10 Best Restaurants in South Yarra to Tick Off Your Dining List
Melbourne is the undisputed food capital of Australia, with Sydney being a close second. Being home to some of the finest restaurants, cafes, and bars in the country, locals and tourists can expect a world-class dine and wine experience in Melbourne. And, South Yarra takes the cake of being one of the most diverse dining areas in the city, just a stone throw away from downtown or CBD.
There are tons of eateries out here, starting from fine-dine restaurants to hawkers-style eateries, offering Indian cuisines, Continental cuisines, Chinese cuisines, European cuisine, and more. Splurge your heart out in South Yarra and take a break from your diet because this area is dotted with irresistible temptations all around.
Where to Find An Award-Winning Restaurant in South Yarra For The Perfect Night Out
South Yarra is a hub of some of Melbourne's finest restaurants and eateries. Whether you're looking for a luxurious multi-course meal in a fine-dine restaurant or a hearty meal within a budget, rest assured you'll find whatever you want within your budget here.
Areas in and around Toorak Road, Chapel Street, Commercial Road, High Street, and Princes Highway have a high concentration of some of the best restaurants in South Yarra. Here we would name some of the best restaurants in South Yarra you can go with your partner, family, or friends for a perfect fun-filled night out accompanied with delightful culinary experience!
Here are 10 amazing restaurants in South Yarra to guarantee a great experience
1. Abacus Bar and Kitchen
Located on the sunny corner of Chapel Street, Abacus Bar and Kitchen has managed to capture a tropical feel with sub-tropical plants littered all around. There is a giant fig tree located at the restaurant's centre, the room's highlight, designed by Architects EAT. It is an all-day eatery, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It serves everything you can need, no matter the time of day or evening, starting from avocado fritters to freshly ground coffee and from pizza to breathtaking cocktails. It undoubtedly has to be on the list of best restaurants in South Yarra.
Address: 383 Chapel St, South Yarra VIC 3141
Phone: 03 9824 1026
2. Matilda 159 Domain
Matilda offers a contemporary Australian dining experience, starting from its decor to elaborate menu and wine selection to warm hospitality. As soon as you get seated and place your order, you'll be treated with a seasonal amuse-bouche.
Famous for its Rusty Wire oysters, Bavette, Ribeye, Lakes Entrance Octopus, Whole John Dory, and many other exclusive Australian recipes, Matilda offers a holistic dining experience to its guests. Keen eye to details is a concept they have taken to heart, whether it is the food they serve or their furniture, decor, and ambience.
Address: 159 Domain Rd, South Yarra VIC 3141
Phone: 03 9089 6668
3. Rock Sugar Melbourne
It is the first venture into the restaurant business by couple Nikon and Kaitrin Souphan. Interior designer Samantha Eades has done some exemplary work in giving a modern and chic look to this restaurant, which can house 80 guests at a time. If you're looking for authentic Thai cuisine in South Yarra and don't mind trying some Thai recipes with a twist, Rock Sugar is the place for you. If you love spicy food, Chef Kam McManamey would surely not disappoint!
Address: 477 Malvern Rd, South Yarra VIC 3141
Phone: 03 9826 2888
4. Gilson
The crew behind Gilson is partially the same as that of the famous Armadale cafe, Mammoth. Gilson is their latest venture and is an all-day diner right beside Royal Botanic Gardens. The couple behind Gilson has many famous eateries to their name, including Barry, Mammoth, and Primo. With Gilson, the owners and couple, Loren and Jamie McBride focus more on the timeless and classic European recipes. The menu at Gilson has a classic bistro appeal designed by the chefs Pippa McLeod and Emma Jeffrey.
Address: 171 Domain Rd, South Yarra VIC 3141
Phone: 03 9866 3120
5. Entrecte - Parisian Steak House
The owner of Entrecote started the restaurant after being inspired by Parisian dining principles, which is to keep it simple, never compromise on fries, and serve till late. With this concept, Jason Jones started Entrecote, and it has been able to woo guests in South Yarra with its simple set menu consisting of only one meal, including Parisian style steak, fries, and salad. While it may not come across as something out of the world, it is when you taste it is when the magic happens. The fresh produce and quality of ingredients make all the difference.
Address: 131-133 Domain Rd, South Yarra VIC 3141
Phone: 03 9804 5468
6. Leonard's House of Love
Situated on Wilson Street in South Yarra, it is a lounge cum bar that serves some of the best burgers in the area, including vegetarian and vegan burgers. Leonard's House of Love is owned, run and managed by the same people who gave Melbourne one of its most distinct watering holes named The Sweetwater Inn. However, this joint is more about American cuisine, without going overboard. It has a fair share of cocktails on offer and delicious finger food to go with it. It focuses on value, and you would love the log-cabin feel it exudes! Regular visitors here would vouch that it's one of the best restaurants in South Yarra.
Address: 3 Wilson St, South Yarra VIC 3141
Phone: 0428 066 778
7. Omnia - Bistro & Bar
It is one of the most elegant fine dining restaurants in South Yarra, headed by Award-winning chef Stephen Nairn. The menu at Omnia is seasonally changed to support local farmers and producers. The focus cuisine of the restaurant revolves around European Classics. The cocktails menu at Omnia is crafted by none other than Orlando Marzo, named 2018 World Class Global Bartender of the Year. It is conveniently located at the meeting point of Toorak Road and Chapel Street.
Address: 625 Chapel St, South Yarra VIC 3141
Phone: 03 8080 8080
8. Caffee e Cucina
Coffee or dinner, why not do both!? Inspired by the local cafes that line the streets of Roma, Milano, Firenze and Bologna, Caffee e Cucina is a small yet intimate cafe that opened its doors in 1988. It is located on Chapel Street and has an interior decor that oozes an Italian feel at every nook and corner. It has some of the best pasta in South Yarra on offer and a must-stop on any Melbourne holiday, along with popular favourites like bisteca, risotto, tiramisu, linguine di mare, and more. It also has special menus on weekends, so do keep a lookout for their house specials!
Address: 581 Chapel St, South Yarra VIC 3141
Phone: 03 9827 4139
9. Steer Dining Room
A fine dining steakhouse. Previously located at the lower level of the famous Olsen Hotel, Steer Dining Room is now located at 15 Claremont Street. It is a contemporary New York styled steakhouse with a diverse menu containing many dishes inspired by Japanese and South Asian influences. The guests can choose from a wide variety of steaks available, starting from grain-fed beef to pasture-fed beef and different cuts. Along with sumptuous dishes, Steer Dining Room has an extensive collection of wines and offers beers, cocktails, cider, and more.
Address: 15 Claremont St, South Yarra VIC 3141
Phone: 03 9827 1891
10. Vesper Bistro and Bar
Missing Mediterranean feel in Melbourne? Don't worry because as soon as you enter Vesper Bistro and Bar, you'll be embraced by Mediterranean vibes and hospitality. Even though it is a relatively new restaurant, Vesper successfully transports diners to the other side of the globe with its warm tropical decor and seafood-heavy menu, lead by globally renowned chef Francesco Castellana.
Address: 23-25 Toorak Rd, South Yarra VIC 3141
Phone: 03 9038 8088
South Yarra has so many great choices of restaurants to offer
South Yarra is a Mecca for diners looking to experience exotic world cuisines in award-winning restaurants headed by famous chefs from Australia and beyond. While we have listed the top 10 restaurants in restaurants in South Yarra you must visit when in Melbourne; there are many other notable eateries here, small and big, which you might want to check out.
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