Cool Restaurants in Melbourne for Cool Nights
Melbourne definitely knows how to do cool – especially when it comes to dining out on winter evenings. It doesn’t matter whether you’re in the mood for smoky Mediterranean bites or want to try something different with bold Filipino fare, these restaurants are serving more than just great food. They are packed with plenty of style and charm, not to mention the unforgettable vibes. Here’s our pick of cool restaurants in Melbourne for the chilliest nights of the year.
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It's perfect for a memorable and intimate dining experienceYou need to try the squid ink & lime spaghetti and tiger prawn culurgionesLook out for diverse and rare wines from around the worldRead moreTucked 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.
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It's perfect for a refined Filipino feast that’ll shift your tastebuds into gear.You need to try the kinilaw or lechon with a modern twist.Look out for dramatic plating and a cool, underground dining room.Read moreSet 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.
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Read moreA 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.
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It's perfect for gathering the family from some delicious GreekYou need to try the lamb shoulder and George’s famous feta chipsLook out for the saganaki, but expect a twist!Read moreThis 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.
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Read moreLocated 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.
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It's perfect for late night dining or a casual catch upYou need to try the dry aged Chef’s cut with some snack plates to shareLook out for the local cheese selection and ‘From the Slicer’ offeringRead moreA 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.
Looking to raise a glass in Melbourne?From premium sips to cosy atmospheres, check out the best wine bars in Melbourne for your next vino fix.
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Read moreThis 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.
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It's perfect for nights when you want to feel like royalty—but Mediterranean style.You need to try the Lebanese-Mediterranean hits that keep locals coming back.Look out for its award‑winning reputation and sleek bar ambience.Read moreByblos 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.
Whether you want to warm up during a chilly winter evening or you’re looking to spend some quality time with family and friends, there are countless cool restaurants in Melbourne to experience.