Best Bistros in Kensington

18 restaurants available nearby

1. Bistra

4.9

Exceptional(105)

Price: Expensive

• Bistro • Carlton

Booked 1 time today

Bistra, nestled in the vibrant heart of Carlton, is a culinary gem renowned for its exceptional Bistro cuisine. This charming Australian bistro seamlessly blends influences from British, French, and Italian cooking, all while maintaining a distinctly Australian flair. Patrons rave about the "memorable plates" that celebrate seasonal ingredients, complemented by an "extensive and impressive wine list." The ambiance at Bistra is consistently described as warm and welcoming, with a stylish, intimate interior that creates a "buzzing atmosphere." Diners particularly recommend the "super buttery scallops" and praise the "thoughtful, well-executed food" that makes every visit memorable. Whether it's the "best dry martini in Melbourne" or the "classy little birthday candle with dessert," Bistra's attention to detail and commitment to quality ensure a remarkable dining experience, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an authentic Bistro experience.

2. Pipis Kiosk

4.6

Exceptional(422)

Price: Expensive

• Bistro • Albert Park

Booked 4 times today

Pipis Kiosk, an award-winning beachside bistro in Albert Park, Melbourne, is a paradise for seafood lovers. Praised for its "exceptional" and "beautifully presented" dishes, this one-hat restaurant from The Age Good Food Guide since 2021, specializes in fresh Australian seafood that truly captures the essence of the ocean. Guests rave about the "best-ever Fish Burger" and "delicious cod croquettes," emphasizing the quality and mastery in preparation. Nestled with a serene view of the foreshore, Pipis Kiosk offers a perfect blend of "amazing service and food," making each dining experience memorable. As one reviewer puts it, it's the "best hidden gem" for seafood enthusiasts looking for authenticity and flair.

3. Kirbie

4.9

Exceptional(371)

Price: Expensive

• Bistro • South Melbourne

Booked 5 times today

At JAMES in South Melbourne, the fusion of Chef Kim Sangsoo's South Korean heritage with Australian native produce creates a standout contemporary Korean dining experience. The restaurant, praised for its "amazing culinary experience" and cultural embrace, offers a menu that is both innovative and rooted in traditional technique. Diners rave about the "absolute flavor bombs" from both the sharing and tasting menus, highlighting dishes like the potato bread and abalone. With accolades like "one of the best meals I’ve ever had," JAMES is a culinary gem where every dish promises a journey of taste and authenticity, perfectly balanced and presented. Whether for a casual dinner or a special occasion, JAMES delivers an exceptional experience highlighted by superb service and a relaxed atmosphere.

A photo of Moonee Valley Legends restaurant

4. Moonee Valley Legends

4.3

Awesome(69)

Price: Moderate

• Bistro • Moonee Ponds

Booked 1 time today

Legends is The Valley’s multi-purpose venue open to the public 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Legends offers great dining and entertainment with uninterrupted views across the Moonee Valley racecourse paired with spectacular outlooks to Melbourne’s city skyline. Legends is the perfect place to enjoy a meal or a drink from our fully licensed venue and watch the races from an enviable position above the home turn.We are open 7 days a week for Lunch and Dinner. Monday to Thursday Lunch and Dinner are served in our Cafe with a limited menu of our favourites. Friday to Sunday Lunch and Dinner are served in our Bistro with an extensive menu that includes all of your favourites as well as daily specials.

A photo of Pier Port Melbourne restaurant

5. Pier Port Melbourne

4.6

Exceptional(37)

Price: Expensive

• Bistro • Port Melbourne

Booked 1 time today

Nestled in the charming neighborhood of Port Melbourne, Pier Port Melbourne shines as a beacon of bistro excellence. Patrons rave about their "fantastic barramundi" and praise the "delicious, beautifully cooked steak," highlighting the authenticity and quality of their dishes. With a backdrop of stunning beach views, this restaurant not only offers a feast for the taste buds but also for the eyes. The ambiance is consistently described as vibrant and welcoming, with reviewers noting the "amazing service" and the special touch provided by the staff. Whether it's a casual meal or a special event, Pier Port Melbourne stands out as a must-visit destination for superb bistro cuisine, making every dining experience memorable.

A photo of Teatro Gastronomia restaurant

6. Teatro Gastronomia

4.3

Awesome(1035)

Price: Expensive

• Bistro • Southbank

Booked 37 times today

Teatro Gastronomia, located on the vibrant Southbank Promenade in Melbourne, offers a truly authentic Bistro experience that transports diners straight to the heart of Italy. Celebrated for its "phenomenal food" and "amazing service," Teatro stands out as a culinary theater where each dish performs spectacularly. From traditional wood-fired pizzas to exquisite pasta dishes, the menu showcases a fresh, seasonal produce-driven approach, constantly evolving yet consistently delightful. Diners rave about the "perfectly cooked" lamb ragu and the homemade lasagna, which are just a few highlights of the diverse offerings. With its stunning views of the Yarra River and a lively atmosphere, Teatro Gastronomia is a must-visit for anyone craving an exceptional Bistro dining experience.

7. North&COMMON

4.4

Awesome(300)

Price: Expensive

• Bistro • Coburg

Booked 6 times today

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Coburg, North&COMMON offers a quintessential Modern Australian dining experience that celebrates the fusion of global flavors with local seasonal ingredients. The restaurant's commitment to quality shines through its "unique and flavorful dishes" that are "cooked to perfection," drawing rave reviews from diners. Guests praise the "amazing risotto" and the "beautifully curated dishes," such as the lamb and artichoke, which are enhanced by an "exceptionally varied and deep wine selection." The atmosphere is described as "cosy" and "welcoming," perfect for a casual yet sophisticated dining experience. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself, North&COMMON promises an unforgettable culinary journey that keeps patrons returning for more.

A photo of Thornbury Taphouse restaurant

8. Thornbury Taphouse

4.3

Awesome(254)

Price: Moderate

• Bistro • Thornbury

Booked 1 time today

At Thornbury Taphouse, you're in for a grill experience that's as authentic as it gets! Nestled in the historic Regent Picture Theatre in Thornbury, this local gem is renowned for its superb grill cuisine. Patrons rave about the "best brisket they’ve ever had," with BBQ sauce that perfectly complements the tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat. The American BBQ platter is a standout, celebrated for its generous portions and mouthwatering flavors. Whether it's the famous Thornbury Taphouse skewers or the perfectly cooked porterhouse steaks, every dish is crafted to delight. As one reviewer puts it, the food is "bloody fantastic," making Thornbury Taphouse a must-visit for all grill enthusiasts. Join the locals who flock here for the cozy vibe, great service, and, of course, the exceptional grill that keeps them coming back!

A photo of The Lincolnshire Arms Hotel restaurant

9. The Lincolnshire Arms Hotel

4.5

Awesome(146)

Price: Moderate

• Bistro • Essendon

Booked 5 times today

Experience the essence of authentic Australian cuisine at The Lincolnshire Arms Hotel, affectionately known as "The Linc," located in the heart of Essendon. This iconic spot is celebrated for its commitment to quality and a menu that captures the true spirit of Australia. Patrons rave about their offerings, noting the "excellent bistro menu, large portions and value for money," and how "the steak was great." The Linc stands out not only for its delicious food but also for its warm, friendly atmosphere, where "staff are absolutely amazing." Whether it's the "best sticky pudding" or the "delicious and nutritious" pumpkin ravioli, The Linc ensures a memorable dining experience that keeps locals and visitors coming back for more.

A photo of Prince of Wales Hotel restaurant

10. Prince of Wales Hotel

4.5

Awesome(2)

Price: Moderate

• Bistro • Richmond

We do things differently here at the all new Prince of Wales Hotel Richmond.Providing an unforgettable experience, from first glance at our façade you’ll know this isn’t your regular everyday pub. Our American Diner inspired bespoke menu includes all your favourites & we look forward to welcoming you soon.Welcome to the Prince of Wales Hotel Richmond, where we blend historic charm with modern flair. Situated on lively Church Street, our thoughtfully renovated hotel welcomes you with a unique atmosphere from the moment you step inside. Join us in the Sports Bar for a casual meal or unwind in our beer garden. We broadcast all major sports events LIVE on the big screens. With our hospitable staff and a variety of entertainment options, including pool tables and arcade games, your visit is sure to be memorable. Discover why the Prince of Wales is more than just a pub—it’s a destination. We look forward to your visit!

‘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

Y
YukiVIP
Melbourne •12 reviews
4.0
Dined today
Everything was off to a great start and the food was really lovely. The service started off great and friendly throughout but slowed down noticeably at the end when we had to flag for a bottle of water and order desserts - took 30 mins to get attention after we had finished our mains. Otherwise a lovely meal and we’d happily come back!
More info
KirbiePrice: Expensive• Bistro• South Melbourne
•
4.9
J
JudyVIP
Melbourne •31 reviews
5.0
Dined today
A delightful long lunch in the Dining Room with exquisite food and wine. Excellent service and a charming ambience with spectacular beach views. Worth a trip to Albert Park shore front.
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Pipis KioskPrice: Expensive• Bistro• Albert Park
•
4.6
D
Diane
Melbourne •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
4 of us enjoyed a lovely dinner at Teatro. Our main meals, entree foccacia and tiramusu for dessert were fabulous. All staff were helpful and friendly but our waiter was exceptional. He made a great dining experience even better. Look forward to dining there again when next in the city. A perfect restaurant to dine at before attending a show at the arts centre. Highly recommend.
More info
Teatro GastronomiaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Southbank
•
4.3
A
Aiden
Melbourne •1 review
5.0
Dined on 11 Dec 2024
delicious as always, wonderful service and a great wine recommendation. will be back !
More info
BistraPrice: Expensive• Australian• Carlton
•
4.9
C
Cheryl
Melbourne •1 review
4.0
Dined on 5 Dec 2024
Atmosphere and service was great as overlooks the bay. The only issue is not having an option with a meal other than chips. For the price having option of vegetables or salad with steak would have been ok other than ordering separately. The separate plates order were of good quality though.
More info
Pier Port MelbournePrice: Expensive• Bistro• Port Melbourne
•
4.6

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Kensington

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Best Bistros in Kensington

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18 restaurants available nearby

1. Bistra

2. Pipis Kiosk

3. Kirbie

4. Moonee Valley Legends

5. Pier Port Melbourne

6. Teatro Gastronomia

7. North&COMMON

8. Thornbury Taphouse

9. The Lincolnshire Arms Hotel

10. Prince of Wales Hotel

See what locals rave about

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