Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
The Moat, Melbourne, AU-VIC

The Moat

4.9
4.9
334 Reviews
$41 to $100
Italian
176 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne, AU-VIC 3000

Make a reservation

2 people
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
7:00 PM
Booked 10 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • 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.

Restaurants you may also like

View all

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $41 to $100
  • 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
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Private party facilities
    For Private Functions please Contact Rosie via email: info@themoat.com.au
  • Delivery & takeout
  • Neighborhood
    Melbourne CBD
  • Cross street
    Swanston and Little Lonsdale
  • Parking details
    Parking available at QV Centre
  • Public transit
    Melbourne Central
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • Gnocchi Night!

    A$40.00 per person

    Multiple dates available
    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
  • Lunch Special!

    A$35.00 per person

    Multiple dates available
    On Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays enjoy our lunch special: a plate of our silky handmade pasta and a glass of wine for just $35.
    Lunch Special! Photo
  • Chef's feed me menu

    A$80.00 per person

    Multiple dates available
    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

What 334 people are saying

The Moat reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.9
4.9 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseEnergetic

Loved For

  • City Centre

    Best Overall

  • City Centre

    Best Food

  • City Centre

    Best Service

  • City Centre

    Best Ambiance

  • City Centre

    Good for business meals

  • City Centre

    Italian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Moat, a "hidden gem" in Melbourne, delights diners with "delicious fresh Italian food", exceptional service, and a cozy atmosphere. "Gnocchi night is to die for", and the "wine list is excellent". This charming spot offers great value, making it a "perfect choice for date nights or group gatherings".
334 Reviews
  1. Jacinta

    Melbourne2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great welcoming service, delicious food, lovely cosy atmosphere. There's a reason why this hidden gem is so popular!

    Is this helpful?

  2. Tim

    Melbourne1 review

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Nice venue and terrific food for the price. Not too noisy.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Kelle

    Melbourne5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 14, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This is one of Melbourne’s hidden gems. Beautiful fresh Italian food elevated by excellent service and a great wine list. I’ll definitely be back to explore more of the menu and wines, and enjoy the cosy and friendly ambiance again.
    The MoatResponded on March 27, 2025
    Kelle, we are so happy to learn that you loved dining with us! Thank you for your lovely review. We look forward to seeing you again soon!

    Is this helpful?

  4. Pieris

    London2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 8, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Very quaint restaurant with a limited menu, however the food is superb. Our waitress Annie, was cheerful, knowledgeable and friendly. The restaurant is fairly small so you may need to book. I highly recommend this wonderful restaurant..
    The MoatResponded on March 27, 2025
    Pieris, we are delighted to hear that you loved your time at The Moat! Thank you for your kind words about Annie and your meal; we hope you'll come dine with us again some day!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Georgia

    Victoria5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 7, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fantastic lunch special - great value for money and the special of the day gnocchi with the lamb was to die for!
    The MoatResponded on March 27, 2025
    Georgia, we're delighted to hear that you loved lunching at The Moat! We hope you'll dine with us again soon.

    Is this helpful?

  6. OpenTable Diner

    Melbourne1 review

    5.0

    Dined on March 1, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our pre theatre go too. Italian. Never disappointed! Food divine, staff friendly, quick service.
    The MoatResponded on March 27, 2025
    Thank you for the five star review! We're delighted to be your favourite pre-theatre dining spot. Come back and see us again soon!

    Is this helpful?

  7. OpenTable Diner

    Melbourne3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 28, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful staff great food and very gluten free friendly we always come here when we are in Melbourne
    The MoatResponded on March 27, 2025
    We are so pleased to be one of your favourite Melbourne restaurants! Thank you for your kind words and your support. We look forward to seeing you again soon!

    Is this helpful?

  8. Sally

    Melbourne2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 27, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The Moat is a hidden gem. Delicious food, lovely service - I have never been disappointed.
    The MoatResponded on March 27, 2025
    Sally, we are so pleased to hear that you love dining with us! We look forward to your next visit.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Louise

    Melbourne1 review

    4.0

    Dined on February 21, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    Food was lovely and service attentive. I did ask that the play list be changed as I'm not a fan of rap and someone kindly obliged, which I appreciated. It's a great place for a drink after an exhibition launch at RMIT galleries, which is why we were there.
    The MoatResponded on March 27, 2025
    Louise, thank you so much for your kind words! We are so pleased to learn that you enjoyed your time at The Moat, and we hope you'll visit us again soon.

    Is this helpful?

  10. justine VIP

    NT2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 18, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Exceptional from linen table cloth to warm service to hand made pasta. Every time.
    The MoatResponded on February 26, 2025
    Justine, thank you for your kind words. We are so happy to learn that you love spending time 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 4.9 stars by 334 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. Australia
  3. Melbourne
  4. City Centre
  5. Melbourne CBD

Make a reservation

2 people
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
7:00 PM
Booked 10 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for The Moat

176 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne, AU-VIC 3000

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Swanston and Little Lonsdale
  • Neighborhood
    Melbourne CBD
  • Hours of operation
    Wed–Fri 12:00 pm–10:00 pm Dinner Tue, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $41 to $100
  • 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
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Delivery & takeout
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2025 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo