Melbourne, home to not only some of the nation's best restaurants but those in the world. Cosmopolitan and lively, the city is a foodies paradise just full of laneways and rooftops waiting to be explored. For those that are after something a little bit more ribs, beer and a bench than bistro style fine dining a la French, check out our Top10 Best Casual dining restaurants in Melbourne.
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Carnivorous diners will be impressed with the meaty range of offerings at Melbourne's much-adored steakhouse, Meat and Wine Co in Southbank. The interior is designed with elements of a rustic steakhouse meets African tribal with artefacts featured throughout the dining space. The beef is of the highest quality, sourced locally and are best enjoyed with the many hearty side dishes to complete the meal.Read more -
It's perfect for hitting that Italian craving with friendsYou need to try finishing your meal with tiramisu or affogatoLook out for Limoncello spritz on tapFeast on designer pizzas straight from the wood-oven at Ladro in Fitzroy. Relaxed but still oozing with smart-casual Italian style, Ladro has something for all appetites from the signature pizza and pasta dishes to gourmet salads that could make even the biggest meat lover into a vegetarian! The drinks list is concise and features all the usual suspects. Great for families and groups of friends.Read more -
It is impossible to miss the bright screams of decor and flavour that make Chin Chin one of the most sought after casual dining tables in the city. The food is fun pan-Asian fusion, with clever flavour combinations that aren't shy to use a splash of spice and wake up the taste buds. It is popular, you will have to wait for a table, but if you want to put a firecracker into your next casual dining adventure, Chin Chin is the place to go go.Read more -
Part of Melbourne's culinary landscape is Frank Camorra's spin-off from the original MoVida, MoVida Aqui. It's a spacious set up that offers diners several spaces to nestled in and enjoy some traditional and rustic Spanish cuisine. The elevated terrace space is great during the warmer months, and the bar is a hot spot on the weekends. Relax with plates of tapas and a jug of sangria, Spanish style.Read more -
Read moreRichmond Oysters started in 1959 as a seafood wholesaler and trading for over a decade in the restaurant business, and they know their way around good seafood. They offer a casual restaurant experience specialising in fresh and cooked seafood dishes, emphasizing in high quality produce and freshness. The atmosphere in the restaurant is easy going and amicable. Perfect for any occasion, from dinner dates, to business lunches and even family gatherings.
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It's perfect for a shared meal where community and soul is at the centreYou need to try getting many dishes and exploring the flavour combinationsLook out for the set menu so you can sit back and enjoy the spreadRead moreA chemist of spices is how Sam Wedande of Araliya considers himself. Ayurveda, the Hindu herbal science of life, inspires his cooking. No recipes are used, just an instinctive mixing of healthful herbs and seductive spices. Have fun with scallops in a hopper, or brave the brains - coconut crumbed with a savoury mint filling, served with chilli mayonnaise. Araliya has recently moved from Hawthorn to their new location in Kew.
Lunch Sunday and dinner Tuesday-Sunday.
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Read moreCombining the charm of the old with the creativity and energy, Italy 1 Camberwell offers an unpretentious yet sophisticated dining experience in Melbourne's eastern suburbs. The menu features Italian-inspired creations that change with the seasons but favourite staples like, linguine marinara, remain year-round. The dining room is a relaxing space of polished dark timber, white-clothed tables and soft lighting.
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It's perfect for intimate dining in a warm and friendly environmentYou need to try the express lunch menu for daytime Italian cravingsLook out for the sharing plate with fresh linguine pasta and pan-fried whole lobsterRead moreAffectionately named after the public ferry service in Venice, Vaporetto in Hawthorn takes diners straight to the canals of the charming Italian city. Established in an old tobacco shop, chandeliers of handblown Murano glass dazzle from the ceiling, and a bar rests behind a long slice of white marble. The eatery of where Venice meets Melbourne will showcase dishes of salami's, vegetables and seasonal seafood in a casual homely atmosphere.
BYO is available every day for lunch, and Sunday-Thursday evenings.
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It's perfect for catch-ups with friends in the beer gardenYou need to try the perfect Sunday roastLook out for mid-week specials and the happy hour offeringRead moreAptly named Teller is in the former State Savings Bank of Victoria in Brunswick, just 5kms from Melbourne's CBD. Beautifully refitted it is now a popular all-day dining and drinking venue offering function space, open plan light filled restaurant, bar with plenty of beer on tap and a cute laneway area. This is upmarket pub dining with an impressive menu of plates using Mediterranean flavours and also offering a kid's menu. It is no wonder that Teller has become a favourite amongst the Brunswick East locals.
Mon-Sun 11.30am-late.
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Read moreLocated on the Glenferrie Road shopping strip, Florina's Greek Tavern provides a dining experience that will transport you to the Greek Islands or a tavern in Athens. True to any restaurant in a Greek village, at Florina's there is a range of fresh fish available daily, and tender meats are cooked over charcoal in open fire. For a veritable Greek feast, try the popular 4 course set menu from $46 per person.
