Best private dining rooms in Melbourne

These are the best private dining rooms in Melbourne for special occasions and large groups. From a secret underground cheese cellar, to luxurious offerings at the city's best fine diners.

Sakedokoro Namara

Sakedokoro Namara is known for having sake on tap, whisky highballs and a ‘hallucination cocktail’ made with mushroom gin. But the new private dining room offers a touch of Japanese tranquillity in North Melbourne. Designed by a Japanese architect, the space features tatami flooring, Moon Shoji screens and traditional art. It seats up to 10 people, enquire now.

SEA LIFE Aquarium

Dine underwater at Melbourne’s most unique private dining space. Spend an evening on a self-guided tour of the SEA LIFE Aquarium, then settle into your exclusive viewing space. Think front-row seats to penguins, sharks, stingrays and crocodiles. Indulge in a deluxe multi-course menu with drinks included as these mesmerizing creatures float over and above you. Spaces can host 2 to 25 people, learn more.

Lagoon Dining 

You can’t go wrong with a big Chinese feast to feed a hungry crew. Check out Lagoon Dining and reserve the upstairs private room for your next event. It can cater from 9 to 50 people making it the perfect option for a special occasion. The feed me menu is definitely the way to go. It features a bunch of the best dishes on offer for $85 per person. And there are plenty of vegan and vegetarian options available to keep everyone happy. Get in touch to make your booking.

Maison Bâtard

Melbourne’s new multi-storey French bistro Maison Bâtard is bound to impress your guests. With its luxe interior, impressive menu and extensive wine list, this should be on your list for your next fancy get together. Book one of the private spaces and you’ll be treated to a very special dining experience. Let the sommelier choose your wine and champagne and then have the chefs cook up a top tier French feast. Think oysters, fresh lobster, classic cheese soufflé, perfectly cooked steaks and more.  

Circl 

The coolest new wine bar Circl has just opened in a secret Melbourne laneway. And it has a pretty swanky private dining space upstairs which can fit up to 20 people. You’ll be seated next to the impressive cellar packed to the ceiling with over 150 bottles of the world’s best wine. Food-wise, try Scandinavian-inspired dishes like goat cheese eclairs, pickled mussels, rainbow trout and more. Enquire about the private dining room. 

Elio’s Place 

This well-trodden corner of Flinders Lane felt destined to host a cosy soirée. And charming Euro-inspired Elio's Place has slotted in perfectly. When you book, ask about the private dining room. It’s hidden in a moody corner of the bistro, so perfect for celebratory drinks and bites with your favourite people. You'll have access to the special menu packages which include dishes like potato rosti with trout mousse and house made focaccia with miso butter. The space can cater up to 35 seated guests, or up to 40 standing guests. Get in touch about private dining. 

Chancery Lane

Chancery Lane will transport you all the way to a moody European bistro with its dark wood features, checkerboard tiles and dim lighting. Here you’ll find three private dining spaces to cater to all sorts of party sizes. Choose The Chandelier Room and settle in under an original 19th century French chandelier. Go for The Archways Room with its own adjoining atrium where you can enjoy pre-dinner drinks. Or book in The Cellar Room for a smaller, intimate affair. The team have put together a handy functions package making menu planning a breeze. Find out more about private dining.  

Panda Hot Pot

You can’t miss Carlton’s Panda Hot pot with its over-the-top decor – including a gigantic dragon statue hanging from the ceiling. It’s an ideal spot for a great big group catch-up and has a some pretty impressive private dining rooms to boot. Book one for 8 to 20 people and prepare for a massive Chinese meal. Then once you’ve settled in under the lanterns, fire up the hot pot and tuck into your steamy, bubbling feast. Reserve your spot now. 

Akaiito

If discreet fine dining with dramatic Japanese flair is on your wish list, enter the world of Akaiito. The ‘Tsukiyo’ room is an immersive dining experience complete with table top projections that bring your meal to life. Up to 12 people can dine in the space, which is illuminated by a rotating selection of visual installations throughout the evening. You can even book our the entire venue for up to 30 guests. Make an inquiry.

Fishpot

Fishpot is Melbourne’s most extravagant hotpot restaurant, right down to the terrazzo tiled sauce station. The opulence extends to the menu, which boasts premium wagyu and exquisite lobster selections. Book the VIP room and you'll you have a spacious, in-built hotpot table to gather around. With the click of a button, the floor to ceiling glass walls become frosted for complete privacy.

Spring Street Grocer

This underground cheese temple isn’t just for charcuterie board finishing touches. Spring Street Grocer’s cheese cellar can accommodate up to 28 people for a seated dinner event! The team can also transform the space for cheese tastings, cocktail parties and more. So from brie to blue and beyond, your heart’s desire awaits. Book your private dining experience.

Supernormal

Head down the spiral staircase, past the Pocky vending machine and inside a mood-lit dining wonderland at Supernormal. The private dining space is adorned with contemporary art, and your booking comes with a slick karaoke system! The space can hold up to 40 seated diners, find more information.

Vue De Monde

Typically reserved for truly special occasions, the Dom Perignon room at Vue De monde is the height of luxury. Fifty-five floors high, to be exact. Combining gastronomy, art and luxury, the space can host up to 12 people. Conceptualised in partnership by Shannon Bennett, Hiromi Tango and Richard Geoffery, it’s an experience like no other. Enquire now.

Freyja

Located in the historic Olderfleet building, Freyja feels like something truly novel. Tucked away in the basement, the moody semi-private dining room offers dining for 24 guests, or book the full space for up to 65 people. Choose from several banquet menus which take a Nordic-approach to Aussie fine-dining. You can expect unique flavour pairings that are beautifully executed, paired with Nordic rum cocktails. Get in touch to submit an enquiry.

Life's Too Short

Tucked away in the old bluestone cellars of the original brewery in Victoria Parade is Life’s Too Short Bar. Private functions are available for 10 to 40 people in this romantic wine bar. For a truly unique night, book out the intimate eight-seat Chef’s Table. You'll feast your way through Chef Sigrid's eight-course degustation dinner.

Gimlet

Old world glamour and modern dining collide at Gimlet. Located in Cavendish House, this beautiful 1920s venue landed a coveted spot on The World's 50 Best Restaurants' top 100 list. The exclusive dining room can cater for up to 12 guests. And it’s the perfect spot for foodie friends to make lasting memories for every special occasion. Send an inquiry to plan your get together.

Red Spice Road

Fly to Asia for the night at one of Red Spice Road's three private dining rooms. Accommodating up to 60 guests, your special night will be buzzing with the vibes of Hanoi and Bangkok. Feast your way through a South-East Asian banquet, featuring dishes like chilli caramel pork belly, lamb ribs and chicken karaage. Check out the spaces to find your perfect fit.