Best Places for the Best Outdoor Dining in Melbourne

The city of Melbourne, which is widely regarded as the gastronomic capital of Australia, is an ideal location at which to take in the sights and sounds of the city while indulging in a variety of delectable dishes. Even on days when the weather in Melbourne leaves a lot to be desired, it is still worthwhile to dine at one of the city's top outdoor restaurants because the experience will be well worth it.

Not only that, but studies also suggest that going outside and being exposed to natural elements is beneficial to one's health, both mentally and physically.  It's possible that what you need is to spend some time in the company of lush, verdant gardens or by a waterfront where there's a light breeze.

In spite of the fact that it is a relatively small city with a population of only four million people and is located at what is essentially the end of the earth, Melbourne has food that is on par with that of cities such as New York City or London and has a level of variety that is unmatched anywhere else.

While Sydney receives the majority of the international attention, Melbourne is the place to go if your primary goal in travelling is to consume a large quantity of food. The impact of successive waves of immigration can be seen and felt at every level, from the city's age-old fixation on coffee to its adoption of European drinking culture and its widespread adoption of Chinese and Vietnamese culinary traditions. In other words, no matter what kind of cuisine you're looking for, Melbourne has it.

There are a good number of places to eat in the primary Central Business District (which the residents simply refer to as "the city"), but there are also a good number of places to eat in the neighbouring neighbourhoods, such as Fitzroy, Carlton, and Richmond. And while it is certainly possible to go all in on fine dining, the reality is that many of the most interesting restaurants in the world today are casual and centre their offerings on family-style menus, small plates, or items that can be shared. Then there are the cafes to consider. Coffee is a popular beverage in Melbourne, but "coffee shops" do not exist in the city. Instead, cafes in Melbourne are almost always table-service establishments that offer extensive menus with mouthwatering options.

Due to the intense level of competition, it is more likely that you will be offered a ham hock benedict or a full Indonesian breakfast at some of the hipper restaurants in the area rather than a traditional breakfast consisting of bacon and eggs.

The restaurant scene in Melbourne is buzzing with activity, boasts an incredible breadth of options, and, yes, can be quite pricey. But if you enjoy good food, you should put Melbourne at the top of your list of places to visit. You have a lot to get through, so you should probably plan on eating more than just the standard three meals a day.

Kent Hotel

370 Rathdowne St, 3054 Carlton North 

One of the first structures to be constructed in Carlton North was the Kent Hotel, which opened its doors in 1873 in the renowned Rathdowne Village.

Today, Kent takes great pride in being able to provide a mouthwatering menu that features both modern Australian and Mediterranean dishes. In addition, we have an extensive collection of wine, beer, and cider from Victoria, Australia, and other countries around the world. As part of our commitment to the communities and businesses in which we operate, we regularly update our menus to take into account the produce that is in season.

Additionally, the KENT UPSTAIRS is available for rent on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. A separate room that is perfect for hosting events of any kind, including birthday parties, christenings, weddings, and business gatherings. Our helpful and experienced event staff is standing by to see to any and all of the nitpicking concerns you may have.

Even though we've adapted to the modern world, we place a strong emphasis on preserving our heritage. Therefore, the Kent Hotel continues to be one of the venues of choice in Melbourne for a wide variety of events, including get-togethers with friends and family as well as drinks after work.

The Kent Hotel is a contemporary corner pub located in Carlton North. It has an outdoor area that looks out onto Curtain Square. The hotel offers guests an extensive menu of Modern Australian and Mediterranean cuisine, in addition to a daily aperitivo hour from 4 to 6 o'clock in the evening.

Cuisine that is a fusion of Australian and Mediterranean styles. Dining in the fresh air with weekly-changing specials.

Large and multipurpose event venue available for rental (Covid pending). Wines sourced from Australia as well as other regions around the world. There are six different beers available on draught, and they support local, national, and international microbreweries. Proud advocate for the local economy and the community it serves.

Hochi Mama

11 Liverpool Street, 3000 Melbourne

Hochi Mama is a Vietnamese fusion restaurant and bar located on Liverpool Street, and it features options for shared dining as well as banquets. A variety of alcoholic beverages, including cocktails, wine, beer, and cider, are available to order from the bar at this establishment, which also features street-side seating.

You should put this cheeky and colourful venue decorated in a Vietnamese style on your to-do list. This establishment is wonderful for enjoying a cocktail, a feast, or a relaxed evening of wine and dining with a significant other because it has a fantastic menu and a very cool atmosphere.

Start at the top of the menu and work your way down, beginning with the smaller plates (such as pho'plings and hochi Banh bao buns) for the starters before moving on to the larger plates for the main courses. Everything is meant to be shared, which means that you can order an insane amount of food while still being able to try a little bit of everything on the menu.

Your meal should be accompanied by the "Good Morning Vietnam" cocktail, and you should follow it up with a delectable dessert. The Banh Mi with the sweet cocoa filling is our favourite.

The 'Feed Me Now' offering is what distinguishes the dining experience at Mama's from other establishments. Customers can enjoy all of the zingy and fiery flavours in Mama's repertoire, while indulging in a selection of our drool-worthy smaller, larger, and sides dishes, all for an affordable spend per diner!

Peruse the most recent offering of Mama's mouthwatering dishes, all of which are either available à la carte or are included in the 'Feed Me Now' package!

Fujitei Japanese Restaurant

17 Wellington St, 3182 St Kilda

You can get away from the hustle and bustle of city life by going to the Japanese restaurant FUJITEI and sitting in the restaurant's peaceful outdoor courtyard. Before you start in on the market-fresh menu, why don't you come and explore the bamboo and pebble garden first?

Oshukuji Dokoro Fujitei, which can be found in St. Kilda, is the kind of place that you should go to with a group of people when you have a craving for delicious Japanese cuisine. Prepare yourselves to indulge in their mouthwatering Japanese cuisine, which includes dishes such as chicken kara-age and tuna sashimi salad with wasabi dressing. It is an experience that will compel you to return again and again.

The best dish is the sashimi salad with wasabi dressing, which features tuna.

Fatto

100 St Kilda Road, 3006 Southbank

This incredible Italian restaurant features sensational outdoor dining with views that extend all the way to Flinders Street Station and beyond the Yarra River. Therefore, all you need is a bowl of pasta, a glass of aperol spritz, and you'll be ready to go!

The Fatto Bar & Cantina can be found on the river terrace in the heart of Melbourne's most prestigious arts precinct. Fatto is an all-day Italian eatery in Melbourne that offers fresh, contemporary interpretations of the Italian classics. The restaurant has breathtaking views across the city skyline of Melbourne and the Yarra River.

A casual Italian bar and eatery, Fatto Bar and Cantina is housed in an airy and uncluttered environment that is flooded with light from windows. The arguably most breathtaking and one-of-a-kind perspective of the Melbourne skyline can be found at Fatto, which is perched above the Yarra River.

The food served at Fatto is a modern interpretation of traditional Italian cuisine. The restaurant takes great pride in preparing Italian dishes by hand, including making pasta from scratch every day on-site and basing its menu on the finest seasonal ingredients.

Two unique areas can be found within Fatto. Table service is offered in the Cantina, and guests can choose from a variety of traditional Italian dishes, such as pasta, steak, salad, and dessert. The Bar and Bar Terrace provide patrons with a sizable drinks menu that features traditional Italian cocktails as well as snacks, antipasto, and specials such as the $10 formaggi burgers and the $10 pizzas. In addition, the Arts Precinct is right on the doorstep of the building's heated outdoor terrace, which runs the length of the building and offers dining under the vines in an al fresco setting.

Fatto is open every day starting at 12 pm and staying open until late. Both walk-in guests and those who have made reservations are welcome at the Cantina. There is no need to make a reservation; simply grab a seat and place your order at the bar during the daily "Aperitivo Hour," which runs from 4-6 p.m. and features classic Italian cocktails priced at $9, wine priced at $7, and beer priced at $5.

There is no more picturesque setting for a bite to eat than this spot, which looks out over the Yarra River. Because the Fatto Bar and Cantina has an outdoor heated terrace that extends the entire length of the building, patrons do not need to be concerned about the temperature of the outside air. While you take in the view of the city skyline of Melbourne, grab some antipasto or one of the restaurant's specials, such as the formaggi burger or a pizza for ten dollars.

In the cantina, which is open every day from noon until late, you can indulge in a plate of pasta or stop by the bar to take advantage of Saluti, which is served from 4 to 6 in the afternoon.

The best seats in the house are located on the venue's terrace, which runs the entire length of the space and has recently been upgraded to include heating. So take a seat among the grapevines, pour yourself a glass of wine, and take in the unobstructed views of the Yarra River and the skyline of Melbourne.

Both reservations and walk-in customers are always welcome at Fatto.

Cutler & Co.

55–57 Gertrude St. Fitzroy 3065

The restaurant Cutler & Co. is the epitome of what it means to be a Melbourne institution. Food that is straightforward and reminiscent of a bistro (perhaps some roasted flounder as an appetiser, followed by a giant rib eye to share), prepared and served in an upscale setting that manages to retain a relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere. Cumulus Inc. is an all-day, no-reservations, small plates operation with the best tuna tartare in the city, and you should absolutely get there before you leave: Cumulus Inc. is one of many other fantastic restaurants in town that are behind by the same chef, and you should definitely get to one of them before you leave:

Ricky & Pinky serves classic Australian-Chinese food that has been given a bit of a fancy makeover inside of a pub, and Marion is the pinnacle of wine bars that don't stink and is basically the Asian equivalent of Cumulus (although they are only open for lunch and dinner). Supernormal is basically the Asian equivalent of Cumulus. You must not leave town until you have consumed at least one meal at one of these establishments.

Cutler & Company has undergone its own transformation over the course of more than a decade, despite the fact that its exterior is made of glass and therefore reflects the changes that have taken place around it. Our mission has remained the same throughout this time period, which is to provide guests with an elegant, uncomplicated, and welcoming dining experience. However, our very being is a product of this progression, which reflects and embraces both the neighbourhood and the city as well as the ever-evolving nature of how people prefer to consume their food.

After twelve years, we are pleased with the progression, even more pleased that we are still here doing it, and so grateful to everyone who has assisted and supported us along the way.

​​Cookie

1/252 Swanston St Melbourne 3000, Australia

Cookie is similar to that one sweater that has been shoved to the back of the closet: sometimes people forget it's there, but then they eat here once, and they never forget about it again. Not that Cookie is ever quiet or empty, but because it has been around for such a long time and because the quality of its food is so reliable, people in Melbourne tend to take it for granted. They offer some of the most delicious Thai cuisine in the area in a massive space that is partially a bar and partially a restaurant. It is without a doubt one of our favourite places to eat in the city.

Kaprica

15–17 Lincoln Square South Carlton 3053, Australia

A pizza place can be found in Carlton on a residential street, very close to the campus of the University of Melbourne, and it gives the impression that it is located on a residential street in Rome. The menus are handwritten photocopies that are frequently stained with red wine and the seating is so cramped that you will be involved in the relationship debrief taking place at the table next door. The wine is served in tumblers.

It's true that the pastas are tasty, but we wouldn't recommend devoting too much of your stomach space to them. Your best bet is to save room for one of their pizzas with a thin crust and few toppings. This also applies to the pizzas with dessert toppings.

When attempting to describe traditional, home-style restaurants, words like "rustic" and "charming" are frequently and carelessly used. However, in the case of Kaprica, both of these interpretations are correct. At this establishment, the menus are hand-written before being photocopied, and the wine is served in glasses that are typically used for lattes.

It should not be a surprise that the food is tasty. Owner/chef Pietro Barbagallo (Barbagallo Trattoria, I Carusi) can even make a broccoli pizza look enticing. There are a few breakfast specials, some solid Italian main dishes, and some desserts that look heavenly, so you can come at any time of the day and enjoy a meal here.

However, the pizza is truly unrivalled in its category. You won't want to after seeing the amount of time and care that is put into each and every dish prepared in the open kitchen. It is right up there with the best that Melbourne has to offer.

The unpolished floors, the assortment of mismatched wooden tables, and the couple of outdoor window seats with views of Lincoln Park all contribute to the space's overall rustic vibe. You'll feel right at home, but there's just the right amount of excitement to keep things interesting and make sure you have a good time.

The Boathouse

7 The Boulevard, Moonee Ponds VIC 3038

The Boathouse is your best bet in Melbourne for al fresco dining, and there are plenty of other options available. It is one of the best places along the Maribyrnong River to enjoy a refreshing drink during the summer, and it features a whimsically decorated outdoor area. On the menu, you'll find contemporary dishes inspired by Australia, in addition to as much seafood and meat as you can eat.

The Boathouse has one of the most desirable settings for a restaurant or cafe in all of Melbourne. Its idyllic location, perched on the banks of the Maribyrnong River and surrounded by gum trees and wattles, with gently sloping grassy banks and picture-perfect river views, makes it the perfect place for you to relax and take pleasure in some of life's finest offerings.

We are proud to have been a part of our guests' dining calendars since 2005, when we first opened our doors as a cafe and began serving food of restaurant quality, all of which was prepared entirely in-house. We are a cafe that offers food that is on par with that served in restaurants, and it is all prepared here by real chefs. Our signature cheesecake has been included on the list of the best desserts in Melbourne, and our wood-fired pizzas are widely considered to be among the city's finest. In addition, our pizzas are cooked over an open flame.

The custom is still practised, but in addition to it, we now provide a great deal more. Dinner is now more fun than ever thanks to our special dinner menu, which is designed to entice you and give you the opportunity to sample the very best of what we have to offer.

In addition to that, we would like the Boathouse to serve as "your event place." At your next event or occasion, no matter how large or small it is, the idyllic venue and our experience as hosts will provide you and your guests with wonderful memories to take away with them.

Arbory Bar and Eatery

Flinders Walk, Melbourne VIC 3000

This lively outdoor bar and eatery is one of the most well-known locations in Melbourne, Australia, for enjoying the city's finest examples of outdoor dining. The Yarra River is at the very centre of the Central Business District, where you'll find the Arbory Bar and Eatery. You won't have any trouble finding a nice spot to settle in and enjoy the breathtaking river views and a bite to eat thanks to the restaurant's expansive outdoor dining area and the fact that the views from that area are unobstructed.

Arbory is a lively outdoor bar and eatery that is open throughout the day and is located between Melbourne's Flinders Street Station and the world-famous Yarra River. It is in the centre of Melbourne's riverside arts and entertainment precinct, which is known as the Yarra River Precinct.

The Arbory Bar & Eatery caters to a wide variety of tastes by providing guests with a carefully curated, craft-focused, and comfort-driven food and beverage selection from early morning until late evening. The establishment is located beneath a line of iconic plane trees and boasts more than one hundred metres of absolute uninterrupted river frontage.

Arbory Bar & Eatery was constructed on the old, defunct Sandridge railway platform at Flinders St Station on the north bank of the Yarra River. Its purpose was to breathe new life into a historically significant neighbourhood of Melbourne by drawing more people to the Yarra River so that it could be enjoyed by everyone.

It's no surprise that the Yarra River, which runs through the centre of Melbourne, holds a special place in all of our hearts here at Arbory Bar & Eatery. Our town was founded on the banks of the Yarra River and took its form from the river itself. Even today, as we live, eat, and work in close proximity to the river, we continue to take on its characteristics. The Yarra River was an essential means of subsistence for the Wurundjeri people of Australia's indigenous population, who had lived in the region around Port Phillip Bay for at least 30,000 years prior to the arrival of the first European settlers. They believed that the ancestral creator spirit known as Bunjil, the wedge-tailed eagle, was responsible for carving it out of the rock.

They referred to the river as Birrarung, which is thought to mean "ever flowing," and they saw it as the dreaming path that they followed and camped besides throughout the calendar of the seasons, exchanging goods and knowledge as they travelled.

It would be irresponsible of us to overlook the original pioneer of Melbourne's exceptional alfresco dining and drinking scene. During its five-year run, the annual Yarra pop-up next to Arbory Bar known as Arbory Afloat has taken on many guises, including that of a hangout on the French Riviera and a Miami beach club. Fish and chips, lamb cutlets, and other throwback snacks will be served on the loungers this year as part of the "Australian Beach House" theme that is being celebrated this year. It has a large capacity, but reservations are strongly suggested.

Bomba

103 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

The rooftop bar at Bomba is widely regarded as one of the city's most impressive alfresco dining options. The venue, which consisted of two levels, paid homage to the traditional Spanish worker's bar and was influenced by the contemporary bodega. Take a seat on the rooftop bar at Bomba and enjoy some of their flavorful tapas while you take in the sights and sounds below.

Stunning views of Melbourne's north and south can be enjoyed from this elevated vantage point, which looks out over the treetops of Lonsdale Street. This breathtaking location is normally ideal for drinks before and after dinner, and it also features a menu of tapas to complement the experience; however, we are now making it available for dining.

Howler

7-11 Dawson Street, Brunswick VIC 3056

Across the street from the Brunswick city baths is where you'll find Howler, a converted warehouse that features a bright and airy garden oasis. To get in the mood for some time spent outside, grab a drink and set up shop in the garden. Due to the fact that Howler has two performance spaces, there is never a dull moment there thanks to the live DJs, bands, art exhibitions, and screenings.

Howler emerged from the ashes of an abandoned warehouse in Brunswick as an audacious and aesthetically pleasing addition to the already thriving arts and social scene in Melbourne's inner north.

An internationally acclaimed venue that is comprised of a number of one-of-a-kind areas, such as our lush semi-industrial garden area, our large open main bar, the more intimate gallery bar, and our fully equipped theatre. There is enough room for everyone!

The Boatbuilders Yard

 23 South Wharf Promenade, South Wharf VIC 3006

The Boatbuilders Yard is a one-of-a-kind location for enjoying dinner outside, and it can be found in Melbourne's South Wharf. Due to the location's breathtaking natural beauty, many couples choose to exchange their vows here. It has the atmosphere of a summer beer garden that is open all year long and offers an endless variety of options for both drinks and food, making it one of the best outdoor restaurants that Melbourne has to offer.

Uncle

188 Carlisle Street, St Kilda VIC 3182

The rooftop space at Uncle, which is surrounded by bamboo, is an ideal location for enjoying some outdoor dining in Melbourne. Most people think of pho when they hear the word "Vietnamese," but the cool thing about this place is that you can order a "mini" version of the dish to save room for the other delectable items on the menu. In addition to that, it is the only Vietnamese restaurant in the area that has a rooftop terrace.

Since 2013, Uncle has been providing the wonderful people of Melbourne with authentically enjoyable times. We have venues that are suitable for a wide range of events, from stand-up canape receptions to seated dinners, to ensure that all of your requirements are met. We are able to assist you in the execution of your ideal get-together for ten to one hundred guests in the most splendid Uncle fashion. Our friendly and experienced staff will see to your every requirement, and the chefs in the kitchen are true culinary masterminds who can whip up a Vietnamese culinary storm. We count it as a blessing that we were able to play host to not one, but two weddings amidst the many other joyous celebrations.

Slate Restaurant and Bar

9 Goldsbrough Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000

The Slate Restaurant and Bar features some exquisitely sectioned off areas, such as a rooftop bar and terraces in both the front and the back of the building. Because it is fully protected against the elements, including rain, hail, and shine, you won't need to be concerned about the weather either. It is sleek and sophisticated, and it is the ideal location for some alfresco dining in Melbourne. The design was inspired by rooftop bars in New York City.

Naked in the Sky

 285 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065

As it is located above its well-known pintxos bar, Naked for Satan, Naked in the Sky boasts some of the most breathtaking views of the Central Business District in Melbourne, making it an excellent choice for enjoying meals al fresco. The Basque region's influence can be tasted throughout the dishes on the menu, which leans heavily towards Spanish cuisine. The drinks menu, which features a variety of Spanish beers and ciders, cava, and other beverages, will not let you down.

Lamaro's

273-279 Cecil St, South Melbourne

Wide Cecil Street, lined with trees, was practically pleading for more restaurants with outdoor seating, and Lamaro's has answered the call in spades. The marquee that they have dubbed the Birdcage is a covered structure that features windows and fairy lights that give the impression that you are a part of the surrounding environment. When you add in the cooking of Geoff Lindsay (whether you go for pub classics or Dandelion hits), along with an enticing Coravin list, this establishment has the potential to become South Melbourne's most popular destination this summer.

Moroccan Soup Bar

316 St Georges Rd, Fitzroy North

The laneway that runs next to the newly reimagined version of this neighbourhood favourite is currently one of the most desirable places in the inner north to pull up a chair and relax. As MoroccanSoup Bar adjusts to its new location further up St. Georges Road, patrons can expect to find an abundance of colour, music, and food that has been lovingly prepared. Therefore, for those who have ever been asked to leave a restaurant because it was at capacity, now might be the best time to give it another shot and see if you get in.

The MSB was established in 1998, and its roots can be traced back to the principles of open hospitality and being mindful of our steps.

You will feel all of your senses being stimulated, and your hunger will be satisfied, whether this is your first time here or you have been here many times before.

Through each and every interaction, we cultivate a setting that makes it possible for us to openly, responsibly, and communally share our experiences and connections with one another.