East Melbourne is one of the city’s most convenient dining pockets, especially for people heading to the MCG, Rod Laver Arena, Fitzroy Gardens, Jolimont Station, the CBD or the surrounding medical and office precincts. It is quieter than the CBD and Richmond, but that is part of the appeal. Around Wellington Parade and Wellington Parade South, you can find long-running Italian restaurants, modern bistros, neighbourhood cafes and casual American-style dining that work for everything from pre-game meals to date nights, lunches and relaxed dinners.

This guide focuses on five East Melbourne restaurants worth knowing: Geppetto Trattoria, The Tippler & Co, Bedggood & Co., Route 66 Bar And Grill and Il Duca. Each one suits a different kind of visit, from classic Italian dining and European-style bistro food to brunch, burgers, steaks and family-friendly pasta nights.

1. Geppetto Trattoria

Geppetto Trattoria is one of East Melbourne’s most established Italian restaurants. Located on Wellington Parade, it has been run by the same family since 1981 and has built its reputation around warm hospitality, homestyle Italian cooking and a location that works beautifully before or after events nearby.

This is the kind of restaurant to choose when you want Italian food with history rather than a generic pasta stop. The menu leans into traditional trattoria comfort: pasta, risotto, antipasti, seafood, meat dishes, wine and desserts that suit a proper sit-down meal. It is close enough to the MCG and CBD to be practical, but it still has the feel of a neighbourhood restaurant.

Geppetto is especially useful for pre-game dinners, family meals, business lunches, date nights and catch-ups where you want somewhere dependable. The atmosphere is intimate and classic rather than loud or overly trendy, which makes it a good choice when conversation matters as much as the food.

For East Melbourne, Geppetto fills an important role: a long-running Italian restaurant with enough polish for an occasion and enough warmth for a casual weekday meal.

Address: 78A Wellington Parade, East Melbourne

Antipasto

Nino's Antipasto

$28

Grilled prawns, calamari, mushroom arancini, olives, salami, pork sausage bites, beef meatballs, provolone, grissini and aioli

Focaccia (v)

$15

House baked focaccia slice served with black olive tapenade

Crocchette di caprino (v)

$15

Goat’s cheese and black pepper croquettes served with roasted capsicum dip

Calamari alla Griglia (gf)

$26

Grilled calamari marinated with oregano, garlic & touch of chilli

Bruschetta (v)

$24

Focaccia topped with fresh tomato, basil, olives, red onion and olive oil

Trippa alla paesana (gf)

$19

Braised ox tripe with borlotti beans, tomato and sage

Merluzzo impanato

$27

Pan – fried crumbed silver whiting fillets served with aioli and lemon

Prosciutto e Bocconcini

$25

Thinly sliced prosciutto crudo served with bocconcini, olives and crostini

Arancini ai porcini (v)

$17

Crispy mushroom arancini served with whipped truffle cream

Polpettine d'anatra

$26

Duck meatballs slow- cooked in tomato, shallot and lemon thyme

Zuppa di fagioli (vg) (gf)

$23

Cannellini bean and leek puree finished with extra virgin olive oil

Pasta and Risotto

Agnolotti ai tre funghi (v)

$27

Housemade large pasta parcels filled with porcini, Swiss brown & portobello mushrooms served with sage and butter reduction

Spaghetti alla Pescatora (gfo)

$29

Spaghetti tossed with prawns, calamari,mussels, fish fillet, garlic, tomato & basil

Gnocchi alla Bolognese

$27

Housemade potato gnocchi with a traditional slow cooked Wagyu beef mince, tomato, red wine and basil sauce

Paccheri al Gorgonzola (gfo)

$26

Large tubular pasta tossed in a creamy gorgonzola sauce with parmigiano and roasted walnuts

Risotto alla zucca (v) (gf)

$25

Roasted pumpkin and thyme risotto with taleggio cheese

Orecchiette arnatriciana (gfo)

$26

Ear –shaped pasta with bacon, onion, tomato, basil and chilli

Pasta

$19

Spaghetti or Penne with one of these sauces: Bolognese/ Napoli/ Pesto (Gluten free pasta available with any of these sauces)

Tomato and cheese focaccia

$18

Garlic Focaccia

$15

Cheese and salami Focaccia

$19

Secondi

Porchetta e Peperonata (gf)

$49

Crispy roasted Murray valley pork loin served with a white wine reduction, alongside baked peppers, onion and potatoes

Filetto di Pesce (gf)

$49

Grilled fish fillet (200g) of the day served with roasted herbed potatoes & salsa verde

Vitello all'Avena

$49

Crumbed veal medallions with rolled oats & lemon zest served with coleslaw & roasted potatoes

Capretto alla Pignata (gf)

$51

Tender goat braised with tomato, rosemary & onion, served with grilled polenta

Pollo alla cacciatora (gf)

$47

Braised chicken thighs with mushroom, peppers, tomato, black olives & potatoes

Bistecca alla Griglia (gf)

$67

Grilled prime eye- fillet (250g – Gippsland) plated with a rich red wine reduction, sweet potato mash & pea puree

Sides

Spinaci (v) (gf)

$16

sauteed spinach, garlic, olive oil

Patate Arrostite (v) (gf)

$16

roasted potatoes with fresh herbs

lnsalata (v) (gf)

$15

mixed leaf salad, tomato, red onion and olives

Rucola e Noci (v) (gf)

$17

roquette, shaved goats cheese, pear, walnuts

Verdure (v) (gf)

$17

vegetables sauteed with garlic and olive oil

Patatine fritte (vo) (gf)

$15

fried potato chips & aioli

Dessert

Pannacotta (gf)

$19

Vanilla pannacotta with raspberry coulis and italian meringue

Dolce del Giorno

$21

Homemade cake or tart of the day served with gelato

Pere al Sangiovese (gf)

$21

Poached pear with cinnamon & red wine served with vanilla gelato

Tiramisù

$19

Homemade traditional tiramisu dusted with dark chocolate

Gelato al Bacio (gfo)

$18

Homemade chocolate & hazelnut gelato with biscotti

Sorbetto del Giorno (gfo) (v)

$17

Sorbet of the day with biscotti

Formaggi - Cheese Board

$28

Gorgonzola DOC Goat’s cheese, Pecorino Romano, focaccia slices, crackers, fig jam and nuts – 3 pieces x 35g-

Vegan Menu

Focaccia (v)

$15

Focaccia bread with olive tapenade

Zuppa di fagioli (vg)

$23

Cannellini bean and leek puree finished with extra virgin olive oil

Bruschetta

$24

Focaccia topped with fresh tomato, basil, black olives, red onion and olive oil

Penne Ortolana (gfo)

$41

Penne with capsicum, black olives, spinach, onions, tomato and basil

Fettuccine ai funghi (gfo)

$42

Fettuccine with sauteed mushroom, olive oil and parsley

Gnocchi Napoli

$42

Housemade potato gnocchi served with tomato and basil sauce

Spinaci

$16

sauteed spinach, garlic, olive oil

Patate Arrostite

$16

roasted potatoes with fresh herbs

lnsalata

$15

mixed leaf salad, tomato, red onion and olives

Verdure

$17

vegetables sauteed with garlic and olive oil

Patatine fritte

$15

fried potato chips

Pere al Sangiovese (gf)

$21

Poached pear with cinnamon & red wine served with scoop of sorbet

Sorbetto del Giorno (gfo) (v)

$17

Sorbet special of the day

$39 Lunch Special

Available Tuesday to Friday from 11.30am to 3pm

Spiedini di Gamberetti (gf)

Grilled prawn skewers with roasted potatoes, mixed leaf salad and aioli.

Polpette al sugo

Braised lamb meatballs in tomato, onion and basil, served with mash potato

Fettuccine ai funghi

(gluten-free optional) (v) Fettuccine with sauteed mushroom, cream, pecorino cheese and parsley

Glass of House Wine

Shiraz Pinot Grigio Prosecco

Beer

Peroni Rossa, Peroni 3,5%, Peroni 0,0%

Soft Drink

Coke, Sprite, Soda, Tonic Lemon Squash Lemon Lime and Bitters

Cocktails

Capo

$17

Amaro Del Capo, Ginger Ale and Rosemary (Herb Liquor)

Americano

$17

Campari, Cinzano, Soda Water

Godfather

$19

Jameson Scotch, Amaretto

Manhattan

$19

Canadian Club, Cinzano, Angostura

Martini

$23

Gin or Vodka, Dry Vermouth

Aperol Spritz

$20

Prosecco, Aperol, Soda Water

Campari Spritz

$20

Prosecco, Campari, Soda Water

Negroni Sbagliato

$22

Campari, Cinzano, Prosecco

Negroni

$23

Campari, Cinzano, Gin

Espresso Martini

$24

Vodka, Kahlua, Espresso

Beers

Moretti

$12

Bergamo, Italy

Menabrea

$12

Biella, Italy

Peroni Rossa

$11

Roma, Italy

Peroni Leggera

$11

3.5% Roma, Italy

Ichnusa

$12

Sardegna, Italy

Crown Lager

$11

Victoria, Australia

Victoria Bitter

$10

Victoria, Australia

4 Pines

$12

Pale Ale N.S.W., Australia

Cheeky Grog

$10

Apple Cider Victoria, Australia

White Rabbit

$12

Dark Ale Victoria, Australia

Sparkling Wine

Ruggeri Prosecco

$17

Valdobbiadene, Italy 100% Glera

Castel Faglia Franciacorta Cuvee Monogram Blanc de Blanc Brut

$125

Lombardia, Italy 80% Chardonnay | 20% Pinot Bianco

Piper-Heidsieck Champagne

$150

France

Perrier - Jouet Champagne

$150

France

Rosé Wine

Tenuta Ulisse Rosé IGP

$17

Abruzzo, Italy 100% Merlot Cuvee

Zonzo Estate Rosé

$65

Yarra Valley, Victoria 80% Chardonnay | 20% Pinot Bianco

White Wine

Gapsted Sauvignon Blanc

$17

King Valley, VIC 100% Sauvignon Blanc

Tenuta Maccan Pinot Grigio DOC

$17

Veneto, Italy 100% Pinot Grigio

Flametree Chardonnay

$18

Margaret River, WA 100% Chardonnay

Tenuta Ulisse Pecorino

$18

Abruzzo, Italy 100% Pecorino

Cooper Burns “Emmy Lou” Riesling

$68

Eden Valley, SA 100% Riesling

Santa Sofia Soave

$72

Veneto, Italy 100% Garganega

Lawsons Dry Hills Pinot Gris

$74

Marlborough, NZ 100% Pinot Gris

Filebasse Chardonnay DOC

$80

Piemonte, Italy 100% Chardonnay

Starborough Sauvignon Blanc

$82

Marlborough, NZ 100% Sauvignon Blanc

Ionis Verdeca “431”

$85

Puglia, Italy 100% Verdeca

Ashbrook Estate Chardonnay

$84

Margaret River, WA 100% Chardonnay

Mora & Memo Vermentino

$94

Sardegna, Italy 100% Vermentino

Weathercraft Chardonnay

$95

Beechworth, VIC 100% Chardonnay

Cantina Tramin Gewürztraminer DOC

$115

Alto Adige, Italy 100% Gewürztraminer

Red Wine

Atlas Shiraz

$17

Clare Valley, SA 100% Shiraz

Tenute Rossetti Chianti Classico

$18

Toscana, Italy 100% Sangiovese

Bellvale Pinot Noir

$18

Gippsland, VIC 100% Pinot Noir

Tenuta Ulisse Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

$18

Abruzzo, Italy 100% Montepulciano

Tokar Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

$67

Yarra Valley, VIC 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Bacaro ‘Nero d’Avola

$68

Sicilia, Italy 100% Nero d’avola

Leeuwin Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

$84

Margaret River, WA 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Viberti ‘La Gemella’ Barbera D’Alba

$76

Piemonte, Italy 100% Barbera

La Villa Pinot Noir

$89

Tamar Valley, Tasmania 100% Pinot Noir

Abbasc Primitivo di Manduria

$82

Puglia, Italy 100% Primitivo

Tait Basket Pressed Shiraz

$95

Barossa Valley, SA 100% Shiraz

Tellus Ombretta Merlot IGT

$89

Veneto, Italy 100% Merlot

Cooper Burns Shiraz

$125

Barossa Valley, SA 100% Shiraz

Cantina Terlan Lagrein DOC

$92

Alto Adige, Italy 100% Lagrein

Moscone Nebbiolo d'Alba

$98

Piemonte, Italy 100% Nebbiolo

Viviani ‘Amarone’ della Valpolicella

$155

Veneto, Italy Corvina, Rondinella & Corvinone

Viberti Barolo Buon Padre

$160

Piemonte, Italy 100% Nebbiolo

Castellani Collezione Collesano, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG

$195

Toscana, Italy 100% Sangiovese

Katnook ‘Prodigy’ Shiraz

$210

Coonawarra, SA 100% Shiraz

Penfolds RWT Shiraz

$400

Barossa Valley, SA 100% Shiraz

Penfolds ‘Grange’ 2013

$1,290

Barossa Valley, SA 100% Shiraz

2. The Tippler & Co

The Tippler & Co is a modern bistro and bar on Wellington Parade, giving East Melbourne a more drinks-friendly dining option. It works well for people who want European-style food, cocktails, wine, craft beer and a relaxed room that can handle both dinner and social catch-ups.

The appeal here is flexibility. You can use The Tippler & Co for a proper dinner, a few drinks with snacks, a date night, a small group booking or a pre-event meal before heading toward the MCG or the city. It has more atmosphere than a basic pub but is still relaxed enough for a casual evening.

The food direction leans European and bistro-style, which makes it a good fit for shared plates, steak nights, pasta, wine-friendly dishes and cocktails. It is a venue where the food and drink should be treated together rather than separately.

The Tippler & Co is best for after-work drinks, date nights, European bistro food, cocktails, small group dinners and anyone looking for a polished but easy East Melbourne restaurant and bar.

Address: 58 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne

SMALL

Marinated olives ^{1}

Spiced smoked nuts ^{1}

House focaccia, olive oil, balsamic ^{1 2}

Croquette special (2)

Pumpkin arancini, mozzarella, sage (2) ^{1 3}

Fremantle octopus, chorizo jam, burnt lime (2)

$18

Stracciatella, confit tomato, basil oil, pistachio ^{1 2 3}

$22

Beef tartare, anchovy, capers, flaxseed cracker

$18

GRAZING

A selection of cheeses & charcuterie served with house pickles & focaccia
Cheeses: Shepherds Whey Farmhouse Brie, Shepherds Whey Farmhouse Blue, Bruny Island Raw
Charcuterie: Mr Cannubi Noix de Jambon, Saison Korean Chilli Salami, Mr Cannubi Salami Cotto, Borgo Free Range Prosciutto

Grazing for two

$28

Grazing for four

$52

LARGER

Gnocchi, burnt butter, lemon, pine nuts, chèvre ^{1 3}

$32

Handmade pasta special — limited availability

MB2+ Porterhouse (200g), broccolini, pomme frites, jus

$42

Grilled chicken, pomme purée, capsicum, jus

$32

Market fish, beurre blanc, lemon ^{3}

$36

SIDES

Roast cauliflower, caper lemon, raisin, almond ^{1}

$15

Charred broccolini, romesco (almond), feta ^{1 3}

$15

Tippler fries, aioli ^{1}

$14

Leaf salad, vinaigrette ^{1}

$10

FEED ME

Sometimes the best move is to hand over the reins. Our Feed Me menus do just that, giving you a full-flavoured ride through the Tippler kitchen. Gather & Graze is your easy-going, spread-it-all-out option — great for groups and laid-back hangs. The Tippler’s Table is where we pull out the stops: porterhouse steak, pan-fried cod, seasonal veg, and a few house faves. You bring the hunger, we’ll bring the good stuff.

Gather & Graze

$49

A selection of dishes to share

Tippler’s Table

$79

A longer shared menu, with something to finish

Happy Hour Cocktails

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM Tuesday to Saturday

Amaretto Sour

$12

Amaretto, lemon, sugar, wonderfoam

Aperol Spritz

$12

Aperol, prosecco, soda, orange

Espresso Martini

$12

Cold drip, Okar Mocha, vanilla vodka, sugar

Packaged Beer

Rocky Ridge ‘Rock Candy’ Sour

$14

5.5%

Rocky Ridge Jindong Juicy Pale Ale

$14

Rocky Ridge Cali IPA

$14

6.5%

Two bays gluten free pale ale

$14

4.5%

Mountain Culture x range Brewing Hyper ipa

$15

6.2%

Hop nation ‘Karma’ Oatmeal Stout

$14

Cider & Ginger Beer

Napoleone Apple Cider

$12

4.5%

NAPOLEONE PEAR CIDER

$12

4.5%

nAPOLEONE Louis Rose cider

$12

4.8%

Ginger Kid ginger beer

$12

4.5%

Seltzer

Sopra limoncello Seltzer

$14

4.5%

Light / Non-Alcoholic

Prickly Moses Otway Light

$10

2.9%

Better Beer Middy

$10

3.0%

Heaps Normal XPA

$12

<0.5%

Beer On Tap

330ML / 570ML

Hop Nation Tippler Draft

$10

4.2% 570ml

Moon Dog Old Mate Pale Ale

$10

4.5% 570ml

Moon Dog ‘Cake Hole’ Stout

$11

6.2% 570ml

Mountain Culture Status Quo Pale Ale

$11

5.2% 570ml

Hargreaves hill ESB

$11

4.2% 570ml

Hop Nation x Mountain Culture ‘Sup’ Hazy IPA

$12

5.8% 570ml

Signature Cocktails

Pineapple MIMOSA

$13

PINEAPPLE JUICE, PROSECCO

Bachelorette

$19

rose, vodka, st germain, cucumber, lemon

Seasonal margarita

$22

Coconut Tequila, APricot, Orange Curacao, Lime, Salt, Zest

Maverick Martini

$22

Chinola passionfruit liqueur, Vanilla Vodka, Lime, sugar, wonderfoam

Bloody Botanical

$21

Four Pillars Shiraz Gin, Davo Plum Bitter, mandarin liqueur, lemon

tippler’s negroni Sour

$19

Gin, CAMPARI, SWEET VERMOUTH, lemon, Wonderfoam, sugar

Barrel-aged Spiced negroni

$24

FOur pillars festive gin, campari, sweet vermouth, coffee washed

Barrel-aged Cafe Negroni

$24

Cafe Patron, sweet vermouth, campari

Classics

Amaretto Sour

$21

Disaronno, lemon, sugar, wonderfoam

Espresso Martini

$21

Cold drip, Okar Mocha, vanilla vodka, sugar

negroni

$22

Campari, gin, sweet vermouth

whisky Sour

$21

Starward two fold, lemon, sugar, wonder foam

Margarita

$21

Tequila, orange curacao, lime

Old Fashioned

$22

Starward two fold, sugar, bitters

Aperol Spritz

$17

aperol, prosecco, soda, orange

Mocktails

Amaretti Sour

$16

Lyres Amaretti, lemon, sugar, Wonderfoam, bitters

Virgin of Eden

$12

Elderflower syrup, lime, soda, apple juice, mint

Light Bodied Reds

2019Te wharera pinot noir

$99

2023Strelley Farm Pinot Noir

$18

2023futureperfect000pinot noir

$110

2014 Dublin Stpinot noir

$25

2019Dublin StreetPinot Noir

$120

2023PuntRoadPinot noir

$82

2022IndigoPinot Noir

$80

2021 Mercurey "Vieilles Vignes"

$135

2021domainetaupenot-merme

$99

2018paracombeCabernetFranc

$75

2022 Varja LangeRosso

$75

2019CarmelRoadPinot Noir

$90

Medium Bodied Whites

2024 ParacombePinotGris

$15

2023 kukuSauvignon Blanc

$66

2019Six ParallelsSouth Sauvignon Blanc

$55

2023JulesTaylorSauvignon blanc

$14

2022Paracombepinotblanc

$59

2024 CrabtreeEstateRiesling

$15

2023DexterChardonnay

$110

Mornington Peninsula, vic

Full Bodied Whites

2016Tyrrell's WineSemillon

$60

2020Dormilona HempSemillon

$55

2024 GilbertsChardonnay

$18

2019 MatanzasCreek Chardonnay

$120

Light Bodied Whites

2023PIZZINI ARNEIS

$66

King Valley VIC

2017 Mount Mary Reflexion FumeBlanc

$80

Yarra Valley, VIC

2021Paracombegruner v5

$66

Adelaide Hills,SA

Rosé

2024 gilbertsrose

$16

mountbarker, wa

2023Pierre AmadieuROse

$75

Rhone Valley,France

2024 Varney Entrada roseofGrenache

$80

Mclaren vale,SA

Sparkling

NV Pizzini Villa Fresco Prosecco

$15

King Valley, VIC

NV Laurent Perrier la cuvee

$25

france

Nv Chevaliar Blanc de Blanc brut

$16

France

nv thalia Sparkling(Traditional Method)

$77

Tasmania

Nv StefanoLubiana brutReserve

$90

Tasmania

Dessert

2019letertredulysd’or Sauternes

Bordeaux,France (75ml)

Amber / Orange

2023Jaunt ‘Skins’Orange Wine

$16

Victoria

2016 Qvevris kisi amber kahketi,georgia

$60

Digestif Favourites

AmaroMontenegro

light,floral,andspiced

AvernaAmaro

herbsandcitrus,bittersweetandwarming

Sauternes(CellarRelease)

honeyedandrare

10YearTawny

smooth,rich,andraisined

PX(PedroXiminez)Sherry

syrupyandindulgent

BaileysontheRocks

creamy&nostalgicfanfavourite

FrangelicoAffogato

nutty&silky

Aperitif

CocchiAmericano&Soda

Suze&Soda

Campari&Soda

Aperol&Soda

LilletBlanc&Soda

HouseBeer

GlassofSparkling

ItalianOrange&Soda(non-alc)

3. Bedggood & Co.

Bedggood & Co. is the neighbourhood cafe option on this list, located on Wellington Parade South near Yarra Park and the MCG. It gives East Melbourne a strong daytime dining choice for coffee, brunch, breakfast, lunch and takeaway.

This is the kind of venue that matters in a suburb like East Melbourne because not every good meal needs to be a long dinner. Sometimes the best option is a cafe where you can meet before work, grab coffee on the way to the station, sit down for brunch, or have a quick lunch before heading into the city.

The food style is modern cafe dining: coffee, brunch plates, sandwiches, breakfast dishes, lunch options and casual daytime meals. It works well for locals, office workers, hospital visitors, sports fans and anyone who wants a reliable cafe close to the park and Wellington Parade.

Bedggood & Co. is best for coffee, brunch, breakfast, lunch, takeaway, casual catch-ups and daytime meals before or after a walk through the nearby gardens or sports precinct.

Address: 137 Wellington Parade South, East Melbourne

Breakfast

Berry & Citrus Hotcake

$23

Chilli Scramble

$25

Eggs Benedict

$24

Sourdough Or Multigrain

$12

Free Range Eggs

$16

Bircher Muesli

$18

Granola

$18

Seasonal Avocado

$25

Romesco Eggs

$26

Kids

Egg On Toast W Bacon Or Avocado

Kids Hotcake W Maple Syrup And Cream

Chicken Strips W Chips

Drinks

Coffee

$5.50

Batch Brew

$5.50

Cold Brew

Syrups

$6.50

Ice Coffee

$5.50

Iced Latte

Larsen & Thompson Tea

Chai

$5.50

Substantials & Salads

Poke Bowl

$27

Vietnamese Chicken Salad

$24

Roast Pumpkin Salad

$25

Fried Chicken Burger

$25

The Bedggood Burger

$26

Potato Rosti

Grilled Calamari Salad

Juices & Smoothies

Freshly Squeezed Juice

$11

Organic Apple

$10

Mix Berry Smoothie

$12

Kombucha

Alcoholic

Bloody Mary

$13

Campari & Orange

Aperol Spritz

Extras

Bowl Of Fries

$12

With Oregano & Fetta

Frittata Or Spanakopita With Side

Others

Banana

Coke

Natural Soft Drinks

$5.50

Ginger Beer

Sparkling Mineral Water

Sourdough, Multigrain Or Fruit Toast W/ Condiments

Sheeps Milk Yoghurt Topped W/ Poached Seasonal Fruit & House Made Honeycomb

Oat Porridge, Poached Quince, Orange, Ginger & Clove Crumble W/ Clotted Cream

Overnight Bircher Museli W/ Chia Seeds, Rhubarb & Apple Crisps

Buttermilk Pancakes, Poached Pear, Frangipane Marscapone & Sweet Dukkah

Baked Eggs W/ Red Peppers, White Beans, Fetta & Pangrattato

Beetroot Cured Ocean Trout, Mustard Greens, Fennel, Lemon Labnah, Poached Eggs & Rye Toast

Eggs Benedict, Ham Hock, Apple Cider Hollandaise & Toast

Omelette W/ Potato, Braised Leek & Taleggio, Watercress & Toast

Free Range Eggs Your Way On Toast

Avocado, Pumpkin, Tahini On Toast, Poached Eggs & Savoury Granola

Mixed Grains & Black Rice, Broccolini, Kale, Whipped Goats Cheese & Zatar

Spelt Pasta, Broccolini, Walnut & Rocket Pesto

Fish Burger, Pickled Red Onions, Baby Endive, Horseradish Cream & Fennel Salad

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Schnitzel W/ Celeriac Remoulade

Hangar Steak, Pickled Red Onions, Salsa Verde & Chips

Soup Of The Day

Tart Of The Day

4. Route 66 Bar And Grill

Route 66 Bar And Grill brings American-style comfort food to Wellington Parade. It is the casual option to think about when you want burgers, steaks, wraps, salads, drinks and a relaxed meal that does not need to feel too formal.

The appeal is straightforward: big flavours, familiar food and a bar-and-grill setting that suits groups. It works well before sporting events, after work, for casual dinners, or for anyone who wants something more filling than a cafe meal but less formal than a classic Italian restaurant.

Route 66 is especially useful for mixed groups because American-style bar and grill menus usually give people plenty of ways to order. Some can go for burgers, others can choose steak, wraps or lighter dishes, and the table can add drinks without turning the meal into a major occasion.

Route 66 Bar And Grill is best for burgers, steaks, casual dinners, group meals, pre-game food, drinks and anyone looking for a relaxed East Melbourne bar and grill.

Address: 150 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne

Beef Burgers

All American

$17.99

Traditional coleslaw / cos lettuce / spanish onion / american cheese / tomato relish / chipotle sauce.

Grilled Oklahoma Classic

$17.99

Grilled spanish onion / cos lettuce / fresh tomato / american cheese / pickles / mustard mayo.

Mushroom & Onion

$18.99

Grilled mushroom & onion / cos lettuce / american cheese / garlic mayo.

Spicy Mexican Marvel

$18.99

Rindless bacon / cos lettuce / green jalapeños / fresh tomato / spanish onion / grilled pineapple / american cheese / peri peri mayo.

Big Boys (double patty)

$20.99

Double wagyu patty / cos lettuce / fresh tomato / spanish onion / double american cheese / burger sauce.

Off The Grill

Route 66 Special Chicken

$28.99

Tender grilled chicken fillets / arugula salad / chips / dipping sauce.

Smokey Pork Riblets

$31.99

Gyros Style Lamb Ribs

$37.99

Hickory Beef Riblets

$42.99

Chicken Burgers

Pesto Chicken

$16.99

Cos lettuce / fresh tomato / spanish onion / american cheese / herb mayo.

Arizona Chicken

$17.99

Sriracha marinate / cos lettuce / fresh tomato / spanish onion / american cheese / burger sauce.

Southern Crunch Chicken

$17.99

Traditional coleslaw / sliced pickles / fresh tomato / spanish onion / american cheese / peri peri mayo.

Guacamole Galore Chicken

$18.99

Rindless bacon / fresh guacamole / cos lettuce / green jalapeños / spanish onion / american cheese / garlic mayo.

Alaskan Styled Chicken

$18.99

Rindless bacon / cos lettuce / fresh tomato / spanish onion / american cheese / ranch sauce.

American Style Wraps

Country Chicken Bliss

$17.99

Crunchy fried chicken / cos lettuce / fresh tomato / spanish onion / american cheese / sriracha sauce.

Veggie Extravaganza (v)

$17.99

Chickpea & lentil stuffing / cos lettuce / fresh tomato / spanish onion / american cheese / vegan mayo.

Tender Pulled Beef

$18.99

Grilled pulled beef / grilled mushrooms / cos lettuce / fresh tomato / spanish onion / american cheese / chipotle sauce.

Moroccan Lamb

$18.99

Grilled moroccan lamb strips / cos lettuce / fresh tomato / spanish onion / american cheese / garlic mayo.

Avocado Lovers

$18.99

Grilled chicken fillet / guacamole / cos lettuce / fresh tomato / green jalapeños / spanish onion / american cheese / garlic mayo.

From The Sea

Cajun Calamari

$18.99

Splash Calamari / sweet chilli sauce / arugula side salad.

Salmon Burger

$18.99

Avocado salsa / cos lettuce / fresh tomato / spanish onion / vinaigrette drizzle.

Rubbed Salmon 200g

$27.99

Grilled salmon / in-house seasoning / arugula salad / seafood sauce.

Vegetarian Burgers

Garden Harvest (v)

$17.99

Chickpea & lentil patty / cos lettuce / sliced beetroot / fresh tomato / spanish onion / american cheese / vegan mayo.

Mushroom Lovers (v)

$18.99

Chickpea & lentil patty / grilled mushroom & onion / cos lettuce / grilled pineapple / fresh tomato / american cheese / vegan mayo.

Fresh Salads

Mediterranean Veggie Delight (v)

$14.99

Cos lettuce / spanish onion / cucumber / fresh tomato / kalamata olives / feta cheese / zesty dressing.

Creamy Coleslaw Medley (v)

$14.99

Shredded red & white cabbage / spanish onion / capsicum / carrot / creamy dressing.

Arugula Salad (v)

$14.99

Fresh rocket leaves / tomato / pine nuts / balsamic vinaigrette dressing.

Something Extra

Dips

Sweet chilli / chipotle, seafood / garlic mayo / peri peri / buffalo / ranch / tomato relish.

Sauces

BBQ / tomato / mushroom / pepper / red wine jus.

Steakhouse Chips

$5.99

Sweet Potato Chips

$8.99

Golden Onion Circles

$8.99

Crispy Cauliflower

$14.99

Deep-fried cauliflower / cajun seasoning / coleslaw / vegan mayo.

Buffalo Wings

$15.99

Sweetness In a Cup

Oreo Bliss Cookies & Cream Shake

$9.99

M&M Extravaganza Vanilla Shake

$9.99

Caramel Biscoff Shake

$9.99

Choc Mint Kit-Kat Shake

$9.99

Gipsland Valley Chimichurri Steaks

Rump Cover 200g

$28.99

New York 250g

$34.99

T-bone 350g

$37.99

Special Dinner

All Meals Available from 5 PM Onwards

Honey Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli

$31.99

Shrimp, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, olive oil, broccoli, water, cornstarch (optional), sesame seeds, and green onions.

Chilli Lemon Prawn with Rice

$31.99

Prawns, lemon juice, garlic, chili flakes, soy sauce, honey, olive oil, cooked rice, green onions, and sesame seeds.

Chicken Risotto

$31.99

Chicken, arborio rice, chicken broth, onion, garlic, white wine, parmesan cheese, butter, olive oil, mushrooms (optional), and parsley.

Steak with mushroom sauce

$31.99

Steak, mushrooms, garlic, butter, heavy cream, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Crispy Chicken and Mash with Gravy

$31.99

Chicken breasts, flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, mashed potatoes, butter, milk, chicken broth, gravy mix, salt, and pepper.

5. Il Duca

Il Duca is another long-running Italian restaurant on Wellington Parade, giving East Melbourne a second classic option for pasta, wine, functions and family-friendly dining. Established in 1983, it has the feel of a traditional local Italian restaurant rather than a trend-led city venue.

The restaurant’s strength is comfort and familiarity. It is the place to think about when you want antipasti, pasta, seafood, meat dishes, pizza, Italian wine and a dining room that feels warm and established. It is especially well suited to diners who prefer honest, traditional Italian food over more experimental cooking.

Il Duca works well for family dinners, birthday meals, pre-event dining, group bookings and functions. Its location near the MCG and sports precinct also makes it useful when you want something more substantial than a quick snack before or after an event.

For East Melbourne diners, Il Duca is a dependable Italian choice with history, warmth and a strong neighbourhood feel. It rounds out this list by showing how important classic Italian dining still is to the area.

Address: 132 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne

Antipasti

Zuppa del giorno

$18

Soup of the day - Please ask your server for details

Pane all'aglio

$10

Garlic Bread (2)

Bruschetta

$18

Crusty bread, tomato, basil and olive oil (2)

Fegatini di Pollo

$26

Chicken livers sauteed in a port & onion sauce

Calamari alla griglia

$26

Grilled calamari with orange and fennel salad

Salmone svedese

$26

Cured salmon gravlax with creamy mustard sauce

Arancini Neri

$27

Taleggio cheese & black rice filled arancini served with aoioli

Sapori il Duca

$28

Tasting plate of pork sausage, panko crumbed prawn, semolina calamari, marinated roasted mushrooms and olives (Additional $16 per person)

Pasta & Risotto

Risotto di zucca e piselli

$32

Pumpkin, peas, toasted nuts and rocket salad.

Risotto Gamberi

$36

Prawns, spinach and fresh tomato

Gnocchi pesto e napoli

$26

Gnocchi tossed in pesto on a bed of napolitana sauce

Lasagna

$35

Homemade with bolgnese and bechamel

Spaghetti marinara

$36

Fresh seafood, garlic and extra virgin olive oil

Penne al ragu'

$26

In a rich lamb ragu'

Bolognese

$24

With penne or spaghetti

Secondi Piatti

Vitello Piccata

$45

Veal scallopine with white wine, lemon zest, diced fresh tomato & a touch of chili

Petto d'anatra all'uva

$48

Seared crispy skin duck breast with a grape and sweet sherry sauce

Filletto di manzo

$56

Grilled eye fillet with seeded mustard sauce

Muscoletto d'agnello

$45

Lamb shanks braised in red wine and herbs

Pesce del giorno

$45

Fresh fish of the day

Costoletta di maiale

$46

Pork rib eye with red wine jus and caramelised apple

Pizza

Margherita

$22

Napoli sauce, mozzarella and fresh basil

Capricciosa

$29

Ham, mozzarella, mushroom, olives, napoli sauce

San Daniele

$32

Prosciutto, Rocket, Mozzarella, Napoli sauce and shaved parmesan

Diavola

$29

Hot salami, chilli, mozzarella, black olives and Napoli sauce

Ortomisto

$29

Seasonal vegetables, napoli sauce and mozzarella

Mareblu

$32

Fresh seafood, mozzarella, garlic and Napoli sauce

Ananas

$29

Ham, pineapple, mozzarella and napoli sauce

Sides

Pumpkin roasted

$12

with pine nuts

Fries

$12

Broccolini

$12

with toasted almond flakes

Roast potatoes

$12

with rosemary and garlic

Insalata mista

$12

Cos and radicchio with cherry tomatoes, cucumber and italian dressing

Rocket salad

$12

with pear, parmesan and balsamic vinegar

Mushrooms

$12

Sauteed with garlic and parsley

Desserts

Tiramisu

$18

Raspberry Panna Cotta

$18

Mix berry Crepes

$18

Gelato

$17

Banoffee Pie

$18

Cheese for 1 (2 cheeses)

$22

Cheese for 2 (3 cheeses)

$30

Affogato

$22

Final word

The best restaurants in East Melbourne cover a useful mix of occasions. Geppetto Trattoria is the family-run Italian classic for homestyle food and warm service. The Tippler & Co is the modern bistro and bar for European dishes, cocktails and social dinners. Bedggood & Co. is the cafe pick for coffee, brunch and daytime meals. Route 66 Bar And Grill is the casual American-style option for burgers, steaks and relaxed group dining. Il Duca is the traditional Italian restaurant for pasta, wine, functions and family meals.

Together, they show why East Melbourne is more than just a stop on the way to the MCG. It is a compact, convenient and quietly varied dining suburb, with restaurants that work for breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks and event-day meals.

Best Restaurants Near Me In East Melbourne

1. Geppetto Trattoria

Antipasto

Pasta and Risotto

Secondi

Sides

Dessert

Vegan Menu

$39 Lunch Special

Cocktails

Beers

Sparkling Wine

Rosé Wine

White Wine

Red Wine

2. The Tippler & Co

SMALL

GRAZING