Best Modern Australian Restaurants in Essendon

Price

$$
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Regions

City CentreInner City EastInner City NorthInner City SouthInner City WestNorthern Suburbs

Neighborhoods

AbbotsfordAlbert ParkBrunswickBundooraCarltonCarlton North

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

104 restaurants available nearby

1. North&COMMON

4.4

Awesome(313)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Modern australian • Coburg

Booked 9 times today

Nestled in the heart of Coburg, North&COMMON stands out for its exceptional Bistro cuisine, offering a refined yet approachable dining experience. Praised for its "amazing food and lovely atmosphere," this restaurant delivers an inventive menu that seamlessly blends global flavors with creative twists. Diners rave about the "spectacular service" and the "generous portions" that leave them satisfied without being overwhelmed. The seasonal menu keeps the offerings fresh and exciting, while the extensive wine selection ensures a perfect pairing for every dish. With its stylish décor and welcoming ambiance, North&COMMON is a hidden gem that promises a memorable culinary adventure.

A photo of The Carlton Wine Room restaurant

2. The Carlton Wine Room

4.8

Exceptional(834)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Modern australian • Carlton

Booked 35 times today

The Carlton Wine Room in Carlton is a quintessential destination for those seeking the finest Modern Australian cuisine. Renowned for its "amazing food" and "fantastic service," this gem crafts dishes that are both fresh and seasonal, seamlessly showcasing the diverse flavors that define Modern Australian cooking. With an ever-changing wine list that features selections from Italy, Australia, and beyond, the staff offers "perfect recommendations" to enhance each dining experience. Guests rave about the "outstanding night of taste adventures" and the "exemplary food, service and atmosphere," making it a must-visit for a memorable culinary journey in Melbourne.

3. TOTE Bar & Dining

4.6

Exceptional(242)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Modern australian • Moonee Ponds

Booked 6 times today

A contemporary bar and restaurant, serving modern-Australian dishes with seasonal eating in mind.Channelling the timeless allure of 1930's design, the interior boasts rich oak panelling, emerald hues, decadent leather and bronze finishes. The space offers three intimate dining areas, known as The Northern Terrace, The Dining Room and The Cellar - our Private Dining Room. The main feature of TOTE is casual dining with premium quality food from well sourced high quality and sustainable produce.It features a contemporary offering from coffee, craft beer and creative cocktails to carefully curated local & imported wines and spirits.The bar itself is modelled to the development’s quintessential roots – the racecourse – and is aptly shaped in an oval form to mirror it.

4. Malin

4.8

Exceptional(30)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Modern australian • Carlton North

Booked 5 times today

Malin, located in the charming Rathdowne Village in Carlton North, offers a delightful French-inspired dining experience that stands out for its "absolutely stunning" cuisine and "superb" service. The restaurant's menu, crafted by the talented Chef Clement, showcases fine French techniques with dishes like steak tartare oysters and delicious ceviche that leave diners raving. Guests are greeted with "warm welcomes" and enjoy a "casual, yet very elegant" atmosphere that perfectly matches the exquisite food. With an extensive wine list and divine cocktails, Malin promises an "excellent value" and a memorable dining journey that is "as good as anything" in Melbourne.

5. Sir Duke

4.5

Awesome(150)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Modern australian • Moonee Ponds

Sir Duke is a cafe located in Melbourne's North West, Moonee Ponds serving an exceptional array of locally grown produce and seasonally paired with the finest specialty coffee, fresh juices, cocktails, beers and wines.

A photo of Enter Via the Laundry restaurant

6. Enter Via the Laundry

4.6

Exceptional(2)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Modern australian • Carlton North

Booked 3 times today

At Enter Via Laundry, we’re passionate about exploring the diverse culinary landscape of India. Every few months, our travels and research lead us to a new region, where we discover hyper-regional cuisine to inspire our menu.This season, we’re thrilled to present a menu inspired by the book “The Food Of Bharat” by Helly Raichura. This special menu will take you on a culinary journey through the evolution of Indian cuisine, featuring dishes from each chapter of the book. We’re proud to have previously showcased the regional cuisines of Goa, Kerala, Kashmir, Bengal, Gujarat, Parsi and Mughlai on our rotating menus. Our next menu change, featuring dishes inspired by “The Food Of Bharat,” will go live on March 5th.Please let us know in comments if you are celebrating a special occasion.

A photo of Bridge Road Brewers Brunswick restaurant

7. Bridge Road Brewers Brunswick

4.4

Awesome(47)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Modern australian • Brunswick

Booked 2 times today

Bridge Road Brewers Brunswick, nestled in the vibrant heart of Brunswick East, is a Pizzeria experience not to be missed. Known for its “fantastic” and “different” pizzas, this venue reimagines classic flavors with a modern twist. The Duck Pizza and apricot with goats cheese pizza come highly recommended, leaving patrons eager to return. The “delicious food” complements an impressive craft beer selection, ensuring a delightful dining experience. Guests rave about the “excellent service” and “welcoming” staff, making it a top choice for family-friendly outings and casual gatherings. For a slice of innovation and authenticity, Bridge Road Brewers Brunswick is your go-to Pizzeria.

8. Pastificio Sandro

4.8

Exceptional(31)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Modern australian • Thornbury

Booked 6 times today

Pastificio Sandro in Thornbury offers a delightful journey through Contemporary Italian cuisine that leaves diners raving about their experiences. "Every course was outstanding, packed with flavour and stunning ingredients," one guest exclaimed. The restaurant’s innovative approach includes delicate truffle-based dishes and expertly paired wines, offering a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. The intimate setting of the deli transforms into a "very unique restaurant" by night, making it a hidden gem in Melbourne. With its top-notch service and a menu that promises "crazy delicious food," Pastificio Sandro is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Italian with a contemporary twist.

9. Mona Castle Hotel

4.7

Exceptional(249)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Modern australian • Seddon

Booked 16 times today

The Mona Castle Hotel is a historic pub in the heart of Melbourne's West, serving locals for over 150 years. With a warm and inviting atmosphere, it offers a diverse menu featuring classic pub favorites alongside modern Australian dishes. Guests can also enjoy a wide selection of drinks, including beers, wines, and cocktails. The Mona Castle Hotel is the perfect spot to relax and share a meal with friends or family.

A photo of Lush Rooftop & Bar restaurant

10. Lush Rooftop & Bar

4.1

Excellent(8)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Modern australian • Keilor

Booked 2 times today

Lush Rooftop & Bar offers a one-of-a-kind experience where expertly crafted cocktails and gourmet dishes meet stunning aesthetic interiors. Adorned with vibrant, artful murals throughout, the venue exudes creativity and charm. With an amazing rooftop setting and versatile function space, it’s the perfect spot for any occasion, blending style, flavor, and ambiance seamlessly.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

D
Deena
Melbourne •2 reviews
4.0
Dined 7 days ago
As always the food was wonderful - Interesting and beautifully presented. The service team were excellent and overall was a very pleasant experience.
More info
The Carlton Wine RoomPrice: Expensive• European• Carlton
•
4.8
C
Chris
Melbourne •1 review
5.0
Dined on Feb 28, 2025
The staff are friendly and always pleasant. The food is great, with an interesting menu and an extensive range of drinks.. Service to the table is fast.
More info
Bridge Road Brewers BrunswickPrice: Expensive• Modern Australian• Brunswick
•
4.4
S
Sarah
Adelaide •1 review
5.0
Dined on Feb 22, 2025
claudia in the bar is the best, she was so lovely and welcoming. the waitress in north and common was so accommodating and helped with dietary needs
More info
North&COMMONPrice: Expensive• Modern Australian• Coburg
•
4.4
R
RichardVIP
Portland / Oregon •16 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 14, 2025
Outstanding in every way from the moment you enter. There was clearly a lot of thought behind the restaurant. The room is lovely, tables set with linen. The room feels serene and luxurious. The food is superb, modern French with an Australian accent. Every dish was outstanding. Service is relaxed and friendly. I highly recommend a dinner at Malin. I look forward to a return visit.
More info
MalinPrice: Expensive• Modern European• Carlton North
•
4.8
J
John-Paul
Melbourne •5 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jan 18, 2025
Decent portion size of dishes. Parama and chips good value. Big breakfast really good. Friendly staff, it’s one of my favourite places to eat for brunch.
More info
Sir DukePrice: Moderate• Modern Australian• Moonee Ponds
•
4.5

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