Best Fine Dining in Melbourne

An unforgettable fine dining experience awaits at Level 55 of Melbourne's iconic Rialto. Chef Shannon Bennett has held the coveted title of three chef hats for the last three years, receiving widespread acclaim and international recognition as one of Australia's best chefs. A gleaming black lobby welcomes guests and sets the scene for this dark, moody restaurant. The venue may have changed over the years but Vue de Monde continues to deliver classically-inspired French cuisine, combined with impeccable service.

Having snapped up the award for ‘Restaurant of the Year' by the Age Good Food Guide 2022 as well as many illustrious awards over the past years, Attica is clearly the triumvirate of food, service and style. Ben Shewry's intensely personal and innovative cuisine is matched by a stellar wine selection from around the globe and friendly, knowledgeable service. Listed as one of the best restaurants in Australia in the World Food Award and second in the Gourmet Traveller Top Restaurants in Australia Awards for 2020 - which means book a long way ahead.

Bistro Guillaume makes its home in the expansive Crown Entertainment Complex; a classic Parisian restaurant inside a very Melbourne institution. The dining room overlooks the river, with chic decor that's got a touch of whimsy. Guillaume Brahimi understands what diners want; comfort food that's honest, tasty and well-priced. While the cuisine is French, it's made with Australian palettes (and waistlines) in mind and the food is light, letting natural flavours shine through.

Located in the plush 80 Collins building in Melbourne's CBD, you'll find the culinary wonderland of Society.  Established within a historic building, Society spans across a luxe dining room, spacious terraces and an intimate private dining room. The decor gives classic mid-century features a revamp, creating an old-world charm and glam. Reservations are highly recommended.

The critics say this is Australia's finest Chinese restaurant. If the three-month wait for a table is any indication, the punters think so too. Flower Drum Restaurant in Melbourne has had a fearsome reputation for over 35 years. The dining room is a huge series of red-carpeted areas with lacquered wood detailing in every corner. The menu emphasises a creative touch with high quality seafood and other protein so get out of your comfort zone and taste the magic.

Residing on the ground floor of the swanky luxury United Places hotel, Matilda 159 is the latest venture by Melbourne chef Scott Picket. Named after Picket’s daughter, Matilda 159 is described as being a bit more relaxed than his other restaurants. Here, it’s all about the open fire and hot coals, from wood roasted kohlrahi to smoked saltbush lamb rump, exceptional produce cooked over live flames. This South Yarra restaurant is a fine addition to the already burgeoning dining scene.

Attica chef graduate Peter Gunn is making his own mark on the Collingwood dining scene with his restaurant debut Ides. A set six-course menu which consists of ever changing flavour combinations is moulded through seasonality and produce availability. The stormy grey interior of the felt walls and luxe leather fittings are a brilliant backdrop for dishes of creative complexity and texture that decorate the bustling plating station for all to see. Reservations are essential

Chef Jae Bang, born in Seoul, has come to Freyja from Norway's Re-naa Restaurant.  His techniques include the use of local ingredients and a no waste policy extracting as much flavour from his produce as possible.  Try Yarra Valley Caviar with smoked sour cream and waffles or duck with endive, mostarda, finger lime and coriander seed. You may like to begin and finish your dining experience with a cocktail at the adjacent Valhalla Bar.

Monday-Friday 12noon-11pm

Photography: Courtesy of Freyja