Best Lunch Restaurants in East Melbourne

358 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Geppetto Trattoria restaurant

1. Geppetto Trattoria

4.8

Exceptional(99)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • East Melbourne

Booked 13 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. Hochi Mama CBD

4.6

Exceptional(3134)

Price: Moderate

• Asian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 84 times today

Hochi Mama was the God Mother of all aspiring street artists and rappers in the early nineties. An immigrant in the big city, she hosted underground art shows along with rap battles for the rejects; a place where you could just be at home, but with family. The whole crew was always welcome, the more the merrier, and she was well renowned for creating innovative dishes using the original famous dishes from her home country, and plenty of booze, in her spacious and homey warehouse.This cheeky, vibrant and buzzing Vietnamese Fusion venue is one for your to-do list. Boasting a killer menu and a super cool vibe, this place is known for a cocktail, feast or an intimate date night.

3. The European

4.6

Exceptional(1276)

Price: Expensive

• European • Melbourne CBD

Booked 34 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.

4. Mount Erica Hotel

4.7

Exceptional(1087)

Price: Moderate

• Gastro Pub • Prahran

Booked 66 times today

The Mount Erica Hotel, loved and revered corner Pub. includes public bar, indoor and outdoor dining/function spaces. Offering a menu of elevated pub classics, tap beer, cocktails and extensive wine list. Delivered in a relaxed venue with a designer edge.*All bookings are for our dining room for sit-down dining. We have our front bar and courtyard available for casual drinks, and are on a walk in basis. Dogs and children are welcome in the venue until 8pm.

5. Cha Ching

4.5

Awesome(403)

Price: Expensive

• Asian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 47 times today

Cha Ching is an Asian fusion concept restaurant where customer enjoys variety of Asian dishes on a table with Asian spiced drinks and cocktail for an affordable per dinner and lunch.Synonymous with luck in Chinese culture, Cha Ching is a project three years in the making, from Owner & Head Chef Ken Leung.From working in Hong Kong’s Michelin Star St George Restaurant in 2012 to experience in kitchens across Melbourne’s elite food scene, Ken’s hospitality experience spans over 15 years.The result? Cha Ching’s menu is an homage to Asian cuisine, emboldened by the multiculturalism of Melbourne.Street food with finesse and re-imagined traditional cuisine, every dish pops with vibrancy and colour!

A photo of Bodega Underground restaurant

6. Bodega Underground

4.4

Awesome(1507)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Melbourne CBD

Booked 38 times today

A restaurant smuggled from Mexico to Melbourne. Find Little Bourke Street’s late night mezcal bar and taqueria hidden underground in the China Town precinct, and open 7 days a week until late, including lunch Thursday - Sunday. Try a Tequila or Mezcal cocktail, or speak to our team about sipping some exciting Agave spirits instead. The $59 Feed Me banquet offers great value and a huge mix of traditional Mexican street food, plus some dishes with a twist. We also offer a $75 Bottomless Brunch on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sundays, with unlimited cocktails and 5 dishes; or a Pre-Theatre deal available every night of the week. We are located on the corner of Little Bourke and Crossley Street, Melbourne, with a moody bar and dining area perfect for both a quiet drink, or a larger celebration.

A photo of Hochi Mama Richmond restaurant

7. Hochi Mama Richmond

4.6

Exceptional(1118)

Price: Expensive

• Asian • Richmond

Booked 71 times today

After being the ‘life-of-the-party’ in downtown CBD for the last six years, Mama’s ready to kick-start another exciting new venture in the wild, wild East! And where better for this Tiger Mama to roar than the vibrant South-East Asian hub of flavour and culture that is Swan Street, Richmond! Mama's second-coming will be servin' you Eastside excellence! – but this sequel is just as good as the original! We’re beyond ecstatic to share this new space with the public and bring the Richmond tiger cubs some of Mama’s lovin’! The trademark of Mama’s dining experience is the ‘Feed Me Now’ offering! Patrons can bask in all the zingy and fiery flavours in Mama’s repertoire – indulging in a selection of our drool-worthy smaller, larger, and sides dishes – for an affordable spend per diner at $44.50 each!

8. Gilson

4.5

Awesome(691)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • South Yarra

Booked 84 times today

Nestled within the Domain Road enclave in South Yarra with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the stunning Royal Botanic Gardens sits Gilson.Gilson’s intimate dining room is available for breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week and caters for large groups and private dining events. Gilson offers an all day menu focusing on Italian cuisine and seasonal flavours. A neighbourhood favourite due to its relaxed setting, friendly staff, fabulous drinks list and dishes such as the ‘avocado bruschetta’ for breakfast, the ‘Seafood Linguine' for lunch or dinner, and a 'tiramisu' for dessert. Wood fired pizza is also available for lunch and dinner cooked in the custom built oven.Gilson's brunch service is available for walk-ins with reservations available from midday.

9. Vue de monde

4.9

Exceptional(1829)

Price: Very Expensive

• Modern Australian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 31 times today

Vue de monde is a testament to the belief that dining can be a wondrous and unforgettable experience. The ever-changing chef’s menu pays homage to classical fine dining in a modern context by exploring the beauty of native Australian ingredients. While in the past the menu looked to Europe for inspiration, Executive Chef Hugh Allen continues to celebrate the unparalleled quality of home-grown produce with thoughtfully considered dishes committed to seasonality and locality. Vue de monde has been synonymous with Melbourne dining for almost 20 years, continuing to present an exciting and dynamic experience with a progression of flavours and sense of curiosity. The whimsical spirit at the heart of the Vue de monde menu has not been lost throughout the years, with the lighter-handed and more natural approach to cooking being no less infused with theatre.

10. Luci

4.3

Awesome(201)

Price: Expensive

• Australian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 4 times today

Luci is a contemporary Australian restaurant set in the grand hall of Melbourne’s historic Equity Chambers building.Its art deco styled dining room – designed by Bates Smart – provides a sophisticated backdrop to a contemporary Australian menu with Italian accents.Celebrating Melbourne’s history of Italian immigrants and its evolution into a cosmopolitan culinary city, Luci is a contemporary Australian restaurant housed within the grand hall of the historic Equity Chambers Building.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

P
Peter
Victoria •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
I love going out to European/ Winecellar for dining
More info
The EuropeanPrice: Expensive• European• Melbourne CBD
•
4.6
J
Jessica
Gold Coast •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We went for the Feed Me menu after seeing a show at The Princess Theatre. Being vegan our options were limited but every plate was super delicious! The staff were engaging, friendly and helpful. Although we had a small table almost in a corner it didn't feel cramped and we hardly noticed the diners around us. Great value. Great location. Amazing food. Highly recommend
More info
Hochi Mama CBDPrice: Moderate• Asian• Melbourne CBD
•
4.6
R
Rachel
Tasmania •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
I loved the high energy atmosphere, the food was AMAZING, we got the feed me menu and every single plate was exceptional, great choice of cocktails too, would highly recommend and definitely go back next time I'm visiting Melbourne.
More info
Cha ChingPrice: Expensive• Asian• Melbourne CBD
•
4.5
D
Danielle
Melbourne •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Have to be my favourite pub . The specials are the best value for money . Steak all day and into the night on a Tuesday and roast for $24 on a Sunday . Excellent service from our waiter “Darius” so professional and knowledgeable . I like to dine here every couple of months as I live on the Mornington Peninsula and this would have to be the best pub meal ever . So Thankyou I will be back .
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Mount Erica HotelPrice: Moderate• Gastro Pub• Prahran
•
4.7
P
Philip
New York City •8 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 8, 2024
Overwhelmingly our favorite place to eat in Melbourne. Insanely delicious food, servers who treat us like family and a great vibe. We love Gep Trat!
More info
Geppetto TrattoriaPrice: Expensive• Italian• East Melbourne
•
4.8

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Best Lunch Restaurants in East Melbourne

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358 restaurants available nearby

1. Geppetto Trattoria

2. Hochi Mama CBD

3. The European

4. Mount Erica Hotel

5. Cha Ching

6. Bodega Underground

7. Hochi Mama Richmond

8. Gilson

9. Vue de monde

10. Luci

See what locals rave about

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