Best Historic Restaurants in Kensington

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

ItalianSteakhouseSeafoodChinesePizzeriaFusion / Eclectic

Regions

City CentreInner City EastInner City NorthInner City SouthInner City WestNorthern Suburbs

Neighborhoods

Clifton HillEast MelbourneFitzroyFlemingtonFootscrayHeidelberg

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

BarStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

19 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

The default order for search results reflects a number of factors, including table availability, restaurant location, search criteria, and restaurant reviews and ratings. In addition, payment made by a restaurant to OpenTable is also a factor for the relative ordering of restaurants.

1. Kirbie

4.8

Exceptional(396)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Bistro • South Melbourne

Booked 9 times today

KIRBIE Caff' & BistroLunch & Dinner Tuesday-SaturdayFunctions & Events Available

2. Alluvial

3.5

Very Good(145)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Modern Australian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 3 times today

Nestled between the historic Rialto and Winfield buildings, Alluvial Restaurant effortlessly melds a mix of old and new, all imbued with the culinary and cultural charms of Melbourne. Alluvial Restaurant, named after Alluvial gold deposits in honour of the gold rush, when Melbourne was the richest city in the world. Situated under our iconic glass atrium, is the perfect setting to try our international buffet breakfast, all day dining menu or simply enjoy a coffee or wine in Bluestone Lounge Bar, for a more casual option. Sample modern Melbourne cuisine with the best local produce and flavours Melbourne has to offer. Melbourne’s electric dining scene offers a startling array of the world’s greatest cuisines, the hotel amplifies these diverse cultures that make Melbourne eating so unique.

3. Luci

4.4

Awesome(215)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Australian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 8 times today

Luci is a contemporary Australian restaurant set in the grand hall of Melbourne’s historic Equity Chambers building.Its art deco styled dining room – designed by Bates Smart – provides a sophisticated backdrop to a contemporary Australian menu with Italian accents.Celebrating Melbourne’s history of Italian immigrants and its evolution into a cosmopolitan culinary city, Luci is a contemporary Australian restaurant housed within the grand hall of the historic Equity Chambers Building.

4. The Clare Castle

4.7

Exceptional(919)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Gastro Pub • Port Melbourne

Booked 19 times today

The Clare Castle Port Melbourne is one of Melbourne's finest pub restaurants. Pub classics are a feature but we raise the bar with amazing char grilled steaks, incredible seafood including prawns, beautiful fresh fish, freshly shucked oysters and our signature Moreton Bay bugs available in numerous dishes. We also have vegetarian and gluten free options and many other delights.We offer multiple dining options: FULL SERVICE in the Restaurant and on the Restaurant Terrace. BAR SERVICE (and optional QR code ordering) in the Bar and on the footpath tables. We also have a fabulous private wine room for your special occasion (please ring to enquire about this room).

5. Meatmaiden

4.6

Exceptional(1397)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Melbourne CBD

Booked 35 times today

Meatmaiden is an underground steakhouse and cocktail bar delivering a unique take on the classics.Hidden in the basement of the historic Georges Building, we strive to find the finest grass-fed, grain-fed and Wagyu beef for our custom-built grill and wood-fired smoker and dry-age select cuts in our meat cabinet.Premium steaks from incredible local producers with an ever-evolving lineup, seafood dishes such as our cult lobster mac cheese and modern, diverse menus stand alongside innovative house cocktails and a focused, energetic wine list.Look for the Maiden's face on Little Collins St, descend the metal stairs and discover our dark, seductive venue and individual approach to dining out in this rollicking homage to all things meat.

A photo of The Bank on Collins restaurant

6. The Bank on Collins

4.1

Excellent(413)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Modern Australian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 8 times today

Located in the heart of the city The Bank on Collins is the perfect location for lunch, dinner or after work drinks. Appealing to the corporate community The Bank offers a modern Australian pub menu with an express lunch option for those on the go. This iconic Melbourne building was built in 1876 from New Zealand Omaru stone with ornate metal balustrades. Originally home to The Bank of Australasia the site is now heritage listed with the Australian Heritage Commission and the National Trust of Australia.Now, the upstairs of the building is home to the Treasury on Collins accommodation facilities.The Bank on Collins is also suitable for corporate gatherings, celebrations and weddings. The floor plan is versatile to accommodate any style of event, catering up to 300 people for a cocktail party.

A photo of Kushiro Fusion Cuisine restaurant

7. Kushiro Fusion Cuisine

4.8

Exceptional(37)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Fusion / Eclectic • Fitzroy

Booked 8 times today

Kushiro - MelbourneNestled in a 100-year-old heritage building in Fitzroy, Kushiro blends historic charm with modern culinary artistry. Inspired by Melbourne's vibrant laneway dining and street art culture, the restaurant features a beautiful bar, Japanese-inspired lamps, chandeliers, and a striking graffiti wall depicting a fishing village in Hokkaido.Kushiro's menu combines traditional Japanese techniques with contemporary flavors, offering standout dishes like Scampi Tartare, Cured Salmon, Chef Po’s Char Siu, Slow Roasted Short Rib, Confit Duck, and Tofu Panna Cotta. Patrons can also enjoy Kushiro's exclusive brand of sake, crafted in Japan.Kushiro enriches Melbourne's diverse culinary scene with its unique offerings and vibrant atmosphere.

8. Mona Castle Hotel

4.7

Exceptional(250)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Australian • Seddon

Booked 14 times today

The Mona Castle Hotel is a historic pub in the heart of Melbourne's West, serving locals for over 150 years. With a warm and inviting atmosphere, it offers a diverse menu featuring classic pub favorites alongside modern Australian dishes. Guests can also enjoy a wide selection of drinks, including beers, wines, and cocktails. The Mona Castle Hotel is the perfect spot to relax and share a meal with friends or family.

9. Askal

4.4

Awesome(143)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Filipino • Melbourne CBD

Booked 20 times today

Askal is Melbourne’s newest contemporary Filipino restaurant and bar located on 167 Exhibition Street. Comprised of a dynamic team of culinary experts, Askal is a three-storey establishment sits in a historical building from the 1800s. The menu is a celebration of traditional Filipino flavours and techniques, showcasing bold and vibrant dishes inspired by ancestral recipes passed down through generations.

A photo of Park Street Pasta & Wine restaurant

10. Park Street Pasta & Wine

4.5

Awesome(825)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • South Melbourne

Booked 10 times today

Located in a historic corner building at 268 Park Street, Park Street Pasta & Wine is South Melbourne’s friendly neighbourhood pasta and wine bar from Italian Restaurateurs Luca Balbo, Lino Torre & Matteo Balbo combining their passion for food and experience in the hospitality industry. Head chef Tommaso Bartoli whips up a creative menu that heavily draws on his Tuscan roots. Starting his career in the kitchens of Florence, he brings to Australia all the knowledge and passion for food that define with his personal style. All our pasta is handmade in-house in the traditional ‘fatta a mano’ style. Our menu features inventive sharing plates, classic pasta dishes that nod to various parts of Italy, plus a few modern iterations, all reflective of seasonal quality produce. with a tidy selection of Italian, international and local wines to match. We are located at 268 Park Street on the Corner of Park Street and Perrins St, just down from the iconic South Melbourne Town Hall.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

I
Ivy
New South Wales •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Always delightful. Excellent service and fabulous food
More info
MeatmaidenPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Melbourne CBD
•
4.6
J
JanVIP
Melbourne •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
My friend and I delighted in the unusual dishes. The recommended wine was a perfect match. The Merimbula oysters were sweet and fresh. All round a most enjoyable lunch. Thank you Kirbie chef and front-of-house staff!
More info
KirbiePrice: Expensive• Bistro• South Melbourne
•
4.8
L
Lee
Melbourne •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 17, 2025
Beautiful food and great atmosphere. Always a pleasure to eat there.
More info
The Clare CastlePrice: Expensive• Gastro Pub• Port Melbourne
•
4.7
JR
JoanneR
New York City •6 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 15, 2025
From start to finish this experience was exceptional. The wine selection was spot on, the appetizers were spectacular in taste, presentation and inspiration. The meal was topped off with a delicious and unique desert. Couldn’t ask for a better first night in Melbourne.
More info
LuciPrice: Expensive• Australian• Melbourne CBD
•
4.4
I
Ian
Melbourne •1 review
4.0
Dined on Feb 14, 2025
Very nice High Tea for special occasion. Quite pricey so would only go there for special occasion. Staff were friendly and chatty, but not very attentive. Had to ask for drinks menu twice (first person obviously forgot.) Had to walk to other side of restaurant to order second drink as no staff were in the vicinity for some time.
More info
AlluvialPrice: Expensive• Modern Australian• Melbourne CBD
•
3.5

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