BLK’s Food Blog favourites – October 2026 edition
A few months ago I wrote about my favourite Melbourne restaurants in the CBD, and I expanded that list to include my favourites outside of the CBD too. This is my list of the Best Melbourne Restaurants that are outside of the CBD.
If you get around to all of these over time you’ll get a taste of the bounty Melbourne has to offer diners. Most take some planning to book, but there are a few that you can comfortably walk-in to outside of busy hours.
There’s no actual order below – I’ve just written about the places that I love as I’ve thought of them.
Table of Contents
Best Melbourne restaurants outside of the CBD
O.MY – epitome of farm to table
There are many things I love about O.MY. The service staff led by Chayse Bertoncello, and the kitchen led by his brother Blayne are the two main ones though.
O.MY has evolved. From the beginning the script was written. The vision was pursued vigorously, and even a heartbreaking fire couldn’t stop the Bertoncello tornado from making waves.
We’ve been back recently with friends. There are dishes and wine choices that make you grin the broadest grin. It’s a special place.
Modern Australian / Farm-to-table
Napier Quarter – most outstanding local wine bar
How can a neighbourhood wine bar get under my skin like Napier Quarter? This place just doesn’t miss. These days I take some expectations, but part of the charm is the quaintness, as if it has been mastered.
The wines are superbly chosen and reasonably priced. The food always screams freshness and vibrancy. The service is as polished as a wine bar in Fitzroy gets.
Wine Bar / Modern Australian
Stokehouse – the jewel on Port Phillip
Big time. It doesn’t get more big time than Stokehouse. This St Kilda icon has also survived fire, and has risen from the ashes with even more strength and meaning. Catherine and I utterly love our time here.
It’s expensive but it is always worth it. I find it to be the most delightful place to dine at with a view in Melbourne. Unlike other tourist spots, it backs it up with immaculate food and wine.
Seafood / Modern Australian
Attica – reinventing modern Australian
Yes it has gotten to the height of exclusiveness with the cost of the tasting menu, but it is still cheaper than three Michelin Stars in Paris or New York.
From incredible and modern; to native and experimental; to iconic and assured; Attica has had a journey for the ages. I wasn’t around to say I was dining there at the start, but I’ve seen every act since, and they are all show stoppers.
Modern Australian / Fine Dining
Etta – unassuming Brunswick icon
On the way home I raved about Etta so many times Catherine told me to shut it. I was enthrauled and I guess I just couldn’t stop going on.
There are a range of dishes that I would struggle to not repeat at Etta. Add to that the Brunswick vibe and you have a place that is magnetic.
Modern Australian / Fine Dining
Cutler & Co. – the Grandfather of Gimlet
If you want a caring big night out experience, Cutler & Co. will deliver on every front. I’ve accumulated many meals here over the years and the fabric that binds is the collective experience.
It’s a place I haven’t yet dined alone, but besides that I’ve been with Catherine, in small groups, and large groups. At one time even the now Marion was part of Cutler as a function space.
This is the place that gave Gimlet its rocket launcher, and perhaps would be even more popular if Gimlet was never born.
Modern Australian / Fine Dining
Minamishima – sushi that stuns
The essence of extraordinary Japanese food comes down to preciseness, quality, and mastery. In a backstreet of Richmond, this is all on show. The treatment of nigiri sushi course after course is stunning.
Putting aside the expense, being at Minamishima is as close to a sushi joint on the border of the Tokyo Fish Market that you can have. Now it has over ten years on the board and nothing needs to change.
Japanese / Omakase Sushi
Yiaga – the new kid on the Fitzroy Gardens block
Our experience at Yiaga was magnificent. Hugh Allen’s purposeful, architecturally pleasing restaurant showed the incredible learnings he has had over years at Vue Du Monde and Noma.
The degustation only menu is expensive, but wonderful. Service is sharp, showing a very high quality of training, and professional ease. One of the hardest and hottest tables to book since it opened in October 2025, its a matter of forward planning or luck that will get you in.
Modern Australian
Best Restaurants in Melbourne CBD – 8 of my favourites
