Best Authentic Restaurants in Sydenham

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

BallaratBaysideCity CentreEastern SuburbsInner City EastInner City North

Neighborhoods

AbbotsfordAlbert ParkArmadaleBalaclavaBalwyn NorthBrighton

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

245 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Trattoria Emilia

4.8

Exceptional(1366)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 46 times today

Trattoria Emilia is an authentic Italian restaurant focusing on seasonal produce and fresh pasta. Head chefs Francesco Rota and Luca Flammia hail from Modena in Emilia Romagna.At Trattoria Emilia we seasonally change the menu and source a large majority of our produce from regional Victoria, our meat is organic and sustainably grown in Tasmania and Victoria and we import some of the best Italian DOC products. Some dishes that are not to be missed are our Tortelloni Emiliani and the crowd favourite salumi misti with gnocco fritto and tigelle served with mortadella mousse.Rustic, yet refined, Trattoria Emilia boasts fantastic ambience, attentive and professional service whilst all the while remaining a great casual dining spot perfect for a quick lunch, a long relaxing dinner with friends and has always been a romantic date spot.

2. Kentaro

4.4

Awesome(35)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Melbourne CBD

Booked 16 times today

Welcome to KENTARO, a Japanese omakase restaurant that transports diners to the intimate charm of Japan’s hidden side streets. Here, we offer an authentic and immersive dining experience that celebrates the art of Japanese cuisine. Under the guidance of our talented producer chef, whose extensive background includes esteemed Melbourne establishments such as Shiranui, Shoya, and Marble Yakiniku, as well as international experience in culinary hubs like Singapore and Tokyo, Kentaro elevates Melbourne's dining scene to new heights. Join us for a unique journey where tradition meets innovation in every exquisite creation.

3. Philhellene

4.8

Exceptional(288)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Greek • Moonee Ponds

Booked 3 times today

Philhellene is one of the four Greek restaurants in Melbourne to be included in the 2011 Age Good Food Guide, our primary objective at Philhellene is to present an authentic concept of food and drink while using high quality produce and applying traditional methods derived from our own mothers' cooking, creating a truly memorable and even emotional experience.The team at Philhellene consists of John & Susie Rerakis, several time 'best greek restaurant' winners by The Age Good Food Guide, also featured in Vogue Entertaining and other prominent media. Along with them their entourage of mothers who are working in the kitchen, spreading love & tales of their country in the dishes that they serve you.Our primary objective is to present an authentic concept of food and drink while using high quality produce and applying traditional methods derived from our own mothers’ cooking, creating a wonderful experience.

A photo of DOC Pizza & Mozzarella Bar - Carlton restaurant

4. DOC Pizza & Mozzarella Bar - Carlton

4.4

Awesome(602)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Pizzeria • Carlton

Booked 22 times today

D.O.C is real Italian eating and age old simplicity refreshed with contemporary flair. A celebration of heritage. A joy in sharing. Authentic, exuberant and outrageously Italian.

5. Il Solito Posto

4.8

Exceptional(1282)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 59 times today

One of Melbourne's most renowned Italian restaurants. Il Solito Posto is an institution. A real Melbourne Italian dining experience with a warm urban chic feel. Tantalise your taste buds with regional Italian dishes, prepared with the freshest seasonal produce and revel in the awarded wine list. This is Il Solito Posto ..... The usual place..

A photo of Laksa King Flemington restaurant

6. Laksa King Flemington

4.6

Exceptional(26)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Malaysian • Flemington

Booked 16 times today

At Laksa King, we bring the authentic flavors of Malaysia to life with our famous Curry Laksa—a rich, aromatic coconut broth filled with fresh prawns, chicken, and fragrant spices. Combining traditional recipes with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, we offer a warm and welcoming dining experience that’s perfect for lovers of Malaysian cuisine. Whether you’re craving a comforting bowl of laksa or exploring our street food classics, Laksa King promises a true taste of Malaysia.

A photo of Taksim Square Turkish Restaurant restaurant

7. Taksim Square Turkish Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(10)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Turkish • Moonee Ponds

Booked 8 times today

Taksim Square Turkish Restaurant, located in Moonee Ponds, offers a vibrant taste of Istanbul with a menu rich in traditional Turkish flavours. Known for its authentic dishes like char-grilled Adana kebabs, mezze platters, and seafood selections, Taksim Square provides a culinary journey steeped in heritage. Guests can enjoy live music every Saturday evening and a welcoming ambiance suitable for intimate dinners or larger gatherings. Signature items include mixed grill platters and vegan-friendly options, with all dishes showcasing the freshest ingredients and bold flavours

A photo of Secret Kitchen - Chinatown - Melbourne CBD restaurant

8. Secret Kitchen - Chinatown - Melbourne CBD

4.5

Awesome(909)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Asian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 47 times today

Founded in 2007, Secret Kitchen brings to the city of Melbourne chinese dining experience the like of which youwon’t find anywhere else in the state. Combining traditional flavours with innovative techniques, an extensive variety of menu items and an incomparable atmosphere, Secret Kitchen offers its guests an inimitable feasting experience. We are awarded one of the top Yum Cha restaurant on Time Out Melbourne and rated 4 stars out of 5 by The Age Good Food Guide. Secret Kitchen is located strategically opposite Her Majesty's Theatre, also serving pre-theatre menus for your before show meal.

A photo of Bali Hai CBD (Thai fusion) restaurant

9. Bali Hai CBD (Thai fusion)

4.6

Exceptional(65)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Thai • Melbourne CBD

Booked 11 times today

Sawasdee Ka 🌸 Welcome to Bali Hai, where Melbourne meets Pattaya! Thai-Fusion flavours in the Melbourne CBD.Nestled in the heart of Melbourne CBD, Bali Hai brings together the vibrant flavours of Thailand and the sophistication of Melbourne’s dining scene. Our passion for authentic Thai cuisine has created a unique fusion experience that will tantalize your taste buds.Inspired by the bustling streets of Bangkok and the serene beaches of Pattaya, our menu features a diverse range of traditional Thai dishes, each infused with a modern twist. From fiery curries and fragrant stir-fries to delicate noodle dishes and flavourful appetizers, our menu satisfies every palate.

A photo of Bodega Underground restaurant

10. Bodega Underground

4.4

Awesome(1594)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Melbourne CBD

Booked 32 times today

A restaurant smuggled from Mexico to Melbourne. Find Little Bourke Street’s late night mezcal bar and taqueria hidden underground in the China Town precinct, and open 7 days a week until late, including lunch Thursday - Sunday. Try a Tequila or Mezcal cocktail, or speak to our team about sipping some exciting Agave spirits instead. The $59 Feed Me banquet offers great value and a huge mix of traditional Mexican street food, plus some dishes with a twist. We also offer a $75 Bottomless Brunch on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sundays, with unlimited cocktails and 5 dishes; or a Pre-Theatre deal available every night of the week. We are located on the corner of Little Bourke and Crossley Street, Melbourne, with a moody bar and dining area perfect for both a quiet drink, or a larger celebration.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

B
Brady
Melbourne •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Food was amazing, really great service. Well done!
More info
DOC Pizza & Mozzarella Bar - CarltonPrice: Moderate• Pizzeria• Carlton
•
4.4
L
Lauren
Melbourne •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Been coming to Il Solito Posto for over 5 years now and have never been let down. Absolutely sensational food, service and ambience. Will be coming for at least another 5 years in the future Thank you for making my mother’s birthday so special
More info
Il Solito PostoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Melbourne CBD
•
4.8
C
Charlotte
Sydney •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Our party of 5 had a wonderful evening at Trattoria Emilia. We had the chefs 5 course menu and every dish was delicious and beautifully presented. Staff were wonderful, very knowledgeable and friendly. Already looking forward to our next visit.
More info
Trattoria EmiliaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Melbourne CBD
•
4.8
D
Davina
Melbourne •1 review
4.0
Dined 6 days ago
It was our first time dining here, and what a treat for a midweek birthday dinner for my dad! We went with the set menu, which was perfect, no decision fatigue, just great food and great company. Every dish was absolutely delicious and left us feeling full… but the good kind of full. The service was lovely, and the beer recommendations were a hit with both my dad and husband, so extra points there! All in all, a really lovely night out. We’ll definitely be back.
More info
PhilhellenePrice: Expensive• Greek• Moonee Ponds
•
4.8
D
Denise
Las Vegas •1 review
5.0
Dined on Jun 7, 2025
Great experience for our first omakase. All the ingredients paired so well together and were so fresh. Would definitely be back for the dinner service.
More info
KentaroPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Melbourne CBD
•
4.4

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