5 best restaurants with a view in Melbourne serving scenery on a plate
Melbourne isn’t just a city; it’s a feast for the eyes—and your taste buds. With its sparkling waterfronts and lush parklands, this city knows how to serve up scenery, and the dining spots are no exception.
We can easily imagine sipping a cocktail in one of these dining spots while the city skyline glows at sunset or sharing a meal as the Yarra River sparkles below. There are so many options where you can soak up the atmosphere that makes the city so special!
From breezy rooftop bars showcasing epic sunsets to elegant riverside dining perfect for date night, Melbourne offers exciting restaurants with a view.
This guide will help you find the best spots to wine, dine, and soak in the city’s iconic vistas—because great food tastes even better when the scenery is just as spectacular.
1. Stokehouse
– Media credit: stokehouserestaurant
Website: https://stokehouse.com.au/melbourne/
Address: 30 Jacka Blvd, St Kilda
Contact details: (03) 9525 5555
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 12 PM to 12 AM
For seafood lovers seeking a beachside escape, Stokehouse on St Kilda Beach is a must-visit.
Synonymous with Australian beach luxe, this iconic destination blends laid-back charm, vibrant atmosphere, and award-winning food and wine into an unforgettable dining experience.
It overlooks the sparkling water, which is why it’s the perfect spot to relax, indulge, and soak in the coastal vibe.
The dining room offers uninterrupted views of the sea, enhanced by custom mirrors that ensure every guest enjoys the scenery.
Reclaimed timber floors and walls, along with a striking glass lighting installation, create a space that feels both contemporary and timeless.
And let’s not forget the iconic design touches! The Arne Jacobsen Series 7 chairs and a playful beach-inspired color palette complete the interior, adding elegance without losing the relaxed coastal feel.
Few Melbourne dining spots match Stokehouse’s seamless blend of waterfront beauty, world-class cuisine, and effortless service. It’s the kind of place that leaves you feeling like every detail has been thoughtfully considered.
Pro tip:
For us, the best part of the restaurant is Stokebar. It offers a unique way to experience Stokehouse. We recommend stopping by the bar to enjoy some sea air on the terrace, perfectly positioned to soak up the sunshine.
2. Farmer’s Daughters
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Website: https://www.farmersdaughters.com.au/
Address: 95 Exhibition Street, 80 Collins Precinct
Contact details: (03) 9116 8682
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 12 PM to 12 AM
- Saturday – 11:30 AM to 12 AM
- Sunday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
Farmer’s Daughters is a rooftop oasis that offers stunning views over Collins Street. The menu is brimming with mouth-watering dishes inspired by the rich landscapes of Gippsland.
They take guests on a seasonal journey by showcasing the best of Gippsland’s rolling hills, rivers, mountains, and beaches.
With three levels to explore, it’s the perfect place to discover the region’s artisan produce, grown by farmers and agrarian thought-leaders who prioritize sustainability and quality.
The restaurant sources ingredients directly from Gippsland farms, ensuring every dish tells a story of the land. Their commitment to exceptional farm-to-table dining earned them numerous awards, solidifying their reputation for excellence.
Farmer’s Daughters honors Gippsland’s proud farming traditions while bringing its exceptional produce to Melbourne’s doorstep. They offer a dining experience that’s both fresh and rooted in local heritage.
Pro tip:
For the best seats and stunning views at Farmer’s Daughters, we recommend calling ahead to reserve a table on the upper floors. This will give you a prime vantage point to enjoy both the grassland-themed ambiance and the breathtaking city skyline.
3. Silks
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Website: https://www.crownmelbourne.com.au/restaurants/silks
Address: 5XH6+74 Southbank
Contact details: (03) 9292 5777
Operating hours:
- Monday – 12 PM to 2:30 PM | 6 PM to 10 PM
- Tuesday to Wednesday – closed
- Friday – 12 PM to 2:30 PM | 5:30 PM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 12 PM to 2:30 PM | 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM
- Sunday -12 PM to 2:30 PM | 6 PM to10 PM
For breathtaking views of the Yarra River and an unforgettable dining experience, Silks at Crown Melbourne is the place to be.
Renowned for their exceptional Chinese cuisine, they invite guests on a culinary journey guided by expert chefs who focus on locally sourced produce, fresh seafood, and high-quality meats.
The restaurant’s elegant atmosphere perfectly complements their dedication to craftsmanship. Dishes are handcrafted onsite daily to ensure every bite is full of flavor and made with the finest ingredients.
From regional classic dim sum to unique barbecue dishes and fresh seafood, each plate at Silks is designed to surprise and delight.
Guests can also indulge in multi-regional noodle and rice dishes, as well as mouth-watering desserts that are the perfect end to an extraordinary meal.
If you’re here for a special occasion or simply craving top-tier Chinese cuisine, Silks promises impeccable service and a dining experience that’s both exciting and memorable.
Pro tip:
To elevate your experience at Silks, we suggest trying three of our favorite dishes: the Lobster, the Wagyu Beef, and the Baked Crab. These dishes are not only delicious but also beautifully presented, making them a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
4. Her
– Media credit: her_melbourne
Website: http://www.her.melbourne/
Address: 270 Lonsdale St
Contact details: (03) 9997 0437
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 11:30 AM to 1 AM
- Thursday – 11:30 AM to 2 AM
- Friday to Saturday – 11:30 AM to 3 AM
- Sunday – 11:30 AM to 2 AM
Her Rooftop brings a fresh vibe to Melbourne’s drinking and dining scene. It’s nestled in the heritage-listed Pacific House, a stunning five-storey building with Romanesque arches on Lonsdale Street.
Originally built in 1903 as the headquarters for a cigar manufacturer, the building underwent a complete makeover in 2022 and was reborn as Her.
Her’s artistic influences shine throughout, with eye-catching light and art installations. This includes a custom-lit stairwell by French designer Hervé Descottes.
One of its highlights is the rooftop, which features a breezy open-air oasis. It’s perfect for enjoying barbecue-driven Thai dishes that you can order from the Thai restaurant in the same building.
The food is complemented by a selection of natural wines and fruit-forward cocktails, perfect for sharing with friends.
As for the rooftop design, it’s strikingly bright and playful. It features Italian marble floors, orange velvet banquettes, and Parisian-inspired skirted stools.
Uninterrupted city views make it an ideal all-weather spot with retractable awnings and glass balustrades.
Her also features a Music Room, a soundproof space for music lovers. There’s also a Her Bar, which serves everything from breakfast rolls to French-inspired dinner plates!
Pro tip:
Her Rooftop offers curated lounge packages for groups of 8 to 30. So, if you’re looking to host a party in a venue with amazing Thai food and even better views, Her is the perfect choice!
5. Vue de Monde
– Media credit: vuedemonde
Website: https://vuedemonde.com.au
Address: 55 Rialto Towers, 525 Collins St
Contact details: (03) 9691 3888
Operating hours:
- Monday to Tuesday – closed
- Wednesday to Thursday – 6 PM to 12 AM
- Friday to Sunday – 12 PM to 4 PM | 6 PM to 12 AM
If you’re in search of fine dining with a view that takes you above the clouds, Vue de Monde is the place to be. This iconic restaurant continues to deliver exceptional food and blend luxury with natural, honest flavors.
The focus is on creating a dynamic experience, offering a progression of flavors that sparks curiosity with every course.
Chef Shannon Bennett opened the restaurant in 2000 in a quirky terrace building in Carlton before moving to the historic Normanby Chambers in Melbourne’s CBD.
In 2011, it made its grand move to the 55th floor of the Rialto building, providing sweeping views of Melbourne’s skyline.
Designed by Elenberg Fraser, the venue captures the essence of the Australian landscape. With features like rough black basalt bars, kangaroo fur chairs, and corrugated iron walls, each element is carefully curated for a truly immersive experience.
Vue de Monde also boasts an impressive art collection curated by Bennett and renowned art dealer Anna Schwartz.
With works from both Australian and international artists, the space offers diners the chance to experience art on a grand scale. This makes each meal not just a feast for the senses but a visual journey as well.
Pro tip:
One of our favorite dishes at Vue de Monde is the Lamb Sweetbreads with asparagus. It captivates with rich lamb flavor.
Meanwhile, the tenderness avoids the overpowering lanolin often found in lamb dishes, offering a perfectly balanced taste.