined on Jan 3, 2025

Fab evening, last minute decision to go for drinks (which were absolutely delish) & meal with friends. Food was tasty, great selection to choose from, lovely staff, a great local venue. Will visit again & again

Big Pig Canteen

4.4

4.4 (808)

$40 and under

Barbecue

Moorabbin

About the restaurant

Big Pig Canteen brings Authentic BBQ to the south eastern suburbs of Melbourne. Situated in a large warehouse in Moorabbin, with easy parking at night and a wide range of rotating craft beer and cocktails, Big Pig Canteen is perfect for large groups and families wanting to have a little room to enjoy the fantastic atmosphere.

Top review

Ally

Dined 3 days ago

The corn bread was the most delicious along with the meat and beer. The staff were amazing and put on UFC for me and my husband to watch whilst we ate.

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Prosciutto Bros. Craft Bar

4.3

4.3 (160)

$40 and under

Italian

Eltham

About the restaurant

Prosciutto Bros. is a warehouse factory converted into a Craft Bar, a big red brick building in the industrial area of Eltham, frequented by locals who love an icy craft beer, with 20 Craft Beer taps and a great wine list to match. Prosciutto Bros menu is designed for sharing, very home-style Italian, featuring imported smoked, salted, preserved and cooked meats and cheeses showcased on display in our deli window, served as antipasti platters, charcuterie and cheese boards. We also have a wood fired oven, where an array of pizzas are cooked, some topped with meatballs, salami's and of course Prosciutto, a range of other plates, like a trio of dips with freshly baked bread, home-made meatballs, home-made gnocchi and many other "Little Tings". Live music every Friday & Saturday night, always bringing the dance floor to life and for a more chilled Sunday afternoon, live acoustic music is played.

Top review

Sue

Dined 4 days ago

Great night out as usual.. Great Band ! Fun atmosphere.. great pizza too !

St Andrews Brewery - Melbourne

4.3

4.3 (17)

$40 and under

Modern Australian

Melbourne CBD

About the restaurant

St Andrews Beach Brewery in partnership with Melbourne & Olympic Parks, is thrilled to announce that we’re opening a second venue in Melbourne’s iconic sports and entertainment precinct.
As part of a staged development, the new venue with pay homage to our beloved Fingal brewery. It features indoor and outdoor dining options with it’s own commercial brewery. Creating a wonderful environment for you to enjoy our award-winning brews and signature dishes from a convenient inner-city location.

The first stage of the new venue is set to open in late August 2024.

Top review

Jamie

Dined on Dec 14, 2024

Fantastic venue prior to a show at Melbourne Park. Food was quick, tasty and surprisingly affordable given the venues location.

Dainton Taphouse Croydon

4.2

4.2 (151)

$40 and under

Australian

Croydon

About the restaurant

Our Croydon Taphouse is open to the public five days a week from Wednesday to Sunday. Enjoy a range of core and limited Dainton releases, as well as a locally-sourced cider, all expertly poured from our 14 custom taps.
We've got a great selection of local wines and spirits, as well as a food menu that includes mouth-watering burgers and delicious share plates.

We've always got something exciting happening, from weekly trivia nights to limited edition beer releases.
Please note although there is some cover in the Beer Garden, if there is rain we will do our best to move you inside but we can't guarantee a table, also the tables for 2 are barrel tables with no cover.

**Please note our kitchen closes at 7:30pm on Sundays**

Top review

Sarah

Dined 5 days ago

Love this brewery - food is always good, service fast and friendly, great selection of drinks.

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Experience

Happy Hour Open 'til 6 (Wed - Fri)

Experience

TRIVIA - Every Wednesday in the restaurant..

Experience

$1 Wings - Wing Wednesday

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