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Malin Interior Dining Room - Malin, Carlton North, AU-VIC

Malin

4.8 (68)
$A101 and over
Modern European
carlton north, Carlton North, AU-VIC 3054

Make a reservation

A photo of Malin restaurant

Malin

4.8
$A101 and over
Modern European
Carlton North

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 4 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Charming
Malin is a small neighbourhood restaurant in the heart of Rathdowne Village, Carlton North.

Set in an 1880s property on the corner of Curtain and Rathdowne streets, the site has been renovated to honour the heritage of the building.

The food menu, developed by Chef Clement Pilatre, samples European cuisine and showcases seasonal produce and frequently changing dishes. The drinks list favours emerging wine producers, while also giving a nod to the classics.

Malin aims to deliver engaging service 5 days a week; with dinner served Wednesday to Saturday and lunch on Saturday and Sunday.

More information can be found on our website or by contacting us directly.

We look forward to hosting you soon.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $A101 and over
  • Cuisines
    Modern European, French, Modern Australian
  • Hours of Operation
    Wed–Sat 6:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat, Sun 12:00 pm–4:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    Chef Clement Pilatre
  • Neighbourhood
    Carlton North
  • Cross street
    Corner of Rathdowne and Curtain Street
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    The closest tram stop is Melbourne Cemetery stop 115
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • Valentine's Day

    A$175.00 per person

    Feb 14, 2026 only
    Join us this Valentine’s Day for an intimate six-course soirée. When making your reservation, you’ll be selecting our chef’s tasting menu; a considered expression of modern French cooking with a refined, romantic sensibility. Whether you’re dining as a couple or with a larger group, this special menu is served individually yet designed to be experienced together. To ensure each course is prepared with intention and care, we kindly ask that any dietary requirements be shared in advance. To make the day even more special, we offer optional add-ons, including a bouquet of flowers or champagne on arrival; a thoughtful way to surprise your guest. An optional wine pairing is also available to complement the menu and may be added during booking or upon arrival; this does not require a full-table selection. Payment is not taken in advance, giving you the flexibility to adjust your reservation as needed. We look forward to welcoming you for a memorable Valentine’s celebration.
    Valentine's Day photo
  • Malin x Maison Balzac: Melbourne Food & Wine

    A$175.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Mar 23, 2026 - Mar 24, 2026
    As part of the 2026 Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, we invite you to step into an immersive and playful five-course dining experience inspired by the evocative world of Maison Balzac; the Australian lifestyle brand celebrated for its whimsical approach to scent and design. Across two enchanting evenings, fragrance and flavour intertwine as Malin’s main dining room is transformed into a dreamlike landscape, where each course draws inspiration from the sensory touchpoints of Maison Balzac’s signature creations. Expect delicate aromas, vibrant flavours, and moments of gentle surprise; all thoughtfully crafted to awaken the senses in new and unexpected ways. The seafood focused menu will offer delicate aromas, vibrant flavours, and moments of gentle surprise. While dietary requirements are taken into consideration, unfortunately we can not cater for those who don’t eat seafood on this occasion. To conclude the evening, guests will receive a special Malin x Maison Balzac gift; a keepsake to carry the memory of this unique sensory collaboration beyond the table.
    Malin x Maison Balzac: Melbourne Food & Wine photo
  • Private Dining Six Course Chef's Tasting Menu

    A$175.00 per person

    Multiple dates available
    Immerse yourself within our first floor private dining room with our Saint Jacques Six Course Chef's Tasting menu. This is a thoughtfully curated experience that reflects the elegance of modern French cooking and Head Chef Clement Pilatre's creative expression. We request dietary requirements be advised in advance as this allows us to prepare each course with intention and care, for yourself and guests. Please note private dining minimum spend applies and these details can be found on the event page of our website. We also offer an optional wine pairing, which can be chosen at the time of booking or upon arrival. This does not require a full table commitment. Payment is not taken in advance, allowing you the freedom to modify your reservation as required. We look forward to hosting you.
    Private Dining Six Course Chef's Tasting Menu photo

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

What 68 people are saying

Malin reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.9Food
  • 4.9Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseEnergetic

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Malin offers a delightful fine dining experience with "amazing food" and "beautifully presented" dishes. The ambiance is cozy and the service is both "friendly and attentive." Guests praise the restaurant for its "innovative" tasting menu and "unique and delicious" flavors. A "lovely neighborhood gem" with "excellent value for money."
68 Reviews
  1. Jesse

    Los Angeles4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on December 19, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The setting was nice and relaxed, the staff were friendly and helpful and the food was amazing.

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  2. OpenTable Diner

    Melbourne1 review

    5.0

    Dined on November 28, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was beautifully explained and presented , leaving our overall dining experience a delight. Will certainly be dining here again.

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  3. Jacqueline

    Melbourne1 review

    5.0

    Dined on November 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Definitely recommend “Malin” restaurant. We had a most enjoyable fine dining experience here on a Saturday evening . The tasting menu we chose was innovative, interesting and delicious. Presentation was faultless. There is nothing stiff or formal about this cosy little restaurant. Wait staff are enthusiastic and welcoming and very competent. Prices match the star rating but are definitely value for money.

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  4. Gareth

    Dublin1 review

    4.0

    Dined on November 15, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    It was a lovely evening and the dining room is very nicely set out. We had wonderful service that was very attentive and friendly. However, the service was slow and the food was overly fussy and unimpressive. The portions are very small, we were both hungry after dinner. The garlic ice cream was not good, it’s a poor conception. This is a lovely local restaurant and I wish it very well but was not at its best last night. Thank you though to the team for a very warm welcome and attentive service. We shall try you again and hope for a better experience. Thank you.

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  5. Cheri

    Melbourne15 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on November 14, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This is a lovely neighbourhood gem. Outstanding food with very different flavours, simply amazing. Beautiful ambiance and excellent service.

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  6. Tara

    Melbourne5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on November 12, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A perfect evening! Delicious food and wine. Knowledgeable interested staff, in a beautiful room.

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  7. Libby

    Melbourne1 review

    5.0

    Dined on November 8, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    We absolutely loved our dinner at Malin and can't wait to return. The food is sensational, with generous flavours and beautiful technique throughout. So many standout dishes! We also appreciated the service, which was friendly and attentive and really added so much to the experience. Nice atmosphere and a really sweet little dining room.

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  8. Michael

    Melbourne2 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on November 8, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Marvelous food with very interesting ingredient combinations, beautifully presented

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  9. Michael

    Melbourne2 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on October 25, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    4 course enu was adventurous and interesting. Entrees were perfect, the pork main course was a bit dry but has a fabulous sauce but the dessert - white asparagus with coconut and sorbet was a really good concept but was a miss as a dessert We did enjoy the whole experience, great staff, great ambiance and the table service by the chef was a great touch

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  10. Leandro

    Edinburgh1 review

    5.0

    Dined on October 18, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Best intimate fine dining in Melbourne, amazing food and list of wines

    Is this helpful?

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $A101 and over
  • Cuisines
    Modern European, French, Modern Australian
  • Hours of Operation
    Wed–Sat 6:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat, Sun 12:00 pm–4:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    Chef Clement Pilatre
  • Neighbourhood
    Carlton North
  • Cross street
    Corner of Rathdowne and Curtain Street
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    The closest tram stop is Melbourne Cemetery stop 115
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

FAQs

Yes, Malin has a comprehensive drinks program with an extensive wine list, cocktails, beers, spirits and non-alcoholic options. Guests frequently praise the wine-by-the-glass choices and thoughtful pairings, and the drinks list highlights emerging wine producers alongside classics.

Families do dine at Malin and guests bring teens or celebrate birthdays with children, so it’s family-friendly in that sense, but it’s a small, intimate fine-dining venue without a kids’ menu. If you’re bringing younger children consider an early seating or request an area that suits your party when you book.

There isn't a single official signature, but guests commonly praise the tuna entrée (noted for its mustard sorbet), the ballotine chicken with mushrooms, the tartlet and creative desserts. The mashed potato with coconut and vanilla and several seafood courses (rockling, lobster) also get repeat mentions, the menu changes often, so standouts rotate with seasons.

Yes, guests report the team is welcoming and accommodating (they’ve handled dietary changes and birthday requests). Because the menu changes frequently and the restaurant is small, call ahead to discuss allergies, celebrations, seating needs or private-party arrangements so the team can prepare and personalise your visit.

Busiest: Saturday evenings (and weekend lunch) are commonly busy. Quietest: midweek dinners (Wednesday–Thursday) and early seatings tend to be calmer. Because Malin is a small, intimate restaurant with tasting menus and strong word-of-mouth, weekends fill up quickly, book ahead for preferred times.

For a lively, special-night vibe go on a Saturday evening; for a quieter, more intimate experience try a weekday dinner (Wednesday–Thursday) or an early seating. Guests report busy Saturday services and several praise the relaxed midweek ambiance. If you prefer a slower pace, aim for Wednesday or an early Saturday lunch.

Yes, Malin regularly offers multi-course tasting menus and food-and-wine pairings, which guests highlight as standout experiences. Several reviews praise the six-course paired menu; the kitchen also rotates seasonal dishes and occasional special courses, so watch the website or ask when booking for current experiences or pairing nights.

Malin is a small, cosy dining room with a restrained, elegant layout and linen-set tables; the space feels intimate rather than large. The restaurant does accept private parties and larger bookings, so special seating arrangements can be discussed when booking, call ahead to arrange a private area or larger table.

Yes, Malin is a wonderful pick for date night. Guests consistently describe it as intimate, cosy and elegant, with beautifully presented modern-French dishes and attentive, friendly service. Expect a relaxed yet refined atmosphere, candlelit-style dining and thoughtful wine pairings that make an evening feel special. Book a dinner seating (Wed–Sat evenings) and mention any special occasion when booking for a little extra attention.

Malin’s ambience is intimate, elegant and warm, guests describe understated sophistication, comfortable service and a cozy dining room that feels both refined and welcoming. The vibe suits special occasions, date nights and quieter celebratory meals; lighting can be quite low, which many guests like but a few found a bit dark.

Smart casual. The owner lists the dress code as smart casual, and guests consistently describe the setting as elegant but relaxed, suitable for date nights, special occasions and smart neighbourhood dining.

Family-friendly: yes, guests do bring family groups and celebrate birthdays here, and many reviews describe the space as welcoming rather than overly formal. Accessible seating: not clearly stated in guest feedback or owner info, so please call ahead to confirm wheelchair access or other accessibility needs before booking.

Malin is rated 4.8 stars by 68 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

How FAQ content is generated

  1. Home
  2. Australia
  3. Melbourne
  4. Inner City North
  5. Carlton North

Make a reservation

A photo of Malin restaurant

Malin

4.8
$A101 and over
Modern European
Carlton North

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 4 times today
Experiences are available.
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