Best Seasonal Restaurants in Essendon

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

City CentreEastern SuburbsInner City EastInner City NorthInner City SouthInner City West

Neighborhoods

AbbotsfordAlbert ParkAlphingtonArmadaleAscot ValeBrunswick

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

153 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Carlton Wine Room restaurant

1. The Carlton Wine Room

4.8

Exceptional(834)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• European • Carlton

Booked 31 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

A photo of Postmistress Eatery restaurant

4. Postmistress Eatery

4.7

Exceptional(13)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Brunswick

Booked 14 times today

Postmistress Eatery: Where Modern Italian Meets Melbourne CharmStep into Postmistress Eatery and be transported to a world of culinary delights. This modern Italian eatery in the heart of Brunswick West offers a vibrant atmosphere and a menu that tantalizes the taste buds. The restaurant boasts a sleek and stylish interior, with exposed brick walls, warm lighting, and comfortable seating. The open kitchen allows you to witness the culinary artistry firsthand, as chefs craft each dish with passion and precision.Postmistress's menu is a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients, sourced from local producers. From wood-fired pizzas topped with gourmet toppings to handmade pasta dishes bursting with flavor, every dish is a testament to the restaurant's commitment to quality and creativity. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner for two, a lively gathering with friends, or a casual solo dining experience, Postmistress Eatery has something for everyone.

5. Maven by Morgan

4.7

Exceptional(130)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Fitzroy

Booked 19 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.

6. Pinotta

4.7

Exceptional(190)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• European • Fitzroy North

Booked 4 times today

Honest food with integrity, generosity and spirit // Head Chef : Philippa Sibley // Vinyl Flipper : Heidi Modra // What do we do? We do good things. We do GREAT things. We do things that make you smile and make you laugh, and make you want to come back again // We create a shared space where food and wine come together. A dynamic, daily changing menu of what's in season and at its best. We organise bespoke events for whatever celebration you can think of. We facilitate first dates and second dates and wedding dates. We are there for end-of-years and start-of-years, and for all the in-betweens. We are your neighbourhood place with a friendly face and a hug for all who walk through the door (and lean in the window) // We pride ourselves on being whatever you need us to be, at any time of day. Always sustained. Always watered. Always wined // XOIf you have trouble booking online, phone on 9481 3393 and we will sort you out as best we can // XO

A photo of Convoy Moonee Ponds restaurant

7. Convoy Moonee Ponds

4.8

Exceptional(3)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Café • Moonee Ponds

**We’re currently not accepting bookings for the months of December and January, however we are open for walk ins! Looking forward to seeing you soon.**Convoy Moonee Ponds is a vibrant and welcoming café in the heart of Moonee Ponds, known for its exceptional coffee and thoughtfully crafted dishes. Perfect for early mornings and relaxed afternoons, Convoy serves a menu that celebrates fresh, local produce, offering everything from hearty breakfast staples to innovative lunch creations. Signature dishes include their perfectly poached eggs with house-made hollandaise and unique, seasonal specials that keep locals coming back.The warm and stylish interior makes Convoy a standout for casual catch-ups or focused work sessions, complete with a community-driven atmosphere and outstanding customer service. Whether you're grabbing a coffee to go or indulging in a leisurely brunch, Convoy Moonee Ponds is a must-visit destination for food and coffee lovers alike.

A photo of The Courthouse Hotel restaurant

8. The Courthouse Hotel

4.8

Exceptional(299)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Australian • North Melbourne

Booked 17 times today

Nestled in the vibrant heart of North Melbourne, the Courthouse Hotel is just steps away from the Queen Victoria Market and Melbourne's Arts Precinct.With multiple fireplaces, our cosy pub offers a warm and welcoming ambiance.We take pride in sourcing local, seasonal produce to prepare traditional pub favourites and more!

9. Regale

4.7

Exceptional(20)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Comfort Food • Carlton

Booked 6 times today

Hello, Carlton! Your new favorite Restaurant and Basement Bar is about to light up the neighborhood, just steps away from Melbourne CBD.With a focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, Regale's menu showcases a curated selection of innovative dishes, from indulgent small plates to signature mains that celebrate Asian flavors with a modern Australian flair.Downstairs, Bar Galer offers an inviting blend of contemporary elegance and casual sophistication, perfect for unwinding with friends or catching up over a few drinks.

10. Cross Keys

4.3

Awesome(256)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Australian • Essendon

Booked 4 times today

A local favourite for over 150 years, The Cross Keys Hotel is the perfect spot to bring the family. The Cross Keys boasts an impressive bistro serving up tasty meals Monday through Sunday, a fun kids room, a lively sports bar showing all the must see games on the big screens, a modern TAB facility and two spacious event rooms. With weekly specials and all your favourite pub classics, what isn't too love? See you at The Keys !

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

P
Patrick
Melbourne •1 review
4.0
Dined today
The dining experience was great atmosphere was pleasant and food was outstanding
More info
Postmistress EateryPrice: Moderate• Italian• Brunswick
•
4.7
K
Kim
New South Wales •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Beautiful food and amazing service. Will definitely be back.
More info
Maven by MorganPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Fitzroy
•
4.7
D
Dan
Melbourne •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Simply one of the best venues in Carlton. Excellent all round
More info
BistraPrice: Expensive• Australian• Carlton
•
4.9
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
A
Annabel
Melbourne •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 28, 2025
A choices of casual and private dining experience. Excellent service and delicious food. Just simply amazing place to celebrate special day.
More info
TOTE Bar & DiningPrice: Expensive• Australian• Moonee Ponds
•
4.6

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