Melbourne Restaurants

Eating and drinking are taken to an exciting new level at Pabu, a modern take on the traditional Japanese pubs or Izakaya. The word Pabu is Japanese for pub, and like any Aussie pub, Pabu is casual, friendly and always lively. You will be wowed by the cutting-edge Japanese-influenced décor as soon as you walk through the door. The infamous giant abacus on the ceiling has been the talk of the town ever since Pabu opened it’s door! At the front of the restaurant you will find the beautiful communal table made of recycled timber which welcomes single diners or larger groups. Stretching the length of the side-wall is the beautiful graffiti artwork inspired by the seasons of Japan by Hiroyasu Tsuri, an award winning local Japanese artist based in Melbourne.

The Sanctuary Lakes Hotel will raise your expectations of what a suburban hotel should be. Within a safe, family friendly atmosphere you will find a diverse choice of dining and entertainment opportunities that is unequalled.

From the relaxed family dining day and night, to the chilled out vibe of our Cruz Restaurant/Cafe, the sophistication of our piano bar, one of our versatile areas and community spaces or the ultimate in sports bars open till late, Sanctuary Lakes Hotel offers the solution to whatever takes your fancy.

The Hotel is accessible to everyone in the community with a vast area for on-site parking and easy public transport access.

Spaces/Community Facilities

The Sanctuary Lakes Hotel offers 3 areas, all with food & bar service, and a ‘state of the art’ audio visual facility in our largest space.

The stylish spaces are perfectly suited to entertainment, corporate or sporting occasions and our hotel manager will arrange all details for your celebration.

As part of our commitment to the community, we would be happy to discuss providing facilities for local sporting clubs, community groups, or NFP local organisations.

Izakaya Den is a restaurants and bar and has been created in the vein of a traditional Japanese Izakaya. Come down the stairs into this dimly lit den of foodie heaven.

The Smith is one of Melbourne’s best gastropubs.

Located on one of Prahran’s best known streets, The Smith is focused on quality, offering a contemporary, produce driven menu where simplicity equates to casual sophistication.

The team in the kitchen and front of house, led by chef and owner Michael Lambie with business partner Scott Borg, is made up of some of the most respected hospitality professionals, each committed to providing a fun, memorable and entertaining experience in an unpretentious environment, with modern design, a stunning fit out, and a thought leading approach to quality cuisine.

Affordable enough to enjoy every day and memorable enough for every special occasion, The Smith is consistent, unwavering and focused on offering the complete hospitality experience.

The Publican offers the very best in cocktails, spirits and craft beers.

Upstairs has been transformed to ensure a club experience that needs to be seen to be believed…

Indulge the senses with “Ms Banks” and our all new modern Asian fusion menu in our amazing dining hall.

Last but certainly not least, the Publican boasts the biggest and only balcony on Main Street perfect to eat, sip and people watch from open till close.

FUNCTIONS AT THE PUBLICAN

The Peninsula’s premier and most unique venue. Enjoy fantastic food with a huge range of craft beers and incredible cocktails, all served with style & flair, in an atmosphere with some of Melbourne’s Best DJ’s playing Friday and Saturday nights.

Whatever your upcoming special event is, allow our dedicated functions team to not only meet but exceed your expectations ensuring your special event is nothing short of spectacular!

For a diversion from Lygon Street's 'little Italy' sits an institution in Carlton's North with a name worth remembering. Chin Chin's at Koto Moon sounds more like an entrant in Shanghai's independent film festival than a purveyor of contemporary Asian cuisine, but what awaits you is not to be missed.

The Emerson is a place of endless possibility – day or night! This unique multilevel venue inspires and captivates, offering the perfect combination of elegance, fun and contemporary style with Melbourne’s laid-back sophistication. Spanning Club, Cocktail Bar & Lounge and Rooftop, The Emerson invites you to eat, drink and play under one roof with their a la carte menu, premium beverage selection, booth packages, VIP service and private event options.


The Emerson Rooftop

An elegant and sophisticated yet casual space, set against a vista of South Yarra and Melbourne’s CBD. The fully retractable roof and generous heating will keep you warm in winter and cool in summer providing the perfect space for any experience. The Emerson Rooftop offers booth packages ultimate in both day & night celebration, full space hire for weddings and private events, live cooking station and a menu of Modern Australian dishes designed for casual dinners or sharing amongst friends.

Cocktail Bar & Lounge

A place of hidden pockets and secret corners, unique light fixtures and sumptuous textures, this is the ultimate in intimate event spaces. With private booths and lift access, discreet amenity access and a bird’s eye view over the main dance floor, this level is designed to be enjoyed all night long, exclusively removed from the fevered pace below. The striking cocktail lounge area features plush low level lounge style seating separated to provide exclusivity yet immersed in the atmosphere of the rooftop and club, perfect for an intimate event or seated dinner.

The Emerson Club

Designed for absolute enjoyment, The Emerson Club brings the sounds of resident and international DJ's, spectacular lighting, aerial entertainment and a VIP experience to create the best atmosphere, ambience and experience for all in Melbourne. The beauty is in the details - from the carefully appointed grand bar, to the lush booth seating areas that fill out all the best corners of the club, complementing the flow to bring you up close and personal with the DJ and dance floor.

Upcoming Events



Please Call or Email the Venue above to make a Booking!

Tokosan is a slice of Tokyo life, located just off Chapel Street on Prahran's own Greville Street. With Japan-inspired murals on the brick facades, kitschy neon signs, Japanese furniture, and only the best of
produce prepared by traditional and contemporary Japanese cooking styles, Tokosan has quickly become one of Melbourne, St. Kilda, Windsor and
Prahran's favoured function venues. Book their karaoke room or courtyard or both for an event to remember. Their emphasis is drinks paired with casual Japanese food, perfect for all of your guests to share and enjoy.

The karaoke room is perfect for small gatherings, fun birthday celebrations and intimate cocktail parties, the Tokosan karaoke can be booked exclusively
with optional menu choices and personal bartender in the Karaoke room bar. It can also be booked alongside the stunning Japanese beer garden for bigger events and more freedom and space.

Warm and inviting all year round, Tokosan's terrace beer garden area is perfect for events large and small. With an abundance of ambient light
filtering through the covered ceiling and the many colourful parasols, and coloured light bulbs for illuminating late night conversations over cocktails, this space will set up your function for closeness.

Japanese owned and operated Takumi is a new concept Japanese restaurant specialising in only the highest quality Wagyu with the largest selections of Wagyu prime cuts currently available in Australia. Let your senses take you on a cooking journey as you explore the various cuts of Wagyu, after all its destiny is in your hands.

Located in the heart of South Yarra, Melbourne, Tokyo Teppanyaki is more than just a dining experience – it is a complete night of entertainment!

Enjoy high quality Japanese-style fresh seafood and quality fillets barbecued by our expert staff at your table. Watch as they chop, toss, marinade, slice and juggle your food, even throwing it through the air to land on your plate, or in your mouth if your tastebuds cant stand the wait.

Hanabishi believes in catering to all individuals’ needs and requirements and therefore the menu generously includes choices for those who prefer Gluten Free or Vegetarian options.

With food reviews and critics titling Hanabishi as the “best” Japanese Restaurant in Melbourne, the staff and team at Hanabishi endeavour to retain their reputable status by providing visitors with exceptional cuisine, soothing ambience and impeccable hospitality, every time.

Tataki is a traditional and authentic Japanese cuisine restaurant founded in May 2009. Since the launch we have received a huge amount of positive feedbacks and compliments from our customers. Our philosophy we faithfully carry out is, providing customers with delicious, healthy and authentic Japanese dishes and impeccable service with passion...

Head chef Andy Nakayama has 16 years working experience of Japanese cuisine in Tokyo, along with another few years experience as a Japanese chef in Australia. He has his own original perception ranged from the selection of ingredients and seasonings to the most reasonable combination of nutritions, by preparing the food to Australian customers' liking while keeping the unique Japanese flavours. All the sauces used in our Entree and main dishes are personally home made by our head chef without any artificial flavours, in order to ensure the unique flavour that you won't be able to experience anywhere other than Tataki.

Tataki, a fine Japanese restaurant you can trust. We are looking forward to your visit.