Melbourne Restaurants Open on the King’s Birthday Long Weekend

Sitting among the riverside treetops on Southgate’s mid-level, La Camera is a Melbourne Italian institution. Two balconies give you stunning views over the Yarra River and Flinders Street Station, while the menu serves authentic Roman-style pizzas, handmade gnocchi and what many consider to be the best tiramisu in town. There’s live jazz and long-standing staff who will make every visit feel personal – don’t skip this warm and inviting choice for a long weekend dinner by the river. 

Spread across three impressive levels overlooking the Yarra, The Meat & Wine Co is a steakhouse with serious presence. The open kitchen dishes up flame-grilled skewers, ribs and premium dry-aged steaks, while the Afro-centric design and wood-panelled interiors give the space a distinctive and worldly feel. For a hearty King’s Birthday feast with city skyline views, this is a crowd-pleasing pick for groups of any size. 

Neil Perry’s acclaimed steakhouse at Crown is a Melbourne fine-dining landmark. The art-deco-inspired dining room sets a sophisticated tone, while the menu revolves around Australia’s best beef, sourced from top producers and cooked with utter precision. Add an outstanding wine list and polished service, and you’ve got a long weekend dinner that feels genuinely special. Perfect for diners who want to mark the occasion with a classic Melbourne dining experience. 

On Bay Street in Brighton, Bottarga is a refined Italian seafood restaurant that rewards a trip just past the CBD. Squid ink spaghetti, tiger prawn culurgiones and a swathe of elegant pasta dishes are served up in an intimate, warmly lit space. The long weekend is the perfect excuse to venture south along the bay and discover one of Melbourne’s best-kept neighbourhood dining secrets. 

Stroll along the river promenade to find a space with expansive views of the Yarra and the city skyline. Waterfront is a fine seafood and grill restaurant that captures everything great about Melbourne dining. Two raw bars showcase the kitchen’s sea-to-plate stylings, and the menu champions sustainably sourced Australian seafood alongside premium steak cuts. Visit for a long weekend lunch or dinner and devour amazing food long into the evening with river views that won’t disappoint. 

Colombar brings Sri Lankan flair to funky Richmond with aromatic curries, tangy hoppers and fresh seafood in a setting that’s as relaxed as it is charming. Warm timber accents and ambient lighting welcome you inside, then the strong cocktail list elevates the experience beyond the ordinary. Open for breakfast and lunch and then a separate dining session six days a week (closed Mondays), it’s a welcoming choice for a long weekend meal that will give you something genuinely different from the usual Melbourne fare. 

A two-level floating eatery and bar sitting right on the Yarra River – what’s not to love? Yarra Botanica is one of Melbourne’s most unique dining spots, but look beyond the atmosphere and you’ll find incredible food to boot. The seasonal menu features local produce and Victorian wines and craft drinks, while heaters and awnings mean you can enjoy the city views all year round – even during the winter long weekend. 

Tucked away on Swan Street, Waygood is a neighbourhood gem that promises creative seasonal menus punching well above their weight. The Feed Me menu is a local favourite, serving up a little bit of everything with a contemporary European touch. With a curated natural wine list and a warm atmosphere all day long, Waygood is the kind of place that turns a quiet long weekend dinner into a genuinely delightful night. Arguably Richmond’s best-kept secret.