Best Restaurants for Groups in Essendon

Price

$$
$$$
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Cuisine

AmericanItalianIndianMexicanJapaneseChinese

Regions

City CentreInner City EastInner City NorthInner City SouthNorthern SuburbsWestern Suburbs

Neighborhoods

AbbotsfordAlphingtonArmadaleAscot ValeBrunswickCarlton

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

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

69 restaurants available nearby

1. Cross Keys

4.3

Awesome(256)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Australian • Essendon

Booked 4 times today

A local favourite for over 150 years, The Cross Keys Hotel is the perfect spot to bring the family. The Cross Keys boasts an impressive bistro serving up tasty meals Monday through Sunday, a fun kids room, a lively sports bar showing all the must see games on the big screens, a modern TAB facility and two spacious event rooms. With weekly specials and all your favourite pub classics, what isn't too love? See you at The Keys !

2. Maven by Morgan

4.7

Exceptional(130)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Fitzroy

Booked 19 times today

Step into Maven, Fitzroy's lively and stylish dining spot by Morgan Hipworth. Enjoy Mediterranean-inspired dishes designed for sharing, alongside innovative cocktails in a relaxed and buzzing atmosphere. Whether for a casual night out or a special occasion, Maven offers memorable moments over great food and drinks.

3. Tutti Trattoria

4.3

Awesome(12)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Essendon

We grew up on Nonna’s classic pizzas, freshly made pasta and Italian sweets. Noisy family gatherings, a little indulgence and a lot of fun. And everyone was welcome.Now we extend the invitation to you. Tutti Trattoria is the recreation of these family moments, with a little makeover. Our gorgeous interior brings a taste of Italy to the heart of Essendon. Each of our rooms reflects a unique vibe, from our southern Italian trattoria to our decadent and intimate upstairs restaurant.And the food. We believe good food doesn’t have to be complicated. It just needs to be made fresh, with quality ingredients, and a little love. Come on in and see what all the fuss is about.

4. Local Chook

4.7

Exceptional(150)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Vietnamese • Moonee Ponds

Booked 9 times today

Moonee Ponds Local Chook is a favourite among locals for its imaginative/fusion take on Vietnamese cuisine, served in a modern restaurant. For starters, the Bao Buns are sensational selections. Some of Local Chook’s specialty/popular dishes include the Red Chicken Curry and Twice cooked scotch fillet in plum sauce, as well as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free dishes.

5. Rin Sura

4.8

Exceptional(456)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Asian • Brunswick

Booked 12 times today

Brunswick's newest dinning establishment offering a range of unique Thai cuisine and signature cocktails.Modern Thai cuisine & craft cocktails lie in store at this stylish restaurant with a bar.

6. Mama Manoush

4.8

Exceptional(331)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Lebanese • Brunswick

Booked 17 times today

A TASTE OF LEBANON Fresh n' Tasty! Our mezza selection is authentic and traditional to the finest detail. If you were in Lebanon right now, this is what would be on the menu and made the same way with the same ingredients. Mama has invited you round for dinner! She's cooked a massive feast so be sure to tell all your friends! Once you are done, stop by her garden for a drink.

A photo of The Courthouse Hotel restaurant

7. The Courthouse Hotel

4.8

Exceptional(299)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Australian • North Melbourne

Booked 23 times today

Nestled in the vibrant heart of North Melbourne, the Courthouse Hotel is just steps away from the Queen Victoria Market and Melbourne's Arts Precinct.With multiple fireplaces, our cosy pub offers a warm and welcoming ambiance.We take pride in sourcing local, seasonal produce to prepare traditional pub favourites and more!

8. Regale

4.7

Exceptional(20)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Comfort Food • Carlton

Booked 6 times today

Hello, Carlton! Your new favorite Restaurant and Basement Bar is about to light up the neighborhood, just steps away from Melbourne CBD.With a focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, Regale's menu showcases a curated selection of innovative dishes, from indulgent small plates to signature mains that celebrate Asian flavors with a modern Australian flair.Downstairs, Bar Galer offers an inviting blend of contemporary elegance and casual sophistication, perfect for unwinding with friends or catching up over a few drinks.

A photo of Barklys kitchen Brunswick restaurant

9. Barklys kitchen Brunswick

4.4

Awesome(199)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Brunswick

Booked 39 times today

Barklys Kitchen is an modern Italian restaurant dedicated to bringing to you the best of Italian delicacies right here . Located at 63 Sydney Road, Brunswick, we bring to you the best pizzas and pasta in Brunswick made from local and fresh ingredients, crafted with love and passion. Italian cuisine is one of the most loved and tasty cuisines in the world with a host of mind-blowing dishes and preparations.At Barkly's Kitchen, we bring a little piece of Italy right onto your plates or even your doorstep if you require that. A serene ambiance to have some great food and drinks, we invite you to indulge in a hearty Italian feast that you will remember for quite some time to come. We offer takeaway and deliveries as well and you can book tables to avoid waiting in queues on our website or by calling.

10. Humble Rays

4.7

Exceptional(49)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Café • Carlton

Booked 4 times today

A crowd favourite brunch location in the heart of Melbourne, offering innovative, fun, photogenic and delicious food in an inviting and relaxing space. Chef and co-owner, Sutinee works her magic on an array of Asian-inspired comfort dishes, balancing spice, sweetness, sourness, and saltiness to perfection. Be sure to try the signature Crab Meat Scramble! Sit back, immerse yourself in the calm and relaxing tones of eggshelll blue, mint green and colourful vibrant patterns to enjoy your oat matcha latte. Open daily 8:00am - 4:00pm (kitchen closes at 3:00pm). Awarded 2017 Melbourne Top 20 Brunch Cafes by The Age Good Food Guide and recognised as 2018 Most Popular Cafe by Zomato with the highest number of bookmarks by users.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

K
Kim
New South Wales •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Beautiful food and amazing service. Will definitely be back.
More info
Maven by MorganPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Fitzroy
•
4.7
E
Elda
Melbourne •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Great food and service as always..................
More info
Rin SuraPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Asian• Brunswick
•
4.8
J
Julie
Victoria •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Yummy food, and good service. Enjoyed a lovely catch up with friends
More info
Local ChookPrice: Moderate• Vietnamese• Moonee Ponds
•
4.7
T
Tony
Melbourne •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 6, 2025
As a group we left discussing the quality of service. Every staff member was professional, well informed & courteous. What stood out was the serving staffs communication & willingness to help. Everyone enjoyed their meals, (everyone being, 2 x Boomers, 2 x Gen X & a couple of kids cheeseburger meal eaters). Definitely be back
More info
Cross KeysPrice: Moderate• Australian• Essendon
•
4.3
M
Meghan
Melbourne •2 reviews
4.0
Dined on Feb 11, 2025
Our food and the service were amazing! Our only downfalls was the heat and noise level. Very hard to have a conversation as it is quite a loud environment. And the front doors were open leaving us to feel a bit sweaty and uncomfortable while eating hot food! Won’t stop us from coming back though (: highly recommend!
More info
Tutti TrattoriaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Essendon
•
4.3

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