Best Lunch Restaurants in Essendon

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

City CentreEastern SuburbsInner City EastInner City NorthInner City SouthInner City West

Neighborhoods

AbbotsfordAlbert ParkAlphingtonArmadaleAscot ValeBalaclava

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

339 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Lincolnshire Arms Hotel restaurant

1. The Lincolnshire Arms Hotel

4.5

Awesome(147)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Gastro Pub • Essendon

Booked 4 times today

The Lincolnshire Arms Hotel, known and affectionately loved as “The Linc” is an iconic Essendon hotel. We like to think that it offers all things to all with great facilities for entertainment, TAB, great food and a safe and friendly social environment to meet and interact with others. The Linc food has been satisfying the locals for decades and continues as a strong drawcard for our patrons.

A photo of Johnny's Green Room restaurant

2. Johnny's Green Room

4.2

Awesome(97)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Carlton

Situated on the rooftop of the iconic King & Godfree building in the heart of Lygon Street’s Little Italy, Johnny’s Green Room is a Tuscan-inspired terrace with dazzling city skyline views and an enthusiastic appreciation for la dolce vita.Conceived by award-winning designer Dion Hall, Johnny’s evokes the good times of an Italian summer with a semi-retractable roof enabling those summertime vibes to be enjoyed year-round. We have acclaimed chef Karen Martini on board as our Culinary Director, her relaxed menu of Italian-style sharing dishes beautifully complemented by Melbourne bar maestro Matt Bax’s delicious program of Italian-accented cocktails and wine and a rolling roster of the finest DJs in the land.Named after the classic Carlton nightspot that in the 70s and 80s attracted the bohemian and the notorious like moths to a neon-lit flame, Johnny’s has been reimagined for a whole new generation of Carlton habitués.

3. Old Man Drew

4.6

Exceptional(245)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Café • Ascot Vale

Booked 27 times today

At Old Man Drew, we know that memories are to be cherished. Are you coming to visit us to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, retirement, or any special occasion with a small group for breakfast of lunch? Think about booking one of our exclusively set celebration tables in the café, atrium or garden. Enjoy a special spot set with white linen, fine china, fresh flowers and glass ware, a truly beautiful setting. Please request in one of our celebration tables when you make your table booking. The charge starts from $40 per table, which is payable at the time of booking.

A photo of The Carlton Wine Room restaurant

4. The Carlton Wine Room

4.8

Exceptional(834)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• European • Carlton

Booked 32 times today

Carlton Wine Room is a neighbourhood restaurant offering a well-executed, fresh, seasonal food menu, and an ever changing, diverse wine list featuring the best of Italy, Australia and the rest of the World. We offer a bar space, an upstairs restaurant dining room and three unique spaces that are can be booked for private dining perfect for special events.RESERVATIONS: are for a two hour sitting. We do not accept bookings for drinks and snacks, however we accept walk-ins for this if space permits. A surcharge of up to 1.2% applies to credit card transactions. A surcharge of 10% applies on Sundays and 15% on Public Holidays. OUTSIDE SEATING: please note this is subject to the weather and we may not be able to move your reservation inside in the case of bad weather. CANCELLATION: A $50 per person no show fee is charged for failing to attend your reservation. Contact us on 9347 2626 to make changes or cancel your reservation.

5. Local Chook

4.7

Exceptional(150)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Vietnamese • Moonee Ponds

Booked 8 times today

Moonee Ponds Local Chook is a favourite among locals for its imaginative/fusion take on Vietnamese cuisine, served in a modern restaurant. For starters, the Bao Buns are sensational selections. Some of Local Chook’s specialty/popular dishes include the Red Chicken Curry and Twice cooked scotch fillet in plum sauce, as well as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free dishes.

6. Casa Chino

4.8

Exceptional(56)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Fusion / Eclectic • Brunswick

Booked 19 times today

In an intimate setting, splashed in shades of neon and pastel, Casa Chino celebrates the vibrant entwining of Chinese cuisine with Latin American influences. This 90-seat open-style bar with an alfresco space will offer a collection of Chifa-infused share plates and luminous cocktails.Our specially crafted cocktail program celebrates the quintessential Peruvian spirit, Pisco, with a selection of Pisco sours alongside a curated collection of Victorian and South American wines.Come discover the delectable fusion of Peruvian and Chinese dining in Brunswick.

7. 2 Fat Greeks

4.6

Exceptional(230)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Greek • Essendon

Booked 23 times today

Experience the best in truly authentic Greek street food with our range of souvlaki, pitas, chips and salads!The masters of delicious Greek food!Offering a huge range of tasty meat, seafood and vegetarian options, we prepare all our dishes fresh to order. Come in and experience the best Greek street food, mouth watering desserts, and plenty of drink options. See you soon!

8. TOTE Bar & Dining

4.6

Exceptional(242)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Australian • Moonee Ponds

Booked 8 times today

A contemporary bar and restaurant, serving modern-Australian dishes with seasonal eating in mind.Channelling the timeless allure of 1930's design, the interior boasts rich oak panelling, emerald hues, decadent leather and bronze finishes. The space offers three intimate dining areas, known as The Northern Terrace, The Dining Room and The Cellar - our Private Dining Room. The main feature of TOTE is casual dining with premium quality food from well sourced high quality and sustainable produce.It features a contemporary offering from coffee, craft beer and creative cocktails to carefully curated local & imported wines and spirits.The bar itself is modelled to the development’s quintessential roots – the racecourse – and is aptly shaped in an oval form to mirror it.

9. Maven by Morgan

4.7

Exceptional(130)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Fitzroy

Booked 20 times today

Step into Maven, Fitzroy's lively and stylish dining spot by Morgan Hipworth. Enjoy Mediterranean-inspired dishes designed for sharing, alongside innovative cocktails in a relaxed and buzzing atmosphere. Whether for a casual night out or a special occasion, Maven offers memorable moments over great food and drinks.

10. Bistra

4.9

Exceptional(117)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Australian • Carlton

Booked 20 times today

Bistra is an Australian bistro serving quality food and wine; our fare draws its influence predominantly from British, French and Italian cooking and technique, and yet it is quintessentially Australian. You can expect generous, memorable plates championing seasonal ingredients and an extensive list of wines.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
Julie
Victoria •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Yummy food, and good service. Enjoyed a lovely catch up with friends
More info
Local ChookPrice: Moderate• Vietnamese• Moonee Ponds
•
4.7
D
Deena
Melbourne •2 reviews
4.0
Dined on Mar 6, 2025
As always the food was wonderful - Interesting and beautifully presented. The service team were excellent and overall was a very pleasant experience.
More info
The Carlton Wine RoomPrice: Expensive• European• Carlton
•
4.8
P
Paige
Melbourne •1 review
4.0
Dined on Mar 2, 2025
Absolutely love this spot but was disappointed they had no moscato.
More info
Johnny's Green RoomPrice: Expensive• Italian• Carlton
•
4.2
OT
OpenTable Diner
Melbourne •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jan 11, 2025
Beautiful staff, meals, coffee and atmosphere in this well run cafe.
More info
Old Man DrewPrice: Moderate• Café• Ascot Vale
•
4.6
D
Denise
Melbourne •4 reviews
4.0
Dined on Dec 12, 2024
It’s been a while since I’ve been there, & I was pleasantly surprised. Warm welcome, friendly staff,food portions were generous & cooked freshly, with an interesting menu that included pub favourites, with twists on other menu offerings. Can highly recommended the beef stir fry!!-delicious. Prices aren’t exactly cheap, but it’s good value for what you get in regard to quality,freshness & portions. Ambiance is low light moodiness and surprisingly quiet considering its on such a busy road.
More info
The Lincolnshire Arms HotelPrice: Moderate• Gastro Pub• Essendon
•
4.5

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