Best Cozy Restaurants in East Melbourne

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

BaysideEastern SuburbsInner CityInner City NorthInner City WestInner East

Neighbourhoods

AbbotsfordAlbert ParkAlphingtonArmadaleBalaclavaBrighton

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral washroomWheelchair access

140 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Geppetto Trattoria restaurant

1. Geppetto Trattoria

4.8

Exceptional(113)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • East Melbourne

Booked 9 times today

Located in the bustling heart of Melbourne, adjacent to iconic venues such as the MCG, AAMI Park, and Rod Laver Arena, Geppetto Trattoria has been a cherished dining destination since 1981. Under the skilled ownership of Nino Cea and his son Adriano, this restaurant has earned a reputation as one of Melbourne's best spots for authentic home-style Italian cooking.Geppetto Trattoria offers a menu that features a variety of famous dishes that have delighted diners for decades. From the rich and savoury Osso Buco to the classic and comforting Spaghetti Pescatora, each dish is prepared with care and expertise, capturing the essence of traditional Italian cuisine.Whether you're craving the hearty flavours of the Lasagna al Forno or the freshness of the Eggplant parmigiana made with locally grown tomatoes, Geppetto Trattoria ensures the best of Italian gastronomy. Step into this welcoming and relaxed atmosphere and immerse yourself in the timeless charm of Geppetto Trattoria.

2. Clover

4.9

Exceptional(146)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• European • Richmond

Booked 20 times today

Clover is a cozy place with a relaxing atmosphere. Many reviews mention the restaurant's 'cosy local wine bar' vibe, with one reviewer describing it as 'amazing service, dimly lit and quite romantic'. It's also described as a place where 'you can tell you're right at home as soon as you walk in'. The ambiance is comfortable, making it a great spot for a 'lovely date night'.

3. Love Letter

4.8

Exceptional(70)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Modern Australian • Richmond

Booked 12 times today

Dear Richmond,This little restaurant is our love letter to food. It's our happy little place, where we get to live the joy of feeding people everyday. We all grew up in spaces that equated food with love, just like this place. Everything we have done here is deliberate, from the art on the walls to the produce we use. We've made a point of sourcing ingredients from some of the best suppliers in the state, making sure that our menu reflects what's in season. For us, this place is about experience: we try our best to make you feel both at home and 'out for something special'. Every plate that comes back wiped clean by someone who just couldn't get enough is a 'the hard work is worth it' moment for us. Matty & Tee From Love Letter, with love x

4. The European

4.7

Exceptional(1304)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• European • Melbourne CBD

Booked 30 times today

Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner, The European offers a welcoming ambience with warm, generous and knowledgeable hospitality - a beacon of Melbourne dining at its finest. Located on Spring Street near the Princess Theatre, we offer classic bistro fare with substance and character to perfectly complement our extensive collection of wines, old and new world, available to enjoy with your meal. We also welcome you on a walk-in basis next door at The City Wine Shop any day of the week, where you may simply pop in for a seat at the bar or grab a spot outside overlooking Parliament House. We take the best seasonal produce available, cooking simple, classic foods. Nose-to-tail offal dishes are centred within our menu, utilising every part of the animal products in our kitchen. Drawing on our own in-house butcher and farmhouse cheeses matured by our friends at Spring Street Cheese Cellar, there is always something new to try on the menu at The European and City Wine Shop.

5. Cha Ching

4.4

Awesome(451)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Asian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 30 times today

Cha Ching is a cozy restaurant with a vibrant atmosphere. Reviews mention the 'good ambiance' and 'nice glow' from neon decorations. The 'friendly staff' and 'great food' contribute to the cozy atmosphere. It's also described as a 'cute place' with 'lovely food' and 'fabulous service'. Despite being a bit noisy on a busy night, the overall vibe is praised, making it a cozy spot to enjoy Asian cuisine.

6. Ototo

4.0

Excellent(389)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Asian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 14 times today

Discover a hidden gem beneath the city streets at our contemporary Asian restaurant. Located underground, our venue boasts a full bar and an exquisite menu that promises a fusion of flavors. Delight in the Chef's Tasting Menu, a curated selection of favorites. Savor dishes like Kingfish Sashimi with truffle ponzu, or popular wagyu tataki. Dumpling enthusiasts can relish our diverse range, while main courses feature delights such as 48-Hour Black Angus Short Ribs and Signature 14-Day Dry Aged Duck. Don't forget to pair your meal with creative cocktails from our bar. Complete your journey with decadent desserts like Chocolate Fondant and Pandan Creme Brulee.

7. Il Solito Posto

4.8

Exceptional(1194)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 50 times today

One of Melbourne's most renowned Italian restaurants. Il Solito Posto is an institution. A real Melbourne Italian dining experience with a warm urban chic feel. Tantalise your taste buds with regional Italian dishes, prepared with the freshest seasonal produce and revel in the awarded wine list. This is Il Solito Posto ..... The usual place..

8. Trattoria Emilia

4.8

Exceptional(1300)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 34 times today

Trattoria Emilia is a cozy Italian restaurant in Melbourne CBD. Reviewers frequently mention its warm and comfortable ambience, with one saying 'Amazing delicious food in a cosy warm atmosphere'. The relaxed atmosphere and high ratings for ambience suggest a cozy setting, perfect for casual dining or a romantic date.

A photo of Leonardo's Pizza Palace restaurant

9. Leonardo's Pizza Palace

4.8

Exceptional(86)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Pizzeria • Carlton

Booked 29 times today

We are a neighbourhood-style American-Italian restaurant situated in the leafy backstreets of Carlton. Since 2018, we specialise in offering quality food, friendly service and natural wine.

10. Yugen Dining

4.6

Exceptional(502)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Asian • South Yarra

Booked 26 times today

Yugen redefines dining after dark. A promise of an experience where food, drink, and music continue well into the night. A subterranean setting with a refined industrial feel, offering dishes and beverages influenced by the cultural richness of Asia. Tradition met with the intuition of a contemporary flair.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

R
Rachel
Melbourne •1 review
5.0
Dined today
Great day out. The bottomless brunch definitely had its value. Food was beautiful and the drinks kept flowing.
More info
Cha ChingPrice: Expensive• Asian• Melbourne CBD
•
4.4
G
Greg
Melbourne •6 reviews
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
Very enjoyable evening Good food Good value Gggggg
More info
The EuropeanPrice: Expensive• European• Melbourne CBD
•
4.7
P
Peter
Melbourne •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
My partner and I had a great experience! The staff were knowledgeable and pleasant, the food and wine were great as was the ambience! We will be back with others! Peter
More info
Geppetto TrattoriaPrice: Expensive• Italian• East Melbourne
•
4.8
D
Damon
Melbourne •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Consistently excellent - food, mood, service. The outstanding commitment of the whole team and the level of repeat bookings tells the story, this place just gets better and better.
More info
Love LetterPrice: Expensive• Modern Australian• Richmond
•
4.8
B
Bridgin
Dublin •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
We had the loveliest waiter (so sorry I didn’t grab your name!) who took such good care of us, was so attentive and funny. The service truly made it but the food was actually gorgeous too! Would 100% come back. Lovely vibe and the friendliest staff who really make it
More info
CloverPrice: Expensive• European• Richmond
•
4.9

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