South Melbourne is one of the city’s most useful dining suburbs because it works across the whole day. Around Clarendon Street, Cecil Street, Park Street, Yarra Place and the streets surrounding South Melbourne Market, you can find Mexican food, gastropub dining, specialty coffee, seafood, Japanese cafe dishes, market restaurants and long lunches that feel very Melbourne. It is close to the CBD, Southbank, Albert Park and Port Melbourne, but still has its own neighbourhood feel.
This guide focuses on five verified South Melbourne restaurants worth knowing: Taco Bill Mexican Restaurant, Lamaro’s Hotel, ST ALi Coffee Roasters, Claypots Evening Star and KUU Cafe + Japanese Kitchen. Each one suits a different kind of meal, from casual Mexican dinners and polished pub dining to serious coffee, brunch, seafood by the market and Japanese comfort food.
1. Taco Bill Mexican Restaurant
Taco Bill Mexican Restaurant is one of South Melbourne’s long-running casual dining options. Located on Clarendon Street, it brings a colourful, relaxed Mexican restaurant feel to one of the suburb’s busiest dining strips. It is the kind of place that works when you want dinner to be easy, lively and group-friendly rather than formal.
The menu is built around familiar Mexican favourites: tacos, burritos, enchiladas, nachos, fajitas, quesadillas, guacamole, margaritas and share-friendly starters. That makes it useful for mixed groups because people can keep things simple with tacos, order something heavier like fajitas, or build the meal around drinks and snacks.
Taco Bill is especially good for casual dinners, family meals, birthdays, midweek catch-ups and relaxed meals before heading elsewhere in South Melbourne. It is not trying to be a fine-dining Mexican restaurant, and that is part of the appeal. The strength is in comfort, value, big flavours and a setting that feels fun without needing much planning.
For diners looking around Clarendon Street, Taco Bill is a dependable choice when the group wants Mexican food, drinks and a low-pressure night out.
Address: 375 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne
Taco Bill Mexican Restaurant Menu
Bill's Bundles
Pack for Two (GF)
$60 for a Mexican feast for 2 (normally $71)! Treat yourself & an amigo to Regular Nachos, 4 Enchiladas, Mexican Rice, and a 1.25L Soft Drink . Big savings & even bigger flavours! Gluten Free
Pack for Four
Satisfy your family's cravings for just $69 (normally $80) Enjoy Regular Nachos, 2 mouthwatering Fajitas & a 1.25L Soft Drink – perfect for feeding the whole crew. Don't miss out on this delicious deal!
Starters
NACHOS SUPREMOS
Regular Serve
NACHOS SUPREMOS
Large Serve
Add Mexican Chicken (GF)
Add Slow Cooked Beef (GF)
Add Frijoles (V)
POPCORN PRAWNS
Crunchy prawns coated in a spice crust served with chipotle aioli
STUFFED JALAPENOS
Crumbed and fried jalapenos (4) filled with cream cheese and served with our fresh house salsa
CHAR GRILLED CORN
Mexican street-style corn on the cob, chargrilled then rolled in creamy chipotle aioli, topped with parmigiano, paprika and pico de gallo
CHILE FRIES
Cheesy fries covered with our chile con carne (meat), guacamole, sour cream and salsa
DELGADA
Flour tortilla, folded and grilled with your choice of filling. Garnished with pico de gallo. Choose from: Mexican Chicken, Cheese and Corn / Slow Cooked Beef & Cheese / Mushroom, Spinach & Cheese (VG)
ENCHILADA
Choice of: Chicken & Cheese (with green tomatillo / Slow Cooked Beef & Cheese (with red chil / Spinach, Potato & Cheese (with both gree
Tacos
CLASSIC TACOS
Mexican Chicken
CLASSIC TACOS
Slow Cooked Beef
CLASSIC TACOS
Frijoles (V)
CLASSIC TACOS
Prawns and Scallops (contains gluten)
STREET STYLE TACOS
Chicken with house guacamole, topped wit
STREET STYLE TACOS
Carne Colorado - Mexican Beef, guacamole
STREET STYLE TACOS
Vegan - House Black Beans, guacamole and
STREET STYLE TACOS
Fish, battered with shredded cabbage, pi
Mains
FAJITAS
Marinated Chicken (GF)
FAJITAS
Marinated Beef (GF)
FAJITAS
Marinated Prawns
FAJITAS
Marinated Vegetables (V)
FAJITAS
Add: Sour cream, cheese and salsa
FAJITA SALAD
Marinated Chicken (GF)
FAJITA SALAD
Marinated Beef (GF)
FAJITA SALAD
Marinated Prawns
QUESADILLA SUPREMA
Mexican Chicken
QUESADILLA SUPREMA
Slow Cooked Beef
QUESADILLA SUPREMA
Creamy Prawns and Scallops
ENCHILADA NUEVO MEXICO
Stack of corn tortillas. Topped with cheese, mild chile sauce and an egg. Served with a taco, frijoles and mexican rice. Choose from: Chicken / Beef
ENCHILADA GRANDE
Mexican Chicken & Cheese (GF)
ENCHILADA GRANDE
Slow Cooked Beef & Cheese (GF)
ENCHILADA GRANDE
Spinach, Potato & Cheese (V)
LA COMBINACION
Mexican Chicken (GF)
LA COMBINACION
Slow Cooked Beef (GF)
LA COMBINACION
Spinach & Potato and Frijoles (V)
BURRITO
Mexican Chicken, Cheese and Pico de Gall
BURRITO
Slow Cooked Beef, Cheese and Pico de Gal
BURRITO
Creamy Prawns and Scallops
BURRITO BOWL
All your favourites in one nourishing bowl. Fresh chopped lettuce, grilled corn and black beans, house Mexican rice, shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, topped with fresh avocado (V). Add some protein:
BURRITO BOWL
Mexican Chicken (GF)
BURRITO BOWL
Slow Cooked Beef (GF)
BURRITO BOWL
Frijoles (V)
Sides
SIDE SALAD
Lettuce leaves with red onion, capsicum, cherry tomatoes, avocado and Balsamic dressing
CRUNCHY FRIES
CORN CHIPS
FLOUR OR CORN TORTILLA - 4 PIECES
MEXICAN RICE
FRIJOLES
BLACK BEANS
HOUSE SALSA
PICO DE GALLO
JALAPEÑO CHILES
HOUSE MADE GUACAMOLE
SOUR CREAM
CHEESE
Fiesta
LET US FEED YOU!
For 4 or more Amigos to share! Nachos Supremos / Delgadas - Beef, Chicken or Veg / Fajitas - Beef, Chicken, or Veg $45 PP Add on a Beer, glass of Wine or Frozen Fruit Margarita for $10pp!
Kids
NIÑO MEAL DEAL
Niño's choice of meal from kids menu plus a niño ice cream and glass of Mexican Punch
NIÑO MEXI RICE & CHICKEN
Marinated chicken with rice and salad
NIÑO TACO WITH RICE OR FRIES
Crunchy corn or soft flour tortilla filled with lettuce, tomato, cheese and choice of beans, beef, or chicken
NIÑO NACHOS
Crunchy corn tortilla chips smothered with melted cheese. Served with niño's choice of salsa or sour cream
NIÑO NACHOS
Add Beef
NIÑO NACHOS
Add Chicken
NIÑO NACHOS
Add Bean
NIÑO MEXI NUGGETS
5 chicken nuggets with a choice of fries or Mexi rice
NIÑO MEXI FISH & CHIPS
2 pieces of battered fish with a choice of fries or Mexi rice
NIÑO FRIES
NIÑO ICE CREAM
2 scoops of vanilla ice cream with strawberry or chocoloate topping and a jelly snake
Desserts
MEXICAN CHOCOLATE MOUSSE
A smooth, airy and chocolatey dessert served with whipped cream (2,280 kJ)
DEATH BY CHOCOLATE
Layers of chocolate mousse and chocolate ice cream, topped whipped cream (2,867 kJ)
STICKY MEXICAN PUDDING
Mexico's version of the all time favourite: sticky date pudding. Served warm with home-made caramel sauce and ice cream. (Contains nuts) (3,083 kJ) (Contains walnuts)
FLAN DE QUESO
Smooth cream cheese custard topped with a decadent layer of caramel sauce - Taco Bill's version of this true Mexican dessert (1,797 kJ)
ICE CREAM NACHOS
Crispy tortilla pastries dusted in cinnamon sugar, topped with 3 scoops of rich vanilla ice cream, coffee liqueur and honey (1,165 kJ)
Beer & Cider
Victoria Bitter
Carlton Draught
Heineken 0.0
Apple Cider
Corona
Spirits
Gin
Vodka
Rum
Kahlua
Whisky
Bourbon
Brandy
Midori
Tequila
Paloma
Jose Cuervo Especial Silver
Tequila Sunrise
Sparkling
Bottega Prosecco Doc
200ml Bottle (Italy)
Bottega Petalo Moscato
200ml Bottle (Italy)
White Wine & Rose
Svelte Sauvignon Blanc
Glass
Svelte Sauvignon Blanc
Bottle
Caldora Pinot Grigio
Glass
Caldora Pinot Grigio
Bottle
Friends of Rufus Rose
Glass
Friends of Rufus Rose
Bottle
Red Wine
Svelte Cabernet Merlot
Glass
Svelte Cabernet Merlot
Bottle
Haselgrove Shiraz
Glass
Haselgrove Shiraz
Bottle
Shore's Reach Pinot Noir
Glass
Shore's Reach Pinot Noir
Bottle
Sangria
SANGRIA
Glass
SANGRIA
500ml
SANGRIA
1L Jug
Margaritas
Classic Lemon
Glass
Classic Lemon
Pancho Villa (Fishbowl)
Strawberry
Glass
Strawberry
Pancho Villa (Fishbowl)
Mango
Glass
Mango
Pancho Villa (Fishbowl)
Pineapple
Glass
Pineapple
Pancho Villa (Fishbowl)
Tropical
Glass
Tropical
Pancho Villa (Fishbowl)
Fruit Tingle
Glass
Fruit Tingle
Pancho Villa (Fishbowl)
Blue Lagoon
Glass
Blue Lagoon
Pancho Villa (Fishbowl)
Illusion
Glass
Illusion
Pancho Villa (Fishbowl)
Midori Cactus
Glass
Midori Cactus
Pancho Villa (Fishbowl)
Fruit Salad
Glass
Fruit Salad
Pancho Villa (Fishbowl)
Tijuana Treasure
Glass
Tijuana Treasure
Pancho Villa (Fishbowl)
Caribbean Dream
Glass
Caribbean Dream
Pancho Villa (Fishbowl)
Supercharged Strawberry
Glass
Supercharged Strawberry
Pancho Villa (Fishbowl)
Sunrise
Glass
Sunrise
Pancho Villa (Fishbowl)
Red Russian
Glass
Red Russian
Pancho Villa (Fishbowl)
Purely Peach
Glass
Purely Peach
Pancho Villa (Fishbowl)
Passionfruit Zing
Glass
Passionfruit Zing
Pancho Villa (Fishbowl)
Margarita Sampler
(110ml glasses x5) Classic Lemon, Strawberry, Mango, Midori & Blue Lagoon
Margarita 'On The Rocks'
Taco Bill handcrafted Lemon Margarita, salt rimmed and served shaken over ice
Non-Alcoholic
Mexican Slushie
Classic Lemon, Strawberry, Mango or Pineapple - Glass
Mexican Slushie
Classic Lemon, Strawberry, Mango or Pineapple - Jug
Soft Drinks
Coke, Diet Coke, Coke no sugar, Lemonade, Fanta, Raspberry - Glass
Soft Drinks
Coke, Diet Coke, Coke no sugar, Lemonade, Fanta, Raspberry - Jug
Natural Sparkling Mineral Water
Lemon, Lime & Bitters
Mexican Punch
Glass
Mexican Punch
Jug
Orange Juice
Glass
Orange Juice
Jug
Milk Shakes
Chocolate, Strawberry, Vanilla or Blue Heaven
Jarritos
Hot Drinks
Liqueur Coffee... Mexican Style
Taco Bill's coffee liqueur served with hot, fresh black coffee and whipped cream
Coffee
Cappuccino / Cafe latte / Flat white
Tea
Hot Chocolate
2. Lamaro’s Hotel
Lamaro’s Hotel is one of South Melbourne’s most established dining pubs. Set on Cecil Street, it has the feel of a proper local hotel but with a more polished food and wine focus than a standard pub. It is a strong option when you want the comfort of a pub setting with the quality of a serious restaurant.
The venue works across several occasions. You can use it for a relaxed drink, a business lunch, a family meal, a date night, a birthday dinner or a longer weekend catch-up. The menu sits in modern Australian gastropub territory, with familiar pub comfort balanced by more refined restaurant-style cooking.
Lamaro’s is especially useful for groups because the setting is flexible. Some diners can order classic mains, others can focus on wine and smaller dishes, and the table can stay for drinks without the experience feeling rushed. The hotel format also makes it practical for functions, celebrations and larger bookings.
For South Melbourne, Lamaro’s fills an important role: a polished neighbourhood pub with history, atmosphere and enough food focus to make dinner feel like the main event.
Address: 273–279 Cecil Street, South Melbourne
Lamaro's Hotel Menu
Starters
Warm olives & toasted bread
Cured anchovy on toast
Shaved fennel, sumac, crème fraîche (3)
Riverine steak tartare
Riverine steak tartare, mustard mayo, shallot, caper, witlof, aged balsamic
Pan-seared Authentic Epirou Saganaki
Marinated baby figs
Salumi Platter
San Danielle prosciutto, Wagyu brseaola, spicy calabrese, salami, pickles & toasted sourdough
Fresh shucked Oysters
Freshly shucked oysters gathered from far and wide. Your waiter will inform you about today’s selection. Shallot dressing or spearmint, finger lime Nahm Jim
Entrées
Stracciatella
Witlof, caramelised walnuts, roasted grapes, toasted sourdough
Chilled Cucumber Salad
Chilled cucumber, maple & mint labneh, shredded fennel, picked shallot, dill, chilli oil
Eggnet Poached Chicken
Eggnet, poached chicken, young coconut, pomelo, cashew nut, beansprout, crispy rice, lime & tamarind dressing
Wood-fire Grilled Scallops
Roasted pork belly, tamarind & palm sugar dressing, spearmint
Twice Cooked Octopus
Capsicum harissa, fennel, capers, pickled red onion, saffron orange dressing
Red Snapper Ceviche
Red snapper ceviche, charred octopus, roasted corn, crispy shallots, green herb dressing
Mains
Ravioli
Homemade ravioli w/ lemon & ricotta, baked heirloom tomatoes, Napoli, crisp pecorino, basil oil
Seafood Linguine
Tiger prawns, bay bug, fennel, poached heirloom tomato, bisque reduction
Veal Schnitzel
Sourdough crumbs with parmesan and lemon, pan-fried with Italian slaw, Diane sauce
Red Duck Curry
Crispy fried egg, sweet and sour sauce, coconut rice
Atlantic Miso King Salmon
Atlantinc Miso King Salmon, corn puree, crème fraiche, spinach, burnt tomato, fennel
Saffron Pilaf
Saffron pilaf, charred kipfler, zucchini, pumpkin, mint raita, smoked pesto, roasted pumpkin seeds
Butterflied Spatchcock
Lentil, butternut sqash puree, asparagus, burnt white onions, lemon
Wood-Fired Grill Mains
Grilled fish collars
Miso glaze, charred root vegetables, pickles, nam yum dressing, bonito
Riverine Black Angus Beef Burger
Bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, pickles, sauces & fries
Riverine Ribeye on the Bone
Chefs premium cut of beef, served with fat chips & all the sauces. Ask your waiter for the weight of the day.
300g Grass Fed Riverine Scotch Fillet
200g Grass Fed Riverine Black Angus Eye Fillet
250g Black Angus Porterhouse
Extra sauce
Sides
Rocket salad
Pear, pecorino, honey mustard dressing
French fries
Wok Fried Wombok
Sesame, ginger, soy
Crispy Brussels sprouts
shallot, pickle, Nuoc nahm dressing
Broccolini
Cafe de Paris butter, almonds, pecorino
Sauteed exotic mushrooms
Mushrooms, spinach, garlic pepper, parsley
Desserts
Mangomisu
Fresh mango, lady fingers sponge soaked in mango coulis, mascarpone and a crisp cashew meringue
French Chocolate Tart
Tart of French silken dark chocolate, hazelnut praline mousseline, almond Florentine, vanilla bean ice cream
Rhubarb and Peach Crumble
Spiced poached rhubarb, caramelized peach, crunchy rolled oat and pecan nut crumble, ice cream, drizzled with a strawberry consommé
Sticky Fig Pudding
Fig clafoutis, rich decadent butterscotch sauce, Jock’s Armagnac and Prune ice cream, honeycomb wafer
Rocky Road Slice
Milk chocolate, almonds, pistachio, goji berries, cranberries, marshmallow, freeze dried strawberries
Chefs’ selection of Fine Cheese
A trio of regularly changing Chefs selection cheeses, from near and far, complimented with Barossa bark crispbread, homemade fruit compote and roasted walnut. (please ask your wait staff for today’s selection)
Bar Snacks
Salumi Platter
San Daniele prosciutto, wagyu bresaola, spicy Calabrese salami, pickles & toasted sourdough
Marinated warm olives with toasted bread
Gippsland Chianina Meatballs
Rich tomato sugo, wood-grilled sourdough
Steamed Prawn & Ginger Dumplings
Chilli, black bean sauce (4 pieces)
Bamboo and Chestnut Veggie Dumplings
(4 pieces)
Chef's Selection of Fine Cheese
Lavosh, muscadelles, walnuts, quince paste. 1 for $15 2 for $30 3 for $40
Charred Corn Ribs
Corn, paprika, pecorino & lime
School Prawns
Prawns, Tajin salt, aioli
Matcha bao with roasted duck, cucmber & hoisin
Bar Meals
Lamaro’s Famous Veal Schnitzel ‘n’ Slaw… on a grande roll
Lamaro’s Burger
House made 180gm prime beef patty, bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, pickles, special burger sauce & fries
Lamaro’s Steak Sandwich
Swiss Cheese, rocket, tomato, onion jam, dijon mustard & aioli
French fries
Kids Mains
Pasta with Napoletana & shaved Parmesan
Fish and Chips
Veal Schnitzel & Fries
Minute Steak & Fries
Cheeseburger & Fries
Kids Desserts
Vanilla Ice-cream with chocolate topping
Fruit Salad
3. ST ALi Coffee Roasters
ST ALi Coffee Roasters is one of South Melbourne’s most important food and drink names. Located in Yarra Place, it is more than a cafe; it is one of the venues that helped define Melbourne’s specialty coffee culture. For many diners, ST ALi is the place to think about for coffee first, but it also works for breakfast, brunch, lunch and casual daytime meals.
The appeal here is the combination of coffee, atmosphere and all-day cafe dining. It works for quick coffees, brunch with friends, informal work meetings, weekend meals and visitors who want a classic Melbourne cafe experience. The space has a warehouse-style feel, which gives it a different personality from smaller neighbourhood cafes nearby.
Food-wise, ST ALi sits firmly in modern Melbourne cafe territory. Expect breakfast dishes, lunch plates, coffee, pastries, seasonal specials and the kind of menu that can suit both light eaters and people after a fuller brunch. It is also useful for groups because cafe menus tend to cover a wide range of appetites.
ST ALi is best for specialty coffee, brunch, breakfast meetings, casual lunches, weekend catch-ups and anyone who wants to experience one of South Melbourne’s most recognisable cafe names.
Address: 12–18 Yarra Place, South Melbourne
St Ali Coffee Roasters Menu
Breakfast
ST. ALi GRANOLA
TEXTURES OF MELON, HONEY YOGHURT, MICRO SHISO
AVOCADO ON CRUMPET
SOFT BOILED EGG, SESAME MAYO, MISO BUTTER, KIMCHI SALT.
USA PANCAKE
FLUFFY PANCAKE, CANADIAN MAPLE BUTTER, STREAKY BACON
STEAMED CHILLI EGGS
NDUJA CRUMB, CRÈME FRAÎCHE, CHIVES, SOURDOUGH
SPANNER CRAB WHITE OMELETTE
XO SAUCE, PRAWN CRACKERS
BREAKFAST PLATE
HERB LEAF SALAD, ADELAIDE HAM, POACHED EGG, COTTAGE CHEESE, POTATO ROSTI, DIJON MUSTARD
CHILLI SCRAMBLED EGGS
CRÈME FRAÎCHE, NDUJA, SOURDOUGH
TURKISH EGGS
HOUSE-MADE NAAN, POACHED EGGS, HERB LABNEH, PEPITA & SUNFLOWER SEEDS, ST. ALi CHILLI OIL
MY MEXICAN COUSIN
CORN FRITTERS, POACHED EGGS, HALLOUMI CRUMB, SWEETCORN SALSA, KASUNDI, LEAVES
FROM CHICKENS WITH LOVE
TWO EGGS YOUR WAY ON SOURDOUGH
Lunch
SUMMER PASTA
CARAMELISED ONION, MUSTARD BUTTER, TARRAGON, CHERVIL
GNOCCHI
PAN FRIED GNOCCHI, SEASONAL MUSHROOMS, BROWN BUTTER, RICOTTA, CRISPY SAGE
WATERCRESS & MUSSEL RISOTTO
SPICY PICKLED MUSSELS, PARMESAN
CABBAGE SALAD
CHAT POTATO, MIXED HERBS, SPRING ONION, JALAPEÑO MAYO DRESSING, BREAD CRUMBS, SOFT-BOILED EGGS
CHICKPEA HUMMUS
CRISPY CHICKPEA, CURRY LEAVES, PARSLEY PESTO, ST.ALi CHILLI OIL, FOCACCIA
THE BOURDAIN
“ANTHONY BOURDAIN WORLD FAMOUS SANDWICH” FRIED MORTADELLA, PROVOLONE, DIJON MUSTARD, KEWPIE MAYO, BAGUETTE
PAN CON TOMATE
VINE TOMATOES, SOURDOUGH, CHIVE, GARLIC, EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
CHICKEN CAESAR SCHNITZEL
SALAD LEAVES, PARMESAN, HOUSE CAESAR DRESSING, PANGRATTATO
STEAK TARTARE
ROASTED BONE MARROW, EGG YOLK, CHIMICHURRI SAUCE, TABASCO, FOCACCIA
STEAK FRITES
EYE FILLET 250G, POTATO CRISPS, CHARCUTERIE SAUCE
FILLET OF FISH
TAPIOCA CRUSTED BLUE GRENADIER, LETTUCE, TARTARE SAUCE, EMMENTAL CHEESE, BRIOCHE BUN, FRIES
BURGER ROYALE
BEEF PATTY, HOUSE SAUCE, DILL PICKLES, AMERICAN CHEESE, ICEBERG LETTUCE, FRIES
KIDS $5 MENU
COCO POPS / WEET BIX, BOILED EGGS & SOLDIERS, SCRAMBLED EGGS, FOCACCIA
Decaf
ASK OUR CREW FOR OUR CURRENT OFFERING
DECAF ESPRESSO
DECAF FILTER
ASK OUR CREW FOR OUR CURRENT OFFERING
Espresso Coffee
HOUSE ESPRESSO
FOR MILK COFFEE. ORTHODOX: OUR GO-TO SIGNATURE BLEND FOR ALL MILK BASED COFFEES. FLAVOURS: APPLE JAM. FUDGE. MILK CHOC.
SEASONAL ESPRESSO
FOR BLACK COFFEE. OUR DAILY BLACK COFFEE PICK. MAYBE A BLEND OR A SINGLE? EITHER WAY, IT’LL HIT THE SPOT. ASK OUR CREW FOR OUR CURRENT OFFERING
SINGLE ESPRESSO
DOUBLE ESPRESSO
Barista’s Choice
ESPRESSO FLIGHT
THREE ESPRESSOS FEATURING OUR SINGLE ORIGIN SELECTION AND OUR FEELS GOOD BLEND.
BARISTA BREAKFAST
ALL COFFEES ARE ST. ALi APPROVED AND SELECTED BY OUR HEAD BARISTA
Single Origin Espresso & Filter
PLEASE REFER TO TODAY’S SINGLE ORIGIN COFFEE MENU
BATCH BREW
COLD BREW
POUROVER V60
ICED FILTER
ESPRESSO
SERVED BLACK OR WITH YOUR CHOICE OF MILK
Signature Drinks
BISCOFF FREDDO
BISCOFF SYRUP, ORTHODOX DOUBLE SHOT, MILK, COLD MILK FOAM, CRUSHED BISCOFF, CHOCOLATE SHAVINGS
STRAWBERRY CLOUD
ST. ALi MATCHA, STRAWBERRY PUREE, COLD MILK FOAM, CRUSHED DEHYDRATED STRAWBERRIES
LIGHTS OUT!
UNOFFICIALLY THE DRINK OF THE AUSTRALIAN GRAND-PRIX 2025, OFFICIALLY DELICIOUS. CHOCOLATE ORTHODOX ESPRESSO CREAM, ORANGE JUICE
NOT GUINNESS
FIG SYRUP, THICKENED CREAM, COLD BREW, HONEY
ST. ALi Drinks
MATCHA COCONUT WATERMELON
ST. ALi MATCHA, COCONUT CREAM, WATERMELON JUICE
PEEK & SIP
POPCORN SYRUP, SALTED CARAMEL, BANANA SYRUP, DOUBLE ESPRESSO, YOUR MILK OF CHOICE
SUNSET EXPRESS MILK PUNCH
MILK WASHED COLD BREW, POMEGRANATE SYRUP
Cold Drinks
MILO SHAKE
MILO, JOCK’S DOUBLE CHOC ICE CREAM & MILK
ESPRESSO SHAKE
ST. ALi ESPRESSO, JOCK’S VANILLA ICE CREAM & MILK
ST. ALi ICED TEA
EARL GREY & ENGLISH BREAKFAST, HIBISCUS & POMEGRANATE
Soft Drinks
KARMA ORGANIC DRINKS
RASPBERRY LEMONADE / LEMON / COLA
SOMETHING & NOTHING PREMIUM SODAS
YUZU / CUCUMBER / HIBISCUS & ROSE / GINGER & LIME / PINEAPPLE & PINK GRAPEFRUIT
FREKL GINGER BEER
CLASSIC, FINGER LIME
LYONVIL SPARKLING MINERAL WATER
300ML / 750ML
Cold Pressed
ORANGE JUICE
REFRESHER JUICE
WATERMELON, PINEAPPLE, MINT
GREEN JUICE
KALE, CAPSICUM, CUCUMBER, CELERY, COS, APPLE, LEMON
DETOX JUICE
BEETROOT, CARROT, ORANGE, APPLE
Tea / Hot Drinks
HOT CHOCOLATE
CHAI LATTE
MATCHA LATTE
LOOSE LEAF TEAS
LEMONGRASS & GINGER, GREEN KOREAN SENCHA, PEPPERMINT, ENGLISH BREAKFAST, EARL GREY, CHAI
Classic Cocktails
MIMOSA
APEROL SPRITZ
LIMONCELLO SPRITZ
BREAKFAST G&T
COFFEE GIN, TONIC, ORANGE MARMALADE
BLOODY MARY
THE TRADITIONAL WAY, WITH GRAINSHAKER RYE VODKA
DRY MARTINI
COFFEE GIN, DRY VERMOUTH, ORANGE BITTERS
ESPRESSO MARTINI
COFFEE LIQUEUR, RYE VODKA, ORTHODOX ESPRESSO
WIDE AWAKE NEGRONI
ST. ALi COFFEE GIN, VERMOUTH, CAMPARI, ST. ALi COFFEE LIQUEUR
Wine
YUGEN ‘TROPICAL SUNRISE’ ROSE VIC
S.C PANNELL ARIDO ROSE SA
‘23 DEEP WOODS CHARDONNAY WA
‘23 SHUT THE GATE RIESLING SA
‘23 CORIMBIA CHENIN BLANC WA
‘22 BARRATT CHARDONNAY SA
‘23 MULLINE PINOT NOIR VIC
‘22 ROCKY GULLY CABERNET WA
‘22 CHALMERS NERO D’AVOLA VIC
Beer / Non-Alc
MOONDOG OLD MATE PALE ALE
MOONDOG LAGER
PERONI RED LAGER
STONE & WOOD PACIFIC ALE
YOUNG HENRYS IPA
THE HILLS APPLE CIDER
HEAPS NORMAL HALF DAY HAZY
LESS THAN 0.5% ALC.
SIDEKICK MIXERS
CHEEKY TONIC / LIVELY TONIC
WEDNESDAY’S DOMAINE 15 NON-ALC WINES
ELAN / ECLAT
Champagne
NV CHALMERS ‘DOTT’ PROSECCO VIC
NV AIRLIE BANK SPARKLING VIC
‘22 RUINART BRUT FRA
‘15 VEUVE CLICQUOT BRUT FRA
‘15 RUINART ROSE BRUT FRA
‘16 MOET & CHANDON GRAN VINTAGE FRA
‘13 DOM PÉRIGNON CHAMPAGNE FRA
Coffee Cocktails
CIGARETTES DAYDREAM
MEZCAL, SHERRY, ST. ALi COFFEE LIQUEUR, WHITE CRÈME DE CACAO, TURKISH TOBACCO BITTERS, ORANGE BITTERS
EVENING BREEZE
HAYMAN’S SLOE GIN, SINGLE ORIGIN COLD BREW, CRÈME DE CASSIS, LIME JUICE
CREAM SPRITZ
GRAINSHAKER VODKA, APEROL, LIME JUICE, CREAM SODA, COFFEE LIQUEUR
4. Claypots Evening Star
Claypots Evening Star is one of South Melbourne Market’s standout dining experiences. Set on the Cecil Street side of the market near York Street, it brings seafood, live music, drinks and a lively market-edge atmosphere together in a way that feels very different from a typical restaurant dining room.
The food is seafood-focused, with Mediterranean, grill and market-style energy. This is the kind of place where fresh fish, oysters, mussels, prawns, seafood plates, wine and casual share dishes make the most sense. It suits diners who want something relaxed and full of character rather than a polished white-tablecloth seafood restaurant.
The setting is a major part of the appeal. South Melbourne Market gives the restaurant a lively backdrop, and the corner location makes it useful for lunch, early dinner, market-day meals and nights where you want food, drinks and atmosphere in one place. It is also a strong option for visitors because it gives them a clear sense of the suburb’s market culture.
Claypots Evening Star is best for seafood, casual dates, market lunches, dinners with friends, live music, wine, beer and anyone who wants a South Melbourne restaurant with personality.
Address: South Melbourne Market, Shop 101, 116–136 Cecil Street, South Melbourne
Claypots Evening Star Menu
Lunch Only
Marketer’s Antipasto Lunch Tray
See the blackboard for today’s selection
Bread & Fish
Lettuce, Parsley, Sumac Onions & a Trevally Fillet in a Turkish Bread Roll
Bread & Octopus
Slow-cooked Octopus w. Smoked Paprika in a Turkish Bread Roll
Galician Octopus
Slow-cooked Octopus w. Smoked Paprika
Renan’s Seafood Scramble
Caramelised Cuttlefish, Octopus & Squid
Vegetables
Quail Eggs with Mint Yoghurt
Semi-Dried Olives (Greece)
Chilli Organic Sourdough Bread
Sauté Greens with Caper crumbs
Ruba’s Green Beans
Marinated Field Mushroom
Crushed Potatoes with wine vinegar and black garlic
Burghul Pilaf (Raw nuts, dried fruits and peppers)
Swooning Hodja
Stuffed Eggplant with onion and tomato
Charred Tomato Salad with Black Garlic and Sherry Dressing
Grilled Vegetables with Sheep Fetta
Evening Star Greek Salad, Horseradish dressing & Olive Jam
Cheese Board
Maria’s selection from Emerald Hill Deli
Seafood Bar Plates
Coffin Bay Oyster Natural
Coffin Bay Oyster Kilpatrick Free Range Bacon
Grilled King Prawn with Coriander Sambal
Moreton Bay Bug (QLD)
Salmon Roe (Yarra Valley)
Mussels (Mount Martha)
Red Lentil Soup with Grilled Trevally
Artisan Galician Anchovies with Caramelised Onion & Toast
Crab with Tamarind Ginger
Lobster Tail with Blackened Sumac Butter
Sesame Half Shell Scallop (Hervey Bay)
Scampi (NZ)
Clams (NZ) in Spanish Fino & Garlic
Seafood Cocktail
Our own Tamarind Chutney with Lime, Fresh chilies & Dark Rum Poured over Scallops, Oysters and a King Prawn
Octopus Pintxo with threaded with Capsicum and Onion
Cuttlefish Pinxto with chilli squid ink
Stingray Pinxto
Grilled Green Lip Abalone (Farmed)
Pastas
Spaghettini with White Anchovies
Cuttlefish Spaghettini with Squid Ink
Shared Dishes
Evening Star Classic Marinara Bianca
Spaghetti with Mussels, prawns, pieces of fish
Singapore Shellfish Stir Fry
Crabs,King Prawn and Mussels
Meat
Lamb Cutlets with Puttanesca
Seafood Plates
Crispy Skin John Dory
Grilled King Fish Cutlet
Snapper Puttanesca
Cajun Flathead
Grilled Garfish with Zatar
Red Mullet with Salad
Grilled King George Whiting
Chilli Crab with Mussels
King Fish Head and Tail
Plate of Silver Whiting
Barramundi Wings
Murray Cod
5. KUU Cafe + Japanese Kitchen
KUU Cafe + Japanese Kitchen brings a very different kind of Japanese dining to South Melbourne. Located on Park Street, it is a small, relaxed cafe that blends Japanese home-style cooking with Melbourne cafe culture. It is not a sushi-roll counter or a formal izakaya; it is more personal, homely and quietly distinctive.
The menu is especially useful for breakfast, brunch, lunch and casual dinners. KUU is known for Japanese-inspired cafe dishes, rice bowls, matcha drinks, Japanese breakfast-style plates, katsu-style meals, salads, sandwiches and comforting meals that feel lighter and more balanced than a typical fast-food lunch.
KUU works well when you want something relaxed but still interesting. It is a good choice for solo meals, casual dates, weekday lunches, coffee catch-ups, matcha cravings and low-pressure dinners. The small cafe setting gives it a neighbourhood feel, which makes it a nice contrast to South Melbourne’s bigger pubs, market restaurants and well-known coffee names.
For South Melbourne diners, KUU adds a softer Japanese cafe option to the list. It is best for Japanese comfort food, brunch, matcha, rice bowls, casual lunches and anyone looking for a small local cafe with character.
Address: 190 Park Street, South Melbourne
KUU Cafe + Japanese Kitches Menu
Dinner Specials
Hayashi Omurice
Omusoba Chicken
Cheese Curry Udon
Omusoba Veg
Small Things
Karaage Japanese Fried Chicken
Creamy Crab Croquetts
Two Pieces.
Takoyaki (Six Pieces)
Kakiage Shredded Veggie Tempura (Vg)
Miso Soup (V)
Tsukune Chicken Meatballs
Edamame Shio
Salad
Sashimi Salmon Salad
Grilled Chicken Salad
Soba Salad
Teriyaki Salmon Salad
Tofu Salad (Vg)
Udon Salad
Kuu Zen Set Meal
Chicken Katsu Japanese Curry
Teriyaki Salmon
Taco Rice
Tsukune Chicken Meatballs
Karaage Japanese Fried Chicken
Agedashi Tofu (Vg)
Beef Teritama Don
Vegetable Japanese Curry
Grilled Chicken Japanee Curry
Ala Carte
Soba Noodle
Udon Noodle
Lemon Wasabi Salmon Don
Vegan Tofu Scramble (Vg)
Chicken Katsu Sandwich
Ebi Katsu Sandwich
Tofu Katsu Sandwich (V)
Hot Drinks
Matcha Latte
Latte
Black Sesamellatte
Long Black
Homemade Ginger Tea
Hot Chocolate
Desserts
Japanese Fluffy Cheese Cake
Green Tea Ganache Cake
Houji Cha Flan
Green Tea White Chocochip Cookie
Almond Florentine
Banana Bread
Extra Options
Cutlery
Pink Ginger
Japanese Mayo
Wasabi
Shichimi Spice
Soy Sauce
Cold Drinks
Lemonade
Bottled Apple Juice
Bottled Orange Juice
Spring Water
Lightly Carbonated Water
Retail
Houji Tea Leave 80G
Genmai Tea Leave 100G
Final word
The best restaurants in South Melbourne cover a useful mix of meals and occasions. Taco Bill Mexican Restaurant is the casual Clarendon Street pick for Mexican food, margaritas and group dinners. Lamaro’s Hotel is the polished gastropub for modern Australian food, wine and functions. ST ALi Coffee Roasters is the South Melbourne cafe icon for specialty coffee, brunch and daytime dining. Claypots Evening Star is the market-side seafood favourite for fresh fish, drinks and atmosphere. KUU Cafe + Japanese Kitchen is the Park Street cafe for Japanese comfort food, matcha and relaxed meals.
Together, they show why South Melbourne is such a strong dining suburb: central, walkable, close to the market and full of restaurants that work from morning coffee through to proper dinners.