Booking platform OpenTable hosted their inaugural Restaurant Awards earlier this week, recognising the best venues in Australia’s dining scene. 18 places in Melbourne were declared as Icons, and were recognised for their contribution to Australia’s dining culture. To find these Icons, OpenTable created a shortlist based on factors like diner reviews and ratings, as well as expert input. The final list was then chosen from a panel of hospitality figures, critics and creatives. The awards also recognised the favourite spots in Melbourne, as voted by diners and industry professionals. So, if you’re looking for a new place to try on your next night out, here are the results.
OpenTable Restaurant Awards
Melbourne Icons
- Amaru, Armadale – this intimate restaurant seats a maximum of 34 guests, and offers a tasting menu inspired by Australian produce.
- Attica, Ripponlea – this fine dining restaurant showcases native Australian ingredients via their seasonal tasting menu.
- Carlton Wine Room, Carlton – the wine comes first at this neighbourhood bistro, and you’ll find comforting seasonal dishes to match.
- Caterina’s Cucina e Bar, Melbourne – this hatted Italian restaurant has been around since 1995, serving up authentic dishes alongside a 600-plus wine list.
- Etta, Brunswick East – find an à la carte menu of seasonal shared dishes, or go for the set menu, at this neighbourhood restaurant.
- Ishizuka, Melbourne – discover a refined Kaiseki experience at this intimate, subterranean venue.
- Kafeneion at the Melbourne Supper Club, Melbourne – the next time you’re at the Melbourne Supper Club, go up to the first floor for some comforting Greek food.
- Lee Ho Fook, Melbourne – this laneway restaurant matches the legacy and complexity of Chinese cuisine with Australian producers, growers and makers.
- MoVida, Melbourne – located on the famous Hosier Lane, this Spanish bar has been serving up tapas and raciones since 2003.
- Omnia Bistro & Bar, South Yarra – find classic European dishes along with an extensive wine list at this bistro on Chapel Street.
- Reed House, Melbourne – located inside a heritage building, this restaurant features modern Australian dishes with a British influence.
- Serai Kitchen, Melbourne – feast on flame-cooked Filipino dishes, and pair them with fun cocktails or natural wines.
- The European, Melbourne – this restaurant opposite Parliament house honours the traditions of rural France, Italy and Spain, with nose-to-tail dishes and an extensive wine list.
- Trattoria Emilia, Melbourne – this Italian restaurant highlights rustic but refined dishes from the Emilia-Romagna region.
- Tulum Turkish Restaurant, Balaclava – this venue specialises in contemporary Anatolian and modern Turkish cuisine, with a choice of à la carte or set menus.
- Vue de Monde, Melbourne – soar up to the 55th floor of the Rialto Towers for a multi-course menu at this fine dining institution.
- Yiaga, East Melbourne – nestled in Fitzroy Gardens, this venue features an evolving tasting menu that’s shaped by Australia’s farmers, fishers and producers.
- Yugen Dining, South Yarra – find a mix of Japanese flavours and Asian influences in this subterranean venue, with à la carte, set menus and an intimate omakase experience.
Beyond the Icons list, there were also a number of venues that received awards based on votes from diners and industry professionals. Here are the results.
Industry Choice Awards
- Restaurant Design Award – Yiaga, East Melbourne
- Innovation Award – Serai Kitchen, Melbourne
- Impact Award – Farmer’s Daughters, Melbourne
- Standout Service Award – Il Solito Posto, Melbourne
People’s Choice Award
- Neighbourhood Gem – Carlton Wine Room, Carlton
- Bar & Pub of the Year – Marquis of Lorne, Fitzroy
- Bucket List – Attica, Ripponlea
- Opening of the Year – Yiaga, East Melbourne
To read more about the results, click here.
