When are you hoping to make it to Melbourne? If you're looking for a satisfying meal, you shouldn't pass up the restaurants in Southbank.
Fine dining establishments sit alongside fast food joints, ensuring that all appetites are satisfied. Read on for an analysis of several of Melbourne's Southbank's most acclaimed eateries.
Southbank is home to some of Melbourne's best restaurants, and if you're in town for any length of time you shouldn't pass up the chance to eat there. You can satisfy any craving in this town thanks to the wide range of cuisines represented in the area's restaurants.
Read on for a summary of a selection of the finest eateries Southbank Melbourne has to offer. You can choose between a formal dinner and a more casual meal here.
The Top 15 Restaurants In Southbank, Melbourne
Southbank Melbourne, Australia, is a popular tourist destination. Because of the abundance of stores, eateries, and other entertainment options, it's no wonder that people flock to this riverside neighbourhood. Where, precisely, in the Southbank area, do locals recommend eating at the very best? If you want to know which ones we like best, keep reading!
Nobu
In 2007, Sean Tan took over as the restaurant's head chef, and since then, he and his staff have been serving "new style" cuisine to the restaurant's regulars. It's safe to say that Nobu is the most recognised name in Japanese cuisine, and his empire now stretches across the globe.
Lunch and dinner are available at Nobu, a Japanese restaurant. Black cod with miso, yellowtail sashimi with jalapeo, and tiradito made in the Nobu style are just a few of the restaurant's most well-known offerings. For lunch, select a bento box, and for dinner, peruse the menu in its entirety and select a dish (or series of dishes) to enjoy. Make sure to call ahead and reserve a table at Nobu.
8 Whiteman Street, Southbank, Victoria, 3006, Australia
Cotta
The "dude food" served at Cotta is ideal for gatherings of male friends before or after a sporting event. There are thirteen different parmigianas on the menu. All of the chicken parmas here come with fries and salad, and they come in a wide range of flavours, from traditional Margherita to spicy Mexican to breakfast.
The menu also features dishes like linguini pesto, Scotch fillet, and Tasmanian salmon. On the casino's first floor, you'll find Cotta, which is only open to patrons over the age of 18 and only from Wednesday through Sunday.
8 Whiteman Street, Southbank, Victoria, 3006, Australia
Gradi
Johnny Di Francesco serves up the "world's best" Italian food, and the menu is so genuine you can almost hear Dean Martin singing it to you. The wait staff is friendly and doesn't use cumbersome notepads; the ambience is homey without being stodgy; and there is indoor and outdoor seating available.
Start off your meal with some of the salumi and formaggi that are on the menu, and then move on to the restaurant's world-famous Margherita pizza for a true taste of Naples. Gradi serves homemade, Italian comfort food, and after eating there, you will never want to eat pizza anywhere else.
25/8 Whiteman St, Southbank VIC, Australia,
Rockpool Bar & Grill
The "cornerstone" of good cooking, as stated by chef Neil Perry, is "sourcing the finest produce." To cite an example: Moreover, the Rockpool Bar & Grill has a wide selection of premium beef cuts, including grass-fed, grain-fed, and David Blackmore's Pure Blood Wagyu beef.
The open kitchen gives customers a real sense of the passion that goes into preparing the contemporary cuisine. Although this restaurant is primarily known for its steaks, it also serves seafood, chicken, and pasta. Make sure to make a reservation!
Within Crown Casino, you'll find Rockpool Bar & Grill, where you can relax in an atmosphere of understated elegance à la Neil Perry. The red primary colour partner blends harmoniously with the navy blue chairs to create a setting that is warm while still being uncomplicated, giving the dining room an air of simplicity at first glance. The eight-meter-high ceilings give the room an air of opulence and sophistication. This adds to the mood of the room. That sort of attention to detail is what makes a meal stand out as special.
8 Whiteman Street, Southbank, Victoria, 3006, Australia
The Merrywell
When it comes to gastropubs, The Merrywell is at the top of the food chain and takes up the entire building. The downstairs burger joint's menu features a wide variety of tempting and flavorful beef patty options, such as the Merrywell 2.0, "Bite me," and the Buffalo Burger.
As an added bonus, kids can order hamburgers, and parents can get vodka added to their milkshakes. After dark, DJs play current hits Thursday through Sunday, and the second floor serves a selection of appetisers perfect for sharing.
When talking about Southbank landmarks, the Merrywell always comes up. Delicious burgers, shakes, sandwiches, and rings, as well as many other items that are not technically burgers but are nonetheless served at this burger joint with an American diner theme.
During the day, the lower level has the feel of a casual cafe, while the upper level becomes a chill bar in the evening. The killer milkshakes are undoubtedly one of the most striking aspects; they look like they were lifted straight from a 1950s television commercial for a diner.
Southbank, Victoria, 3006, Australia
Dinner by Heston
If Heston Blumenthal is behind the kitchen, you can be sure that the meal will be unlike anything you've had before. Dinner by Heston is a restaurant that serves a fusion of classic British and modern Australian dishes. Dishes, some of which date back hundreds of years, are listed alongside the year they were first created on the à la carte menu.
Hay-smoked ocean trout, meat fruit, rice and flesh, chicken cooked with lettuce, and tipsy cake make up some of the dishes on the five-course lunch menu.
Spice Temple
With yet another restaurant on the list, Neil Perry has a strong case to be crowned the de facto king of Southbank cuisine. Perry's modern spin on Chinese cuisine, Spice Temple, promises to reawaken your senses with its "contrasting textures and tastes."
The varied and reasonably priced dinner menu is perfect for sharing with friends and family. To complement the eleven small dishes that make up the Yum Cha Banquet, guests are offered Jade Sword Green Tea.
Crown Towers Melbourne, 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank VIC, Australia
Yassa's - The Greek Way Southbank
If you're looking for a good Greek meal in Southbank, you should go to Yassa's.
With its convenient location on Southgate Avenue in Southbank, Yassas – The Greek Way is a great place to take the whole family for a meal of traditional Greek fare with a contemporary Melbourne twist. Enjoy a glass of wine as you watch the sun go down over the Yarra River from the rooftop terrace of the city's flagship restaurant (the other two are in Docklands and Eastland Shopping Centre). This eatery has outperformed the other two in terms of customer traffic.
La Camera Southgate
In Southbank, among the riverside trees, you'll find La Camera Southgate, a restaurant serving authentic Italian cuisine. The two balconies at La Camera offer full views of the Yarra River and the famous Flinders Street Station, making them ideal for pre-theatre dinners, business lunches, or group get-togethers.
This family-run business's interior is decorated with antique photographs, soft lighting, and booth seating to create an inviting space that can transition from relaxed and comfortable during the day to sophisticated and upscale at night.
Traditional Roman dishes, prepared in a variety of ways, can be found throughout La Camera's extensive menu. The traditional Margherita pizza is served alongside slices of roasted pork belly stuffed with garlic and herbs and topped with green salsa, braised vegetables, and toasted bread crumbs.
Poked Riverside Quay
In Southbank, at Pokéd Riverside Quay, you can get fast food that is both healthy and ethical, with only a few compromises needed on either front. For hundreds of years, poke has been revered as the state dish of Hawaii. Reef fish was traditionally cut into small pieces by fishermen, who then seasoned it with sea salt and seaweed before eating it with rice as a healthy snack.
Bistro Guillaume Melbourne
The Crown Casino precinct in Southbank is home to Bistro Guillaume, a restaurant that nails every one of these points with its charming decor, delicious food, and charming staff. It serves generous portions of decadent French comfort food in a warm and inviting setting.
Large cream-colored puffs, resembling a cross between a shower cap and a meringue, cover the ceiling, setting the mood for an air of refined aristocracy.
Bistro Guillaume, from Michelin-starred chef Guillaume Brahimi, provides a meal that is authentically French in every way. The restaurant's design was motivated by the casual dining establishments found in Paris's neighbourhoods.
Conservatory At Crown
The Conservatory at Crown is a classy and laid-back restaurant in Southbank, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with sweeping views of the river and the CBD. The Conservatory's chefs have put together a creative and tantalising buffet that combines the best of Eastern and Western cuisines.
The freshly shucked oysters, heaping plates of prawns, and rotational fish specials are the meal's highlights. The Conservatory is well-known for its chocolate fountain, but it also offers a wide selection of other delectable dessert options. The Conservatory, with its high ceilings and views across the river to the Central Business District, is a stylish and relaxed place to enjoy a meal at any time of day.
The Conservatory, perched above the glistening atrium of the Crown Casino, is Melbourne's most sumptuous and indulgent restaurant and buffet. It is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea. The restaurant has a lavish and light-filled interior, which, in combination with its breathtaking views of the Yarra River, helps to elevate the overall quality of the dining experience.
Miyako Japanese Cuisine & Teppanyaki
An exceptional dining adventure can be had at Miyako Japanese Cuisine & Teppanyaki in Southbank, which can be found in close proximity to the Yarra River and is only a leisurely stroll away from Flinders Street Station.
You can start with sushi, sashimi, or flame-grilled Hokkaido scallops, then move on to pan-seared duck breast, mushrooms, leeks, and aka miso sauce. The seafood platter includes grilled King prawns, scallops, salmon, and tempura lobster.You can start with sushi, sashimi, or flame-grilled Hokkaido scallops, then move on to pan-seared duck breast, mushrooms, leeks, and aka miso sauce. The seafood platter includes grilled King prawns, scallops, salmon, and tempura lobster.You can start with sushi, sashimi, or flame-grilled Hokkaido scallops, then move on to pan-seared duck breast, mushrooms, leeks, and aka miso sauce. The seafood platter includes grilled King prawns, scallops, salmon, and tempura lobster.
Ludlow Bar & Dining Room
Small and shared plates include lemon pepper calamari, citrous aioli, and charred lemon; and lamb koftas, smoked eggplant, yoghurt, cucumber, sumac, and mint. All of these dishes are mouthwatering.
Beargrass
BearBrass is the place to be from breakfast to beer o'clock. Diners can enjoy cocktails in the bar or at trendy tables with black accents. The restaurant "refreshed."
Start off the evening's culinary adventure with some beer and smoked cheddar croquettes with aioli, and then move on to some apple cider pork belly with onion puree, French beans, and apple foam. Those who enjoy pizza can order a slice that is topped with pork and fennel sausage as well as mozzarella.
The Best Restaurants To Check Out On Southbank
It is not without reason that Southbank is regarded as one of Melbourne's greatest assets. Foods from all over the world can be found in this area because of the diverse population (sort of like Melbourne, in a nutshell).
From here, the city skyline sparkles against the Yarra River, making it a picture-perfect setting for an evening of fine dining and sightseeing. As a result, we have put together a list of what we consider to be the best restaurants in the Southbank area that you should cross off your list at some point.
Meat Wine & Co
Meat Wine & Co. is a multi-talented establishment. What's not to like about a restaurant that serves a delicious steak and a varied selection of wines?
The most expensive and opulent steak cut, Rib-Eye, has the silkiest, butteriest texture. It's delicious with peppercorn or mushroom sauce.
Koko
Although this is the fifth Japanese restaurant on our list, we simply couldn't pass up the opportunity to include it.
Saké Restaurant and Bar
This restaurant has received a lot of attention from our group, and for good reason. Saké is a Japanese restaurant that can be found in the renowned Hamer Hall and has a view of the riverwalk.
A beautiful sashimi platter, hiramasa kingfish, and popcorn shrimp with yuzu dressing are just a few of the delectable options available from this restaurant's menu. In addition to an extensive selection of wine, beer, and premium Japanese saké and shochu varieties, this restaurant offers a vibrant selection of craft cocktails made with the highest quality ingredients and syrups made in-house.
Long Chim Melbourne
At Long Chim, you'll find a unique combination of traditional Thai dishes and contemporary takes on the country's cuisine on the menu.
Red Emperor
Red Emperor is an updated take on classic Chinese fare served in a contemporary environment.
Even though it has been around for more than 23 years, this restaurant has managed to stay on top of its game in a number of different ways. You can give in to your Yum-Cha cravings, which may strike at any time of the day, or you can relax with a delightful meal ordered a la carte for dinner. In addition, there is a terrace that diners can enjoy meals on while taking in views of the Yarra River.
The Atlantic
At The Atlantic, you can anticipate nothing less than an impeccable culinary experience from the very first bite to the very last bite of your meal.
This seafood restaurant on the waterfront is located in Crown Casino and offers an indulgent menu of seafood that is fresh, local, and sourced in a sustainable manner. Try some of their freshly shucked oysters, seasonal market-fresh crab, or their Atlantic Seafood platter if you're feeling adventurous.
Hopscotch
They have an extensive menu of cocktails, wine, and some of the most delicious bar food in the area, in addition to the 36 unique flavours that are poured straight from the tap. They have every style imaginable, including light, dark, lager, wheat, Kolsch, and stout beers. And if you're feeling overwhelmed by all the options, there are tasting paddles at your disposal, from which you can choose four beers that are sure to pique your interest.
FAQs About Melbourne Restaurants
Some of the more popular restaurants in Southbank, according to TheFork users, include:
- The Meat & Wine Co Southbank, with a 9.3 rating
- Edwin Wine Bar & Cellar, with a 9.3 rating
- Criniti's South Bank, with a 5.9 rating
Some of the more popular Australian Restaurants in Southbank, according to TheFork users, include Edwin Wine Bar & Cellar, Coventry Pantry, and BearBrass. Discover all restaurants: Australian restaurants near Southbank.
Home to the Crown Casino and beautiful Yarra River, it is the hub of modern living. Providing great nightlife options, fantastic cafes and restaurants, and beautiful spaces for cycling, running or casual walks, Southbank caters to all. It is an easy stroll to the city and is handy for all Public transport.
Southbank is noted for its cultural facilities, including Melbourne's leading contemporary art gallery, the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, located at the corner of Sturt Street and Grant Street next to the Malthouse Theatre. Melbourne's tallest building, the Eureka Tower, is located in Southbank.
Southbank was formerly a mostly industrial area and simply part of the locality of South Melbourne and the City of South Melbourne. It was transformed into a densely populated district of high rise apartment and office buildings in the early 1990s as part of an urban renewal program.
Conclusion
The Rockpool Bar & Grill offers a variety of high-quality beef cuts, including David Blackmore's Pure Blood Wagyu. When it comes to gastropubs, The Merrywell is at the top of the list. Burgers, milkshakes, sandwiches, and onion rings can all be found at The Merrywell. Heston's "Dinner" combines traditional British fare with contemporary Australian preparations. Spice Temple, Neil Perry's updated take on Chinese cuisine, is said to be an energising experience for the senses.
Crown Towers Melbourne is in Yassa's. The contemporary Greek dishes at Yassas – The Greek Way are delicious. The two balconies at La Camera provide panoramic views of the Yarra River and Flinders Street Station below. Pokéd Riverside Quay is a fast food restaurant that serves ethical and nutritious food. The Conservatory, located atop Melbourne's Crown Casino, is widely regarded as the city's finest dining establishment.
There is a Japanese restaurant and teppanyaki bar called Miyako not far from the Yarra River and Flinders Street Station. The Southbank district is widely regarded as one of Melbourne's most valuable assets. Against the backdrop of the Yarra River, the cityscape glimmers, creating a picturesque scene ideal for sightseeing and fine dining. Rib-Eye, the most luxurious and expensive cut of steak, has the smoothest, butteriest texture. From the first to the last bite of your meal at The Atlantic, you can count on perfection in cooking. Light, dark, lager, wheat, Kolsch, and stout beers are just some of the options available.
Content Summary
- Southbank's restaurants are not to be missed if you're in the mood for a hearty meal.
- Keep reading for an examination of some of Melbourne's Southbank's most highly regarded dining establishments.
- If you are in Melbourne for any length of time, you should not miss the opportunity to dine at one of Southbank's many excellent restaurants.
- The city's restaurants cater to a wide variety of tastes, making it easy to satisfy any craving.
- Southbank in Melbourne, Australia, is a hotspot for vacationers.
- Nobu, a Japanese restaurant, serves meals at both lunch and dinner.
- Cotta, located on the casino's first floor, welcomes patrons over the age of 18 only from Wednesday through Sunday.
- The pizza at Gradi is so good that you won't want to eat it anywhere else after you've had a taste of their homemade, Italian comfort food.
- Rockpool Bar & Grill is located inside Crown Casino and features a Neil Perry–inspired ambience perfect for unwinding after a long day.
- During the day, the ground floor serves as a cafe, while in the evening, it transforms into a laid-back bar.
- If Heston Blumenthal is in charge of the kitchen, you can rest assured that the meal will be unlike anything you've ever had before.
- Infusing traditional British fare with contemporary Australian techniques, Dinner by Heston is a restaurant not to be missed.
- With the addition of yet another restaurant to his list, Neil Perry makes a compelling case for supremacy in the Southbank dining scene.
- Spice Temple, Perry's updated take on Chinese food, is said to invigorate the senses with its "contrasting textures and tastes."
- Yassa's is the place to go in Southbank for a delicious Greek meal.
- Yassas – The Greek Way, located on Southgate Avenue in Southbank, is a great place to take the family for a meal of traditional Greek fare with a contemporary Melbourne twist.
- La Camera is a must-see if you're in the Southgate area.
- La Camera Southgate, an Italian restaurant, can be found in Southbank, nestled among the trees along the riverside.
- Bistro Guillaume, located in the Crown Casino precinct in Southbank, absolutely nailed it with the charming decor, delicious food, and friendly staff.
- Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with panoramic views of the river and the CBD is the elegant and casual Conservatory at Crown in Southbank.
- A creative and tantalising buffet featuring the best of Eastern and Western cuisines has been prepared by the Conservatory's chefs.
- The meal's highlights include the freshly shucked oysters, heaping plates of prawns, and the changing fish specials.
- The Conservatory's chocolate fountain may be its most famous feature, but it is just one of many delicious dessert options available at the restaurant.
- The Conservatory, located high above the glittering atrium of the Crown Casino, is widely regarded as Melbourne's finest dining establishment.
- Near the Yarra River and a short distance from Flinders Street Station, Miyako Japanese Cuisine & Teppanyaki in Southbank offers a delectable dining experience.
- Southbank's reputation as one of Melbourne's best features is well-deserved.
- Because of the multicultural community, you can find cuisines from all over the world here (sort of like Melbourne, in a nutshell).
- This location is ideal for a romantic dinner and sightseeing tour of Melbourne, as the city skyline glistens against the Yarra River.
- Consequently, we have compiled a list of the best restaurants in the Southbank area that you should visit.
- This eatery has been around for over 23 years, but that hasn't stopped it from remaining competitive in a variety of important ways.
- When dining at The Atlantic, you can count on nothing less than a perfect meal, from the first bite to the last.
- Crown Casino's waterfront eatery boasts a menu bursting with seafood delights, all of which are sustainably caught and prepared.
- If you're feeling daring, order the Atlantic Seafood platter or try some of their freshly shucked oysters or crab from the seasonal market.
- In addition to the 36 rotating tap beers, they also serve wine and some of the best bar food in the area.