Melbourne restaurants your parents will love

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!