Hi! Welcome to FunEmpire 👋
We take pride in finding the best local experiences, activities and services. We only recommend what we love, and hope you love them too. Learn about our story.
Unique Restaurant Melbourne
Restaurant proprietors can no longer afford to provide just outstanding dishes. They must provide an experience in addition to the cuisine since consumers, particularly millennials, want memorable encounters with their meals. Having a one-of-a-kind restaurant may go a long way toward creating a memorable experience. The biggest advantage of a one-of-a-kind restaurant franchise is that it is difficult to forget. That one-of-a-kind experience creates discussion and raises brand exposure, both of which attract new customers. With so many alternatives, you should know the most unique restaurants Melbourne has to offer.
1. Easey’s
| Key Services | Converted Train With Retro Decor | Graffitied Lounge Bar And Cafe | Burger Joint | Fare Products |
| Website | https://www.easeys.com.au/ |
| Address | 3/48 Easey St, Collingwood VIC 3066, Australia |
| Phone | +61 3 9417 2250 |
| oldmate@easeys.com.au | |
| Operating Hours | 11AM – 10PM Mondays – Fridays | 11AM – 11PM Saturdays – Sundays |
Easey’s is a celebration of all that is uniquely Melbourne. It combines some of their favorite aspects of this wonderful city: art, music, transportation, people, cuisine, and beverages. The meal is a celebration of Australiana while staying current. With potato cakes and dim sims, they pay homage to the typical fish and chip store, while also selling American-inspired burgers and sandwiches. They are continually shifting the scene and searching for ways to innovate both inside and outside of the comfort food realm. Similarly, they are constantly seeking for fresh and interesting methods for you to enjoy a beverage. This is why it is one of the most unique restaurants Melbourne has to offer.
Key Differentiators:
- Music
- Art
- Location
Customer Testimonial:
“Great American food. Cheeseburger and fries with cheese and chilli. Delicious chocolate mild shake with banana and caramel. Roof carriages were fully booked but the ground floor room sufficed. Great service.”
Bill Mrozek
2. Lentil as Anything
| Key Services | Bohemian Vegetarian | Pay-as-you-feel Dining | Staffed By Volunteers | The Inconvenience Store | Edible Gardens | Thrive Programs |
| Website | https://www.lentilasanything.com/ |
| Address | 7 Bent Street, Kensington VIC, Australia |
| Phone | +61 4 2411 4234 |
| info@lentilasanything.com | |
| Operating Hours | 9AM – 11:30AM, 12PM – 4PM, 6PM – 9PM Daily |
Lentil as Anything is more than a dining establishment. They represent a social justice and inclusiveness movement. For the past 20 years, they’ve built an ecosystem founded on valuing people before business, in which individuals of all socioeconomic classes, talents, cultures, and beliefs have an equal chance to learn and aid their fellow humans. There are no predetermined prices at their restaurants. Everyone is invited to attend for a dinner and Pay-As-They-Wish: either financially or by volunteering. Everyone leaves with the impression of being a member of a welcoming community. This is why it is one of the most unique restaurants Melbourne has to offer.
Key Differentiators:
- Pay As You Wish
- Caters To Any Size Occasion
Customer Testimonial:
“Located in an abbey/convent. Went here on a friend’s recommendation. Lunch buffet had 2 types of salad, curry and tofu bake. Desert banana cake in plum syrup. I personally loved the food selection and had 2 full plates. Pay is by donation (suggested $15). Will definitely be back”
Natalie Ng
3. Titanic Williamstown
| Key Services | Dinner Theatre| Nautical ‘90s Wedding | Titanic Theme |
| Website | http://titanic.com.au/ |
| Address | 1 Nelson Pl, Williamstown VIC 3016, Australia |
| Phone | +61 3 9939 8264 |
| Operating Hours | 3PM – 10PM Wednesdays | 12PM – 10PM Thursday – Fridays | 11AM – 10PM Saturdays – Sundays |
The melodies and sounds of the early twentieth century may be heard drifting through Williamstown’s streets. The notes transport people back to 1912, when the Titanic sank in the Atlantic. The Titanic Theatre Restaurant emits vintage noises. The restaurant was built to look like the famous ship. To enter, tourists must pass through two major entrances: the White Star Line entrance beside a tiny Statue of Liberty replica, and a side door for steerage admittance. This is why it is one of the most unique restaurants Melbourne has to offer.
Key Differentiators:
- Themed
- Live Music
Customer Testimonial:
“We thoroughly enjoyed the Titanic Restaurant New Years Eve event. The food was fantastic, well-priced and quick to table. The staff were welcoming, friendly and great in character.”
Matt White
4. Puffing Billy Railway
| Key Services | Excursion Train Journeys | Picnic Packs | Carriage Hire | Menzies Creek Museum | Cog Bikes Australia Bike Hire | Dog Express |
| Website | https://puffingbilly.com.au/ |
| Address | 1 Old Monbulk Road, Belgrave, Victoria, 3160 |
| Phone | +61 3 9757 0700 |
| puffing.billy@pbr.org.au | |
| Operating Hours | 10AM – 7PM Tuesdays – Fridays | 10AM – 1:30PM Saturdays |
Puffing Billy, Australia’s favorite steam train, is located in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges, approximately one hour east of Melbourne. Puffing Billy Railway has something for everyone, whether it’s an exhilarating adventure, a touch of nostalgia, or cultural encounters. The sight of the vintage locomotives getting prepped for departure at the station, the smell of steam billowing out of the vessel’s chimney, and the evocative sound of the train’s whistle will immerse you in the romance of steam train travel from the moment you arrive. This is why it is one of the most unique restaurants Melbourne has to offer.
Key Differentiators:
- Vintage Locomotives
- Cultural Encounters
Customer Testimonial:
“Highly recommend for all ages, had a fantastic day visited the museum had scones and tea was scrumptious ,the staff are amazing…loved it…”
Amanda Young
5. Secret Foodies
| Key Services | Excursion Train Journeys | Picnic Packs | Carriage Hire | Menzies Creek Museum | Cog Bikes Australia Bike Hire | Dog Express |
| Website | https://secretfoodies.com.au/ |
| Address | 300 Glenmore Rd, Paddington NSW 2021, Australiaf |
| Phone | +61 422 667 488 |
| info@secretfoodies.com.au | |
| Operating Hours | 6PM – 12AM Tuesdays – Saturdays |
Secret Foodies is a gourmet event production company with over 10 years of expertise in the food and lifestyle industries. They specialize on ticketed hidden location events in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, albeit not all of their events are. They also create one-of-a-kind individual and corporate events ranging from small dinners for 10 to opulent celebrations for 500. They are passionate about creating product launches, consumer brand activations, and media events. This is why it is one of the most unique restaurants Melbourne has to offer.
Key Differentiators:
- Surprise Location
- Gourmet Food
Customer Testimonial:
“I had an absolute blast! The location was great, the food and drinks were on point, and the company was even better. I’ll definitely be going to more Secret Foodies events in the future.”
AJ Gomez
6. Back Alley Sally’s
| Key Services | Pizza & Pasta Dishes | Very Chill Vibe | Ecstatic Hour Tuesday, Trivia Wednesday or Parma Rama Thursday |
| Website | https://www.fourpeople.com.au/back-alley-sallys |
| Address | 4 Yewers St, Footscray VIC 3011, Australia |
| Phone | +61 3 9041 6400 |
| meet@backalleysallys.com.au | |
| Operating Hours | 5PM – 11PM Tuesdays – Wednesdays | 5PM – 11PM Thursdays | 12:30PM – 12AM Fridays | 1PM – 12AM Saturdays | 1PM – 9PM Sundays |
Footscray’s River Precinct is home to the beloved yet little-known Back Alley Sally’s, which is nestled down a lane in the heart of town. The commitment of 4People has transformed an old t-shirt printing factory into what might easily be labeled a Footscray icon thanks to their enthusiasm. The staff at Sally’s is eager to welcome you up with a decent range of taps, cocktails, and delicious cuisine when the weather allows. This is why it is one of the most unique restaurants Melbourne has to offer.
Key Differentiators:
- Creative cocktails
- Tasty food
- Safe outdoor dining option
Customer Testimonial:
“This former t-shirt factory within Footscray’s industrial district has evolved and provides a cool vibey atmosphere with its recycled furniture and industrial feel, local micro-brews and intriguing cocktails. Staff are very welcoming and bar is helpful def going back. Thanks guys”
Hunter B
7. New Gold Mountain
| Key Services | Bar Food | Open Late | Notable Cocktails | Inventive Cocktails & Light Bites |
| Website | https://www.newgoldmountain.com.au/ |
| Address | Level 1/21 Liverpool St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia |
| Phone | +61 3 9650 8859 |
| drink@newgoldmountain.org | |
| Operating Hours | 5PM – 1AM Daily Wednesdays – Fridays | 6PM – 1AM Saturdays |
The name New Gold Mountain is derived from the late Victorian gold rush, which inspired it. The history of old world Shanghai is fused with a modern opium den-style interior at New Gold Mountain, which is inspired by the golden years of the legendary Victorian gold rush. Their cocktails are based on their rich history as well as their spectacular location. Cassandra Fahey, a Melbourne architect and designer of interiors, created the ambiance. They’re located at 21 Liverpool Street in the Melbourne CBD and serve intimate drinks on two levels. This is why it is one of the most unique restaurants Melbourne has to offer.
Key Differentiators:
- Intimate cocktails
- Exclusive use of entire level
- Inspired by the Victorian gold rush
Customer Testimonial:
“Love this place and what they’re doing with all the amazing Australian spirits and natives that are available! Some great off the menu cocktails if you ask nicely…”
Mikey Zee
8. Black Pearl
| Key Services | Bar Food | Open Late | Good Date Place | Notable Cocktails | Comfy Couches and An Upstairs Space |
| Website | https://www.blackpearlbar.com.au/ |
| Address | 304 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia |
| Phone | +61 488 304 304 |
| drinkwithus@blackpearlbar.com.au | |
| Operating Hours | 5PM – 1AM Wednesdays – Thursdays | 5PM – 3AM Fridays – Sundays |
For 19 years, it has been an institution in Fitzroy, nurturing some of the most incredible talent to emerge from the Australian bar scene. They welcome you in for a drink, whether it’s an ice cold martini, a pot of lager, or something in between. Check out The Attic on weekends; reservations can be made via the link above. You can also bring the Black Pearl experience home by visiting their online store. Every day, they strive for excellence and are dedicated to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all their guests. This is why it is one of the most unique restaurants Melbourne has to offer.
Key Differentiators:
- A Fitzroy institution
- Nurturing some of the most incredible talent to emerge from the Australian bar scene
- The Attic on weekends
Customer Testimonial:
“Lowkey obsessed with this place. Has such a great vibe and the bartenders make the best cocktails with such passion. Also appreciate the general professionalism and kindness of all the staff.”
Miya Moore
9. Goldilocks
| Key Services | Craft Beer, Wine & Snacks | Intimate Rooftop Bar | Rotating Menu |
| Website | https://www.goldilocksbar.com.au/ |
| Address | Denyers, Building Level 5/264 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia |
| Phone | +61 401 174 962 |
| manager@goldilocksbar.com.au | |
| Operating Hours | 5PM – 1AM Mondays – Saturdays | 1PM – 11PM Sundays |
Stop by Goldilocks Bar and be transported to a new world where cocktails reign supreme if you like fairy tales and fables. The staff is inventive and clever, combining old classics with innovative methods to produce beverages that will undoubtedly surprise guests. You may try numerous rooftop bars, just as Goldilocks did until she found the most comfortable seat, but Goldilocks Rooftop Bar is “Just Right!” Nestled on top of the Denyers Building in Melbourne’s downtown core, Goldilocks specializes in Australian craft brews and wines. This is why it is one of the most unique restaurants Melbourne has to offer.
Key Differentiators:
- Offers a unique experience with its fairy tale theme
- Creative cocktails
- Great view of the city skyline
Customer Testimonial:
“beautiful place to have a bit to eat and a drink. The staff are amazing, our waiter Claudio was super cooperative and super generous. Would definitely recommend!!!!”
Phoebe Maggs
10. Union Electric Bar
| Key Services | Cocktail Bar | Bar Food | Outdoor Area | Rooftop | Notable Cocktails |
| Website | https://unionelectric.com.au/ |
| Address | 13 Heffernan Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia |
| info@unionelectric.com.au | |
| Operating Hours | 5PM – 1AM Mondays – Thursdays | 3PM – 1AM Fridays | 12PM – 1AM Saturdays – Sundays |
The best cocktails, craft beers, gin, rum, loud tops, and old-school hip hop can be found on the roof of this laneway bar. They’re restless creators who constantly modify drink menus and come up with strange and wonderful new tastes to taste; they break rules as they twist and reshape classics while using local suppliers. They take their job seriously and attempt to create a fantastic ambience in which to sip top-tier drinks without the hoity-toity bartender clichés. They’re located at Heffernan Lane in Melbourne’s Chinatown under the lightning bolt. This is why it is one of the most unique restaurants Melbourne has to offer.
Key Differentiators:
- Clever laneway cocktail bar
- Rooftop gin garden
- Supporting Australia’s local suppliers
Customer Testimonial:
“Thanks for a quintessential Melbourne experience. Hole in the wall cocktail bars with interesting people, great cocktails, and friendly wait staff! The apple is juiced in front of your eyes, and honestly really delicious.”
Jesús Diabolo
Unique Restaurant Melbourne
Overall, being Australia’s culinary capital, eating out in Melbourne does not have to be dull. Melbourne has a great selection of restaurants and pubs, including a number of out-of-the-ordinary eating experiences. These are Melbourne’s most bizarre dining experiences, including tramcars, hanging tables, underwater events, underground bars, and dramatic meals. We hope this helps you find the most unique restaurants Melbourne has to offer.
If you’re looking for more recommendations, you can check out our other posts below:
