Melbourne has earned its reputation as Australia’s culinary capital, home to world-class restaurants that blend innovative Australian produce with global influences. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, entertaining clients, or simply experiencing Melbourne’s legendary food scene, arriving by private chauffeur elevates the entire experience — no parking stress, no drink-driving concerns, just pure enjoyment.

This comprehensive guide covers Melbourne’s top 10 must-visit restaurants and shows you exactly how to get there in style with Cars on Demand’s premium chauffeur service.

Why Choose a Private Chauffeur for Melbourne Restaurant Dining?

Before we explore the restaurants, here’s why sophisticated diners choose private chauffeur service:

Stress-Free Parking Melbourne’s CBD and inner suburbs have notoriously limited parking. Your chauffeur handles drop-off and pickup while you focus on your dining experience.

Wine Pairing Freedom Many of these restaurants offer exceptional wine programs. With a professional driver, you can fully enjoy wine pairings, cocktails, and digestifs without worrying about driving.

Sophisticated Arrival Arriving by private chauffeur at establishments like Vue de Monde or Attica makes the right impression for business dinners or romantic occasions.

Flexible Timing Fine dining experiences can extend beyond initial reservations. Your chauffeur adapts to your schedule, whether dinner finishes early or you linger over dessert.

Multiple Venues Planning pre-dinner cocktails or post-dinner drinks? Your chauffeur seamlessly coordinates multiple stops throughout your evening.

Melbourne’s Top 10 Restaurants

1. Attica — The Pinnacle of Australian Dining

Location: 74 Glen Eira Road, Ripponlea (South Yarra area)
Cuisine: Modern Australian with native ingredients
Signature Dishes: Marron with wattle soy; seasonal tasting menu celebrating Australian botanicals
Price Range: $225+ for tasting menu
Travel Time from Melbourne CBD: 15 minutes

Why Visit: Attica consistently ranks among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, with chef Ben Shewry creating heartfelt, innovative cuisine that tells uniquely Australian stories through native ingredients. This is a destination restaurant that requires booking 1–2 months in advance.

Getting There by Private Chauffeur: Your chauffeur will collect you from your hotel or Melbourne CBD location and transport you to Ripponlea’s leafy streets. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes via St Kilda Road, allowing you to relax before your culinary journey begins.

Booking Tip: Reserve for the early seating (6:00 PM) or late seating (8:30 PM). Vegetarian and vegan tasting menus available.

Return Journey: Your chauffeur will be waiting at your specified pickup time — typically 3–3.5 hours after drop-off for the full tasting menu experience.

2. Vue de Monde — Dining Above the City

Location: Level 55, Rialto Towers, 525 Collins Street, CBD
Cuisine: Modern Australian fine dining with panoramic views
Signature Dishes: Duck three ways; creative Australian plates with city skyline panorama
Price Range: $200+ for set menu
Travel Time from Hotels: 5–10 minutes from CBD hotels

Why Visit: Chef Hugh Allen’s flair combined with breathtaking 55th-floor views of Melbourne’s skyline creates an unforgettable fine dining experience perfect for special occasions and impressing business clients.

Getting There by Private Chauffeur: Your chauffeur will drop you directly at the Rialto Towers entrance on Collins Street, one of Melbourne’s most prestigious addresses. The CBD location makes this ideal for pre-dinner cocktails at nearby bars or post-dinner exploration of Melbourne’s laneway culture.

Booking Tip: Request sunset seating for spectacular views as day transitions to night. Smart casual dress code applies.

Chauffeur Advantage: Collins Street evening traffic can be challenging. Let your professional driver handle navigation while you arrive relaxed and ready for your elevated dining experience.

3. Gimlet at Cavendish House — 1920s Glamour

Location: 99 Spring Street, CBD
Cuisine: Modern European/Australian
Signature Dishes: Wood-fired dry-aged beef; seasonal pasta
Price Range: $$$ ($150–200)
Travel Time from Hotels: 5–10 minutes from CBD hotels

Why Visit: This glamorous 1920s-inspired venue from the team behind Melbourne’s luxe establishments delivers elegant yet approachable dining with an exceptional cocktail program.

Getting There by Private Chauffeur: Spring Street’s CBD location means easy access from any Melbourne hotel. Your chauffeur will drop you at this prestigious address near Parliament House and Melbourne’s theatre district.

Booking Tip: Late-night bookings (8:30 PM onwards) offer a more intimate atmosphere. The cocktail list is exceptional — another reason to have a designated driver.

Multi-Venue Evening: Gimlet’s central location makes it perfect for combining with pre-dinner drinks at nearby CBD bars. Your chauffeur can coordinate a complete evening itinerary.

4. Ishizuka — Japanese Kaiseki Mastery

Location: 196 Little Bourke Street, CBD
Cuisine: Japanese kaiseki
Signature Dishes: Seasonal kaiseki banquet; Wagyu with native greens
Price Range: $$$$ ($315+ for kaiseki)
Travel Time from Hotels: 5–10 minutes from CBD hotels

Why Visit: Two-hatted in 2025, this intimate counter-dining experience delivers theatre-like precision from chef Katsuji Yoshino. The 10–12 course kaiseki journey requires 3 hours — this is culinary art as performance.

Getting There by Private Chauffeur: Little Bourke Street sits in the heart of Melbourne’s Chinatown district. Your chauffeur will navigate the one-way CBD streets and drop you directly at this intimate venue.

Booking Tip: Allow a full 3 hours for the kaiseki experience. Non-alcoholic pairings available alongside traditional sake options.

Chauffeur Coordination: Kaiseki timing is precise. Book your return pickup for exactly 3 hours after your reservation time. Your chauffeur will be waiting, allowing you to extend the evening with a leisurely journey home.

5. Type 00 — Italian Fire and Passion

Location: 361 Little Bourke Street, CBD
Cuisine: Italian with wood-fired focus
Signature Dishes: Bistecca al pepe (peppered steak); spicy vodka pasta
Price Range: $$$ ($120–180)
Travel Time from Hotels: 5–10 minutes from CBD hotels

Why Visit: Tiny, buzzy, and perpetually packed, Type 00 delivers fire-kissed Italian dishes in an intimate laneway setting. The energy is electric, the food is exceptional, and the space is always filled with Melbourne’s food-loving crowd.

Getting There by Private Chauffeur: Located in a CBD laneway off Little Bourke Street, Type 00’s location can be tricky to find on foot. Your chauffeur knows exactly where to drop you at the closest access point, eliminating the navigation challenge.

Booking Tip: This small venue fills quickly — book several weeks in advance. Share plates family-style for the full experience.

Parking Challenge Solved: The surrounding lanes have virtually no parking. A private chauffeur eliminates this frustration entirely, letting you focus on the incredible food and wine.

6. Embla — Wine Bar Meets Restaurant

Location: 122 Russell Street, CBD
Cuisine: Modern Australian wine bar hybrid
Signature Dishes: Wood-fired lamb shoulder; house-made charcuterie
Price Range: $$ ($80–120)
Travel Time from Hotels: 5–10 minutes from CBD hotels

Why Visit: Embla blurs the line between restaurant and wine bar, offering cozy ambiance, excellent natural wines, and wood-fired dishes perfect for sharing. The casual sophistication makes it ideal for both intimate dinners and group celebrations.

Getting There by Private Chauffeur: Russell Street provides easy CBD access. Your chauffeur will drop you at this popular spot where walk-ins at the bar are sometimes possible, though reservations are recommended.

Booking Tip: Perfect for groups who want to share multiple dishes. The natural wine list is exceptional — explore it freely with your designated driver waiting.

Extended Evening: Embla’s wine bar vibe often extends late. Your chauffeur provides flexibility if you decide to linger over that last glass of natural wine.

7. France-Soir — Three Decades of French Bistro Excellence

Location: 11 Toorak Road, South Yarra
Cuisine: Classic French bistro
Signature Dishes: Duck terrine; steak frites with café de Paris butter
Price Range: $$ ($90–140)
Travel Time from CBD: 10–12 minutes

Why Visit: A 30+ year Melbourne institution serving unpretentious, flavorful French comfort food in a convivial atmosphere. This is where Melburnians go when they want reliable, delicious French classics without fuss.

Getting There by Private Chauffeur: South Yarra’s Toorak Road is easily accessible via St Kilda Road. Your chauffeur will drop you at this established venue where small groups often walk in without bookings (though calling ahead is wise for larger parties).

Booking Tip: Arrive early (6:00–6:30 PM) for walk-in availability. The unpretentious vibe welcomes casual dress.

South Yarra Exploration: Your chauffeur can coordinate a South Yarra evening, perhaps starting with drinks at nearby Chapel Street venues before your France-Soir dinner.

8. Enter Via Laundry — Regional Indian Brilliance

Location: 109 Lygon Street, Carlton North
Cuisine: Regional Indian with native Australian twists
Signature Dishes: Vibrant banquets; okra with peanuts; elevated butter chicken
Price Range: $$$ ($150+ for banquet)
Travel Time from CBD: 12–15 minutes

Why Visit: Chef Helly Raichura’s intimate 20-seat restaurant uses local Australian produce to create bold, authentic regional Indian flavors. This is destination dining that requires booking months in advance — and it’s worth every bit of planning.

Getting There by Private Chauffeur: Carlton North’s Lygon Street is Melbourne’s famous Italian precinct, now home to this exceptional Indian restaurant. Your chauffeur navigates the residential streets and drops you at this tiny, immersive dining experience.

Booking Tip: Book 2–3 months ahead for weekend slots. The banquet format is designed for sharing and exploring multiple regional Indian dishes.

Intimate Experience: With only 20 seats, Enter Via Laundry creates an immersive dining journey lasting 2.5–3 hours. Your chauffeur will coordinate pickup timing, allowing you to fully relax into this special experience.

9. Cumulus Inc. — Andrew McConnell’s CBD Icon

Location: 45 Flinders Lane, CBD
Cuisine: Modern Australian/European
Signature Dishes: Freshly shucked oysters; roast chicken with seasonal sides
Price Range: $$ ($100–150)
Travel Time from Hotels: 5–10 minutes from CBD hotels

Why Visit: Andrew McConnell’s enduring CBD staple offers relaxed, all-day dining with top-notch produce and impeccable execution. The laneway location and long bar make it perfect for solo diners, business lunches, and casual dinners alike.

Getting There by Private Chauffeur: Flinders Lane epitomizes Melbourne’s hidden laneway culture. Your chauffeur will drop you at the closest Flinders Lane access point, letting you enjoy the authentic Melbourne laneway walk to the restaurant entrance.

Booking Tip: The bar welcomes walk-ins and solo diners. Lunch and early dinner slots are easier to book than prime Friday/Saturday nights.

CBD Convenience: Cumulus Inc.’s central location makes it ideal for pre-theatre dining or business dinners. Your chauffeur can coordinate timing with nearby Melbourne Theatre Company or Arts Centre performances.

10. Kolkata Cricket Club — Crown’s 2025 Gem

Location: 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank (Crown Melbourne)
Cuisine: Modern Indian
Signature Dishes: Butter chicken with smoky depth; tandoor-grilled meats
Price Range: $$$ ($140–200)
Travel Time from CBD: 8–10 minutes

Why Visit: Chef Mischa Tropp’s glamorous 2025 opening brings club-like atmosphere with refined regional Indian dishes to Crown’s prestigious dining precinct. The Sports Bar section offers casual entry to this sophisticated venue.

Getting There by Private Chauffeur: Crown Melbourne’s Southbank location across the Yarra River from CBD provides stunning river views. Your chauffeur will drop you at Crown’s valet entrance, offering the VIP arrival this upscale venue deserves.

Booking Tip: Try the Sports Bar section first for a more casual introduction, then book the main dining room for special occasions. The cocktail program is exceptional.

Crown Evening: Your chauffeur can coordinate a complete Crown complex evening — perhaps starting with riverside cocktails before dinner, or extending to Crown’s entertainment offerings afterward.

Planning Your Melbourne Restaurant Journey

Booking Your Private Chauffeur

Vehicle Options for Restaurant Dining:

Executive Sedans (Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5-Series)

• Perfect for couples or business dinners for 2–3 guests
• Sophisticated arrival at fine dining establishments
• Comfortable for journeys up to 30 minutes

Luxury Sedans (Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7-Series)

• Ideal for special occasions and VIP dining experiences
• Maximum comfort and premium impression
• Perfect for venues like Vue de Monde or Attica

Executive SUVs (Mercedes-Benz GLE, BMW X5)

• Great for groups of 4–5 diners
• Extra luggage space if combining dining with other activities
• Comfortable for longer journeys to suburbs

How to Book:

1. Visit carsondemand.link/register and create your account in under 2 minutes
2. Enter your details:

• Pickup location (hotel, residence, office)
• Restaurant address (we know all these locations)
• Pickup time (coordinate with your reservation)
• Return pickup time (or book as “wait and return”)

1. Select your vehicle from our premium fleet
2. Add special requests:

• Multiple stops (cocktail bar before dinner?)
• Wait time if you prefer the chauffeur to remain
• Specific vehicle amenities

1. Receive instant confirmation with driver details sent before your booking

Timing Your Restaurant Journey

For CBD Restaurants (Vue de Monde, Gimlet, Ishizuka, Type 00, Embla, Cumulus Inc.)

• Book pickup 15–20 minutes before your reservation
• CBD traffic varies by time: allow extra time for 6–7 PM bookings
• Return timing: most CBD fine dining experiences last 2–3 hours

For Suburban Restaurants (Attica, France-Soir, Enter Via Laundry)

• Book pickup 30–45 minutes before reservation
• Account for evening traffic if traveling during peak hours (6–7:30 PM)
• Communicate with your chauffeur about extended timing if your meal runs long

For Crown/Southbank (Kolkata Cricket Club)

• Book pickup 20–25 minutes before reservation from CBD
• Weekend evenings may require extra time due to Crown crowds
• Your chauffeur can drop you at the dedicated valet entrance

Multi-Venue Restaurant Experiences

Melbourne’s compact size and diverse dining precincts make it perfect for progressive dining experiences:

The Complete Melbourne Evening:

• 6:00 PM: Pre-dinner cocktails at a CBD rooftop bar
• 7:30 PM: Dinner at your chosen restaurant
• 10:30 PM: Nightcap at a hidden laneway bar
• 11:30 PM: Return to your hotel

Your chauffeur seamlessly coordinates all stops, adjusting timing as your evening unfolds. Book this as an “as-directed” chauffeur service for ultimate flexibility.

Wine Region Restaurant Combination: Combine Melbourne restaurant dining with Yarra Valley or Mornington Peninsula wine region visits:

• Morning/afternoon wine tasting in the regions (45–90 minutes from Melbourne)
• Return to Melbourne for dinner at Attica or Vue de Monde
• Your chauffeur manages the full day itinerary

Melbourne Restaurant Districts: Chauffeur Navigation Guide

CBD & Laneways

Restaurants: Vue de Monde, Gimlet, Ishizuka, Type 00, Embla, Cumulus Inc.

Melbourne’s CBD features complex one-way streets and hidden laneways that can confuse visitors. Your professional chauffeur knows:

• Best drop-off points for laneway restaurants
• Which entries to use for large venues like Rialto Towers
• How to navigate evening traffic efficiently
• Where nearby parking exists if you prefer the chauffeur to wait

Peak Traffic Times: Thursday-Saturday 6–8 PM can add 10–15 minutes to travel times.

South Yarra & Toorak Road

Restaurants: France-Soir, Attica (nearby in Ripponlea)

This prestigious suburb features tree-lined streets, upscale boutiques, and some of Melbourne’s finest dining. Parking is scarce on Toorak Road, especially on weekends.

Chauffeur Advantage: Your driver drops you directly at the restaurant entrance, then returns for pickup — no parking stress on busy Chapel Street or Toorak Road.

Carlton North & Lygon Street

Restaurants: Enter Via Laundry

Melbourne’s historic Italian precinct now hosts diverse dining options. The residential streets can be confusing at night, and parking is limited.

Local Knowledge: Your chauffeur knows exactly where Enter Via Laundry’s discreet entrance is located — this tiny venue can be challenging to find on foot.

Southbank & Crown

Restaurants: Kolkata Cricket Club

Crown Melbourne is a massive entertainment complex with multiple entrances. First-time visitors often struggle to find specific restaurants.

VIP Arrival: Your chauffeur uses Crown’s valet entrance, delivering you directly to the complex’s main area with clear directions to your restaurant — no wandering through gaming floors or getting lost in the sprawling venue.

Special Occasions: Elevated Restaurant Experiences

Romantic Anniversaries

Recommended Journey:

• 6:30 PM: Pickup from hotel in Mercedes-Benz S-Class
• 7:00 PM: Sunset cocktails at Vue de Monde’s bar level
• 8:00 PM: Dinner at Vue de Monde with panoramic city views
• 11:00 PM: Midnight return via a scenic Yarra River route

Why This Works: The S-Class arrival makes an impression, Vue de Monde’s sunset views are breathtaking, and the late return lets you linger over dessert and wine without worrying about driving.

Business Client Entertainment

Recommended Journey:

• 6:00 PM: Pickup clients from their hotel
• 6:30 PM: Pre-dinner drinks at Gimlet’s glamorous bar
• 7:30 PM: Dinner at Attica (impressive world-class restaurant)
• 10:30 PM: Return clients to hotel via Melbourne’s illuminated CBD

Why This Works: Professional chauffeur service demonstrates attention to detail. Attica’s global reputation impresses international clients. No one worries about drink-driving or navigation.

Milestone Birthday Celebrations

Recommended Journey:

• 5:30 PM: Collect birthday guest and friends (BMW X5 for groups of 5)
• 6:00 PM: Champagne stop at a rooftop bar
• 7:30 PM: Dinner at France-Soir (lively, celebratory atmosphere)
• 10:30 PM: Post-dinner bar hopping in South Yarra
• 12:00 AM: Return home safely

Why This Works: The SUV accommodates the group comfortably. Multiple stops are seamless. Everyone can celebrate fully without designated driver duties.

Practical Tips for Restaurant Dining with a Chauffeur

Communication is Key

Before Your Journey:

• Confirm restaurant address and reservation time
• Specify if you want the chauffeur to wait or return for pickup
• Provide your mobile number for coordination

During Your Evening:

• Text your chauffeur if dinner timing changes
• Most fine dining experiences run 2–3 hours — communicate extensions
• Your chauffeur will text when they’re 5 minutes away for pickup

Flexibility: If your dining experience is exceptional and you want to extend the evening, your chauffeur can adapt. Simply send a message with your new pickup time.

Pricing and Booking

Transparent Fixed Rates: All pricing is displayed upfront when you book online through our platform. Simply enter your pickup location and restaurant destination to see the exact fixed rate before you confirm your booking — no surprises, no hidden fees.

Tolls: Any tolls (CityLink, etc.) are itemized separately after your trip

Flexible Options:

• Point-to-point transfers (drop-off and return pickup)
• Wait time available if you prefer the chauffeur to remain during your meal
• Multi-stop evenings for cocktails, dinner, and nightcaps
• As-directed hourly bookings for ultimate flexibility

Book Online: Visit carsondemand.link/register for instant pricing quotes and booking

24/7 Support: Call 1300 638 258 for assistance or last-minute bookings

Interstate and International Visitors

Airport to Restaurant Connections:

Arriving at Melbourne Airport for a special dinner? Your chauffeur can collect you from arrivals and transport you directly to your restaurant reservation:

Example Journey:

• 5:00 PM: Land at Melbourne Airport
• 5:30 PM: Chauffeur meets you at arrivals with name board
• 6:15 PM: Drop luggage at your hotel
• 7:00 PM: Arrive at Attica for dinner reservation
• 10:30 PM: Return to hotel

This seamless service means you don’t sacrifice your dining reservation to airport transfers and hotel check-in logistics.

Wine and Dine Without Limits

One of the greatest advantages of chauffeur service is the freedom to fully experience Melbourne’s exceptional wine programs:

Attica: Explore their Australian boutique wine list without restraint

Vue de Monde: Indulge in the sommelier’s recommended pairings

Embla: Try multiple natural wines in their extensive by-the-glass program

France-Soir: Discover their classic French wine selections

Enter Via Laundry: Experience the carefully curated wine list designed to complement regional Indian spices

With your professional driver handling navigation and safety, you can say “yes” to that special bottle, the dessert wine pairing, or the after-dinner digestif.

Beyond the Top 10: Creating Your Melbourne Dining Journey

While this guide focuses on Melbourne’s elite restaurants, your private chauffeur can coordinate visits to:

Casual Dining Gems:

• Chin Chin (vibrant Thai in CBD)
• Grossi Florentino (Italian classics on Bourke Street)
• Supernormal (modern Asian in Flinders Lane)

Wine Bar Exploration: Melbourne’s wine bar scene rivals its restaurants. Create a progressive wine bar evening visiting multiple venues.

Laneway Discovery: Your chauffeur can drop you in the CBD for a self-guided laneway walk, discovering hidden bars and cafés, then collect you at a specified time and location.

Regional Restaurant Combinations: Extend your journey to acclaimed regional restaurants in Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, or Macedon Ranges, then return to Melbourne for a nightcap.

Booking Your Melbourne Restaurant Experience with Cars on Demand

Ready to experience Melbourne’s world-class dining scene with the convenience and sophistication of private chauffeur service?

Book Online in 60 Seconds: Visit carsondemand.link/register to:

• Create your account
• Enter restaurant details
• Select your premium vehicle
• Receive instant confirmation

24/7 Assistance: Call 1300 638 258 for:

• Multi-venue evening coordination
• Special occasion planning
• Interstate visitor packages
• Corporate dining event logistics

Why Melbourne Diners Choose Cars on Demand:

• 35+ years serving Melbourne’s dining scene
• Professional chauffeurs who know every restaurant location
• Luxury Mercedes-Benz and BMW fleet
• Flexible timing for extended dining experiences
• Fixed transparent pricing
• 99.9% on-time performance
• Available 24/7 across Melbourne and regional Victoria

Your Melbourne Culinary Journey Awaits

Melbourne’s reputation as Australia’s food capital is built on restaurants like these — world-class venues that blend innovative cuisine, exceptional produce, and memorable atmospheres. Whether you’re celebrating at Vue de Monde’s 55th-floor perch, experiencing Attica’s globally recognized creativity, or discovering the intimate magic of Enter Via Laundry, arriving by private chauffeur transforms a great meal into an unforgettable evening.

No parking stress. No drink-driving concerns. No navigation challenges. Just pure enjoyment of Melbourne’s incredible dining scene, from the moment you’re collected to your safe return home.

Book your Melbourne restaurant journey now →

Experience why discerning diners across Melbourne trust Cars on Demand to deliver them to the city’s finest tables in style, comfort, and complete reliability.

Cars on Demand — Premium Chauffeur Service for Melbourne’s Finest Dining Experiences Since 1990