Best Historic Restaurants in Essendon

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

ItalianSteakhouseSeafoodChinesePizzeriaFusion / Eclectic

Regions

City CentreInner City EastInner City NorthInner City SouthInner City WestNorthern Suburbs

Neighborhoods

Clifton HillEast MelbourneFitzroyFootscrayHeidelbergMelbourne CBD

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

18 restaurants available nearby

1. Mona Castle Hotel

4.7

Exceptional(249)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Australian • Seddon

Booked 13 times today

The Mona Castle Hotel is a historic pub in the heart of Melbourne's West, serving locals for over 150 years. With a warm and inviting atmosphere, it offers a diverse menu featuring classic pub favorites alongside modern Australian dishes. Guests can also enjoy a wide selection of drinks, including beers, wines, and cocktails. The Mona Castle Hotel is the perfect spot to relax and share a meal with friends or family.

A photo of Central Club Hotel - North Melbourne restaurant

2. Central Club Hotel - North Melbourne

4.7

Exceptional(111)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Pub • North Melbourne

Booked 6 times today

The Central Club Hotel is a vibrant and historic venue located in the heart of North Melbourne, a stones throw away from the Queen Victoria Market. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and rich heritage, the hotel serves as a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.The Central Club Hotel boasts an extensive menu that caters to a variety of tastes. Guests can enjoy our house-made pastas and hearty pub feeds, including classic dishes like burgers, steaks, and seasonal specials, all crafted from quality ingredients. The bar proudly features a well-curated, all Australian, wine list as well as a selection of local independent craft beers and crowd favourites; Carlton Draught and Guinness, with knowledgeable staff ready to recommend the perfect drink.The hotel combines classic charm with contemporary flair, featuring a mix of traditional pub decor and modern amenities. The interiors are cozy and inviting, with warm lighting, rustic furnishings, and an overall relaxed vibe.

A photo of Footscray Milking Station restaurant

3. Footscray Milking Station

4.7

Exceptional(18)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Café • Footscray

Booked 2 times today

Busy little cafe in central Footscray. The historic red brick interior brings a cosy feel to enjoy with your coffee. Menu consists of seasonal meals and snacks suitable for all dietary requirements.Courtyard with heaps of room for furry friends.

4. Kirbie

4.8

Exceptional(393)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Bistro • South Melbourne

Booked 9 times today

KIRBIE Caff' & BistroLunch & Dinner Tuesday-SaturdayFunctions & Events Available

5. Alluvial

3.4

Very Good(145)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Modern Australian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 1 time today

Nestled between the historic Rialto and Winfield buildings, Alluvial Restaurant effortlessly melds a mix of old and new, all imbued with the culinary and cultural charms of Melbourne. Alluvial Restaurant, named after Alluvial gold deposits in honour of the gold rush, when Melbourne was the richest city in the world. Situated under our iconic glass atrium, is the perfect setting to try our international buffet breakfast, all day dining menu or simply enjoy a coffee or wine in Bluestone Lounge Bar, for a more casual option. Sample modern Melbourne cuisine with the best local produce and flavours Melbourne has to offer. Melbourne’s electric dining scene offers a startling array of the world’s greatest cuisines, the hotel amplifies these diverse cultures that make Melbourne eating so unique.

6. Luci

4.4

Awesome(214)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Australian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 7 times today

Luci is a contemporary Australian restaurant set in the grand hall of Melbourne’s historic Equity Chambers building.Its art deco styled dining room – designed by Bates Smart – provides a sophisticated backdrop to a contemporary Australian menu with Italian accents.Celebrating Melbourne’s history of Italian immigrants and its evolution into a cosmopolitan culinary city, Luci is a contemporary Australian restaurant housed within the grand hall of the historic Equity Chambers Building.

7. The Clare Castle

4.7

Exceptional(913)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Gastro Pub • Port Melbourne

Booked 25 times today

The Clare Castle Port Melbourne is one of Melbourne's finest pub restaurants. Pub classics are a feature but we raise the bar with amazing char grilled steaks, incredible seafood including prawns, beautiful fresh fish, freshly shucked oysters and our signature Moreton Bay bugs available in numerous dishes. We also have vegetarian and gluten free options and many other delights.We offer multiple dining options: FULL SERVICE in the Restaurant and on the Restaurant Terrace. BAR SERVICE (and optional QR code ordering) in the Bar and on the footpath tables. We also have a fabulous private wine room for your special occasion (please ring to enquire about this room).

8. Meatmaiden

4.6

Exceptional(1388)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Melbourne CBD

Booked 30 times today

Meatmaiden is an underground steakhouse and cocktail bar delivering a unique take on the classics.Hidden in the basement of the historic Georges Building, we strive to find the finest grass-fed, grain-fed and Wagyu beef for our custom-built grill and wood-fired smoker and dry-age select cuts in our meat cabinet.Premium steaks from incredible local producers with an ever-evolving lineup, seafood dishes such as our cult lobster mac cheese and modern, diverse menus stand alongside innovative house cocktails and a focused, energetic wine list.Look for the Maiden's face on Little Collins St, descend the metal stairs and discover our dark, seductive venue and individual approach to dining out in this rollicking homage to all things meat.

A photo of The Bank on Collins restaurant

9. The Bank on Collins

4.1

Excellent(410)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Modern Australian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 11 times today

Located in the heart of the city The Bank on Collins is the perfect location for lunch, dinner or after work drinks. Appealing to the corporate community The Bank offers a modern Australian pub menu with an express lunch option for those on the go. This iconic Melbourne building was built in 1876 from New Zealand Omaru stone with ornate metal balustrades. Originally home to The Bank of Australasia the site is now heritage listed with the Australian Heritage Commission and the National Trust of Australia.Now, the upstairs of the building is home to the Treasury on Collins accommodation facilities.The Bank on Collins is also suitable for corporate gatherings, celebrations and weddings. The floor plan is versatile to accommodate any style of event, catering up to 300 people for a cocktail party.

A photo of Kushiro Fusion Cuisine restaurant

10. Kushiro Fusion Cuisine

4.8

Exceptional(36)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Fusion / Eclectic • Fitzroy

Booked 5 times today

Kushiro - MelbourneNestled in a 100-year-old heritage building in Fitzroy, Kushiro blends historic charm with modern culinary artistry. Inspired by Melbourne's vibrant laneway dining and street art culture, the restaurant features a beautiful bar, Japanese-inspired lamps, chandeliers, and a striking graffiti wall depicting a fishing village in Hokkaido.Kushiro's menu combines traditional Japanese techniques with contemporary flavors, offering standout dishes like Scampi Tartare, Cured Salmon, Chef Po’s Char Siu, Slow Roasted Short Rib, Confit Duck, and Tofu Panna Cotta. Patrons can also enjoy Kushiro's exclusive brand of sake, crafted in Japan.Kushiro enriches Melbourne's diverse culinary scene with its unique offerings and vibrant atmosphere.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

OT
OpenTable Diner
Melbourne •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Such a great atmosphere . Very popular Staff particularly are an asset to the Mona Castle The place was so busy but they had it covered . Enjoyed our steak night
More info
Mona Castle HotelPrice: Moderate• Australian• Seddon
•
4.7
K
Kathryn
Melbourne •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
A group of eight women had a meal together and we loved everything about it: the ambient music wasn't too loud but loud enough to be enjoyable; the food was fantastic and the service was exemplary. We will go back
More info
Central Club Hotel - North MelbournePrice: Expensive• Pub• North Melbourne
•
4.7
E
EmilyVIP
Melbourne •4 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 6, 2025
Delicious the hanger steak with miso and the tiramisu were highlights and the wine was great
More info
KirbiePrice: Expensive• Bistro• South Melbourne
•
4.8
M
Marnie
Melbourne •1 review
5.0
Dined on Feb 15, 2025
We had a fantastic lunch! Plenty of options to choose from and everyone was impressed with their lunch. Very attentive and helpful staff. Will definitely come back!
More info
Footscray Milking StationPrice: Moderate• Café• Footscray
•
4.7
I
Ian
Melbourne •1 review
4.0
Dined on Feb 14, 2025
Very nice High Tea for special occasion. Quite pricey so would only go there for special occasion. Staff were friendly and chatty, but not very attentive. Had to ask for drinks menu twice (first person obviously forgot.) Had to walk to other side of restaurant to order second drink as no staff were in the vicinity for some time.
More info
AlluvialPrice: Expensive• Modern Australian• Melbourne CBD
•
3.4

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