Best Dining Bars in Essendon

Price

€€
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Regions

Eastern SuburbsInner CityInner City NorthInner EastInner SouthNorthern Suburbs

Areas

BrunswickCarltonCarlton NorthFitzroyKeilorKew

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeaway only

Seating options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral toiletWheelchair access

22 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Joanne's Pizzeria & Bar restaurant

1. Joanne's Pizzeria & Bar

4.8

Exceptional(62)

€€€€Price: Moderate

• Dining bar • Carlton North

Booked 10 times today

Joanne's Pizzeria & Bar in Carlton North is a delightful spot for those seeking an authentic Dining Bar experience. Nestled in a cozy Victorian terrace, this charming venue offers a perfect blend of traditional and innovative pizzas, including plant-based and gluten-free options. Patrons rave about the "amazing pizzas" and the "super cute vibe" that make every visit memorable. The bar complements the dining experience with a well-curated wine selection, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. Known for its friendly service and consistently great food, Joanne's has quickly become a neighborhood favorite, earning accolades as the "best pizza in Melbourne" with an inviting ambiance.

2. Marama Wine

4.6

Exceptional(62)

€€€€Price: Expensive

• Dining bar • Carlton North

Booked 5 times today

Marama Wine in Carlton North is a true gem for Tapas and Small Plates enthusiasts. This modern wine bar captures the essence of Australian culinary excellence with a focus on fresh, flavorful, and innovative small plates. Diners rave about the "delicious, creative food with unique flavors" and the "delightful service" that makes every visit memorable. The Sunday Market Menu, in particular, is highly praised for being "fresh, full of flavor, and worth the price." With a cozy atmosphere and a knowledgeable staff, Marama Wine is more than just a local favorite—it's a destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable tapas experience.

A photo of Lush Rooftop & Bar restaurant

3. Lush Rooftop & Bar

4.1

Excellent(8)

€€€€Price: Moderate

• Dining bar • Keilor

Booked 3 times today

Lush Rooftop & Bar offers a one-of-a-kind experience where expertly crafted cocktails and gourmet dishes meet stunning aesthetic interiors. Adorned with vibrant, artful murals throughout, the venue exudes creativity and charm. With an amazing rooftop setting and versatile function space, it’s the perfect spot for any occasion, blending style, flavor, and ambiance seamlessly.

A photo of Bird Bang´n Chicken restaurant

4. Bird Bang´n Chicken

4.7

Exceptional(144)

€€€€Price: Moderate

• Dining bar • Brunswick

Booked 17 times today

Bird Bang’n Chicken in Brunswick East is a must-visit for Dining Bar enthusiasts seeking a sublime chicken experience paired with a vibrant bar scene. With a reputation for serving some of the best fried chicken in Melbourne, Bird Bang’n Chicken offers “delicious, hot food” that is “super fast and fresh.” The relaxed atmosphere is perfect for a casual night out, enhanced by their extensive list of Australian craft beers, wines, and cocktails. Guests rave about the “fantastic service” and the incredible value of their “bottomless wings” and “Feed Me Menu.” Whether you’re a local or visiting, Bird Bang’n Chicken promises an unforgettable culinary adventure.

5. Benzina Cantina

4.4

Awesome(147)

€€€€Price: Expensive

• Dining bar • Preston

Booked 7 times today

Benzina Cantina, nestled along High Street in the vibrant heart of Preston, is your go-to destination for good times, mouth-watering food, and top-notch tequila. Inspired by the fresh and tasty flavours of street-style Mexican cuisine, Benzina Cantina offers a lively dining experience with neon-lit signs that add a fun and energetic vibe to the space. The rooftop terrace is the perfect spot to savour a hot taco and an ice-cold margarita. Whether you're popping in for a quick, hearty local meal or planning to stay into the night for some fun, Benzina Cantina has you covered. This popular Mexican restaurant in Preston is renowned for its lively atmosphere and delicious offerings, making it a must-visit spot for both locals and visitors.

6. Sir Duke

4.5

Awesome(150)

€€€€Price: Moderate

• Dining bar • Moonee Ponds

Booked 5 times today

Sir Duke is a cafe located in Melbourne's North West, Moonee Ponds serving an exceptional array of locally grown produce and seasonally paired with the finest specialty coffee, fresh juices, cocktails, beers and wines.

7. Leonie Upstairs

4.5

Awesome(25)

€€€€Price: Expensive

• Dining bar • Carlton

Booked 2 times today

Leonie Upstairs is a vibrant gem in the heart of Carlton, Melbourne, redefining the Dining Bar experience with its exquisite Japanese flair. The restaurant's authentic saké selection is lauded as "the best sake selection we’ve ever seen," offering an exceptional introduction to both novices and connoisseurs. Guests rave about the "delicious, high quality food" and the "outstanding presentation," making it a perfect spot for intimate catch-ups or memorable date nights. The cozy, inviting atmosphere is complemented by "fantastic staff" who are both "informative and attentive," ensuring every visit is a delightful culinary journey. Experience the magic of Leonie Upstairs, where tradition meets innovation in every bite.

A photo of Hideaway Melbourne restaurant

8. Hideaway Melbourne

new

(0)

€€€€Price: Moderate

• Dining bar • Melbourne CBD

Hideaway Melbourne is a modern Thai café blending vibrant Thai flavours with Melbourne brunch vibes. Enjoy Thai Fusion Brunch dishes like Eggs Benedict with Tomyum Hollandaise, Thai Style Smashed Avocado, or quick bites like croissants, toasties, and Thai breakfast skewers. Savour hearty mains like Thai Style Pasta, Green Curry Pork Katsu, or refreshing Thai Salads. Perfect for a quick snack or a leisurely brunch—there’s something for everyone!

A photo of KOI Dessert Bar Melbourne restaurant

9. KOI Dessert Bar Melbourne

4.6

Exceptional(37)

€€€€Price: Very Expensive

• Dining bar • Melbourne CBD

KOI Dessert Bar Melbourne, located in the vibrant Melbourne CBD, is a haven for those seeking an extraordinary Dining Bar experience. Celebrated for its exquisite desserts that are often described as “a visual feast for all the senses,” KOI ensures that each visit is a memorable culinary adventure. The innovative creations by the renowned Poernomo brothers offer flavors that are “out of this world,” making it a must-visit for dessert enthusiasts. Guests have praised the venue for its “warm and tranquil” atmosphere and “delightful and attentive” staff, making every visit a delightful indulgence in both taste and hospitality.

10. WAYGOOD

4.8

Exceptional(303)

€€€€Price: Moderate

• Dining bar • Richmond

Booked 10 times today

WAYGOOD, nestled in the heart of Richmond, is a gem for Modern European cuisine enthusiasts. This delightful eatery shines with its “outstanding food and service,” offering seasonal plates that are both inventive and authentic. Guests rave about its “vegetable-forward menu” and the ability to accommodate various dietary needs, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to quality and inclusivity. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, complemented by a “brilliant wine list” and “house-made drinks” that elevate the dining experience. WAYGOOD truly lives up to its name, delivering a dining experience that is both “delicious” and memorable. A must-visit for locals and visitors alike!

‘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

L
Litsa
Melbourne •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Joanne's is our favourite place for great pizza and a glass of wine, any night of the week. Luckily it's within walking distance, so sometimes it's two glasses of wine. Try the Joanne's Special, pizza just like I had when I was a kid.
More info
Joanne's Pizzeria & BarPrice: Moderate• Pizza Bar• Carlton North
•
4.8
M
Melanie
Melbourne •8 reviews
4.0
Dined on 26 Feb 2025
Very cool looking venue with mural, foliage and illuminated sign. Friendly service. $14 workers lunch which is good value. We shared the snitzel wrap and chips but the wrap needed more sauce/flavour, and the chips were not salted enough. Nice and spacious rooftop with an undercover area. We went on a really hot day and although there were fans and coverings it was extremely warm and uncomfortable though lovely and cool downstairs in the restaurant section.
More info
Lush Rooftop & BarPrice: Moderate• Australian• Keilor
•
4.1
T
Tim
Sydney •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 23 Feb 2025
Had the Sunday set menu with wines! Plenty of food! Delicious! Definitely will be back.
More info
Marama WinePrice: Expensive• Dining Bar• Carlton North
•
4.6
J
Jacqueline
Melbourne •2 reviews
4.0
Dined on 9 Feb 2025
Great food, fresh, hot and tasty - feed me menu was good value. Service was nice, maybe a little slow in between entree and main.
More info
Bird Bang´n ChickenPrice: Moderate• American• Brunswick
•
4.7
J
John-Paul
Melbourne •5 reviews
5.0
Dined on 18 Jan 2025
Decent portion size of dishes. Parama and chips good value. Big breakfast really good. Friendly staff, it’s one of my favourite places to eat for brunch.
More info
Sir DukePrice: Moderate• Modern Australian• Moonee Ponds
•
4.5

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