Want to treat your folks to a meal in the city? Try these spots that tick all the boxes – affordable, not too noisy and you can book.

Reed House

Reed House is found in the enclave of bluestone buildings at Wesley Place. Right by much-loved pub, Caretaker’s Cottage, it brings new life to one of Melbourne’s most beautiful heritage-listed buildings. It has the cosy ambience of a British brasserie. The wine list skews modern, and so do the classic dishes. Try ramen Scotch eggs, Welsh rarebit crumpets, nostalgic roast chicken and crunchy salt and vinegar potatoes. 

Blacksmith Bar & Grill

Seeking good food, stunning views and a cheeky wine or two? Dine overlooking the city skyline at Blacksmith Bar & Grill. The relaxed restaurant on the seventh floor of Voco Hotel celebrates local Victorian produce. Pile your table high with lamb back strap, crispy pork belly and wild mushroom risotto. Or choose your favourite cut of steak from the grill. Best enjoyed with a glass of local vino, of course.

A couple dining on share plates on a rooftop overlooking the city skyline.
Blacksmith Bar & Grill

University Cafe

Did your mum or dad go to Melbourne Uni? Chances are they spent a bit of time at University Cafe back in the day. They’ll be glad to see it hasn’t changed a whole lot, and only for the better. There are plenty of Italian classics on the menu, like minestrone, lasagne, tiramisu and of course wine and espresso. This Lygon Street legend has been doing them right since 1952. Bookings are old-school too: phone or email.

Marmelo

If you're celebrating a special occasion, try Melbourne’s stunning new hotel Melbourne Place. Book a table at Marmelo and you'll be treated to a Portuguese feast. Start with small plates like Baker Bleu sourdough, spanner crab and cod and potato croquettes. Then try Wagyu rump with wood oven peppers and lobster with piri-piri butter. The set menu at lunchtime will win mum and dad over, with their choice of fish or eye fillet steak.

A bright restaurant with high ceilings and a winding light installation.
Marmelo

The French Brasserie

A classic Paris bistro meets modern Melbourne in this beautiful space with soaring ceilings and glass expanses. Would you prefer The French Brasserie’s main dining room, the upstairs mezzanine or outdoor terrace? Wherever you dine, the fare is ooh la la, from confit duck leg to crème brûlée. Perhaps start with onion soup, or if you're game, the escargot.

Hardimans Hotel

Go west for the best pub classics in Kensington at this recently renovated 1870s corner hotel. Who wants the 250g porterhouse steak? The spicy fried chicken burger, or the sticky date pudding? From beef rendang spring rolls to spiced rum Basque cheesecake, Hardimans Hotel is also across modern, international tastes. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to beer too. There are 20 craft brews on tap.

A busy pub with a curved bar and patrons at tables
Hardimans Hotel

Berth

There’s nothing like dinner with a view to celebrate a special occasion. Berth offers a waterfront panorama without the eye-watering prices. $30 will get you the beef ragu gnocchi or vodka rigatoni. But you could also splash out on a chargrilled steak. Maybe share some mezze plates, then move on to mains like swordfish or roasted cauliflower. Want to keep watching Melbourne’s lights twinkle? Cannoli and limoncello trifle are among your evening’s final sweet temptations.

La Camera

Planning a Melbourne day out, including lunch or dinner within walking distance of the main event? La Camera is close to city essentials like the sports precinct, Eureka Skydeck and Melbourne Arts Centre. Need more convincing? How about gorgeous Yarra River views from two decks, and spacious indoor dining. Plus a menu of classic Italian dishes, like veggie risotto and spaghetti bolognese.

Food and cocktails on a table outside
La Camera

Garden Restaurant at NGV

The National Gallery of Victoria’s Garden Restaurant is a top option for a special meal doubling as a day out. It’s one of Melbourne’s most hushed dining rooms, with a serene sculpture garden view. There’s food with flair, focused on seasonal, local produce. Like baby octopus in red wine sauce and veal tortellini.

China Red

Affordable, convenient and delicious, China Red is where it’s at for a fuss-free family meal. Order via the touchscreen, then watch in wonder as mouth-watering Chinese morsels appear. They're made by skilful noodle throwers and deft dumpling chefs you can see at work behind a window. Be sure to order a double serve of the porky Shanghai xiao long bao. You won’t regret it.

A selection of Asian food on a marble table
China Red

The Duke Of Wellington

After a major renovation a few years ago, The Duke of Wellington has become a CBD favourite for various occasions. Choose from three smart-casual levels, including the rooftop and its super city views. The menu is a feast of popular pub meals, like chicken and eggplant parmas, burgers and lamb pie. Crème brûlée to finish, anyone?

Mesa Verde

When it’s time for a fiesta with the fam head to the sixth floor of Curtin House. In a cool old-meets-new space, Mesa Verde serves bold and beautiful takes on traditional Mexican fare. Think freshly-shucked oysters with finger lime mignonette, kingfish crudo with pineapple and an impressive taco menu. There’s also a chef’s favourites menu – perfect for feeding a hungry crew.

Inside a restaurant with wooden walls and a green booth
Mesa Verde

Lupino

For casual, retro-smart Italian, look no further than trattoria Lupino. This semi-secluded laneway favourite offers a concise menu that includes a handful of pasta dishes and a few pizzas. And all of it is handmade. Don't leave without trying the traditional tiramisu. Even with dessert and a bottle of wine, there’s no need to stress about the bill.

BearBrass

The stunning city skyline vista alone makes BearBrass a winner, from breakfast through dinner. But it's not all style over substance at this restaurant and bar named after Melbourne's early moniker. You can enjoy classic dishes including smashed avo, paella and chargrilled beef sirloin. How about some share plates like beef sliders and lamb flatbread? Psst! There's also a $20 weekday lunch special!

Looking to splurge?

Extra special occasions call for a slightly ritzier affair. And don’t stress – you can still book!

Grossi Florentino

Grossi Florentino

Grossi Florentino has set the bar for Italian fine dining in Melbourne since 1928.

The European

The European

Enjoy premium pan-European cuisine with exceptional service.

Flower Drum Restaurant

Flower Drum Restaurant

An iconic upscale Cantonese restaurant serving delicious food.

Cumulus Inc

Cumulus Inc

This all-day restaurant and bar is a modern icon of Melbourne's food scene.

Best Mother's Day specials

A pan of creamy gnocchi on the stove.

Ombra

Book in for a Mother’s Day special shared menu, featuring nine savoury and sweet courses. $75pp.

Special offer
People seated at tables in a lightly lit restaurant with wood details.

Barra

Indulge Mum in the La Calle menu for $85pp or Fiesta menu for $115.

Special offer
Hands taking Asian entrees from plates including oysters and betel-leaf.

Salted Egg

Enjoy a 3-course Southeast Asian-inspired feast with a complementary cocktail. Sun 11 May, $89pp

Special offer
Couple seated at a table, the woman feeding a child with a fork.

Storehouse Docklands

Treat Mum to bottomless drinks, antipasto, main and dessert. Sun 11 May, $70pp

Special offer
A pink cake decorated for Mother's Day with a slice being cut out.

Brunetti Classico

Celebrate mum with decadent Mother's Day cake and cupcake specials.

Special offer
A scoop of gelato in a bun with whipped cream, a maraschino cherry and fudge on top.

Pidapipo Gelateria

Buy mum a limited-edition gelato-filled brioche bun topped with whipped cream. All stores, $15 each.

Special offer
Hands clinking glasses over a display of food with views.

Fleet Rooftop Bar

Settle in with a four-course sharing menu, and a complimentary glass of bubbles. Sun 11 May, $95pp

Special offer
People seated at a restaurant table dining from shared dishes.

Tonka

Celebrate Mum with a vibrant 8-course feast full of bold flavours. Sun 11 May, noon–4.30pm, $100pp

Special offer

Taxi Kitchen

Celebrate Mum with a 3-course lunch with standout Asian fusion dishes and riverside views for $90pp.

Special offer

Victoria by Farmer's Daughters

Enjoy a signature Provenance set menu, designed to showcase the best Victorian produce, $120 pp.

Special offer
Two flute glasses filled with champagne, in front of a platter of mini sweet treats and fresh strawberries.

Stamford Plaza Melbourne

Enjoy a high tea buffet with Moët, live music from Leon Kroeber and a gift for the mums, $69-$89pp.

Special offer
Close up of a bunch of pink roses.

Melba Restaurant

Spoil Mum with a special buffet lunch – $220.00 per adult

Special offer
Mother and child seated at a table with afternoon tea display and panoramic views.

The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne

A three-course menu with sweet and savoury treats and Moet on arrival. Sun 11 May, $150pp

Special offer
Restaurant interior with dining booths, floral decor and dark lighting.

Amphora

Choose from two Asian-inspired curated banquet menus at $79 and $99pp. Sun 11 May from noon

Special offer
Overhead view of a table with assorted dishes of food, drinks and cutlery.

The George on Collins

Celebrate Mum with live acoustic entertainment and two banquet options. 12pm-11.30pm. $89 or $109pp.

Special offer
A close up photograph of the gold foil-covered tops of seven champagne bottles resting in ice.

Pullman Melbourne City Centre

A deluxe breakfast experience with DIY mimosas and free-flowing champagne. 11 May, 7-10am. $65pp.

Special offer
A bottle of sparkling wine on a round table with two glasses and a vase of flowers, in front of deep blue velvet bench seats.

Blacksmith Bar & Grill

Enjoy a delectable lunch experience with complimentary bubbles for Mum. 12.30-2pm. $90pp.

Special offer
Two hands bringing two drinks together in a clinking motion, with a high tea spread of sweet and savoury food on the table behind them.

Pilgrim Bar

Enjoy tea-infused cocktails, sweet & savoury delights plus bottomless sparkling, wine, tea. $85pp.

Special offer
People raising champagne flutes in front of a tiered high tea stand.

Lobby Lounge

Celebrate with a high tea inspired by childhood treats, a gift for Mum & live string music, $150pp.

Special offer
Plates with cakes and savoury nibbles next to champagne flutes.

La Madonna Restaurant and Bar

Treat mum to a sophisticated high tea with sweet and savoury treats. $80pp.

Special offer
An Asian-inspired dish presented on banana leaves, with spiky greens and a red crumb.

Miss Mi

Enjoy a 4-course Southeast Asian set menu from chef Migo Razon. 11 May, lunch and dinner. $100pp.

Special offer
Two women sitting at a dining table enjoying a spread of breakfast treats arranged on a three-tiered plate, with sparkling wine, tea and coffee.

Luci

Treat your mother figure to a morning of mimosas, bellinis, and a sumptuous breakfast buffet, $65pp.

Special offer

Cannoleria

Enjoy a limited edition almond-infused ricotta and apricot jam swirl cannoli, from $7.

Special offer

Hofbräuhaus

Melbourne’s iconic German institution celebrates with all-day live music, during lunch and dinner.

Special offer

Mill Place Merchants

Enjoy a Pink Lady (gin, applejack, lime, grenadine, aquafab) in the week-long lead up to 11 May.

Special offer

Cuff

A special dessert just for Mum of Madagascar chocolate, cherry and Cointreau Marquis; one week only.

Special offer

Last updated on Fri 2 May 2025

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