Best Lunch Venues Melbourne for Hire

A lunch out in Melbourne can mean a lot of things. Could a birthday that deserves decent wine and daylight, a team celebration that skips the awkward after-hours slot, or just a good excuse to eat well with people you like. And here, it’s never just about food. You want the kind of spot that feels easy but still thoughtful, where the service is sharp, the drinks feel earned, and no one’s checking their watch.

Melbourne is a place where laneways lead to linen-draped dining rooms, and courtyards hide behind cafés that double as wine bars. You just have to know where to look and what to consider before locking it in.

Start With the Essentials (And Get in Early)

Before you fall in love with a menu or a beautiful terrace, sort your basics. 

Headcount matters. Most venues are fine with small groups, but once you hit around ten, they’ll usually move you to a set menu. This isn’t a bad thing. It saves you from chasing people for orders and lets the kitchen pace everything properly.

If it’s a milestone lunch - something with speeches, cake, or a toast - flag that when you book. Some places will offer a semi-private space or a longer seating window if they know in advance. And try not to leave it to the week before. Good venues fill up fast, especially on Fridays or long weekends.

Midweek lunches are still underrated. They’re quieter, service tends to be quicker, and you’ll often find extras. Maybe a better table, or just a bit more breathing room.

Picking the Right Kind of Lunch Spot

Not all lunches call for a white tablecloth and a decanter. But some absolutely do. If you’re hosting a client, rewarding your team, or just in the mood to play it classy, look at hotel restaurants or venues with private dining rooms. They’ll give you space, structure, and a menu you don’t need to overthink.

For something a little more relaxed - say a birthday, reunion, or post-ceremony lunch - lean into the venues that do atmosphere well. 

Melbourne’s moody weather is also worth factoring in. Plenty of great spots are set up for it now. You’ll find retractable roofs, covered terraces, and clever little heaters that mean you don’t have to cancel just because the forecast turned petty.

Menus That Make the Day 

Lunch isn’t about indulgence in the way dinner is. It’s more about balance. People want to eat well, have a drink or two, and still be functional afterwards.

Most group-friendly venues offer a two- or three-course set menu, somewhere between $70 and $110 per head. That’ll get you a starter and a main, or a main and dessert, with options to add shared plates. 

If the crowd’s a mix of food people and picky eaters, shared entrées or platters are a safe bet. They get the conversation going and take the pressure off ordering. Just make sure you flag any dietary restrictions early. Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, it’s all doable in Melbourne if the kitchen gets a heads-up.

Drinks-wise, a bar tab gives you more control than a drinks package, unless you’re happy to cap things at two hours and let people choose from a fixed list. 

What You’ll Probably Spend on a Lunch in Melbourne

The average lunch event will sit around $90 per person. That covers good food, attentive service, and enough wine to keep things relaxed. 

Budget options still exist, usually around $70 per head for a pared-back set menu, often midweek. On the higher end, $110 gets you something a little more elevated: a private space, premium ingredients, or maybe even a cocktail on arrival.

Venues working on a minimum spend basis can be a win if you’re planning to go all-in with food and drinks anyway. Just knowing your guest list well by dropping below the agreed number can push you into top-up territory if the spend falls short.

Getting There (And Not Getting Stuck in Traffic)

One of the sneaky perks of a lunch event? You’re not dealing with peak hour madness or trying to park on a Friday night.

Melbourne CBD is a central, easy pick if you’re bringing people in from all sides. Trams, and plenty of Uber drop-offs. Parking, though, can be a nightmare especially on weekdays. Go for a venue near a paid lot or one that validates tickets if you can.

Southbank is a bit of a sweet spot. Still close to the city, but with better views and slightly less chaos. Great if your guests are coming from across town or wrapping up a conference.

South Yarra and Richmond are easy on the eyes and the appetite, but can be tight for parking. Trains and trams help, but it’s worth pointing guests to the closest stop if you’re hosting a bigger group.

St Kilda brings the beach and the breeze, which works beautifully in spring or summer. And if you’re doing a low-key birthday or daytime hens, it’s a mood on its own.

Suburb Picks That Always Deliver

Melbourne CBD. You’ll find hotel dining rooms with private areas, hidden rooftops, and laneway gems that balance style with substance. Ideal for when you need it to feel a bit grown-up - but not boring.

South Yarra. The venues here do interiors well, and the menus tend to follow suit. Great for client thank-yous, bridal showers, or stylish milestone moments. Also a solid pick if you’ve got a mixed-age crowd who’ll appreciate comfort and good lighting.

St Kilda. Lunch spots here lean open-air and unpretentious. Ideal for spring birthdays, post-ceremony gatherings, or anything that feels more festive than formal. You can literally smell the salt in the air.

Richmond has a great mix of converted warehouses, sharp pubs, and surprisingly refined spots behind casual façades. Works well for rowdier lunches, big families, or groups who just want good food without the fluff.

Southbank lunch venues are great for groups who want city views, good wine, and enough room to stretch out. You’ve got river breeze, skyline backdrops, and venues that understand how to do a group booking without turning it into a function room vibe.

Before You Confirm, Ask the Right Questions

Even if the menu looks great, there’s a few things worth clarifying.

How long do you get the table for? If it’s only 90 minutes and you’re hoping to linger, that might not work. Is there a deposit, and what’s the cancellation window like? Life happens, and you want to know where you stand if someone pulls out late.

Can you bring a cake, or decorations? Some venues love that, others will charge for it. Is there a wet-weather plan? Especially if your booking includes a courtyard or rooftop.

And if you’re trying to surprise someone, always tell the venue ahead of time, they’ll usually help you pull it off, or at least won’t ruin it accidentally.

Also, if you can swing it, do a quick walkthrough before the day. It’s the easiest way to spot if the space actually suits your group, and whether the staff know how to handle a longer lunch without hovering too much.

Once you’ve sorted those things, the rest usually flows. 

How much do Melbourne lunch venues cost?

What are the top Melbourne lunch venues?

Here are some of our favourite Melbourne lunch venues:

• Cookie Melbourne
• Magic Mountain Saloon
• La Di Da
• QT Melbourne
• Zagame's House Melbourne
• Arts Centre Melbourne
• Ines Wine Bar
• Harbour Kitchen
• Ludlow Bar
• Crown Melbourne

How do I find and book Melbourne lunch venues?

How far in advance should I book a Melbourne lunch venue?

Can VenueNow help me find a Melbourne lunch venue?