Melbourne has a broad and confident Australian restaurant scene, shaped by local produce, riverside dining, city steakhouses, laneway cafés, seafood restaurants, regional Victorian ingredients, and casual venues that make everyday food feel distinctly Melbourne. The best Australian restaurants in Melbourne are not all fine dining rooms. Some are floating bars on the Yarra, some are steak-focused CBD restaurants, some celebrate regional farms, and others offer burgers, seafood, wine, and relaxed city hospitality.

This guide brings together some of the best Australian restaurants in Melbourne, with a mix of Southbank views, steakhouse dining, farm-to-table cooking, casual Degraves Street burgers, and riverside seafood. Whether you want a special dinner, a relaxed lunch, a steak, a burger, Gippsland produce, fresh seafood, or a drink by the water, these restaurants show how flexible modern Australian dining can be.

Yarra Botanica

Yarra Botanica brings Australian riverside dining to one of Melbourne’s most recognisable settings: the Yarra River. Floating beside Southbank Promenade, it has the kind of location that makes a meal feel connected to the city itself, with views, drinks, casual food, and an open-air feel that suits Melbourne afternoons and evenings.

The food and drink offering is relaxed and social, built around the kind of dishes that suit long lunches, after-work drinks, weekend catch-ups, and casual meals by the water. Rather than behaving like a formal restaurant, Yarra Botanica works as a floating bar and eatery where the setting is a major part of the experience. It is especially useful when the occasion calls for something easy, scenic, and distinctly Melbourne.

Yarra Botanica is best for riverside drinks, casual Australian food, group catch-ups, Southbank lunches, and visitors looking for a relaxed meal on the Yarra. It opens this guide well because Australian dining in Melbourne is not only about what is on the plate. It is also about place, weather, views, and the way people gather around food and drinks.

Address: North of 4 Riverside Quay, Lower Wharf, Southbank Promenade, Southbank 3006

Cold Snacks

Mount Zero Olives

$12

anise myrtle, citrus, chilli, EVOO (VE, GF) | Grampians

Rainbow Trout Donut

cucumbers, culture cream, Yarra Valley caviar | Yarra Valley

Stoneground Sourdough Flatbread

$19

Warrigal pesto, romesco, hung yoghurt, macadamia (VE*, GF*) | King Valley

Hand Stretched Burrata

$23

rosella, green tomato, basil, jalapeno (V, GF) | Gippsland

Smoked Barramundi Tartare

$24

yolk, mustard, potato chips, bay (GF, DF) | Wyndham

Cured Murray Cod

$23

cultured goat milk, mandarin, lemon myrtle, betel leaf oil (GF) | Murray Darling Basin

Aussie Pork Terrine

$22

fermented tomato chutney, house pickle, wattle cracker | Otways

Portarlington Mussels

$21

nduja, real garlic aioli, curry leaf, pizza fritto dippers (GF*) | Bellarine Peninsula

Hot Snacks

Hot Chips

$11

vinegar salt, mayo (GF, V, VE*) | Central Highlands

Crispy Mushrooms

$17

mushroom XO, koji mayo (VE, GF*) | Gippsland

Honey Chicken

$18

fried chicken ribs, honey buttered hot sauce, pickles | Lilydale

Tempura Whiting

$23

ronin kelp soy caramel, pink grapefruit, finger lime | Port Phillip Bay

Lakes Entrance Calamari

$22

native spiced salt, confit garlic, lemon (GF, DF) | Lakes Entrance

Halloumi

$18

new season fig, Bad Bees honey, mountain pepper (V, GF) | Yarra Valley

Chorizo

$19

salt bush, lemon, hung yoghurt, dill oil, wattle sourdough (GF*) | Brunswick

Half Shell Scallops (2)

$16

lemon aspen butter, dill oil, salted roe | Port Phillip

Fried Fish Sandwich

$26

Stomping Ground beer battered rockling, steamed thick white bread, chunky tartare, whole Dillicious pickle | Lakes Entrance

Sourdough Pizza

Our 90-hour sourdough pizzas are made with love, using Aussie stoneground flour, water, pink river salt from Mount Zero. Pizzas come topped with quality soft cheese from our mates at That’s Amore Cheese, meats from Salt Kitchen and plenty of fresh Victorian vegetables. All plant-based pizzas can be made vegan with plant-based cheese from our friends at Domana. Gluten friendly bases +2

Classic Tomato

$24

That’s Amore Fior di Latte, scamorza, tomato, basil (V, VE*, GF*) | Yarra Valley

Seafood

$29

Murray cod belly, scallop, calamari, tomato, chilli, mozzarella, basil (GF*) | Coastal Victoria

Western Plains Pork & Fennel Sausage

$27

Bad Bees honey, radicchio, ricotta (GF*) | Yarra Valley

Kent Pumpkin

$26

Meredith’s goat cheese, Warrigal greens pesto, mozzarella, candied walnuts (V, VE*, GF*) | Meredith

Prosciutto

$28

fresh fig, sugo, mozzarella (GF*) | Ballarat

Wattle Bank Farm Oyster Mushroom

$26

smoked mozzarella, radicchio (V, VE*, GF*) | Wattle Bank

Grazing by the Meter

Local Cheese Board

$55

la’ artisan wash rind, Gippsland shadows of blue, Meredith goat cheese, aged farmhouse cheddar, house chutney, wattle crackers, sourdough, fruit (V)

Victoria Seafood Board

$69

pickled Portarlington mussels, rainbow trout pastrami, smoked fish sausage, cold smoked barramundi, octopus terrine, sourdough, butter, flat bread

Charcuterie Board

$59

mortadella, prosciutto, pork terrine, chorizo, bread and butter pickles, sourdough, butter, chutney, Mount Zero olives

The Sweet Stuff

Hemp Soft Serve Ice Cream

Cone 6 | Cup 7

Hemp Soft Serve Ice Cream

Cone 6 | Cup 7

Selection of Signature Snacks

SELECTION OFSIGNATURESNACKS ? 50PP

Mount Zero Olives

mixed mount zero olives marinated in citrus zest, chilli & garlic

Lightly Toasted Sourdough Bread

served with butter and olive oil

Mini Buratta

roast beet root, sunflower seed,orange & honey dressing,lemon myrtle

Cured Juniper Tuna

cured tuna,native agua chilli,finger lime, chili oil

Crispy Halloumi

lemon aspen,pickled pear,honey, mountain pepper

Fried Chicken

buttered hot sauce,pickles & aioli

Selection of Pizzas

Classic Cocktails

Amaretto Sour

$21

White Possum Amaretto, lemon, aquafaba

Classic Caipiroska

$21

Grainshaker Vodka, lime

Spiced Rum Mojito

$23

JimmyRum Barbados, mint, lime, soda

Old Fashioned

$21

Starward Two-Fold Bourbon, bitters, orange

Signature Cocktails

Lemon Myrtle Drop

$24

Limoncello, Grainshaker Vodka, lemon myrtle

Wattleseed Espresso Martini

$23

Boston Black, Grainshaker Vodka, Billson’s coffee liquor, wattleseed

Blood Orange Negroni

$23

Marionette Bitter, The Melbourne Gin Company Gin, Maidenii Sweet Vermouth, blood orange

JimmyRum Rita

$21

JimmyRum Silver, Marionette Orange Curacao, Grampians Pink Lake Salt, lime

Spritz

SINGLE / CARAFE

Marionette Spritz

$18

Our Victorian version of Aperol Spritz Marionette Spritz, Marionette Bitter Curacao, prosecco

Grainshaker Grapefruit Spritz

$18

Grainshaker Vodka, pink grapefruit, sparkling wine, soda

Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Spritz

$18

Four Pillars Shiraz gin, prosecco, lemon, soda

Davo Plum Spritz

$19

Autonomy Davo Plum Aperitivo, prosecco, Etch Sparkling Sweet Orange & Quandong

Peculiar Pepperberry Spritz

$19

Billson’s Alfred Peculiar gin, grapefruit, pepperberry, prosecco, soda

Ginger & Mango Spritz

$18

Anther Gin, ginger, mango, lemon myrtle, sparkling wine, soda

Seltzers

Wolf of the Willows Aqua Boogie Pineapple Mango 4% ABV

$14

Mordialloc, VIC

Wolf of the Willows Aqua Boogie Ginger Lime 4% ABV

$14

Mordialloc, VIC

Moon Dog Fizzer Raspberry Sorbet 4% ABV

$13.50

Preston, VIC

Moon Dog Tropical Crush 4% ABV

$13.50

Preston, VIC

Tap Beer

SCHOONER / PINT

Fixation IPA | 6.4% ABV | Collingwood, VIC

$12

SCHOONER / PINT

Fixation IPA | 6.4% ABV | Collingwood, VIC

$16

SCHOONER / PINT

Rare Steakhouse Downtown

Rare Steakhouse Downtown brings classic steakhouse dining to King Street in the Melbourne CBD. It is a strong option for diners who want Australian beef, polished service, wine, and the comfort of a restaurant built around steaks, sides, sauces, and hearty dining. In a city with many modern small-plate restaurants, Rare offers something direct and satisfying.

The appeal is in the steakhouse format. A meal can centre on beef, but the experience also includes seafood, entrées, salads, sides, sauces, wine, and the sense of occasion that comes with a proper steak dinner. It works for business meals, date nights, celebrations, and anyone looking for a reliable CBD restaurant where the menu is easy to understand and built around quality ingredients.

Rare Steakhouse Downtown is best for steak lovers, business dinners, group meals, special occasions, and diners who want a classic Australian steakhouse experience in the city. It belongs in this guide because beef and grill-focused dining remain an important part of Australian restaurant culture.

Address: 42-44 King Street, Melbourne 3000

ENTREES

GARLIC BREAD (V)

$19

add cheese + $2

BOOMER BAY OYSTERS ~ SUBJECT TO AVAIL.

Natural with Mignonette (GF / DF) or Kilpatrick (DF)

BLOODY MARY OYSTER SHOOTER (GF / DF)

$14

Vodka based Spicy Bloody Mary Shot with an Oyster

PAN-SEARED SCALLOPS (GF / DFO)

$25

Served with cauliflower puree & grilled chorizo

SALT & PEPPER CALAMARI (GF* / DF)

$23

With house made sweet chilli sauce and lime

ROASTED FIELD MUSHROOMS (V / GF / DFO)

$22

With garlic butter & fetta

ENTREE TASTING PLATE

$56

Salt & Pepper Calamari Grilled Boerewors Roasted Field Mushrooms

FROM THE GRILL

GRILLED BOEREWORS (GF/ DF)

$25

South African style beef & pork sausage served with house made BBQ sauce

Marinated chicken skewers (GF / DF)

$15

Served with honey mustard

Kangaroo backstrap (GF / DFO)

$16

Served with mint yogurt

GRILLED SPARE RIBS 500g | 1kg

$59

Beef

$59

Pork

$59

Mixed Platter

$95

Available as 1kg size only

Steaks from the Char Grill

All steaks are char-grilled, basted and served with your choice of chips or mash

200G Eye Fillet

$59

300G Eye Fillet

$76

300G Porterhouse

$56

300G Scotch Fillet

$59

300G Rump

$52

300G Yardstick Eye Fillet MS2+, Grain Fed

$85

300G O’Connor Porterhouse MS3+, Grain Fed

$71

350G O’Connor Scotch MS3+, Grain Fed

$78

500G O’Connor T-Bone MS3+, Grain Fed

$78

500G O’Connor Rib-Eye On The Bone MS3+, Grain Fed

$115

1.3-1.6Kg Tomahawk MS2+, Grain-Fed

$225

Please allow 30 minutes.

RIBS

GRILLED SPARE RIBS

$65

Sous vide and marinated in Rare’s Rib Baste and finished on the char-grill for a smoky, tender and delicious experience

PORK SPARE RIBS 500G | 1KG (GFO / DFO)

$65

Served with a choice of chips or mash

ANGUS BEEF SPARE RIBS 500G | 1KG (GFO / DFO)

$65

Served with a choice of chips or mash

Mains

CHAR-GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST FILLET (GFO / DFO)

$38

Basted and served with your choice of chips or mash

CHICKEN SALAD (GF / DF)

$38

Char-grilled chicken breast on a bed of garden salad

PAN-SEARED BARRAMUNDI (GF*)

$38

With crunchy chat potatoes, grilled asparagus and salsa verde

CAULIFLOWER STEAK (V/ VGNO/GF/DFO)

$32

Served on a beetroot & butter bean puree, fried onions and grilled asparagus

Sides

BEANS & BROCCOLINI (V / VGNO / GF / DFO)

$22

with beurre noisette & toasted almonds

CHARRED CARROTS (V / GF / DFO)

$21

With whipped fetta and pomegranate molasses

MAC & CHEESE (V)

$22

three cheese topped with panko crumb

SPICED CAULIFLOWER (V/VGN/GF/DF)

$20

on a beetroot & butter bean puree

CRISPY FRIED ONIONS (V / GF*)

$15

SWEET POTATO FRIES (V / VGNO / GF* / DFO)

$13

With garlic aioli

THICK-CUT STEAKHOUSE CHIPS (V / VGN / DF)

$13

CREAMY MASH POTATO (GF)

$13

Mushroom (GF), Black Pepper (GF), BBQ (DF), Creamy Garlic (GF), Danish Blue Cheese (GF) or Rare Signature Baste (served cold) (GF

Garlic Butter (GF)

SALADS

GARDEN SALAD (V/VGN/GF/DF)

$16

Mixed salad leaves, carrot, cucumber, red capsicum, cherry tomatoes & Spanish onion with a vinaigrette

GREEK SALAD (V/VGNO/GF/DF)

$18

Cherry tomatoes, cucumber, Spanish onion, kalamata olives, fetta & oregano with rocket

Dessert

WARM STICKY DATE PUDDING

$22

with butterscotch sauce and vanilla ice-cream

CREME BRULEE

$18

AFFOGATO (GF)

$10

Vanilla ice-cream with a shot of espresso

VANILLA ICE-CREAM (GFO)

$18

With warm Mars Bar sauce

Farmer’s Daughters

Farmer’s Daughters is one of the clearest examples of modern Australian dining in Melbourne because it builds its identity around regional Victorian produce. Located in the 80 Collins precinct, the restaurant focuses on Gippsland, bringing farmers, growers, producers, wine, and seasonal ingredients into a multi-level city dining experience.

The appeal of Farmer’s Daughters is its sense of place. Rather than using “Australian” as a vague label, it connects the food directly to a region, giving diners a clearer story through ingredients, menus, wine, and hospitality. The venue can work across different moods, from a deli-style meal to a rooftop drink or a more composed restaurant experience.

Farmer’s Daughters is best for modern Australian food, regional produce, business lunches, date nights, rooftop drinks, and diners who want a restaurant that feels connected to Victoria. It belongs in this guide because it shows how Australian dining can be local, seasonal, and produce-led without becoming overly formal.

Address: 95 Exhibition Street, Melbourne 3000

Gippsland Getaway Menu

Available from 5:30pm, 7 days per week.

Wattlebank farm Mushroom parfait, pine mushrooms, con casse, sherry vinaigrette

Baked Noojee alpine trout, mountain pepper cream, trout roe

Roasted Food forest pumpkin, braised dark ale black lentils, compressed apple

Galiciana Eye fillet, pink pepper corn, radicchio puree, baby beetroot

Cuvee dark chocolate, almond biscuit, toasted marshmallow

Alternative to Eye Fillet +15 PP

$15

Smoked U Goose duck, compressed fig, chestnut cream, pepperberry jus

Deli Menu

Comprised of small dishes designed to share, our deli menu creates both a sense of community and a grazing opportunity within our unique deli and produce store.

Farm style soda bread, Del Bocia salted butter

Meredith Goats curd, bresaola, braised quince

Grilled zucchini, stracciatella, black garlic dressing, dukkah, seasonal citrus

$25

Lakes Entrance cured fish, cornichon, capers, trout roe

$27

Amber Creek leg ham, Powlett Reserve cheese, fig and onion chutney, wholegrain mustard

$25

Grass fed beef carpaccio, crème fraîche, horseradish, cider caramel, ricotta salata

$26

Roast beetroot, burrata, hazelnut, mint dressing

$27

Pasture raised chicken & mushroom pie, tarragon butter sauce

$37

Artisan Gippsland pork sausage, smoked cauliflower, date chutney, braised witlof

$37

Lakes Entrance crumbed fish, spring onion hollandaise

$38

Roast potato & leek pie, confit red onion, brown butter

$35

Market fish skin on, matbucha, smoked eggplant, herb oil, sourdough

$47

Cheffield’s 700g lamb shoulder, preserved lemon jus

$53

Days Walk Farm brussels sprouts, toum dressing

$19

Seasonal Jones potato fries, dill mayo

$14

Leaf salad, radish, Tambo Valley honey mustard vinaigrette

$15

Fior di latte panna cotta, poached figs, Gippsland Food Forest carob, toasted milk

$19

Almond cake, Gippsland Food Forest plum, crème fraîche

$20

Rooftop Food Menu

Comprised of small dishes designed to share, our menu creates both a sense of community and a grazing opportunity within our unique deli and produce store. The menu changes regularly to reflect seasonal availability.

Farm style soda bread, Del Bocia salted butter

Meredith Goats curd, bresaola, braised quince

Grilled zucchini, stracciatella, black garlic dressing, dukkah, seasonal citrus

$25

Lakes Entrance cured fish, cornichon, capers, trout roe

$27

Amber Creek leg ham, Powlett Reserve cheese, fig and onion chutney, wholegrain mustard

$25

Grass fed beef carpaccio, crème fraîche, horseradish, cider caramel, ricotta salata

$26

Roast beetroot, burrata, hazelnut, mint dressing

$27

Pasture raised chicken & mushroom pie, tarragon butter sauce

$37

Artisan Gippsland pork sausage, smoked cauliflower, date chutney, braised witlof

$37

Lakes Entrance crumbed fish, spring onion hollandaise

$38

Roast potato & leek pie, confit red onion, brown butter

$35

Market fish skin on, matbucha, smoked eggplant, herb oil, sourdough

$47

Cheffield’s 700g lamb shoulder, preserved lemon jus

$53

Days Walk Farm brussels sprouts, toum dressing

$19

Seasonal Jones potato fries, dill mayo

$14

Leaf salad, radish, Tambo Valley honey mustard vinaigrette

$15

Fior di latte panna cotta, poached figs, Gippsland Food Forest carob, toasted milk

$19

Almond cake, Gippsland Food Forest plum, crème fraîche

$20

Cuveé dark chocolate tart, milk chocolate mousse, cacao nibs

$22

Gippsland Jersey - Double Brie

$16

Prom Country Cheeses - Granny's Blue

$16

Maffra Cheese Co. - Cloth-aged Cheddar

$16

Why choose when you can try all three!

$44

Served with quince paste, honey comb, dried fruit and assorted crackers

GIPPSLAND TONIC

$15

Loch Distillery G'n'T gin, tonic, olive leaf

THYME-LESS

$17

Patient Wolf Summer Thyme, Gin, tonic, lime

BLOODY DELICIOUS!

$17

4 Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin, house-made lemonade, pink grapefruit

BRUNNY & DRY

$15

Gospel Solera Rye, spicy ginger, lemon

FARMERS DAUGHTERS VERMOUTH

$10

Our rosé vermouth made in collaboration with Maidenii, a blend with strawberry blossom, lemon myrtle and lemon thyme. Served with either soda, tonic or on the rocks

FARMERS COLLINS

$20

Bright and refreshing, our signature pairs the Farmer's Daughters Gippsland Vermouth with pink grapefruit, elderflower & cucumber

STRAWBERRY FIELDS

$23

Bitter & sweet. Tarragon infused Beenleigh white rum, strawberry oleo, Marionette Bitter curacao, IMD Ruby & lime.

GIPPY SLIPPY

$22

Green & glowing. 4 Pillars Yuzu gin, Melon liqueur, apple, pear & lime, paired with a fig leaf sherbet.

AUSSIE NEGRONI

$21

All Australian. A Melbourne favourite with a ‘down under’ twist.

DIRTROAD MARTINI

$24

Olives four ways – this is a VERY dirty Martini.

BURNISHED GOLD

$23

A spicy beach vacation with local ingredients, House made coconut tequila, Stache House mango liqueur, habanero agave, & lime.

STONE BLOSSOMS

$22

Sweet & sophisticated. Grilled peach Vanishing point vodka, Autonomy Davo Plum, bergamot syrup & lemon.

CAMPFIRE OLD FASHIONED

$23

A touch of fruit & a hint of smoke makes this classic sing.

Metro Burger

Metro Burger brings casual burger dining to Degraves Street, one of Melbourne’s most recognisable laneway food strips. It is a more relaxed entry in this guide, but that is part of the point. Australian dining is not only about polished restaurants and long tasting menus. It is also about the everyday city meals people grab between work, shopping, trains, coffee, and laneway wandering.

The menu sits in the burger and fast-casual world, with the kind of food that works for lunch, dinner, takeaway, and quick city meals. Burgers, chips, drinks, and simple comfort food suit Degraves Street’s busy pedestrian energy. It is a practical choice when you want something filling and familiar in the centre of Melbourne.

Metro Burger is best for casual lunches, quick CBD dinners, takeaway, city workers, students, visitors, and anyone looking for an easy meal near Flinders Street and Degraves Street. It adds the casual side of Australian city dining to this guide, balancing the steakhouses, seafood rooms, and produce-led restaurants with something everyday and accessible.

Address: 12 Degraves Street, Melbourne 3000

Breakfast

Eggs on Sourdough

$12.90

Eggs any style on sourdough.

Smashed Avocado

$17.90

Avocado with mint, parsley, lemon & a touch of Tabasco on sourdough.

Eggs Benedict

$18.90

Poached eggs on sourdough with bacon & hollandaise sauce.

Chef's Omelette

$20.90

3 eggs with chicken tenders, mushrooms & Swiss cheese on sourdough.

Eggs 42 Celsius

$21.90

Poached eggs on sourdough with smoked salmon & hollandaise sauce.

Veggie Breakfast

$22.90

Eggs any style on sourdough with tomatoes, mushrooms, avocado & hash brown. Vegetarian.

Big Breakfast

$26.90

Eggs any style on sourdough with bacon, chorizo, tomatoes, mushrooms, avocado & hash brown.

Breakfast Burgers

Benedict Burger

$14.90

Egg, bacon, Swiss cheese & Bearnaise sauce.

Good Morning Burger

$15.90

Hash brown, bacon, egg, Swiss cheese & BBQ sauce.

Special Burgers

Kangaroo Outback Burger

$23.90

Kangaroo patty, bush seasoning, lemon parsley mayo, wild tomato chutney, mixed salad, tomatoes, red onions & beetroot.

Emu Burger

$26.90

Emu fillets, roasted capsicum, beetroot herb mayo, mixed salad, tomatoes & red onions.

Crocodile Burger

$26.90

Crocodile tail, outback chili jam, mixed salad, orange zest, mint mayo, tomatoes & red onions. Spicy.

Beef Burgers

Metro Burger

$13.90

Fresh pure 150g Wagyu patty, mayo, French mustard, tomato sauce, lettuce, tomatoes & pickles.

Bacon Burger

$15.90

Fresh pure 150g Wagyu patty, bacon, Swiss cheese, mayo, French mustard, tomato sauce, lettuce, tomatoes & pickles.

Chipotle Burger

$16.90

Fresh pure 150g Wagyu & jalapeno peppers in smoky sauce, bacon, Swiss cheese, mayo, lettuce, tomatoes & pickles. Spicy.

Metro Supreme Burger

$17.90

Fresh pure 150g Wagyu patty, cooked onions, grilled pineapple, Swiss cheese, balsamic glaze, tomato relish, lettuce, tomatoes & pickles.

Metro Double Burger

$21.90

Fresh double pure 300g Wagyu patties, double bacon, double Swiss cheese, Bearnaise sauce, French mustard, lettuce, tomatoes & pickles.

Crazy Burger

$29.90

Fresh triple pure 450g Wagyu patties, triple Swiss cheese, double bacon, chorizo sausage, hollandaise sauce, mayo, French mustard, tomato sauce, lettuce, tomatoes & pickles.

Lamb Burgers

Lamb Burger

$18.90

Fresh lamb tenderloin, tzatziki, French mustard, mixed salad, tomatoes & red onions.

Chicken Burgers

Schnitzel Burger

$14.90

Chicken schnitzel, Swiss cheese, mayo, mixed salad & tomatoes.

Grilled Chicken Burger

$15.90

Chicken tenderloins, mayo, French mustard, mixed salad, tomatoes & red onions.

Southern Fried Chicken Burger

$16.90

Fried chicken marinated in chipotle chili & milk. Served with chipotle mayo, mixed salad, tomatoes & red onions. Spicy.

Vegetarian Burgers

Veggie Burger

$14.90

Gourmet veggie patty, mayo, French mustard, mixed salad, tomatoes, beetroot, avocado & sweet chili sauce. Vegetarian.

Halloumi Burger

$15.90

Grilled Halloumi cheese, tomatoes, avocado & coleslaw.

Truffle Portobello Burger

$16.90

Marinated field mushrooms, Swiss cheese, truffle garlic aioli, mixed salad & tomatoes.

Salads

Caesar Salad

$18.90

Baby cos, poached egg, parmesan cheese, bacon, croutons & Caesar dressing.

Mushroom Salad

$22.90

Mixed salad, field mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, avocado, beetroot, red onions, parmesan cheese & balsamic dressing.

Lamb Salad

$25.90

Mixed salad, marinated lamb fillets, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, tzatziki & balsamic dressing.

Smoked Salmon Salad

$25.90

Smoked salmon, mixed salad, avocado, capers, sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil & lemon-dill dressing.

Emu Salad

$29.90

Mixed salad, emu fillets, roasted capsicum, red onions, tomatoes & beetroot herb dressing.

Sides

French Fries

$4.90

Served with chicken salt.

Sweet Potato Chips

$7.90

Served with Cajun spices.

Thick Shakes

Happy Thickshake

$9.90

Choose from a variety of flavours.

Hot Coffee & Tea

Flat White

$4.20

Espresso with fresh, steamed milk poured over it.

Latte

$4.20

Espresso, steamed milk & a layer of foam on top. The classic milk & espresso drink.

Cappuccino

$4.20

Silky frothed milk poured over a shot of espresso, topped with a touch of chocolate.

Long Black

$4.20

A double-shot of espresso over hot water.

Espresso

$4.20

A single shot of espresso.

Macchiato

$4.20

A single shot of espresso with a small amount of steamed milk.

Piccolo

$4.20

A baby latte - ristretto shot with steamed milk poured over top.

Mocha

$4.20

A hot chocolate with a shot of espresso.

Hot Chocolate

$4.20

Silky steamed milk poured over melted chocolate topped with a chocolate powder.

Chai Latte

$4.20

Aromatic spiced black tea blended with steamed milk.

Pot of Tea

$4.50

Choose from a variety of flavours.

Beverages

Canned Soft Drink

$3.90

Choose from a variety of flavours.

Mount Franklin Still Water

$4.20

Mount Franklin Sparkling Water

$4.50

Emma & Tom's Soft Drink

$5.20

Choose from a variety of flavours.

Emma & Tom's Juice

$5.90

Choose from a variety of flavours.

Waterfront

Waterfront brings seafood, steak, wine, and riverside dining together at Southgate.

The restaurant works especially well for diners who want a classic Melbourne riverfront meal. Seafood, oysters, fish, steak, wine, and alfresco dining all suit the location, and the Yarra-facing setting gives the meal a strong sense of occasion. It can work for visitors, business lunches, date nights, family meals, and pre-theatre dinners around Southbank.

Waterfront is best for seafood, steak, riverside dining, Southbank meals, special occasions, and visitors who want a polished Australian restaurant with views. It closes this guide well because it shows a classic side of Melbourne dining: fresh seafood, local atmosphere, and a table by the river.

Address: Shop 20, 3 Southgate Avenue, Southbank 3006

ENTREE

A La Carte

Boston Style Classic Clam Chowder

$29

spring onion (GF)

Prawn & Scallop Chowder

$36

(GF)

Crispy Ottaway Pork Belly

$34

chilli caramel & kohlrabi (DF)

Waterfront Garlic or Chilli Lakes Entrance Prawns

$32

jasmine rice

Port Lincoln Spiced Calamari

$29

kohlrabi salad, chilli mayo

Portarlington Mussels Mariniere

$36

white wine, cream garlic, parsley (GF)

Portarlington Mussels Sicilian Style Tomato

$36

tomato, chilli & garlic (GF) (DF)

Canadian Scallop Skordalia

$36

Greek garlic potato mash, watercress & lemon dressing (GF)

Handmade Pumpkin Ravioli with Mooloolaba Prawns

$36

brunt butter, pine nuts & raisins

RAW BAR

Waterfront Market Sashimi

$35

tuna, salmon, kingfish & prawn

Snow Roll

$35

prawns, lobster mousse, crispy wonton

Hiramasa King Fish Carpaccio

$33

jalapeno, fried shallot, sriracha, white soy, yuzu puree

Black Angus Beef Tataki

$35

mushroom butter, shiso ponzu, micro salad

Atlantic Salmon Tartare

$36

bonito, salmon roe, tobiko, yuzu miso, mascarpone cream, horseradish, avocado puree

SOOYOUNG'S PLATTER

Sampler Plate

$119

kingfish carpaccio, beef tataki, snow roll, shucked oysters, cocktail prawns

W F • S I G N A T U R E • P L A T T E R S

Sooyoung's Platter

$119

Sampler Plate kingfish carpaccio, beef tataki, snow roll, shucked oysters, cocktail prawns

Sooyoung's Chilled Platter

$299

King prawns, Moreton Bay bugs, mussels, Shark Bay scallops, shucked oysters, sashimi & Japanese pickles

Waterfront's Classic Deluxe Platter

$299

Australian King prawns, Moreton Bay bugs, crispy fried fish, mussels, spiced calamari, kilpatrick, steamed baby brocollini, chef's selection of sauces

Signature Hot Seafood Platter

$499

SA King Prawns, Moreton Bay bugs, WA lobster mornay, crispy fried whole baby fish, scallops in shells, mussels, clams, spiced calamari, kilpatrick oysters, baby brocollini & chef's selection of sauces

SHELL•FISH

Mooloolaba King Prawns

$69

garlic butter / lemon chilli butter & baby brocollini

Mooloolaba King Prawns

$125

garlic butter / lemon chilli butter & baby brocollini

Moreton Bay Bugs

$65

garlic butter & baby brocollini

Moreton Bay Bugs

$120

garlic butter & baby brocollini

Southern Australia Rock Lobster

Half/ Whole

Char-grilled, lemon garlic butter

Mornay

Chilled

Sashimi

FISH SELECTIONS

Whole King George Whiting

$55

baked in pastry, stuffed with mushrooms, beurre blanc (GF)

Bass Strait 700gm Whole Baby Snapper

$69

baked, garnished with Asian style dressing

Queensland, Daintree Farm 600gm Whole Steamed Barramundi

$59

south east Asian master broth

Char-grilled Butterflied Whole Rock Flathead

$55

lemon, extra virgin olive oil, oregano (GF)

Tasmanian South Coast Blue Eye Fillet

$49

spiced chickpeas, pipes, tomatoes, caper salsa

Pan Seared Atlantic Salmon Fillet

$49

pea puree, grilled asparagus

Northern Territory Grilled Barramundi Fillet

$49

Romesco, green beans, almonds, olives (GF)

South Australian Hapuka Fillet

$49

Mooloolaba prawns, lobster bisque & roasted potatoes (GF)

Side of Grilled Bass Strait Baby Snapper

$49

beurre blanc, fennel, orange salad & Yarra Valley salmon roe

Tasmanian South Coast Grilled Blue Eye Fillet

$55

XO butter, green beans

Miso Glazed 'Glacier 51' Tooth Fish

$75

Asian green

MAINS

Waterfront's Crispy Battered Fish Fillet

$44

french fries, house tartare, 3 leaf salad

Waterfront Classic Seafood Linguine

$49

mussels, clams, prawns, calamari, fish, cherry tomatoes, chilli, garlic, parsley, mascarpone

Atlantic Salmon Wellington

$49

leek, caviar beurre blanc, carrot & ginger puree, herbs

Moreton Bay Bug Risotto

$55

chorizo, peas, tomatoes & basil (GF)

Line Caught Snapper & Leek Pie

$55

white wine, truffle, paris mash, char-grilled tomato

Western Australia Crispy Whole Snapper Red Curry

$55

jasmine rice, cauliflower, coriander, crispy shallot (DF)

Chargrilled Bannockburn Free Range Chicken

$45

caramelized leeks, walnuts, thyme & asparagus (GF)

Roasted Cauliflower

$33

roasted Harissa spiced cauliflower, hummus, salsa verde, crispy chickpea

Vegan Gnocchi

$35

roasted cherry tomatoes, olives, capers, basil

½ Live Southern Rock Lobster

$159

oven roasted on saffron rice & rouille (GF)

WOOD GRILL

300g Potoro MBS4+ Porterhouse

$59

150 days grass fed

250g Black Angus MSA Eye Fillet

$79

gourmet, grain fed, Southern Ranges

300g Gippsland Black Angus Scotch Fillet

$69

150 days grain fed

400g Black Angus Rib Eye

$89

full bone, grain fed, Certified Australian Black Angus

300g Wagyu Striploin +MBS 6-7 (Porterhouse)

$95

Westholme, Queensland | Certified Wagyu

250g Wagyu Scotch Fillet +MBS 8-9

$105

Westholme, Queensland | Certified Wagyu

1.5kg Tomahawk

$249

Black Angus/NSW, grain fed 200 days All steaks are served with a petite herb salad

Riverina Premium Lamb Lack

$54

wood chargrilled, rosemary garlic potatoes salsa verde

SIDES & SALADS

Roasted Pumpkin & Sweet Potato

$18

yogurt sauce, roasted pepitas (GF)

Green Beans

$18

XO butter

Honey Glazed Baby Carrots

$18

hazelnuts (GF) (DF)

Potato Gratin

$18

cabbage & parmesan (GF)

Paris Mash

$16

(GF)

Cos, Butter Lettuce & Radicchio Salad

$16

with burnt honey vinaigrette (GF) (DF)

Iceberg Wedge Salad

$18

blue cheese, bacon & cherry (GF)

Waterfront ala Greco Salad

$18

fetta cheese, olives, cherry tomatoes & cucumber (GF)

Rocket Salad

$18

roasted beetroots, walnuts & shaved parmesan (GF)

French Fries

$16

aioli (DF)

DESSERT

Dessert

Waterfront's Sticky Date Pudding

$19

salted caramel sauce, vanilla ice cream

Passionfruit Pavlova

$19

mascarpone mousse, passionfruit

Belgian Chocolate Fondant

$20

chocolate soil, raspberyy puree, Vanila Ice cream

Ferrero Rochser

$20

flourless choc sponge, hazelnut mousse, liquid Frangelico centre

Bombe Alaska

$45

for 2 Gaytime Ice cream

Millie Feuille

$19

white chocolate, pistachio, raspberry

Assiette of Cheese

$35

Chef's Selection Cheese, quince, lavosh, dried fruit & nuts

Affogato

$12

(GF)

Espresso, vanilla ice cream

add liqueur

$20.50

YOUNG • DINER

Grilled Porterhouse Steak

$20

chips & baby carrots

Fish & Chips

$18

Crispy Calamari & Chips

$16

Spaghetti Tomato Sauce & Parmesan

$12

Prawn & Avocado Cucumber Sushi Roll

$14

Kids' Dessert

Vanilla Ice Cream Stawberries & Chocolate Topping

Final thoughts

The best Australian restaurants in Melbourne show how broad the category can be. Yarra Botanica brings casual riverside dining to Southbank, while Rare Steakhouse Downtown offers a classic CBD steakhouse experience. Farmer’s Daughters celebrates regional Victorian produce through a modern farm-to-table lens, Metro Burger adds a casual Degraves Street burger option, and Waterfront brings seafood, steak, and river views to Southgate.

Together, these restaurants show that Australian dining in Melbourne can be relaxed or polished, produce-led or grill-focused, casual or scenic, built around burgers, beef, seafood, wine, regional ingredients, or riverside drinks. Whether you want a modern Australian restaurant, a steakhouse, a casual burger, a floating bar, or a seafood meal by the Yarra, Melbourne has an Australian restaurant for the occasion.

Best Australian Restaurants Near Me In Melbourne

Yarra Botanica

Cold Snacks

Hot Snacks

Sourdough Pizza

Grazing by the Meter

The Sweet Stuff

Selection of Signature Snacks

Classic Cocktails

Signature Cocktails

Spritz

Seltzers

Tap Beer

Rare Steakhouse Downtown

ENTREES

FROM THE GRILL

Steaks from the Char Grill

RIBS

Mains

Sides

SALADS

Dessert

Farmer’s Daughters

Gippsland Getaway Menu

Deli Menu