Best Dinner Venues Melbourne for Hire

Looking for an amazing dinner venue in Melbourne for your next event? You'll find plenty of delicious options here. We've compiled some of the best restaurants and function spaces in town, so you can choose the perfect spot for your next dinner party or special event. Whether you're looking for an intimate private dining experience, something more spacious or some casual eats we've got you covered.

Melbourne, celebrated for its eclectic dining scene, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture, is an ideal city for hosting a memorable dinner party. Whether you're planning an intimate gathering, a corporate dinner, or a grand celebration, Melbourne offers a diverse array of venues to suit every occasion. This guide will provide an overview of the types of venue hires available, essential tips for planning a dinner party, and the best areas in Melbourne to find dinner venues.

Types of Venue Hires

Whether you're planning a birthday party, corporate function or a special occasion dinner, there are various types of venue hires available in Melbourne to suit your needs. When selecting a venue for your dinner party in Melbourne, consider the various types of venue hires available:

Restaurants

Restaurants are a classic choice for hosting a dinner party in Melbourne. With the city's vibrant culinary scene, you will find a wide range of restaurants offering diverse cuisines and atmospheres. From chic fine dining establishments to trendy bistros, Melbourne's restaurants cater to all tastes and preferences.

If you're after a high-end dining experience, Melbourne is home to several renowned restaurants that are perfect for special occasions. These venues often boast exquisite dining menus crafted by renowned chefs, stunning interiors, and impeccable service. Treat your guests to a gastronomic delight at one of these renowned establishments for a truly memorable dinner party.

On the other hand, if you prefer a more relaxed and casual ambience, Melbourne has no shortage of trendy restaurants and cafes. These venues often have a laid-back atmosphere, allowing you and your guests to unwind and enjoy a tasty meal in a more informal setting. With a variety of options ranging from modern Australian cuisine to international flavours, you'll have no trouble finding a restaurant that matches your desired culinary experience.

Hotels

Hotels in Melbourne also offer fantastic options for hosting a dinner party. Many hotels have dedicated function rooms or private dining areas that can be hired for exclusive events. These spaces often come with a dedicated team of staff to ensure that your dinner party runs smoothly.

One advantage of choosing a hotel for your dinner party is the convenience of accommodation. If you have guests coming from out of town or if you simply want to extend the celebration overnight, many hotels offer comfortable rooms and suites. This allows you and your guests to relax and enjoy the evening without the worry of travel arrangements.

Additionally, hotels often have in-house catering services, which means you can select from a range of menu options to suit your preferences. Their expert chefs can create delectable dishes that will impress your guests and enhance the overall dining experience.

Waterfront Venues

For a dinner with a picturesque backdrop, consider choosing a waterfront venue in Melbourne. With stunning views of the city's waterfront, these venues offer a unique and memorable dining experience. Whether it's the Yarra River or Port Phillip Bay, you and your guests can enjoy a meal while taking in the beautiful surroundings.

Waterfront venues are not only visually appealing, but they also often have outdoor seating areas, allowing you to dine al fresco. Imagine enjoying a delicious meal while feeling the gentle breeze and basking in the warm glow of the setting sun. It's the perfect setting for a romantic dinner or a relaxed gathering with friends and family.

Private Dining Rooms

If you prefer a more intimate setting for your dinner party, private dining rooms are an excellent choice. Many restaurants in Melbourne have private rooms available for hire, providing an exclusive space for you and your guests to enjoy your meal in privacy.

Private dining rooms offer a range of benefits, including personalised service and a more intimate atmosphere. These rooms are often beautifully decorated and can accommodate different group sizes, making them versatile options for various occasions, from a small birthday celebration to a corporate dinner.

Rooftop venues

Rooftop venues in Melbourne provide the perfect setting for a memorable dinner experience with panoramic views of the city. From towering skyscrapers to breathtaking sunsets, these venues offer a unique perspective that will impress your guests and create an unforgettable experience. Enjoy delicious menus and a wide range of handcrafted cocktails that perfectly complement the stunning city views.

Wine Bars and Cocktail Bar Venues

If you're looking for a more trendy and vibrant atmosphere for your dinner party, wine bars and cocktail bar venues in Melbourne are ideal choices. These venues offer a sophisticated and stylish setting, perfect for those looking for a modern and glamorous dining experience.

Areas in Melbourne to Find Dinner Venues

Melbourne offers a variety of neighbourhoods, each providing unique options for dinner venues. Here are some of the best areas to consider:

Melbourne CBD

The Melbourne CBD (Central Business District) is undoubtedly a top pick when it comes to dinner venues. Whether for corporate events or special occasions, the CBD offers a wide range of options to suit every palate and budget. This vibrant and bustling area is home to numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars, offering a diverse range of cuisines and dining experiences.

From fine dining establishments with world-class chefs to casual eateries serving up international flavours, the Melbourne CBD has something to suit every taste and budget. You can indulge in contemporary Australian cuisine, savour authentic Italian pasta, explore the exotic flavours of Asian fusion, or dine on fresh seafood straight from the bay.

Collins Street is one of the most iconic streets in Melbourne's CBD and is a popular destination for anyone seeking a memorable dining experience. Known for its high-end shops, elegant architecture, and buzzing atmosphere, Collins Street offers a range of dinner venues that are sure to impress.

Bourke Street is another prominent street in Melbourne's CBD that is worth exploring for dinner venues. It is a bustling hub filled with various dining options, from casual eateries to fine dining establishments. Whether you're in the mood for international cuisine, modern Australian dishes, or gourmet burgers, Bourke Street has something to satisfy every palate.

South Yarra

South Yarra, located just southeast of the Melbourne CBD, is another vibrant area with a variety of dinner venues to choose from. This trendy suburb is known for its stylish restaurants, cafes, and bars, making it a popular choice for Melbourne locals and visitors alike.

Chapel Street is lined with an array of restaurants and cafes that cater to various culinary preferences. The food scene in South Yarra offers a diverse range of cuisines from around the world. Whether you're craving Italian, Mexican, Japanese, or even modern Australian cuisine, you'll find a dining spot on Chapel Street to satisfy your taste buds.

Fitzroy

Fitzroy is a mecca for food lovers, with its eclectic mix of restaurants, cafes, and bars. Located just north of the Melbourne CBD, this inner-city suburb is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, and its dining options reflect this creative spirit.

Brunswick Street is the heart of Fitzroy's dining scene, with a wide selection of eateries serving up everything from traditional pub grub to gourmet delights. Whether you're in the mood for a juicy burger, a wood-fired pizza, or a vegan feast, you'll find it on Brunswick Street. Fitzroy also boasts a vibrant bar scene, with many venues offering not only great food but also a wide selection of craft beers, cocktails, and wines. It's the perfect place to relax and unwind with friends after a delicious dinner.

St Kilda

St Kilda, located on the shores of Port Phillip Bay, is another fantastic option for dinner venues in Melbourne. This beachside suburb offers a unique dining experience with stunning views of the ocean.

Acland Street, in particular, is a popular destination for foodies and offers a range of dining options. From trendy cafes serving up brunch dishes to seafood restaurants with fresh catch-of-the-day specials, you'll find something to satisfy your cravings in St Kilda.

South Melbourne

In addition to St Kilda, South Melbourne also offers a plethora of dining options for those looking for a memorable dinner experience in Melbourne. With its mix of trendy cafes, upscale restaurants, and hidden gems, South Melbourne is a must-visit for food enthusiasts. This bustling suburb is known for its fresh produce markets, which provide the perfect ingredients for many of the local dining venues.

Carlton North

Carlton North is another neighbourhood in Melbourne that boasts an array of dinner venues worth exploring. This vibrant suburb, located just north of the CBD, offers a unique dining experience with its charming streets lined with Victorian-era buildings.

Lygon Street in Carlton North is known as Melbourne's "Little Italy" and is a haven for Italian cuisine lovers. Lygon Street is lined with traditional Italian restaurants serving up authentic pizzas, pastas and gelato.

South Wharf

Another exciting dinner venue option in Melbourne is South Wharf. Located on the southern bank of the Yarra River, this waterfront precinct offers a range of dining experiences in a modern and trendy setting. Enjoy views of the city skyline as well as the picturesque river while indulging in delicious cuisine.

Factors to consider when hiring dinner function spaces in Melbourne

When considering hiring dinner function spaces in Melbourne, there are several factors to keep in mind to ensure you choose the right venue for your event. Here are some key considerations:

Venue Type

One of the first things to consider when choosing a dinner venue in Melbourne is the type of venue that suits your event. Melbourne offers a diverse range of venue types, each with its own unique atmosphere and amenities.

Capacity

Determine the number of guests you expect to attend your dinner function. It's essential to select a venue that can comfortably accommodate your guest list without feeling overcrowded. Consider the layout of the space, including seating arrangements and any additional areas such as bar or lounge areas.

Location

The location of the dinner venue is crucial for accessibility and convenience. Choose a venue that is easily accessible for your guests, preferably with nearby parking or public transportation options. South Wharf offers the advantage of being situated close to the CBD, making it easily accessible for both locals and visitors.

Ambience and Atmosphere

Are you looking for a venue with intimate dining or a lively and vibrant atmosphere? The ambience of the dinner venue should align with the tone and theme of your event. South Wharf's modern and trendy setting provides a contemporary backdrop for a variety of occasions. Consider the decor, lighting, and overall atmosphere of the venue to ensure it suits the mood you want to create for your event.

Menu options

Melbourne is known for its diverse culinary scene, and the dinner venues in the city reflect this variety through their menu options. Whether you're looking for traditional Australian cuisine, international flavours, or unique fusion dishes, you'll find it all in Melbourne. Another factor you may want to consider is if the venue has vegetarian options and catering to dietary restrictions or special menu requests. Some venues also have gluten-free, vegan, or other dietary options available upon request.

Budget

Budget is an important factor when hiring a dinner venue in Melbourne. The city offers a wide range of options to suit various budgets, from affordable dining experiences to high-end gourmet restaurants. Some venues even offer event packages that include a set menu and beverage package, allowing you to work within a predetermined budget.

Book your function venues today!

If you're looking for a great dinner venue or bar in Melbourne, you've come to the right place. Our comprehensive list of restaurants, cafes and bars will help you find the perfect spot for your next night out. Whether you're looking for something casual or formal, we have something for everyone. So take a look and start planning your next night out with VenueNow.