The Best Restaurants in St Kilda
Fitzroy Street, Acland Street and surrounds aren’t thriving quite as much as they were in the early 2000s, but St Kilda is still home to two Melbourne’s best restaurants, Stokehouse and Cafe Di Stasio. Beyond that, there’s a long tail of locally treasured institutions such as Cicciolina and Donovans, and fresh, exciting players such as Rufio and the reinvigorated Prince Hotel. These are the best restaurants to dine at in St Kilda.
Restaurant
Donovans
This personable institution has been around since 1995 and retains a huge base of regular customers who love its classic, consistent menu.
Restaurant
Stokehouse
Seafood and stunning ocean views – it's no surprise this is such an institution.
Restaurant
Cafe Di Stasio
White-jacketed waiters delivering discreet, attentive service and a consistently excellent menu have made Rinaldo Di Stasio's intimate dining room a pilgrimage for lovers of fine Italian food. The seasonal set menu is an excellent way to dive in.
Restaurant
Southall
Southall’s owner grew up at Bombay by Night – the respected Indian restaurant his parents ran for 25 years. Here, he serves 48-hour tandoor-cooked kaali daal, and the same dessert his mum has been making for Melbourne since 1990.
Restaurant
Mya Tiger
Enjoy an authentic Cantonese banquet with a view, set above Melbourne’s iconic Esplanade Hotel. Pair duck pancakes, spicy pork chilli wontons and sesame prawn toast with a fusion cocktail. Yum Cha Sundays here are a highlight.
Restaurant
Stokehouse Pasta & Bar
This downstairs iteration of the St Kilda institution serves European-inspired dishes in a laid-back setting. Go for family-sized bowls of pasta and tiramisu masquerading as bombe alaska, all next to a seaside view.
Bar
The Espy
You might need a map to navigate this iconic seaside pub. Across its five floors, you’ll find multiple bars and two restaurants. Not to mention three stages for live music, including the legendary Gershwin Room.
Restaurant
Saint George
This 1915 pub offers something for all across two distinct spaces. Visit the flaming grillhouse for whole flounder and Karen Martini’s lauded Bistecca alla Fiorentina. Or see its more-casual sibling for pub-style plates.
Restaurant
Las Tapas
There’s only one rule at this Spanish eatery: no cutting corners.
Restaurant
Radio Mexico
This spot just off St Kilda Beach is one of Melbourne's original Mexican restaurants, and it's still one of its best. That's thanks to an uncompromising commitment to quality ingredients. The drinks list, which includes a handful of Margaritas, complements the fun, shareable food.
Restaurant
Cicciolina
With an impressive collection of art covering the walls, Cicciolina feels like a dinner party in an eccentric painter's home – and it’s almost always full. Diners young and old are drawn back for its simple Italian cuisine and lengthy wine list. Enjoy drops from Italy, France and beyond from the bar out the back while you wait for a table.
Restaurant
Machi
Meaning ‘community’ in Japanese, Machi is inspired by its St Kilda location and eclectic culture. Come here for excellent gyoza, Wagyu beef and Kyoto-inspired dishes.
Restaurant
Pizza e Birra
The name says it all.
Restaurant
Newmarket Hotel
There’s broad appeal at this south-side boozer. It’s known for its crowd-friendly boozy brunches. But there’s also a 16-seat chef’s table for more formal celebrations, and three kinds of woodfired steak for a midweek feed.
Restaurant
Claypots
Since 1998, this south-side restaurant has become a seafood institution. The unassuming bayside restaurant offers mussels, oysters, garlic king prawns, grilled snapper, chilli crabs and, of course, it's own steaming namesake.
Restaurant
I Carusi II
Artisanal 12-inch pizza bliss south of the Yarra.
Restaurant
Fat Jaks
Fast food without the mystery-meat aspect on Barkly Street.
Restaurant
Rufio
Settle into the minimalist dining room, or take a seat on the rooftop, at this lively Latin-inspired eatery. Go for smoky bite-sized arepas, slow-cooked chargrilled seafood and three kinds of tostadas. Plus, more than 50 types of tequila and mezcal.
Bar
Little Prince Wine
A Euro-inspired wine bar, wine shop and deli set beneath The Prince Hotel. Enjoy classic Australian and European wines; cheese, charcuterie and small snacking plates from the deli; and descend to one of Melbourne’s most impressive wine cellars.
Bar
The Prince Public Bar
The iconic Prince of Wales Hotel has lived many lives. Today, it’s the best version of itself, with a beautiful island bar, bistro pub fare, and plenty of footpath seating for pints and people-watching in the sun.
Restaurant
Prince Dining Room
Mediterranean-skewed dining and a space full of modern flourishes.
Restaurant
DOC St Kilda
Expect longstanding classics like margarita pizza and tiramisu, alongside local seafood and views of the bay. Plus, a St Kilda-only cocktail made with lemon sorbet and prosecco.
Restaurant
Charlong
Here, an ex-Longsong chef makes home-style Thai fare inspired by her grandmother's food stall. Find dishes that blend Thai and Western techniques, like prawn ravioli in a tom yum soup, alongside pad see ew and massaman lamb shanks.
