Seeing a gig in the city during Now or Never? Find the best spots to eat before the show and the coolest haunts to kick on later.

Where to eat and drink near The Capitol and Melbourne Town Hall

Aru

Aru

This Restaurant of the Year brings together the woodfire hearth and flavours of Asia and Australia.

The George on Collins

The George on Collins

An up-market basement venue and eatery within the historic Georges building.

The LuWOW Cocktail Bar

The LuWOW Cocktail Bar

Known for its eye-popping cinematic décor, sensational sounds and amazing tropical cocktails.

Black Kite Commune

Black Kite Commune

A chic and contemporary cocktail bar.

Marameo

Marameo

Marameo is a fun, easy-going Italian eatery offering a range of pasta and mains.

Bar Ampere

Bar Ampere

Vermouth, fortified wine, absinth and food until 3am.

Meatmaiden

Meatmaiden

A meat eater's paradise with more options than you can poke a bone at.

Supernormal

Supernormal

Asian-inspired dishes alongside delicious wines, sake, whisky and cocktails.

Snow Moon

Snow Moon

Cute and tasty Thai milk bar and dessert cafe in The Walk Arcade.

The Crafty Squire

The Crafty Squire

A pub with an extensive range of beer as well as its own onsite microbrewery.

Morris House

Morris House

A four-level drinks, dining and entertainment destination in the heart of the city.

Soi 38

Soi 38

Soi 38 is inspired by Bangkok street food and named after the side streets of the Thai capitol.

Where to eat near the State Library and Section 8

Cookie

Cookie

Eclectic cocktails, beers, and Thai dishes served in a bustling space.

Rooftop Bar

Rooftop Bar

Enjoy open-air drinks under the setting sun or a starry sky, with city skyline views to match.

Mesa Verde

Mesa Verde

A contemporary Mexican restaurant and home to the country's largest collection of agave spirits.

Goldilocks

Goldilocks

Hidden rooftop bar serving creative cocktails.

Stalactites Restaurant

Stalactites Restaurant

One of Melbourne’s longest established and best-known Greek restaurants.

Bornga

Bornga

Delicious Korean barbecue with loads of banquet options.

The Boiling Crab

The Boiling Crab

A must-try boil-in-a-bag experience for seafood lovers.

Kata Kita

Kata Kita

Bringing a new layer of fresh, flavourful Indonesian dining, with delicious cocktails to match.

YOI Indonesian Fusion

YOI Indonesian Fusion

YOI Indonesian-fusion restaurant brings Bali's brunch scene to the streets of Melbourne.

BYRDI

BYRDI

A bar that is uniquely Australian where the local environment informs the drinks.

Mansae Korean BBQ

Mansae Korean BBQ

Mansae Korean BBQ is a modern, yet authentic, Korean restaurant.

Bowltiful

Bowltiful

Serving the very best in authentic Lanzhou beef noodles.

Where to eat near the Arts Precinct and Southbank

Sake Restaurant & Bar

Sake Restaurant & Bar

This luxurious dining space at Hamer Hall offers premium Japanese dishes and sake.

Gradi at Crown

Gradi at Crown

Authentic, excellent and premium Naples-style pizza and loads of Italian classics.

Yarra Botanica

Yarra Botanica

Yarra Botanica is a floating bar and eatery on the Yarra River, celebrating Victorian producers.

La Camera

La Camera

Classic Italian food overlooking the river at Southbank.

Ghost Donkey

Ghost Donkey

Mezcal and tequila bar with mucho good times.

Ten BBQ & Hotpot

Ten BBQ & Hotpot

Dine on all-you-can-eat hotpot and Korean BBQ.

The Deck

The Deck

Modern European restaurant at Southgate with great city views.

Hopscotch

Hopscotch

Riverside beer bar with 30 beers on tap and an in-house microbrewery.

Nobu

Nobu

Renowned for its innovative Japanese cuisine, stylish decor and city skyline views.

The Melbourne Cellar Door / Dukes Distillery

The Melbourne Cellar Door / Dukes Distillery

A relaxed wine bar with over 500 wines on the wine wall to choose from with sharing food to match.

Spice Temple

Spice Temple

Modern Chinese, specialising in regional cuisine and dishes designed to share.

Protagonist

Protagonist

Cafe offering drinks and bites in the Arts Centre Melbourne forecourt.

Where to eat and drink near Fed Square

Mabu Mabu - Big Esso

Mabu Mabu - Big Esso

An all-day bar and kitchen showcasing Indigenous food by Torres Strait chef Nornie Bero.

Victoria by Farmer's Daughters

Victoria by Farmer's Daughters

A unique culinary experience which celebrates the produce, people and places of Victoria.

Taxi Kitchen

Taxi Kitchen

Accessible and affordable meals in a light-filled room with great views.

Transport Public Bar

Transport Public Bar

Bustling pub in Federation Square with tasty pub meals and an impressive range of drinks.

Riverland Bar

Riverland Bar

Outdoor waterfront beer garden by the banks of the Yarra River.

Pilgrim Bar

Pilgrim Bar

Waterside bar serving boutique Australian wines and seasonally inspired share plates.

Arbory Bar and Eatery

Arbory Bar and Eatery

Riverside outdoor eatery with all-day dining and a wide selection of drinks.

Gimlet at Cavendish House

Gimlet at Cavendish House

An elegant cocktail bar and dining room from renowned chef Andrew McConnell.

Chin Chin

Chin Chin

A fast-paced hawker-style dining sensation serving Thai-inspired food.

Nomad

Nomad

Upbeat restaurant on Flinders Lane, serving contemporary cuisine with Middle Eastern accents.

The Duke of Wellington

The Duke of Wellington

One of Melbourne's oldest pubs, open for lunch and dinner.

Robata

Robata

Features Japanese grilled dishes, sashimi, pork katsu and select cuts of premium beef.

Last updated on Thu 6 Jun 2024

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Discover Melbourne's best cakes, cocktails and sweet treats after the lights go down.

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Melbourne's best cheap eats

Pizza by the slice, cheap happy hour deals and more.

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Meatball & Wine Bar

Meatball & Wine Bar

Casual diner offering a selection of meatballs and sauce, with great wines to match.

1806

1806

A serious cocktail bar with an extensive menu and full table service.

Unique first date ideas in Melbourne

Unique first date ideas in Melbourne

Ban boring dates with these cute night spots and fun activities for two.

Where to eat and drink in Docklands during Now or Never festival

Where to eat and drink in Docklands during Now or Never festival

Heading to Docklands for Now or Never? These are the best spots to eat and drink nearby.