The best special occasion restaurants in Melbourne

Gimlet at Cavendish House

Old world glamour and modern dining collide at Gimlet. Grab a booth and see for yourself why the restaurant landed a coveted spot on The World's 50 Best Restaurants' top 100 list. Start your evening at the bar with the namesake Gimlet cocktail, a sweet burst of gin and botanicals. The menu heroes seasonal, Australian produce and the wood fire oven is the centrepiece of the kitchen.

Society

Whether it’s your first date or 10th anniversary, Society promises a night to remember. Melbourne’s new supper-club has been brewing for four years and the doors are finally open. Statement crystal chandeliers twinkle above as lamplight glows on curvaceous booth seating. Sip caviar-topped martinis in the lounge before succumbing to Japanese-inspired or Euro-style cuisine.

Old Beijing

Traditional interiors, a modern menu and world-famous Peking duck. You're in for a feast at Old Beijing. Start with plump xiao long bao and mountainous spicy noodles. Then move onto slow braised pork belly, fresh oysters and the signature duck. The drinks menu is classic with a twist. We'll be ordering shiso gimlets and Szechuan sours until closing time.

Vue de Monde

If you want to really push the boat out, do it at internationally-renowned Vue de Monde. Perched on the 55th floor of the Rialto building, the views rival the lauded menu. The considered decor subtly interprets the Australian landscape. The seasonal Chef’s Menu is classical fine dining meets native Australian ingredients. This is definitely not a cheap eat. But it is unforgettable special occasion territory. Bookings essential.

Aru

From the legends behind Sunda comes Aru - Melbourne's latest Little Collins hideaway. The menu of hearty feeds ranges from turmeric mayo scallops to torched salmon and dry aged duck. There's also fusion delights like black garlic egg noodles, spanner crab fried rice and kaya jam waffles.

Freyja

Located in the historic Olderfleet building, Freyja feels like something truly novel. With a Nordic-approach to Aussie fine-dining, dishes are infused with the complex flavours of our native produce. The restaurant introduces Melburnians to Scandi gastronomy and you can expect unique flavour pairings that are beautifully executed, paired with Nordic rum cocktails.

Yakimono

A riot of colour and punchy flavours, Chris Lucas' Yakimono is a high energy all-day eating house. Follow the neon signs into the Japanese-inspired eatery, reminiscent of Tokyo's Izakaya bars. Enjoy flame-fired cooking and off-grill options like noodles and sushi. To drink, it's sake and cocktails named after Tokyo neighbourhoods.

Akaiito

If discreet fine dining with dramatic Japanese flair is on your wish list, enter the world of Akaiito. Dark and moody, lit by a rosy ribbon of light overhead, it’s tailor-made for clandestine catch-ups. The 'omakase at your table' is a five- or seven-course degustation. Take your seat by the show kitchen to watch as the robata chefs and sushi masters prepare your meal. From the dry aged duck to the guava sorbet with fermented strawberry, it’s a gourmet delight.

Eureka 89

Eureka! We've found Melbourne's most glorious views. Eureka 89 soars 300 metres above sea level. Time your visit to watch the sun set over the glittering city skyline as you embark on a five or seven course chef's menu. With a seasonal modern Australian menu, you'll always be served art on a plate. Try delicate dishes like yellowfin tuna and smoked beetroot or Victorian-grazed beef paired with local wines.

Maha

Sitting on Bond Street, Maha’s decor is as captivating and dramatic as the menu. It's regularly awarded as one of the city’s finest restaurants. Shane Delia and his team take Middle Eastern flavours and spin them into the future. The tasting menu promises an opulent spread. Share smoked hummus, tuna kibbeh and roasted lamb cutlets. And finish on honey-drizzled Turkish delight dumplings.