Cool restaurants in Melbourne for cool nights

Tucked away in beachside Brighton, Bottarga serves contemporary Italian cuisine influenced by Asian and native Australian ingredients. The result? A menu that’s as elegant as it is surprising. With its intimate atmosphere and award-winning wine list, Bottarga will give you a night of a true refinement. For crisp evenings, this is one of the coolest restaurants in Melbourne’s bayside dining scene.

Set in a historic Melbourne terrace, Askal brings contemporary Filipino cuisine to life with theatre and soul. Think bone marrow claypot rice, Kare Kare doughnuts and off-menu ube cake. It’s a buzzing three-storey restaurant where diners go for flavour and culture. Easily one of the coolest restaurants in Melbourne right now. 

A feast for all the senses! Kanela brings fire and flair to arguably the coolest suburb in all of Melbourne. With sizzling tapas, jugs of sangria, live flamenco shows on weekends and so much more, it’s one of the best cool restaurants in Fitzroy for a fun night out. Dine, drink, dance – this is where Melbourne’s winter gets hot.

This Greek-Australian dining institution from the mind of George Calombaris has four dynamic dining zones, including alfresco areas for those crisp Melbourne evenings. The saganaki with a twist and famous feta chips turn heads, while slow-cooked lamb is packed with warmth and heart. It’s modern Greek with laid-back soul – definitely one of the coolest restaurants in Melbourne’s southeast. 

Located in the beating heart of Brunswick Street, Mukka is a neighbourhood gem turning out bold, smoky Indian street food. Slow-roasted curries, fresh naan, house-made chutneys – you’ll find them all here and so much more. Mukka brings soul to every plate, so make a booking and enjoy this effortlessly cool spot in Fitzroy.

A longtime favourite for late-night eats and fine drops, Punch Lane mixes Euro bistro with Melbourne’s edge. Share charcuterie from the slicer or dive into dry-aged cuts and seasonal plates. Warm, lively and always filled to the brim with character, it’s one of the coolest restaurants in Melbourne’s theatre district for post-show feasting. 

This Port Melbourne institution puts a modern spin on the classic pub, with standout steaks and fresh seafood – perfect for winter dining. Well-known for its Moreton Bay bugs and surf ‘n’ turf favourites, The Clare Castle is where comfort food is served in style. It’s a local gem for good reason. 

Byblos is the place to go for a truly luxe Mediterranean-Lebanese dining experience. Right on the Yarra River with velvet booths and a cocktail list worth dressing up for, it’s perfect for special nights. The menu is a generous spread of share plates and strong flavours – marking it as one of the coolest restaurants in Melbourne for waterfront dining.