Best Family Restaurants in Melbourne

Chin Chin's at Koto Moon sounds more like an entrant in Shanghai's independent film festival than a purveyor of contemporary Asian cuisine, but what awaits you is well-presented food in a sumptuous setting. Friendly staff fronts this union of modern styling and traditional fare including the likes of homemade dim sums, tamarind prawns and roast duck with pine nuts.

Open for dinner daily

Set along Southgate's river promenade, Waterfront is a fine seafood and grill restaurant that is truly Melbourne. With expansive views of the Yarra River and city you can take in in the stunning Melbourne skyline whilst enjoy sumptuous seafood. The addition of two raw bars lining the kitchen allows diners to witness Waterfront's ‘sea to plate' focus. All seafood is sourced directly from Australia's best seafood producers.  Waterfront Southgate is the perfect restaurant for a corporate lunch, dinner or a great choice for a family celebration.

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Meat & Wine Co brings its famous grilled flavours and high-quality steaks to the exciting shopping centre of Chadstone with two warm, welcoming bar and dining areas and a range of spaces for functions. Chic in its design and keeping in fashion with the restaurant's other layouts there is a modern use of bold colours, African tribal influences and lively patterns. Complement the meal with an impressive and expansive wine list featuring a mix of Australian and international varieties. 

Carlton's Lygon Street isn't short of Italian restaurants but you'll always find room for the brilliant cuisine of Il Gambero. The kitchen offers diners some of the best pizza and pasta the area has to offer and they've perfected their recipes over the course of 30 years in the business. The restaurant's downstairs area has a cool old-school vibe, with exposed brick walls and shelves packed with wine. Upstairs is a modern, classy affair that can be reserved for functions.

Lunch and dinner daily

Located on the shores of picturesque Hobson Bay in the historic Williamstown precinct, The Strand Restaurant offers spectacular views of the water and the Melbourne skyline. The menu is dominated by fresh seafood offerings, and you can choose paella or seafood platters if you're in the mood for sharing. Other quality protein, like lamb and Black Angus steaks are available if you're not big on seafood. A great venue for functions for up to 150.

Bluetrain located within walking distance from the Melbourne CBD and Crown Melbourne has been "Melbourne's meeting place" for over 20 years. The vast menu of grazing plates, pizzas, pastas, burgers and dishes off the char-grill are complimented by the huge beverage list. The bar has 16 ice cold taps of beer and an array of beverages including quality spirits, wines, champagnes and cocktails. Bluetrain is the ever popular, ambient haven for everyone, young or old!.

Templestowe's bustling Vibrante restaurant is a classic Italian affair – family owned, colourful and always loud. This popular eatery serves traditional pizzas and pastas, but people also come for the seafood dishes and the outdoor courtyard that's great for catch-ups with friends. Vibrante's beautiful dining room also transforms into a function room for up to 100 guests.

Open daily 10am-late

Miznon is in the well known Hardware Lane in the Melbourne CBD.

The global popularity of Miznon has led to the opening in Melbourne of a unique style of Mediterranean street food. The main ingredients are vegetarian or beef and lamb, most beautifully slow cooked and added to a pita. 

Open Tuesday-Friday 10am-3pm and Saturday 10am-5pm

Bringing New York-style dining to South Yarra, Steer Dining is a bold and strikingly sumptuous restaurant that focuses on prime cuts of Australia's best beef, including wagyu, pasture and grain fed beef. Scour the menu for your preferred cut and marbling score before it is expertly cooked under the guidance of Head Chef Tom Ward. The menu has hints of Asian flavours and non meat eaters can choose from a vegetarian or a protein dish.

Criniti's serves traditional and contemporary dishes for lunch, and dinner. From authentic wood-fired pizza, pasta, antipasti and ribs, to steaks, burgers and gourmet salads, there is something for everyone. The menus combine traditional Southern Italian and contemporary Australian cuisine to bring you a delicious range of flavours. Criniti's is an ideal venue to celebrate any occasion with family and friends.

Open Monday-Thursday 11am-10.30pm and Friday-Sunday 11am-11.30pm