Southbank is one of Melbourne's most prized possessions, and for good reason. The area is a melting pot of people from all walks of life, which brings with it cuisines from all walks of life (sort of like Melbourne, in a nutshell).
This truly is the place to wine and dine, and appreciate the twinkling city skyline against the Yarra River. So, we've compiled a list of what we think are the best restaurants in Southbank that you need to check off your bucket list.
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal
Choose from a selection of bars and restaurants from casual venues to the best fine dining in Melbourne, when you stay at Crown Metropol Melbourne. Crown Casino: Don't Eat At The Food Court! - See 2,115 traveler reviews, 493 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor.
You'll all be familiar with this one. Dinner By Heston has to be one of the top restaurants in the world, let alone Southbank.
This spot really does live up to all the hype though, we think because of such a unique voice that comes out through each dish. Undoubtedly, the most well-known menu offering is the Meat Fruit; a mandarin, chicken liver parfait with grilled bread. Another favourite is the Roast Pork Chop, with smoked hispi cabbage, pickled onions, cider & Robert sauce. For a sweeter alternative, the smokey pineapple Tipsy cake is as pretty as it is good to eat.
Crown Melbourne Restaurants In line with the Victorian government's easing of restrictions, we have commenced taking bookings for sittings at selected restaurants. Nobu is the world's most recognised Japanese restaurant, known for its innovative new style Japanese cuisine and exceptional service. Nobu started as a business partnership in 1994 between Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, his partners actor Robert De Niro, producer Meir Teper, and managing partner Richie Notar.
Nobu
Experience Japanese fine dining that stays true to the origins of the cuisine, while bringing something very elegant and new to the table.
Nobu understands that simplicity is sometimes the best, and this is truly exemplified through their iconic Hiramasa Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeno, Tuna Tataki with Ponzu dressing, or their Beef Tataki with Ponzu and Garlic Chips.
Meat Wine & Co
Meat Wine & Co is an all-rounder. With just really great steak and a wide selection of wine, what's not to love?
The most luxurious of all steak cuts, the Rib-Eye, is the softest most buttery thing you will ever put in your mouth. This is paired beautifully with the rich peppercorn or mushroom sauce. Meat Wine & Co's Mac & Cheese is also stupidly good; made of rigatoni, charred cauliflower, Monterey Jack, Parmesan, truffle, and a panko crust—this one will blow you away.
The Conservatory
Located atop the sparkling Crown Casino atrium, The Conservatory is Melbourne's most luxurious and indulgent restaurant and buffet, open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon tea. It also boasts stunning views of the Yarra, has light and bright lavish decor, which makes the dining experience feel all the more special.
Rockpool Bar & Grill
Another killer on our list is Rockpool Bar & Grill. With locations in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth, Rockpool has made a name for itself, for its uncompromising selection of premium sourced beef from Australia's best producers.
The wine selection is also outstanding, showcasing a range of different wines from multiple vineyards, featuring large and small producers. The venue offers a luxurious yet relaxed environment, where you can savour your meal with wine in hand.
Koko
Yet another Japanese restaurant on our list, but hey, we just couldn't leave this one out.
Koko offers a ‘Hagi' teppanyaki set, which features a starter of Amuse-Tsuki Dashi, a specially curated selection of sashimi; Australian beef tenderloin, tiger prawns, scallops, calamari and salmon; seasonal grilled vegetables, rice and miso; and to finish it off is an icy green tea ice cream.
Bistro Guillaume
Inspired by neighbourhood bistros in Paris, Bistro Guillaume offers the quintessential French experience, brought to you by acclaimed chef Guillaume Brahimi. In this vibrant yet casual setting, enjoy French delights such as duck confit with haricots and preserved lemon; Lakes Entrance John Dory with caper and raisin vinaigrette; Portarlington mussels, crème fraîche and pomme-frites; or the half Bannockburn chicken and Paris mash. Enjoy the views of the Yarra while you savour these exquisite delights.
Saké Restaurant and Bar
We've talked about this restaurant a lot, and for good reason. Saké is located in the iconic Hamer Hall and looks out onto the riverwalk.
Some fabulous menu options include their beautiful sashimi platter, hiramasa kingfish and popcorn shrimp with yuzu dressing. The restaurant serves premium Japanese saké and shochu varieties, alongside colourful cocktails using the very best ingredients, house-made syrups and an extensive range of wine and beers.
Gradi At Crown
Another addition to the 400 Gradi family, is Gradi at Crown.
Acclaimed chef Johnny De Francesco was crowned World Pizza Champion in 2014 for his Margarita. You know this means that you have to try the works of the masterful pizzaiolo that give us an unforgettable Napolean style pizza experience.
Long Chim Melbourne
Long Chim presents a fusion between traditional Thai classics, with modern interpretations of the cuisine.
Each dish is beautifully crafted; some of which include the hot and sour seafood soup, the roast duck fried rice, and the heavenly soft shell crab with chilli black pepper coriander.
Red Emperor
Red Emperor is traditional Chinese cuisine that has been brought into a modern setting.
This restaurant has been around for more than 23 years, but it has still found a way to remain relevant. Indulge in your Yum-Cha cravings, which run throughout the day, or settle into a delightful a la carte meal for dinner. The restaurant also features an alfresco terrace which overlooks the Yarra River.
The Atlantic
At The Atlantic, you can expect nothing short of an impeccable culinary experience from beginning to end.
Located in Crown Casino, this waterfront seafood restaurant offers an indulgent menu of fresh, local and sustainably-sourced seafood. Taste your way through their Atlantic Seafood platter, freshly shucked oysters or the seasonal market fresh crab.
Hopscotch
Hopscotch is Melbourne's favourite urban beer bar.
They're pouring 36 different flavours from the tap (yes we did say 36), an extensive cocktail and wine menu, and the best bar food around. Whether you're pale, stout, dark, lager, Kolsch, wheat… they have them all. And if you're overwhelmed with all the choice, tasting paddles are available for you to select four beers that will tickle your fancy.
ENA Greek Street Food
ENA is Southbank's answer to authentic Greek street food.
The restaurant specialises in using simple, high-quality ingredients, and letting the freshness of these ingredients shine. yet top Their quality meats are cooked to perfection on a rotisserie over a coal fire pit, which can then be paired with fresh chips, chargrilled pita and dips.
The Merrywell
The Merrywell is a Southbank classic. This all American diner-inspired burger joint offers great burgs, shakes, sandwiches, rings as well as a plethora of other non-burger inspired things.
The vibe downstairs is comfortable and more cafe style, while the upstairs level is transformed into a casual nighttime bar setting at night. One little stand out would actually have to be the killer milkshakes; they look like they were taken out of a 1950's diner commercial.
If you're looking for a little inspiration, here are all the awesome things to do during the weekend in Melbourne.
Image credit: The Merrywell | Griffin Simm
Food, Top 10
Crown Melbourne is a top notch culinary destination in Melbourne with many hits in the same complex. We understand prices may be higher because of the premium destination and cost of fit out etc required. We contend that just because a restaurant has a slighly lower than expected score say on Urbanspoon, doesn't mean that its not outstanding. Of course not every restaurant in Crown has been a hit, and we've seen a few come and go. We enjoy all the restaurants we've visited below.
Here are our top restaurants in Crown Melbourne (in no particular order) -
Rosetta Ristorante
Rosetta is a stylish restaurant serving classic Italian food at its best. Your Nonna would love it here - usually the acid test of fine Italian dining. And there's technique here that Nonna might find hard to match. For a start the best ingredients are sourced. How do indian casino slot machines work at home. We enjoyed a selection of Rosetta dishes on a cheerful Melbourne weekday for lunch. We first imbibed Antipasti that captured the best of Italy. The Prosciutto Fratelli Galloni with nectarine and hazelnuts was delightful - the prosciutto being a top grade prosciutto with superior air drying processes. And the advent of seasonality with nectarine, especially on a scorching Melbourne day, was welcome. The hazelnuts brought a pleasing crunch to the equation.
Yellowfin tuna with roast tomatoes, garlic and lemon was a highlight of the Antipasti. The Yellowfin tuna was prepared crudo or ceviche style, with a dressing of oil and lemon in the Italian way. The small elements of tomatoes and garlic complemented perfectly, and I abandoned myself to garlic flavours knowing I would be returning to my office in Docklands in due course, but not planning to meet clients.
And then when firmly entrenched in the Italian comfort food zone, I received large beautifully cooked meatballs from the waiter. It felt like an embrace from my Nonna, such was the comfort factor. Meatballs baked in tomato sauce was a voluptuous and great completion of our Antipasta.
Rosetta delivered with the Primi Di Pasta, namely the Spaghetti with zucchini, chilli and prosciutto. I was excited to see prosciutto make a return to the table, and this dish was again rustic and indulgent with more hugs by Nonna. Perfectly cooked spaghetti combined wonderfully with the prosciutto and the seasonal fresh zucchini. I could devour loads of this..
Come to Rosetta to experience a slice of Italy in a high class ambience displaying loads of culinary technique, while also celebrating 'simple pleasures'.
Bistro Guillaume
Bistro Guillaume is a charming restaurant that thrills with French cuisine with a modern twist. The location is superb next to the Yarra in Crown Melbourne. The feeling is of space and light due to the high ceiling and large windows. A turn of the century feel with Parisian decor is compelling, although its not 'over the top' in terms of its finery. We enjoyed the relaxed feel of a bistro.
The World Loves Melbourne visited Bistro Guillaume as part of a Tefal masterclass with Guillaume Brahimi himself (photo courtesy of Facebook page). One of the finest chefs in the land, Guillaume is a perfectionist and we love his ethos in the kitchen. Guillaume cooked the best roast chicken I've ever eaten. This chef loves to cook chicken, especially when he can get his hands on Barossa's finest free range. Don't buy average chicken Guillaume says, it's worth paying extra for intense flavours and quality. And when you cook chickens like Guillaume the difference is easily demonstrated in his restaurant dishes. This legendary chef also loves his beurre and takes pride in his stock, as the base for many of the dishes.
Come to Bistro Guillaume for Chargrilled King Salmon, or the Leg of duck confit, or try the Berkshire pork belly. Or lash out with the Chateaubriand with pommes frites. But I couldn't go past the Half a roasted chicken with Paris mash and chicken jus! Highly recommended.
Nobu
Ok so it's been a little while since I've visited Nobu in Crown. Come here to experience the influence of the legendary master chef Nobuyaki Matsuhisa. The World Loves Melbourne visited Nobu for a special dinner wanting to impress interstate visitors, and we were amazed by the coming together of Peruvian and Japanese fusion. We know there are other Nobu establishments elsewhere in the world, and The World Loves Melbourne was taken by the one in Dubai. Robert De Niro connections are impressive. Although many celebs are to be seen here..
So you walk down the stairs into an ambience of sophistication, the fit out here is lavish and well appointed. And you are met by a super chic waiter who escorts you to your table…
Desert diamond casino sports bar. For first timers it takes a few minutes to work out the menu - don't let fusion become 'confusion'! Amid the general noise in the place you need to listen very carefully to your waiter who will explain the state of play. We enjoy the ambience and whole backlit thing going on.. Mood lighting impressed our interstate guests – there's a great sense of occasion here. (Photo above and below courtesy of website).
The World Loves Melbourne is a big fan of the signature black cod miso, cod that has been prepared for days, marinated, and glazed with miso. A tender amazing dish. The wagyu rib eye with red pepper miso, ponzuy and anticucho sauces, also packed a punch and was happily shared.
Then for dessert the amazing bento box action with the gold leaf featured a superb Hot chocolate fondant! With the killer combination of yummy green tea icecream! The flavours work incredibly together with the sweetness of the fondue and the balancing green tea, which is not overly sweet. Had to take a photo with my smartphone (sorry, the lighting is ultra dim). Presentation at Nobu is second to none.. We enjoyed perfect food and company in a sensational restaurant, albeit it will make demands on your wallet.
The Atlantic
The Atlantic is the premier seafood restaurant in Melbourne. Nick Mahlook (ex Stokehouse) is working wonders at The Atlantic featuring standout Ocean to Plate dining and we experienced a stunning caviar tasting.
Bistro Guillaume
Bistro Guillaume is a charming restaurant that thrills with French cuisine with a modern twist. The location is superb next to the Yarra in Crown Melbourne. The feeling is of space and light due to the high ceiling and large windows. A turn of the century feel with Parisian decor is compelling, although its not 'over the top' in terms of its finery. We enjoyed the relaxed feel of a bistro.
The World Loves Melbourne visited Bistro Guillaume as part of a Tefal masterclass with Guillaume Brahimi himself (photo courtesy of Facebook page). One of the finest chefs in the land, Guillaume is a perfectionist and we love his ethos in the kitchen. Guillaume cooked the best roast chicken I've ever eaten. This chef loves to cook chicken, especially when he can get his hands on Barossa's finest free range. Don't buy average chicken Guillaume says, it's worth paying extra for intense flavours and quality. And when you cook chickens like Guillaume the difference is easily demonstrated in his restaurant dishes. This legendary chef also loves his beurre and takes pride in his stock, as the base for many of the dishes.
Come to Bistro Guillaume for Chargrilled King Salmon, or the Leg of duck confit, or try the Berkshire pork belly. Or lash out with the Chateaubriand with pommes frites. But I couldn't go past the Half a roasted chicken with Paris mash and chicken jus! Highly recommended.
Nobu
Ok so it's been a little while since I've visited Nobu in Crown. Come here to experience the influence of the legendary master chef Nobuyaki Matsuhisa. The World Loves Melbourne visited Nobu for a special dinner wanting to impress interstate visitors, and we were amazed by the coming together of Peruvian and Japanese fusion. We know there are other Nobu establishments elsewhere in the world, and The World Loves Melbourne was taken by the one in Dubai. Robert De Niro connections are impressive. Although many celebs are to be seen here..
So you walk down the stairs into an ambience of sophistication, the fit out here is lavish and well appointed. And you are met by a super chic waiter who escorts you to your table…
Desert diamond casino sports bar. For first timers it takes a few minutes to work out the menu - don't let fusion become 'confusion'! Amid the general noise in the place you need to listen very carefully to your waiter who will explain the state of play. We enjoy the ambience and whole backlit thing going on.. Mood lighting impressed our interstate guests – there's a great sense of occasion here. (Photo above and below courtesy of website).
The World Loves Melbourne is a big fan of the signature black cod miso, cod that has been prepared for days, marinated, and glazed with miso. A tender amazing dish. The wagyu rib eye with red pepper miso, ponzuy and anticucho sauces, also packed a punch and was happily shared.
Then for dessert the amazing bento box action with the gold leaf featured a superb Hot chocolate fondant! With the killer combination of yummy green tea icecream! The flavours work incredibly together with the sweetness of the fondue and the balancing green tea, which is not overly sweet. Had to take a photo with my smartphone (sorry, the lighting is ultra dim). Presentation at Nobu is second to none.. We enjoyed perfect food and company in a sensational restaurant, albeit it will make demands on your wallet.
The Atlantic
The Atlantic is the premier seafood restaurant in Melbourne. Nick Mahlook (ex Stokehouse) is working wonders at The Atlantic featuring standout Ocean to Plate dining and we experienced a stunning caviar tasting.
The World Loves Melbourne has visited The Atlantic several times and has thoroughly enjoyed each occasion. The menu here is varied and a full quiver of stunning seafood dishes.
The Atlantic is a standout restaurant in Crown with a highly credentialled chef and a crack team in operation.
San Antone
Rumour has it that Crown Melbourne seached far and wide for outstanding American BBQ before teaming up with Kevin Bludso from famous LA eatery of his own name. The fit out, as with other eateries in Crown, is first class and upmarket. This is not a dingy BBQ venue but fits in to the vibe of Crown Melbourne perfectly. Interestingly when we met Kevin, his passion was for BBQ not just American BBQ. He was equally passionate about how BBQ might look in Melbourne as well Los Angeles. Melbourne might have it's own stamp on BBQ. Why do we always have to compare and even replicate America? So I liked Kevin from the get go.
The World Loves Melbourne feels BBQ in this city always gets judged on some region of America, but why can't people bring their own twist or expression?
So how was the BBQ? The World Loves Melbourne has been riding the American BBQ wave. (In fact we've been riding a few waves in Melbourne). So we kind of know what's good and what's not. When the first plate of San Antone BBQ arrived we wondered whether it would be juicy, spicy, melt in your mouth, quality, with kick, American BBQ? Well, we loved it. A good barometer is whether the chicken is awesome, and it was juicy and cooked perfectly.
Chorizo had real kick, how we like it. So far so good.
We find that brisket often steals the show, and it certainly did at San Antone. First class melt in your mouth brisket. They asked us whether we had any questions.. So I plucked up the courage to ask where they got their meat from? After all some BBQ places hide behind inferior cuts of meat masked by their sauces basted all over the place. Not so at San Antone. The meat speaks for itself. Not masked. I was told the meat is prime cuts from Victoria's Gippsland. The best.
Kevin is a delightful host and waxed lyrical with stories from the BBQ scene in LA as well as his appreciation of the foodie scene in Australia. He was one of the most engaging hosts we've seen at a media event. He pulled us in and engaged us personally through the dining experience.
Sides were on point wiht Beans, Slaw and Mac n Cheese compelling. This was a feast.
Rockpool Bar & Grill
Rockpool Bar and Grill is a fine dining haven in the Crown Casino and is known for its spectacular meat dishes and the culinary genius of Neil Perry. The conversation around here is all about 'dry-aged', 'grass-fed', 'rib-eye' and of course 'wagyu'. Rockpool has a modern fit out with high ceilings, great use of timber panelling, subtle mood lighting, large artwork tributes to the humble cow, several attractive dining areas and luxurious tables and chairs. What struck me about Rockpool was the finery and great use of textures. The ambience here is refined yet relaxed. Waiters dressed impeccably attend to your dining needs and are engaging and knowledgeable.
The meat here is sourced from Australia's best producers and dry aged on the premises. Rockpool are strict about humane treatment of cattle and about no hormones or antibiotic feed supplements. Rockpool features Blackmore's Wagyu, Greenhams and Rangers Valley meat. It's the best of the best.
Curiously the David Blackmore burger here was such a huge hit that many considered it to be the best burger in Melbourne. Neil Perry has taken to opening Burger Joint in Sydney with more outlets planned. Wagyu heaven.
Come to Rockpool for that romantic dinner, catch up with friends, and the restaurant is popular with corporates.
Spice Temple
Spice Temple is an iconic fine dining restaurant in the Crown Complex in Melbourne that serves sophisticated cuisine that expresses spice nuances of the highest order. Spice Temple teaches us that spice is not just about heat but balance and subtleties of flavour. It challenges notions of Cantonese sme old same old dishes and breaks out with imaginative dishes that salute regional China. Neil Perry is the mastermind behind Spice Temple and he knows how to celebrate a cuisine and bring standout flair, as well as deliver a fine dining experience. While we celebrate Chinatown, this is no Chinatown. It's about finery.
Kung Pao packs a punch.
Spice Temple boasts a top notch fit out with excellent use of timber slats, modern decor, window overlooking the Yarra and boulevard, and even incense aromas. The ambience was of a silky restaurant. I would describe Spice Temple as spicy and silky.
Spice Temple has developed several famous dishes that thrill. The King Prawn wontons with aged black vinegar dressing make an immediate impression in terms of presentation and your first foray into the spicy sauce that imbibes this dish. The wontons themselves are beautiful and the style and filling first class. Thin and elegant wontons. The dish was generous - although I was eating a shared dish by myself (I'm no stranger to that).
The combination of flavours and balance was impressive. Dancing on the tongue this dish was to be savoured. I felt a compulson to consume the spicy sauce almost as a soup. Apparently I'm not the first to do so. Soon my lips were burning but I wasn't deterred. Sizhuan peppers and chilli bringing the heat.
Spice Temple is also famous for its numbing dishes. After the numbing bliss of the Prawn wontons I wondered at my ability to imbibe the Hot and numbing crispy duck. My decision, to order a half duck after a solid intital course of the wontons, meant this was to be an indulgent night. I was also keen to try the Hot, sweet, sour and numbing pork with chilli, sugar, black vinegar and Sichuan peppercorn for another time.
Man Tong Kitchen
Man Tong means 'full house' in Chinese and this is a place to gather with friends and family. It was certainly popular on this weekday lunchtime with many tables full.
Our epic lunch at Man Tong Kitchen started with this flavoursome Hot and Sour Soup with Shredded Duck. The broth was thick and had spice and sour in volumes. What also impressed was the amount of other ingredients through the dish including mushroom and a good amount of shredded duck. (I found the food experience to be highly visual at Man Tong and hence took many a photo.)
The Peking Duck was a highlight, with a generous amount of Peking Duck inside pancakes. This meal is for 2, so you each get a Peking Duck pancake. I savoured every morsel.
From one highlight to another, we were then presented with the Xiao Long Bao. These dumplings are a specialty at Man Tong Kitchen and other sister restaurants. As always, when you put one of these beauties in your mouth the tasty soup explodes across the palate. The casing is delicate and the filling quality.
Chilli Wontons also hit the mark, with large wontons and spice nuance.
This is such a great Chinese affordable degustation (for Good Food Month). The Stir Fried King Prawn with Sliced Mango was another excellent dish featuring large King Prawns plump and juicy flavoured with a sauce, nestled on a bed of mango and salad.
Towards the end of the meal, this was refreshing.
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Man Tong Kitchen is presented by Crown as casual dining but it has the air of fine dining with upmarket well appointed fit out and a menu that caters for the high roller. Witcher 1 poker mod.
We were delighted to see duck re-emerge, this time with a Deep Fried Fragrant Duck with Fluffy Taro. This was purely indulgent. Golden and delicate on the outside and juicy and rewarding inside. The World Loves Melbourne is more than partial to duck and the advent of 2 duck offerings on the lunch menu for Good Food Month was sensational.
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Our dining experience finished with this Crusted Milk Custard with Puff Pastry, which we found to be fun. Chipping away to break the crust we found a rich but smooth milk custard underneath.
Man Tong Kitchen delivers. Highly recommended.
The Merrywell
The Merrywell is a fabulous spacious restaurant in the Southbank precinct near the Crown that serves up American style diner dude food. It's a stylish establishment that also exudes a sense of fun. The Merrywell has a modern fit out including parquetry floor, high ceilings, funky lighting, sleek bars and a cool upstairs area. The feeling is more of fine dining than a basic diner, but there is a sense of the casual along with the finery..
The World Loves Melbourne has visited The Merrywell about half a dozen times and has enjoyed each visit. This has to be one of the most atmospheric places to meet with your friends in Melbourne. You're right in the action here near the Casino. The large windows bring in the natural light and open up to the eclectic world of cosmopolitan Melbourne.
Not only is there a burger wave/trend in Melbourne but a trend towards the American diner concept. Having been to America I understand the excitement over burgers. I'm grateful we have moved from burgers mainly at fast food joints and local fish and chip shops - to the gourmet offerings of today.
The Merrywell has a simple but pleasing menu with burger highlights such as 'The Merrywell' burgerand the KISS burger . For $20 The Merrywell burger is a tad pricy on the Melbourne burger scene but you get a large burger with thick juicy quality meat patty, delectable cheese melted all over, lettuce, onions, sauce, crispy bacon and excellent tangy pickles. All in a large soft bun. And the burger comes with delicious golden chips/fries. (Photo courtesy of Facebook page).
The Merrywell burger comes wrapped in paper, which is fine, but the juiciness of the burger can mean bits of soggy paper can interfere with the burger. Perhaps I'm being picky. It's a hearty quality burger. Like me, you'll want to visit often, try the various burgers, and be undecided on which burger is the clear standout. Consistency rules here and I've found every burger experience to be rewarding.
