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The Moat, Melbourne, AU-VIC

The Moat

4.8
4.8
313 Reviews
$A41 to $A100
Italian

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 9 times today
Experiences are available.
  • Charming
  • Good for special occasions
  • Good for groups
Enjoy an Italian escape at The Moat, an intimate haven in the heart of Melbourne.
Set in the basement of the State Library.
Our new menu reflects the Italian heritage of our two owners, Paul and Rosie, and of our head chef Monica. Together, they have created authentic dishes that are hand-made with seasonal local produce, simplicity and love.
Our family welcomes yours to join us.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $A41 to $A100
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Cocktail Bar, Mediterranean
  • Hours of Operation
    Wed–Fri 12:00 pm–10:00 pm Dinner Tue, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (03) 9094 7820
  • Website
    http://www.themoat.com.au/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Private party facilities
    For Private Functions please Contact Rosie via email: info@themoat.com.au

Experiences

  • Lunch Special

    A$30.00 per person

    16 Feb 2024 - 21 Dec 2024
    On Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays enjoy our lunch special: a plate of our silky handmade pasta and a glass of wine for just $30.
    Lunch Special photo

  • Chef's feed me menu

    A$75.00 per person

    5 Jul 2024 - 4 Dec 2024
    for parties larger than 8 enjoy a family style feed me menu of the chefs favourite dishes. Let us know if we need to consider any special diets and we will make it happen
    Chef's feed me menu photo

  • Gnocchi Night!!

    A$40.00 per person

    5 Jul 2024 - 21 Dec 2024
    Join us every Wednesday for Gnocchi Night! Enjoy your choice of three pasta dishes, each featuring our handmade gnocchi, served with a side salad and a glass of red or white house wine for just $40 per person. It's the perfect mid-week treat!
    Gnocchi Night!! photo

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 313 people are saying

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
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.6Value

Noise • Energetic

Diners' Choice Awards

  • City Centre

    Best Overall

  • City Centre

    Best Service

  • City Centre

    Italian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Moat is a "hidden gem" in Melbourne's CBD, offering a cozy and "beautiful ambience" beneath the State Library. Known for its "incredible food" like "pillow-like fluffy gnocchi" and mushroom ravioli, the restaurant also boasts "warm, professional" service and a "fabulous feel," making it a "perfect night out."

313 Reviews

  1. OpenTable Diner

    Melbourne

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 15 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food suggestions, pleasant staff, yummy food and dessert and wine, great vibe. Been coming over 10 years, a haven.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Caroline

    Sydney

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 6 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We spent a wonderful night at the Moat. We loved the space, the food and the service. Their pasta is superb! Not cheap, but excellent quality. My only gripe is the chocolate mousse on a bed of olive oil. The mousse was delicious but not a good marriage with the olive oil….rather awful in fact.
    The MoatResponded on 8 November 2024
    Thank you for the five star review, Caroline! We're so happy to hear you loved spending time with us and that you enjoyed our handmade pasta. Thanks for your comments regarding our chocolate mousse with olive oil; we'll pass this onto our kitchen team. We hope you'll dine with us again soon!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Kevin

    Adelaide

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 2 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Staff was warm and welcoming. Pasta was lovely but the best was the John Dory(catch of the day).
    The MoatResponded on 8 November 2024
    Thank you, Kevin! We're thrilled to hear that you loved dining with us. We hope you'll stop by for another meal soon!

    Is this helpful?

  4. christine

    Las Vegas

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on 1 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Such a vibrant underground treasure. Service was amazing last night, food delicious and reasonably priced.
    The MoatResponded on 8 November 2024
    Thank you, Christine! We're happy to hear that you love spending time at The Moat and to learn that our team took such great care of you. We hope you'll come see us again soon!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Kylie

    Melbourne

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 29 October 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great service, super cute vibe and a nice little spot in the middle of town
    The MoatResponded on 8 November 2024
    Many thanks for the five star review, Kylie! We're so pleased to hear you loved spending time with us and we hope you'll stop by again soon.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Roslyn Ann

    Melbourne

    32 reviews

    5.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on 26 October 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A hidden gem tucked beneath The State Library. It was paced with various ages enjoying the ambiance and food. Our pasta was delicious served with a generous salad. Wine prices are very reasonable. Already planning our next visit next
    The MoatResponded on 8 November 2024
    Thank you so much, Roslyn! We're delighted to hear that you loved dining at The Moat and we look forward to your next visit!

    Is this helpful?

  7. BecC

    Melbourne

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 16 October 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Exquisite! One of our favourite places in the CBD. Gnocchi night is simple and divine. Service was spot on and friendly.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Paul

    Melbourne

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 12 October 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This is a hidden gem in Melbourne. Such a beautiful ambience, incredible food and true old fashioned personalised service. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience The Moat for yourself!
    The MoatResponded on 21 October 2024
    Thank you so much, Paul! We're delighted to hear that you loved your time with us and we hope to see you again!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Rachel

    Victoria

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on 12 October 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing food, quirky vibe and very attentive staff. Loved our dinner here.
    The MoatResponded on 21 October 2024
    Thanks, Rachel! We're thrilled to hear that you love The Moat and we hope you'll dine with us again soon!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Ritzel

    Melbourne

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 11 October 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The moment I stepped inside this restaurant, I loved the ambiance. The menu has varied and interesting dishes. The Mussells in Nduya butter was to die for! We went absolutely crazy for the 2 pasta dishes we’ve ordered as well as the 2 small plates of Burrata and prosciutto. Will definitely come back and will highly recommend to family and friends!
    The MoatResponded on 21 October 2024
    Many thanks for the five star review, Ritzel! We are so happy to hear that you loved dining at The Moat and we look forward to your next visit!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Moat offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (03) 9094 7820.

The Moat is rated 4.8 stars by 313 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 9 times today
Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for The Moat

176 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne, AU-VIC 3000

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Swanston and Little Lonsdale
  • Area
    Melbourne CBD
  • Hours of Operation
    Wed–Fri 12:00 pm–10:00 pm Dinner Tue, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $A41 to $A100
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Cocktail Bar, Mediterranean
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Parking available at QV Centre
  • Public transit
    Melbourne Central
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Patio/Outdoor Dining
  • Website
    http://www.themoat.com.au/
  • Phone number
    (03) 9094 7820
  • Private party facilities
    For Private Functions please Contact Rosie via email: info@themoat.com.au
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