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Hidden Restaurants Melbourne
A gourmet experience unlike any other awaits beyond these unassuming doorways, secret spots, and tunnels. There is the regular menu of high-end restaurants and then there are eateries built to be undiscovered when it comes to dining as an experience. There are dining restaurants that are only accessible to the elite VIP or a select industry few in the know. With this in mind, you should be aware of the finest hidden restaurant Melbourne has to offer.
1. Pastuso
| Key Services | Latin American Food | Peruvian Cuisine | Sweet Corn Cake | Barramundi | Cocktails | Steak | Lamb |
| Website | https://www.pastuso.com.au/ |
| Address | 19 AC/DC La, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia |
| Phone | +61 3 9662 4556 |
| info@pastuso.com.au | |
| Operating Hours | 5PM – 11PM Mondays – Thursdays | 12PM – 11PM Fridays – Saturdays |
After years of commitment and hard work as Sous Chef, Sam has taken over as Head Chef at Pastuso. He delivers an inventive and enthusiastic approach to cooking, infused with Peruvian culture. Food was always a big part of his life, and it led him from Venezuela to Australia, where he trained to become a qualified chef at the William Angliss Institute. He is influenced by the flavors of Latin food and appreciates how the fusion of cultures creates such a diversified cuisine. His style is described as “fun, inventive, and full of Latin flavors and colors.” As a result, they are one of the finest hidden restaurant Melbourne has to offer.
Key Differentiators:
- Located in hidden laneway
- Only open for dinner
- Latin cuisine
Customer Testimonial:
“I highly recommended the fest of the Andes, you can share and it is still good portion of food for two people, also you can try a lot of diferent dishes with all the Peruvian flavours, good table service, definitely I’ll be there again.”
Alejandra Gomez
2. Il Solito Posto
| Key Services | Italian Cuisine | Chocolate Pudding | Seafood Linguine | Tiramisu | Pasta | Gnocchi | Wine |
| Website | https://ilsolitoposto.com.au/ |
| Address | Basement/113 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia |
| Phone | +61 3 9654 4466 |
| Operating Hours | 11:30AM – 10PM Mondays – Fridays | 5:30PM – 10PM Saturdays |
Michael Tenace has worked in the hotel sector for over 20 years. He always understands how to make diners feel welcome. Il Solito Posto is a constantly fantastic spot to meet and dine because to Michael’s enthusiasm for Italian products and wines. Whether you’re flying solo, looking for a romantic eating location, or looking for a fun night out with friends, Il Solito Posto provides a space that will make you feel at ease. The Trattoria is located in Il Solito Posto’s sub-sub basement. This section offers a more traditional eating experience. Excellent for a fun night out. As a result, they are one of the finest hidden restaurant Melbourne has to offer.
Key Differentiators:
- Authentic Italian food
- hidden location in a sub-sub basement
- Welcoming and fun atmosphere
Customer Testimonial:
“The best Italian restaurant in Melbourne! Haven’t tried a better one yet. Simple food done extremely well. Super fresh, vegetarian options, and rotating list of interesting specials. Good wine selection and very helpful staff. Will keep coming back here!”
Tiffanie Nguyen
3. San Telmo
| Key Services | Steak | Dulce De Leche | Eye Fillet | Vegan Options | Serves Cocktails | Craft Beer |
| Website | https://santelmo.com.au/ |
| Address | 14 Meyers Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia |
| Phone | +61 3 9650 5525 |
| info@santelmo.com.au | |
| Operating Hours | 12PM – 10PM Sundays – Thursdays | 12PM – 10:30PM Fridays – Saturdays |
Following the Argentine philosophy that eating, drinking, and, most importantly, life are meant to be shared with friends, family, and loves. From midday to late at night, they serve a shared cuisine that brings people together, similar to a family Asado in Argentina. San Telmo’s friendly and inviting bohemian ambience resembles its namesake, Buenos Aires’ oldest neighborhood. The suburb of San Telmo features typical parrilla restaurants, pubs, and gorgeous Colonial buildings that create an attractive setting for the varied bohemian art and Sunday street market. The dining area in San Telmo mixes traditional Argentine characteristics with elegant style. As a result, they are one of the finest hidden restaurant Melbourne has to offer.
Key Differentiators:
- Argentinian cuisine
- Shared plates
- Friendly and inviting atmosphere
Customer Testimonial:
“Third time here to proudly showcase the premium quality steak in Melbourne to a friend who came from Perth. We ordered 12 dishes to share amongst the 5 of us. Couldn’t fault any. Service was excellent. A truly enjoyable dining experience! San Telmo made the impression, again!!”
Lynnette M.
4. Tonka
| Key Services | Indian Cuisine| Contemporary Food | Spanner Crab Salad | Pani Puri | Lamb Curry | Betel Leaf | Chicken Biryani | Mango Lassi |
| Website | |
| Address | 20 Duckboard Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia |
| Phone | +61 3 9650 3155 |
| info@tonkarestaurant.com.au | |
| Operating Hours | 12PM – 3PM, 6PM – 10:30PM Mondays – Saturdays |
Tonka serves Modern Indian cuisine in Melbourne’s famed Flinders Lane district. A contemporary Indian restaurant hidden in the landmark Duckboard Place that celebrates the richness of Indian flavors with an award-winning wine selection. The back of an alley is the epitome of Melbourne. Tonka’s contemporary Indian cuisine features trademark dishes such as butter chicken and tuna tartare. As a result, they are one of the finest hidden restaurant Melbourne has to offer.
Key Differentiators:
- Modern Indian cuisine
- hidden location
- Award-winning wine selection
Customer Testimonial:
“Tonka comes with a big reputation and it doesn’t disappoint. Creative and very well executed fusion dishes with an Indian influence. The tandoori trout was incredible. A great food experience with excellent wait staff, that makes this restaurant a must go.”
Sheldon Florence
5. Lucy Liu
| Key Services | Asian Cuisine | Drunken Chicken | Pork Hock | Kingfish Sashimi | Roti Bread | Barramundi | Starters |
| Website | https://www.lucylius.com.au/ |
| Address | 23 Oliver Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia |
| Phone | +61 3 9639 5777 |
| events@lucylius.com.au | |
| Operating Hours | 12PM – 11PM Daily |
Michael Lambie, Scott Borg, and Zac Cribbes create a vibrant ethnic eating environment, a stylish bar, and an Asian street food-inspired cuisine. Lucy Liu Kitchen & Bar is an eclectic multicultural Asian eating and drinking establishment that caters to those who desire Asian sharing flavors with cold drinks in a vibrant, fashionable, and exciting street food setting. The meals are rotated daily at the discretion of the head chef, and dietary restrictions and allergies can be accommodated across the courses, depending on severity. As a result, they are one of the finest hidden restaurant Melbourne has to offer.
Key Differentiators:
- Eclectic multicultural Asian cuisine
- Vibrant and fashionable setting
- Can accommodate dietary restrictions
Customer Testimonial:
“Awesome service. The vegan/ vegetarian set menu was very delicious and really filling. I couldn’t finish all the food. The cauliflower was superb!”
Eclectus Cappy
6. Lee Ho Fook
| Key Services | Asian Cuisine | Chinese Food | Chicken Crackling | Crispy Eggplant | Scallops | Duck | Desserts | Drinks |
| Website | https://www.leehofook.com.au/ |
| Address | 11-15 Duckboard Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia |
| Phone | +61 3 9654 8239 |
| reservation@leehofook.com.au | |
| Operating Hours | 6PM – 10:30PM Wednesdays – Fridays | 12PM – 4PM, 6PM – 10:30PM Saturdays | 12PM – 4PM Sundays |
Lee Ho Fook translates to ‘good fortune for your mouth,’ which was inspired by Warren Zevon’s lines in Werewolves of London. A secret Chinese eatery off Melbourne’s famous Flinders Lane eating neighborhood. Their food takes the exquisite history passed down through generations of Chinese Australians and pushes it in a highly personal and innovative direction. Victor Liong created a unique type of Chinese food. Their cuisine is influenced by the cuisine of China, its surrounding areas, and the Chinese diaspora. Their hospitality production is handled by a multinational workforce. As a result, they are one of the finest hidden restaurant Melbourne has to offer. As a result, they are one of the finest hidden restaurant Melbourne has to offer.
Key Differentiators:
- Authentic Chinese cuisine
- Innovative and unique dishes
- Multinational workforce
Customer Testimonial:
“Had my birthday dinner there. Staffs are very lovely and attentive. The food is amazing, a great balance of Cantonese food with western twist. We were very full by the end of the dinner. Highly recommend.”
Andrew O.
7. Chuckle Park Bar
| Key Services | Bar Food | Pulled Pork Roll | Cocktail | Corn | Drinks | Full Bar Available | Vegetarian Friendly |
| Website | https://www.chucklepark.com.au/ |
| Address | 322 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia |
| Phone | +61 3 9650 4494 |
| bookings@newguernica.com.au | |
| Operating Hours | 4PM – 11PM Wednesdays | 4PM – 12AM Thursdays – Saturdays |
The quaint Chuckle Park Bar is located in a small, green CBD alley. Chuckle Park, a caravan bar surrounded by plants, flowers, and lanterns, provides scrumptious cocktails, interesting wines, and great craft beer and cider. A quaint and intimate alley pub with superb drinks and meals. Chuckle Park Bar & Café is a sliver of a café and bar wedged within Little Collins. The menu includes a little outdoor laneway, hot sandwiches, cheese platters, and drinks. As a result, they are one of the finest hidden restaurant Melbourne has to offer. As a result, they are one of the finest hidden restaurant Melbourne has to offer.
Key Differentiators:
- Small and intimate
- Outdoor laneway seating
- Superb drinks and food
Customer Testimonial:
“Such a amazing location! The cocktails are very good, we’ve been coming everyday because they’re just very delicious. The Staff a super friendly and welcoming. Im not from Melbourne but I will definitely be coming back!”
Jake Genefini
8. Vertue Coffee Roasters
| Key Services | Coffee and Tea | Cafe Food |Tiramisu Waffles | Latte Coffee | Cheese Croquette | Curly Fries | Corn Bread | Waffle |
| Website | https://vertuecoffee.com.au/ |
| Address | 8 Raffa Pl, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia |
| Phone | +61 3 8060 6987 |
| roastingroasting@vertuecoffee.com.au | |
| Operating Hours | 7:45AM – 3PM Mondays – Fridays | 8PM – 3PM Saturdays – Sundays |
Vertue Coffee has three locations in Melbourne: Carlton, Cremorne, and Port Melbourne. Carlton is open for breakfast and lunch and provides both dine-in and takeout options. Cremorne & Port Melbourne is the ideal location for a coffee and a delectable treat from their cabinet. Hidden down Raffa Place in Carlton is a micro roaster, café, and shop. They brew award-winning coffee in a secret alley in Carlton and also provide a fantastic brunch menu. Come on down for one of their excellent drinks and something sweet or from the cuisine. As a result, they are one of the finest hidden restaurant Melbourne has to offer.
Key Differentiators:
- award-winning coffee
- secret alley location
- delicious food and drinks
Customer Testimonial:
“What a hidden gem! Hiding away down a little alley way & then opens into spacious glory. The staff were brilliant & the food was amazing. Gluten free friendly options. High chairs available. Diverse menu with both savoury & sweet options, and then tops it off with scrummy pastry options at the register. Recommend & we will be back!”
Katie Addinsall
9. Fancy Hanks
| Key Services | American Cuisine | BBQ Food | BBQ Brisket | Pulled Pork | Chicken Wings | Ribs | Sausage | Sides |
| Website | https://www.fancyhanks.com/ |
| Address | 1/79 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia |
| Phone | +61 3 9453 2882 |
| hank@fancyhanks.com | |
| Operating Hours | 12PM – 11PM Wednesdays – Thursdays, Sundays | 12PM – 1AM Fridays – Saturdays |
The best barbeque in Melbourne. Gippsland free-range meats Cooked for up to 22 hours in our two-tonne custom-built smoker. Our award-winning chefs create house-made sauces and sides. A carefully chosen selection of local wines, spirits, and beers. There’s lots of space, light, and atmosphere. All right in the center of Bourke St. Hip, modern American restaurant serving slow-cooked BBQ ribs and brisket, as well as craft beer and drinks. As a result, they are one of the finest hidden restaurant Melbourne has to offer.
Key Differentiators:
- award-winning BBQ
- house-made sauces and sides
- local craft beer and drinks
Customer Testimonial:
“Absolutely loved our dinner here! The staff were incredible! So friendly and accommodating. The food was delicious and atmosphere awesome. We will definitely be back. I bought all of the sauces too so we are keen to try more of the menu with the sauces used by the pros. Yum yum YUM!!!!! Keep up the good work guys!”
Jessica Castree
10. Krimper
| Key Services | French Inspired Café | Juices | Hot Chocolate | Duck | Coffee | Great Atmosphere | Breakfast |
| Website | https://www.krimper.com.au/ |
| Address | 20 Guildford Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia |
| Phone | +61 3 9043 8844 |
| info@krimper.com.au | |
| Operating Hours | 7:30AM – 3:30PM Mondays – Fridays | 8:30PM – 3PM Saturdays – Sundays |
The architectural goal behind Krimper was to let the building’s past define its character and tell its own tale. While this may appear to be simple and straightforward, nothing could be farther from the reality. The interior design, which incorporates minimum lighting against a water-blasted brick wall and Japanese-stained ply, produces the impression of a warm and welcome hearth. The café tables and chairs are created from recycled elevator doors and salvaged wood from the site. The outdated, 100-year-old lift vehicle and mechanical wheels are being repurposed to form an interior eating booth. As a result, they are one of the finest hidden restaurant Melbourne has to offer.
Key Differentiators:
- one-of-a-kind design
- sustainably sourced materials
- local and seasonal menu
Customer Testimonial:
“We ordered a big breakkie plate and Avo affair, all the food really tasty and good portions. The service was fast and friendly staff.We ordered a big breakkie plate and Avo affair, all the food really tasty and good portions. The service was fast and friendly staff.”
Alejandra Gomez
Hidden Restaurants Melbourne
Overall, nondescript entrances, secret tunnels, and underground settings are some of the world’s most difficult-to-find restaurants. Finding a meal may be exciting; getting lost before finding food adds an element of excitement to any culinary expedition. There’s something rather satisfying about sitting down to a dinner that required the use of a GPS, a guidebook, and your wits to locate. A seat at one of these hidden eateries lends a sense of exclusivity because many are not for the faint of heart. We hope this helps you uncover the best hidden restaurant Melbourne has to offer.
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