Melbourne Restaurants

Having fully refurbished the venue, 57 is now famous for its relaxed, casual and stylish dining atmosphere. 57's kitchen boasts a simple fresh cuisine complemented by a boutique wine list featuring some sensational local and imported wines. If it's a perfect morning coffee, a romantic dinner or an intimate family gathering, visit 57 for an everlasting experience!

The name Shakahari, incidentally, is the Hindi word for "vegetarian". For more than forty years Shakahari has been one of this city's most innovative restaurants.

Eschewing compromise, Shakahari has maintained a firm commitment to the two fundamentals of its cuisine: It is completely vegetarian and it uses only fresh, natural ingredients. Menus are changed quarterly to take full advantage of seasonally available fruits and vegetables and there are no artificial ingredients or colourants used.

Shakahari has pioneered other fields in its fascinating development. Beginning in the early '70s by introducing ideas from Japanese, Chinese and Thai culinary traditions. In style, Shakahari's cuisine has always been East-West even before this term became the familiar way to describe cooking which uses Asian ingredients and skills in a European context.

Today this restaurant's wide appeal rests on its expertise in creating meals which are light but satisfying, natural but attentively detailed in their preparation and presentation.

In keeping with its original Indian inspiration, the interior design of Shakahari's Carlton location uses basic village tones and simple furnishings. It's only indulgence are two magnificent cloth paintings of the 19th century Nathvara (Rajasthan school) and a series of the earliest devotional posters from the Ravi Varma Steam Press, Poona.

Dion Li Rosi started his apprenticeship at Va Tutto Restaurant in Ivanhoe at the tender age of 16ish, after growing up in an environment where food, friends and family were paramount, it seemed natural to take a position in cookery. His love of food and tradition provided the passion needed to work up the ranks in the kitchen and improve his technique and knowledge. With itchy feet, he parted ways with Va Tutto and accepted a role at De Bortoli Wineries to complete his apprenticeship and increase his product knowledge.

The completion of his apprenticeship saw him once again climb the ladder of hierarchy for a further 3 years until the thirst for knowledge had him take a break from cooking to up skill with a nutrition course at ACNT, which provided some of the most sensitive dietary information that is integral within the industry. Being away from the pans was harder than expected, so the next step was to re-enter the industry, but concentrate on different cuisine. Classically Italian trained, Dion took a job at Two Beans and a Farm, where the menu was heavily Spanish/French. Within the walls of this 150 Year old Homestead, a bond was concreted with the manager, Tro Jerijian, who he brought with him to DiCasa Restaurant.

At DiCasa, we are heavily produce and service driven, sourcing the best products from local businesses and processing from scratch to create the best possible European cuisine. Using old school family recipes from the old country while incorporating the world’s best produce, Dion is able to represent his cultural background. We go to great lengths chasing producers and cutting out the middlemen, to reduce food miles as we often buy straight from the source. Whether you are a romantic table of 2 or a group booking of 60, the emphasis is to cater each situation to the needs of your guests. This incorporates all dietary requirements, children meals, disabled access, music, lighting and décor.

At Bar Lourinhã, they believe true hospitality comes from the heart. Their passion is sharing their love of good Mediterranean food, wine and cherished memories.

Bar Lourinhã Upstairs is an exclusive space that has a brand new look and feel courtesy of the creative vision of designer Pascale Gomes McNabb.

The intimate room is the perfect venue for a celebration or corporate function. Designed specifically for birthdays, engagements, small wedding receptions and a variety of business events, the space can be whatever you want it to be.

Seating up to 40 guests for a sit-down lunch or dinner and up to 65 guests for a stand-up cocktail event, exclusive room hire offers complete privacy and the chance for your guests to experience the Mediterranean way of life.

They have a range of food and drinks packages that reflect the current menu and feature seasonal produce. Each package can be tailored to suit your specific requests and dietary requirements.

Spanish with Passion

Bienvenidos to Basque Tapas and Wine – one of Melbourne’s best Spanish restaurants…

Centrally located in Chapel Street, Prahan, Basque is a slice of Spain in Melbourne, offering authentic Spanish food in a vibrant and lively atmosphere.

When you take great Greek food and the famous Hellenic spirit and add it to eclectic Brunswick East, you get Melbourne's hottest Greek taverna - an exciting culinary destination that will leave you wanting more.

Cargo Docklands, from the team that brings you Berth. A casual & dynamic eatery designed around sharing & drinking by the water.

Owned and operated by the Konstandakopoulos family since 1978, Stalactites has long become a Melbourne institution and is a must for Melbourne diners.

The delicious menu includes mouth-watering Greek dishes such as the world famous giros souvlaki, home made fresh dips, tasty grilled meats and rustic home style dishes from the Peloponnese region of Greece.

Vasko boasts a unique family presence, and a successful fusion of contemporary cuisine with a strong Mediterranean flavour.


Private dinner, cocktail party, engagement, wedding, christening you name it, Vasko’s enviable reputation for creativity ensures your next special occasion will be a complete success. A private bar, champagne garden and al fresco deck seating are just a few of the many great features included in our private space.

Vasko can accommodate up to 150 guests cocktail style, offering a broad range of canapés, finger food and grazer options. For a sit-down celebration we can cater for up to 70 people with a variety of set menus to choose from.

Each dish on their cocktail and set menus are house made and are of the highest quality.


For a conference Vasko’s private space can cater for your annual general meeting, training seminar/workshop, exhibition and more. The space is fully equipped with a comprehensive audio visual system including a wide screen plasma, DVD and i-pod facilities.

Souvlaki Bar

WINE BANK on View is a wine bar & wine merchant, operating from a heritage listed bank building in Central Bendigo. The Victorian era building was constructed in 1876, and was once the home of the Union Bank and the Bank of Australasia & New Zealand (ANZ).

Located at 209 Camberwell Road opposite the Rivoli theatre and just metres from the camberwell junction. Fiorelli has been operating since 1991. The philosophy at Fiorelli is simple - great food and excellent service in a relaxed and friendly environment.