Best Family Restaurants in Melbourne
Whether you have an adventurous little palate in tow or kids who like to keep dining on the safe side (who doesn’t love pizza and fish-n-chips?), we’re here to highlight the best restaurants in Melbourne that are perfect and equally enjoyable for the whole family.
Where are the Best Family Friendly Restaurants in Melbourne?
From quirky pan Asian restaurants to pizza eateries and even more suave settings by the seaside, this selection of family friendly restaurants in Melbourne’s CBD is sure to be a hit for mum, dad and the kids. And, to suit your true Best Restaurants style, these not-so-secret spots offer more than just chicken nuggets!
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It's perfect for when you need Southeast Asian flair without boarding a plane or learning a new language.You need to try tamarind prawns or homemade dim sum that taste like they’ve earned a vacation.Look out for sumptuous styling and a menu fusing Thai, Malaysian, Chinese, Japanese, and more.Read moreChin 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. Taking inspiration from China, Japan and Thailand, Chin Chin’s serves up all of the family favourites including Chicken San Choi Bao, Tom Yum Soup, Beef in Black Bean Sauce, Massaman Curry Beef as well as Salt and Pepper Calamari to name a few. Be sure to stick around for their decadent dessert selection!
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It's perfect for dining that doubles as an Instagram filter—seafood and skyline side by side.You need to try seasonal seafood and steak—elegant, local and great with that Yarra view.Look out for river‑front vibes that scream “Melbourne, but make it luxe”.Read moreSet along Southgate's river promenade, Waterfront is a fine seafood and grill restaurant that is truly Melbourne. With expansive views of the Yarra River, 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. Souring ingredients 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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It's perfect for when you’re craving Italian comfort without the travel brochure clichés.You need to try their gnocchi or pizza beloved by locals for decades.Look out for the red-brick cosiness and wine racks that scream “authentico”.Read moreCarlton'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 you know they've perfected their recipes with over 30 years in the business. The light-filled space is simple and roomy making it the perfect spot for your family dinner. As for the kids menu, your little one can choose between pizza, pasta and plenty of delicious desserts.
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It's perfect for Italian dining with views that make your phone immediately reach for “post”.You need to try garlic pizza or calzones—and yes, you’ll brag about the tiramisu later.Look out for long‑standing staff, dreamy balconies, and Yarra River snapshots every which way.Read moreNestled amongst riverside treetops on Southgate's mid level, La Camera boasts two balconies with stunning views over the Yarra River and iconic Flinders Street Station. La Camera offers an array of authentic Italian dishes including unique Roman-style pizzas, a sensational seafood Linguine Alla Pescatora and, by far the most delectable Tiramisu in town. With an emphasis on fresh, quality seasonal ingredients, and fresh, seasonal produce; La Camera is the perfect family friendly restaurant for any occasion.
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It's perfect for seafood nights where the view slays before your first bite.You need to try the seafood tower or linguine—they’re classics with killer bay views.Look out for Hobsons Bay vistas and skyline glamour.Read moreLocated 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.
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It's perfect for big group dinners, riverside catch-ups or late-night pasta cravingsYou need to try the metre-long wood-fired pizza for a hearty indulgenceLook out for the open kitchen where chefs toss dough and flame-grill meats right before your eyesRead more
Criniti's should be your go-to spot not only for their traditional meets contemporary cuisine, but it’s also the perfect family friendly restaurant. Open for lunch and dinner, here you’ll be able to find everything from authentic wood-fired pizza, to pasta, antipasti, ribs, steaks, burgers and gourmet salads to name a few. There really is something for everyone. Combining 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.
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It's perfect for craving Italian flair without actually leaving the suburbs.You need to try the dukkah‑crusted salmon or garlic arancini—they’re neighborhood legends.Look out for its top‑rank on Tripadvisor and wicked gnocchi menu.Read moreTemplestowe's bustling Vibrante restaurant is a classic Italian affair. This reputable family owned restaurant is best described as colourful and always loud. One of the top places to eat in Melbourne with the family, this popular eatery serves traditional pizzas and pastas, but people also come for the seafood dishes and the outdoor courtyard that's great for catchups with friends. Be sure to try the Dukkah Salmon Fillet that’s served on a bed of quinoa, broccoli, pumpkin, pepitas, spinach and a side of mint yoghurt dressing.
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It's perfect for steak-night flexing when you’re seriously hungry and feeling slightly vintage.You need to try whole‑carcass wonders like brisket, ribs or terrine—they’re nose‑to‑tail brag‑worthy.Look out for New‑York‑style swagger, wall‑to‑wall bar, and skyline views with your sizzle.Read moreLocated on the Left Bank in Melbourne's Southbank, The Breslin Steakhouse pays homage to the classic New York-style steakhouses, complete with a large wall-to-wall bar that proudly mixes up the classics. Beyond steak, Breslin promotes nose-to-tail dining, so expect plenty of sausage, pate and terrine on the menu the perfect fare for this vintage-inspired restaurant. Sit outside for views of the Yarra and Melbourne CBD skyline, or on chilly days the very inviting interior.
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Read moreVivace Restaurant is set in the heart of Bay Street, Brighton. With windows opening out onto the bustling street, a modern Italian menu and friendly service, it's the perfect place for a romantic dinner, pre-cinema bite or a flavour-packed family dinner. The menu thoughtfully incorporates dietary requirements, with gluten-free and vegetarian options available. Better yet, Vivace also caters for social and corporate functions with four private dining rooms on hand.
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Read moreLygon Street will never be short of a pizza kitchen, but few are as serious about the art of pizza as the 400 Gradi pizzeria. Owner Johnny Di Francesco has sent all his chefs to Italy’s seaside southern city, Naples, to receive the required training – from none other than the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana. Bringing authentic Naples-style pizza to Brunswick, everything from the margarita, while simple, will soon become your future favourite. This is one to add to your list!
