Melbourne Dining in Winter
As winter sweeps through Melbourne, the city’s culinary scene heats up, offering a range of unique Melbourne dining experiences. From cosy cellar bars to fine dining with breath-taking views, Melbourne’s winter dining landscape is as diverse as it is delicious. Whether staying at Ovolo South Yarra, Laneways by Ovolo, or just exploring, here’s your guide to some of the best Melbourne dining spots this season.
Lona Misa
Begin your culinary journey at Lona Misa, a vibrant hatted vegan restaurant located within Ovolo South Yarra. This lively bar and kitchen—known for its rebellious take on Latin cuisine—offers a cosy yet chic atmosphere, making it the perfect place to warm up on a chilly winter evening in Melbourne. Focusing on local produce and seasonal ingredients, the innovative menu features tasty Tamales with triple-cooked corn, Lion’s Mane Steak with Chimichurri, South America’s take on shepherd’s pie and much more.
Tipo 00
For those who crave the comfort of Italian cuisine, Tipo 00 on Little Bourke Street is a must-visit. This acclaimed restaurant is renowned for its refined approach to pasta, turning simple ingredients into extraordinary dishes, from squid ink tagliolini to Skull Island tiger prawns spaghetti and braised duck pappardelle. The cosy ambience, paired with a glass of fine Italian wine, makes dining here a heart warming experience during the colder months.
Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/tipo_00/
Cellar Bar
Nestled on Bourke Street in the heart of the city, the Cellar Bar offers a rustic escape with its warm, inviting atmosphere and impressive selection of wines. As the name suggests, this bar feels like a hidden cellar, complete with dim lighting and a dark wooden interior, ideal for a relaxed evening sipping some of the region’s best vintages paired with classic Italian fare, from fresh focaccia drizzled with olive oil to melanzane parmigiana and fettuccine bolognese.
Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/cellarbarmelbourne/
Victoria by Farmer’s Daughters
Experience the essence of Victorian agriculture at Victoria by Farmer’s Daughters in Federation Square. This farm-to-table restaurant offers a scenic view of the Yarra River while showcasing the richness of local produce with inventive dishes ranging from hot-smoked Goulburn Valley trout to grass-fed sirloin steak from the charcoal grill served with wood-roasted brussel sprouts and charred green kale. It’s a Melbourne dining experience that brings the farm to the cityscape, perfect for those chilly winter nights.
Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/victoria_byfarmersdaughters/
Maha
Step into Maha to explore the exotic flavours of the Middle East blended with a modern twist. Nestled in a sub-basement venue on Bond Street, Maha offers an intimate setting where bold spices meet Australian ingredients, from Turkish beef dumplings to twice-cooked crispy chicken legs and their signature lamb shoulder served with winter root vegetables. The warm, spiced aromas make it an ideal refuge on cold winter nights in Melbourne.
Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/maharestaurant/
Gimlet
Dive into the glamour of the 1920s at Gimlet at Cavendish House, a stunning Melbourne dining room and cocktail bar on leafy Russell Street. Celebrated for its elegant atmosphere, European charm, and a menu that combines classic and contemporary flavours, Gimlet offers a sophisticated Melbourne dining experience with dishes like caviar, baked scallops, duck liver parfait, and Southern rock lobster, all expertly paired with their signature cocktails.
Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/gimlet.melbourne/
Grill Americano
For a delightful fusion of Australian produce and European hospitality in Melbourne, Grill Americano serves up premium cuts, from rib-eyes to wagyu fillets and T-bones, and a range of refined Italian classics. Located in a chic, modern setting on bustling Flinders Lane, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious meal featuring out-the-oven breads, octopus carpaccio, and hand-cut tagliolini with rock lobster. Complement your meal with a selection from their impressive 2,000+ bottle cellar, offering the perfect wine to pair with every dish.
Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/grillamericano/
The European
Experience a slice of old-world Europe at The European, a Melbourne institution known for its continental charm and extensive wine list. Situated opposite the Parliament House and around the corner from Her Majesty’s Theatre, it’s a prime spot for a pre-show dinner. With its menu of European favourites, from Saganaki with wild figs to porterhouse steaks and classic Italian pasta dishes, The European offers a cosy retreat from the winter chill.
Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/theeuropeanmelbourne/
Winter Dining with a View
No Melbourne dining experience is complete without enjoying the city lights from a high vantage point. Restaurants like Eureka 89 offer panoramic views of the glittering cityscape and a menu matching the spectacular sights. Alternatively, book a Winter Igloo on the Yarra River for a unique Melbourne dining experience under the stars.
Embrace Melbourne’s Winter Dining Scene
Melbourne in winter is a haven for food lovers. The city’s renowned culinary diversity shines even brighter during these cooler months, inviting visitors to explore its many flavours. From the cosy corners of cellar bars to high-rise restaurants, every meal is an opportunity to indulge in the city’s vibrant food culture.