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? You cant go past yum cha in one of the many restaurants in Chinatown, pizza restaurants scattered throughout the city or a Japanese sushi train. Many restaurants offer a child menu and don’t expect to see 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.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.Read more -
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 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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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”.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.Read more -
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 Italian Restaurant Southgate offers an array of authentic Italian dishes including unique Roman-style pizzas, authentic Gnocchi oxtail from Trastevere, Rome and by far the most delectable Tiramisu in town. The emphasis is on quality ingredients, and fresh, seasonal produce.
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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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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
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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.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.Read more -
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 or pre-cinema bite. The menu thoughtfully incorporates dietary requirements, with gluten-free and vegetarian options available. 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 400 Gradi Pizzeria. Owner Johnny Di Francesco has sent all his chefs to Naples to receive the required training - from none other than the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana - bringing authentic Naples-style pizza to Brunswick. The margarita, while simple, remains a crowd favourite.
