Best Authentic Restaurants in Sydenham, Melbourne

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

BallaratBaysideBellarine PeninsulaCardiniaCity CentreEastern Suburbs

Neighborhoods

AbbotsfordAlbert ParkArmadaleAscot ValeBalaclavaBalwyn North

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

Award-winning

GFG

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

490 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Bodega Underground restaurant

1. Bodega Underground

4.4

Awesome(1704)

$$$$

• Mexican • Melbourne CBD

Booked 26 times today

A restaurant smuggled from Mexico to Melbourne. Find Little Bourke Street’s late night mezcal bar and taqueria hidden underground in the China Town precinct, and open 7 days a week until late, including lunch Wednesday - Sunday. Try a Tequila or Mezcal cocktail, or speak to our team about sipping some exciting Agave spirits instead. The $60 Feed Me banquet offers great value and a huge mix of traditional Mexican street food, plus some dishes with a twist. We also offer a $75 Bottomless Brunch every Wednesday to Sundays, with unlimited cocktails and 5 dishes; or a Pre-Theatre deal available every night of the week. We are located on the corner of Little Bourke and Crossley Street, Melbourne, with a moody bar and dining area perfect for both a quiet drink, or a larger celebration.

2. Il Solito Posto

4.8

Exceptional(1520)

$$$$

• Italian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 19 times today

One of Melbourne's most renowned Italian restaurants. Il Solito Posto is an institution. A real Melbourne Italian dining experience with a warm urban chic feel. Tantalise your taste buds with regional Italian dishes, prepared with the freshest seasonal produce and revel in the awarded wine list. This is Il Solito Posto ..... The usual place..

A photo of Straight Outta Saigon restaurant

3. Straight Outta Saigon

4.5

Awesome(1281)

$$$$

• Vietnamese • Melbourne CBD

Booked 19 times today

Born out of the wok-tossed flames of Vietnam and introduced into the bustlin’ heart of urban Melbourne, Straight Outta Saigon's serving eastern flavours for it's CBD crew. Immerse yourself in 90s hip-hop mixtapes, swim in our offerings of tropical elixirs, and bask in the taste of street-side viet-fare without the frills!

4. Ototo

4.0

Excellent(66)

$$$$

• Asian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 22 times today

Discover a hidden gem beneath the city streets at our contemporary Asian restaurant. Located underground, our venue boasts a full bar and an exquisite menu that promises a fusion of flavors. Delight in the Chef's Tasting Menu, a curated selection of favorites. Savor dishes like Kingfish Sashimi with truffle ponzu, or popular wagyu tataki. Dumpling enthusiasts can relish our diverse range, while main courses feature delights such as 48-Hour Black Angus Short Ribs and Signature 14-Day Dry Aged Duck. Don't forget to pair your meal with creative cocktails from our bar. Complete your journey with decadent desserts like Chocolate Fondant and Pandan Creme Brulee.

5. Il Caminetto

4.7

Exceptional(66)

$$$$

• Italian • Moonee Ponds

Booked 9 times today

Il Caminetto, a family-owned Italian restaurant in Moonee Ponds, has been serving authentic Italian cuisine since 2018, earning a reputation as one of Melbourne's best. With fresh, locally sourced ingredients, the menu features traditional dishes like homemade pasta, 72-hour rested wood-fired pizza, fresh seafood, and options for vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free diners. Guests enjoy an extensive wine list and a warm, welcoming atmosphere with attentive service, making Il Caminetto perfect for romantic dinners, family celebrations, or group events. Experience the true taste of Italy at Il Caminetto!

A photo of Quarter Two By Night restaurant

6. Quarter Two By Night

4.8

Exceptional(21)

$$$$

• Café • Moonee Ponds

Booked 3 times today

Quarter Two by Nights — where our love for Italian food and heartfelt hospitality come together under the vaulted ceilings of a beautifully restored church.Founded by the two brothers behind Essendon’s Coffee QTR and inspired by the warmth of our Nonna’s kitchen, Quarter Two is a place to slow down, share a meal, and feel at home.Whether you're joining us a laughter-filled dinner or just passing through for a quick bite, every visit is a celebration of good food and good company.By day, we open our doors as a café, where locals gather over specialty coffee, fresh pastries, and what’s proudly known as the best Steak Roll in Melbourne. Don’t leave without trying our signature iced drink, ‘the Macarena’ — a refreshing favourite with a loyal following.By night, the space transforms — fancy cocktails, curated wines, and a menu inspired by Italy’s regional traditions.Join us and experience the magic of true Italian dining — in one of the city’s most unique and welcoming spaces.

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7. MoVida | Original

4.7

Exceptional(610)

$$$$

• Spanish • Melbourne CBD

Booked 22 times today

When Movida opened in 2003 no one knew what to expect with this little bar on a graffiti covered cobbled lane serving Spanish tapas and shared plates in a down lit room playing funky tunes. Ten years on and the original restaurant is still going strong.

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8. Trattoria Emilia

4.8

Exceptional(1534)

$$$$

• Italian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 28 times today

Trattoria Emilia is an Italian restaurant highlighting the traditions of Modena in Emilia-Romagna, focusing on fresh pasta and exceptional produce.At Trattoria Emilia, we change the menu often to highlight the diversity of our seasonal products and source a large majority of our ingredients locally. Our meat is organic and sustainably grown in Tasmania and Victoria, and we import some of the best Italian DOC products. Some dishes that are not to be missed are our Tortelloni Modenesi and the crowd favourite gnocco fritto and tigelle.Rustic, yet refined, Trattoria Emilia boasts fantastic ambience, attentive and professional service, whilst all the while remaining a great casual dining spot perfect for a quick lunch, a long relaxing dinner with friends and has always been a romantic date spot.

A photo of Secret Kitchen - Chinatown - Melbourne CBD restaurant

9. Secret Kitchen - Chinatown - Melbourne CBD

4.3

Awesome(1117)

$$$$

• Asian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 70 times today

Founded in 2007, Secret Kitchen brings to the city of Melbourne chinese dining experience the like of which youwon’t find anywhere else in the state. Combining traditional flavours with innovative techniques, an extensive variety of menu items and an incomparable atmosphere, Secret Kitchen offers its guests an inimitable feasting experience. We are awarded one of the top Yum Cha restaurant on Time Out Melbourne and rated 4 stars out of 5 by The Age Good Food Guide. Secret Kitchen is located strategically opposite Her Majesty's Theatre, also serving pre-theatre menus for your before show meal.

A photo of Third Wave Ascot Vale restaurant

10. Third Wave Ascot Vale

4.2

Awesome(39)

$$$$

• Barbecue • Ascot Vale

Booked 14 times today

Third Wave BBQ is an American BBQ Restaurant with the most outlandish servings of Slow-Smoked meats and Burgers. It is the home of the BBQ Thor’s Hammer and BBQ Platter of Doom. Every dish is slow-smoked and so packed with flavour you’ll be tasting it all week.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

S
Shan
Melbourne •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Service was great, staff availability was amazing checking in on the table to make sure everything was good. Being my birthday, they looked after me well, proving free limoncello for the table. Staff remembered peoples food orders bringing things out at the right time. 10/10 if you haven’t visited quarter two by night, you need to go!
More info
Quarter Two By Night$$$$• Café• Moonee Ponds
•
4.8
D
Daniel
Melbourne •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Dined here 3 times. The food is exceptional and the service is excellent! I’m excited to go back and experience it all again.
More info
Bodega Underground$$$$• Mexican• Melbourne CBD
•
4.4
S
Sue
Melbourne •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Without exception this restaurant is excellent in every way. The food is consistently above standard and the staff are attentive and friendly. Can thoroughly recommend!
More info
Il Solito Posto$$$$• Italian• Melbourne CBD
•
4.8
R
Ryan
Melbourne •1 review
4.0
Dined on May 29, 2026
Nice place to enjoy a meal, family vibes, food was good 😊
More info
Philhellene$$$$• Greek• Moonee Ponds
•
4.8
S
Shelley
Melbourne •11 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 15, 2026
Delicious barramundi on gnocchi! Steak was cooked to individual preferences. Lovely service. A fabulous neighbourhood gem.
More info
LaBurrata$$$$• Italian• Moonee Ponds
•
4.6

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