Best Cozy Restaurants in Highett

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

ItalianSeafoodFrenchIndianMexicanJapanese

Regions

BallaratBaysideCity CentreEastern SuburbsInner City EastInner City South

Neighborhoods

Albert ParkArmadaleBalaclavaBalwynBentleighBlack Rock

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for fine wines

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

GFG

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

98 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Wood & Bone

4.6

Exceptional(43)

$$$$

• Australian • Moorabbin

Booked 9 times today

Wood & Bone is a modern Australian restaurant in Moorabbin, celebrated for its premium steaks, seafood, and fine wines. The inviting atmosphere features exposed brick walls, wooden beams, and a cozy fireplace, creating a warm dining experience. The menu offers a variety of dishes to satisfy any craving. Start with enticing entrees like Lobster Toasts, Chilli & Garlic BBQ King Prawns, or Kingfish Crudo. For the main course, choose from top-quality steaks such as the 250g Sher F1 Wagyu Hanger Steak, 250g Southern Grain Eye Fillet, or 300g Southern Ranges Porterhouse. Seafood enthusiasts can enjoy the Catch Of The Day, Salt & Pepper Calamari, or BBQ Smoked Sher Wagyu Brisket. With attentive and knowledgeable staff, Wood & Bone ensures a friendly dining experience. The restaurant also features an excellent selection of wines, beers, and cocktails, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.

2. Ototo

4.0

Excellent(57)

$$$$

• Asian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 28 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.

3. Thai Rani

new

(0)

$$$$

• Asian • Sandringham

Thai Rani offers the best of the flavors of Southeast Asia (mainly Thailand and Malaysia). All dishes are prepared in-house by chefs with years of experience. Our restaurant has stood the test of time for over 20 years. We take pride in adding a personal touch to our service. That, along with our cozy decor, does not take long for one to feel at home here in Thai Rani.

4. Windsor Wine Room

4.6

Exceptional(167)

$$$$

• Modern European • Windsor

Booked 22 times today

Nestled in the heart of Chapel Street, Windsor Wine Room is an intimate space to indulge in good food, exceptional wine and familiar company. Savour a curated selection of wines, carefully paired with smaller bites and larger dishes to share that showcase a modern European-accented menu.

A photo of Love Letter - Melbourne restaurant

5. Love Letter - Melbourne

4.9

Exceptional(158)

$$$$

• Modern Australian • Richmond

Booked 30 times today

Dear Richmond,This little restaurant is our love letter to food. It's our happy little place, where we get to live the joy of feeding people everyday. We all grew up in spaces that equated food with love, just like this place. Everything we have done here is deliberate, from the art on the walls to the produce we use. We've made a point of sourcing ingredients from some of the best suppliers in the state, making sure that our menu reflects what's in season. For us, this place is about experience: we try our best to make you feel both at home and 'out for something special'. Every plate that comes back wiped clean by someone who just couldn't get enough is a 'the hard work is worth it' moment for us. Matty & Tee From Love Letter, with love x

A photo of Maccaroni Trattoria Italiana restaurant

6. Maccaroni Trattoria Italiana

4.6

Exceptional(1313)

$$$$

• Italian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 36 times today

Maccaroni Trattoria Italiana in the Melbourne CBD is serving rustic and authentic Italian food like its meant to be – flavoursome, simple and made with a healthy dose of Italian passion. The chefs behind this Manchester Lane restaurant are dedicated to following traditional recipes (just like Nonna used), using their knowledge from homeland Italy and adding just a touch of gourmet modernity. Freshly made pasta is undoubtedly the star of the show at Maccaroni Trattoria Italiana, ranging from gnocchi and tagliatelle to fettuccine and pappardelle. Yet the menu also offers rustic pizzas, traditional mains and homemade desserts that will satisfy any guest – especially when enjoyed alongside the Italian and Australian wines available. Better yet, the service and atmosphere of Maccaroni is both genuine and inviting. Located in the Melbourne CBD, this restaurant is understandably popular and making an advance booking is highly recommended.

A photo of Neighbourhood Pizza restaurant

7. Neighbourhood Pizza

4.8

Exceptional(463)

$$$$

• Italian • Armadale

Booked 30 times today

Neighbourhood Pizza. Its pizza for locals. Great for the family, your date or your friends. More than just pizza!

8. Caffe E Cucina

4.8

Exceptional(113)

$$$$

• Italian • South Yarra

Booked 13 times today

Caffé e Cucina opened on August 16th 1988, with the aim of recreating the great restaurants in the most famous cities all over Italy. Since then, it has consistently achieved high acclaim in its contribution to the definition of "cafe culture" in Australia, originally introducing the concept of Italian hospitality in Melbourne.Small tables, dim lights and high-end service are only some of our secret. "Produzione Artigianale” means strong attention to detail and passion for our culture.A wide selection of wines, freshly baked bread on arrival and top quality extra virgin olive oil will never be missing.The warm welcoming atmosphere, the thick accents and the genuine flavours are perfectly blended, casting a spell that transports you straight to Italy.We have always been driven by the clear and ambitious intention to provide great traditional food, attentive yet friendly service and all around consistency.

9. Bottarga Brighton

4.8

Exceptional(147)

$$$$

• Contemporary Italian • Brighton

Booked 8 times today

Step into Bottarga—an intimate restaurant in Brighton where fine dining unfolds in the heart of the kitchen. With every seat facing our fully open kitchen, guests are immersed in the artistry and rhythm of the culinary process.Our menu is a refined fusion of contemporary Italian cuisine, subtly layered with Asian influences and crafted using the finest global ingredients.Proudly Brighton’s one-hatted restaurant, Bottarga has been recognised by The Age Good Food Guide, awarded two glasses in the Australian Wine List of the Year Awards, and celebrated by Wine Spectator.Let us take you on a dining experience that is thoughtful, intimate, and distinctly Bottarga.

A photo of Kicho Japanese Restaurant restaurant

10. Kicho Japanese Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(582)

$$$$

• Japanese • Black Rock

Booked 16 times today

Located next to a beautiful beach, we are a vibrant and cozy place to enjoy modern Japanese cuisine from our enthusiastic and companionable team members.We accept reservations online for up to 6 guests, with a seating time of 2 hours. We encourage guests after a reservation for 1-6 diners to make their bookings online. 15 minutes grace time to all bookings. Please note that our online booking system reflects real time availability at the restaurant. For groups of 7 guests or more, please contact our reservations team on 0411 306 208 or info@kicho.com.au. Please note that groups of 7+ guests are required to dine on a set menu.We take enquires for large group booking or catering requirements.Dietary requirements are welcome and can be accommodated with advance notice. We recommend you let us know at the time of booking to ensure we can meet your needs.15% surcharge will be applied on Public Holiday

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

S
Steven
London •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Brilliant family owned traditional Italian restaurant. Great menu, great service and great ambience.
More info
Caffe E Cucina$$$$• Italian• South Yarra
•
4.8
N
Natalia
Melbourne •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Amazing restaurant. I had the steak tartare for entrée, and it was the best steak tartare I’ve ever had. For the main, I ordered the T-bone steak from the specials menu — it was incredibly juicy and tender, with a beautiful smoky flavour.
More info
Wood & Bone$$$$• Australian• Moorabbin
•
4.6
K
Karen
Melbourne •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 7, 2026
Great food. Fantastic staff. Whole place is a vibe.
More info
Freddy's Pizza$$$$• Pizza Bar• Windsor
•
4.8
C
Carol
Melbourne •8 reviews
4.0
Dined on Mar 31, 2026
Ms Ava is beautiful a lovely quiet dining area set within one of Melbourne's iconic & wonderful heritage hotels. Away from the crowds quietly located the service was excellent. My friend & I were well looked after by the bar attendant who took our orders for food & drink. He was very helpful & friendly. The food was delivered promptly we had the express menu. A good easy menu selection for lunch. The food was great well prepared cooked to perfection presented well. I highly recommend a visit.
More info
Ms Ava$$$$• Modern European• Melbourne CBD
•
4

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