The best restaurants for group dining in Melbourne

Welcoming back friends from overseas, interstate or around the office? Give Melbourne's best restaurants for large groups a buzz to make a booking now.

Daughter in Law

Daughter in Law is Jessi Singh's exuberant restaurant on Little Bourke Street. It serves up playfully 'unauthentic Australian Indian' cuisine. There’s a stack of vegetarian and gluten-free dishes to be had here. Try Colonel Tso’s cauliflower and you’ll be hooked for life. The tasting menu will have you rolling out the door with a variety of appetizers, curries, naan, rice and dessert. Let loose and pair with matched beer or wine.

EziStreat

Chances are your crew includes vegans, coeliacs, people that are off the bevs, people who can only pop in for one bev, and a few parents. EziStreat is a new, multi-venue food hall (with a huge dog-friendly beer garden) that can cater to every last one of them! Try gluten-free soba from Shimbashi, feed the kids small-plate pasta from Etto, dine on deep-fried tofu meal sets at Jymmanuel and more. Everything is ordered and paid for via QR code, so there's no messy bill splitting at the end. The bar section also offer a range of beers, cocktails and alcohol-free options. Walk-ins only.

Miznon

The pitas are bursting with flavour at Israeli street food restaurant Miznon, and they can cater to vego, gluten-free and vegan diets! Big groups can book ahead and smash the $35 set menu option. It comes with a delicious stacked pita each, shared veggie side plates and a dessert. Try the classic 'cheakypita' with falafel burger, roasted cauli and tahini numbers or juicy grass-fed lamb feasts.

Uncle

Uncle serve up bright, modern flavour bombs of Vietnamese cuisine. Grab a group and book a table for one of their tasty banquets, ideal for the whole gang. You can choose from either the $64 or $88 Uncle Knows Best menus. At lunch, there’s also the option of the Lunchtime Quickie, a short, sharp, tasty hit available on weekdays until 4pm for $35. Book online for up to 10 guests or email Uncle for larger bookings (and to let them know of any dietary requests). 

La Camera

Imagine sitting with your friends, staring at the city skyline with a perfect pasta and a glass of red. Imagine no longer. Group bookings are open at La Camera in Southgate. Get a balcony table or a private booth and enjoy perfect Italian cuisine. Book for a group of more than 15 people and enjoy a delicious set menu. You can even gather a crew of up to 30 people on Friday and Saturday nights.

The Boatbuilders Yard

The weather’s brightening up and Melbourne is feeling brunchy. So why not head to South Wharf’s Boatbuilders Yard, grab an outdoor table and brunch on a classic smashed avo? Lunch and dinner menus feature pub-leaning dishes. Think Spanish mussels, buttermilk fried chicken wings and soft-shell crab burgers. You can book for groups of up to 9 guests for a two-hour spot, and groups over 10 will score a three-hour window.

The George on Collins

The George on Collins in the iconic Georges building has got something for everyone. It’s a slick, glamorous space serving up spicy fusion dishes. Groups of 8 or more can dine on a feed me menu for $70 or $85pp. Think mekhong braised lamb ribs, succulent pork belly, Sichuan stir fries and more. Don't forget to soak up every last drop with rice and roti. They also do boozy brunches on Saturdays.

Duke of Wellington 

Book a spot for you and your besties on the rooftop of the Duke of Wellington. Try a few excellent bar snacks (like the crispy mushrooms) and order quality pub grub. Dining in? Groups of 20 to 50 people can enjoy an epic chef's selection menu, featuring a three hour drinks package and a mixture of fresh fusion food with pub classics. They also have a few different function spaces if you need a really big group booking. 

Chin Chin

Nothing will get you back into a Melbourne dining state of mind than a meal at Chin Chin. For groups of 10 to 14, why not dine under the neon bunny at the Chef’s Table? Choose one of three Feed Me menus ($75-$125pp) and feast at the best seat in the house. Available for lunch or dinner, 7 days a week.

Ging Thai

Just look for the neon glowing over the outdoor terrace at Crown’s colourful Ging Thai. Slip inside and all the scintillating flavours of Thailand await. A snappy som tum, a silky kingfish ceviche, a vibrant vegetable curry. The $68 Feed Me menu, with optional wine matching, is a great group option. Big groups are welcome, but call before booking if there's more than 13 in your crew.

Fancy Hank's

Fancy Hank’s is serious about low ‘n’ slow Southern-style barbecue. They've gone back to basics with a meat-loaded platter menu, perfect for sharing over a few Paloma spritzes. Choose from a sliding scale of meaty goodness, with smoked brisket, 12-hour pulled pork, chicken fat cornbread, fried chicken and baby back ribs gracing the tables. And did we mention they do an in-house blooming onion? Book online for up to 14 people, and call for larger groups.

Ginger Olive Bistro and Bar

Ginger Olive Bistro and Bar is perfect for group dining. The restaurant can accommodate large groups of people, whether it's family gatherings, corporate functions and intimate social events. It has great ambience, with warm and friendly service and a range of modern Australian and Asian fusion dishes.