Best Seasonal Restaurants in Essendon

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

City CentreEastern SuburbsInner City EastInner City NorthInner City SouthInner City West

Neighborhoods

AbbotsfordAlbert ParkArmadaleAscot ValeBrunswickCamberwell

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

Wheelchair access

188 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of The Carlton Wine Room restaurant

1. The Carlton Wine Room

4.8

Exceptional(852)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• European • Carlton

Booked 20 times today

Carlton Wine Room is a neighbourhood restaurant offering a well-executed, fresh, seasonal food menu, and an ever changing, diverse wine list featuring the best of Italy, Australia and the rest of the World. We offer a bar space, an upstairs restaurant dining room and three unique spaces that are can be booked for private dining perfect for special events.RESERVATIONS: are for a two hour sitting. We do not accept bookings for drinks and snacks, however we accept walk-ins for this if space permits. A surcharge of up to 1.2% applies to credit card transactions. A surcharge of 10% applies on Sundays and 15% on Public Holidays. OUTSIDE SEATING: please note this is subject to the weather and we may not be able to move your reservation inside in the case of bad weather. CANCELLATION: A $50 per person no show fee is charged for failing to attend your reservation. Contact us on 9347 2626 to make changes or cancel your reservation.

2. Bistra

4.9

Exceptional(149)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Australian • Carlton

Booked 15 times today

Bistra is an Australian bistro serving quality food and wine; our fare draws its influence predominantly from British, French and Italian cooking and technique, and yet it is quintessentially Australian. You can expect generous, memorable plates championing seasonal ingredients and an extensive list of wines.

A photo of Postmistress Eatery restaurant

3. Postmistress Eatery

4.6

Exceptional(26)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Brunswick

Booked 7 times today

Postmistress Eatery: Where Modern Italian Meets Melbourne CharmStep into Postmistress Eatery and be transported to a world of culinary delights. This modern Italian eatery in the heart of Brunswick West offers a vibrant atmosphere and a menu that tantalizes the taste buds. The restaurant boasts a sleek and stylish interior, with exposed brick walls, warm lighting, and comfortable seating. The open kitchen allows you to witness the culinary artistry firsthand, as chefs craft each dish with passion and precision.Postmistress's menu is a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients, sourced from local producers. From wood-fired pizzas topped with gourmet toppings to handmade pasta dishes bursting with flavor, every dish is a testament to the restaurant's commitment to quality and creativity. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner for two, a lively gathering with friends, or a casual solo dining experience, Postmistress Eatery has something for everyone.

4. TOTE Bar & Dining

4.7

Exceptional(262)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Australian • Moonee Ponds

Booked 8 times today

A contemporary bar and restaurant, serving modern-Australian dishes with seasonal eating in mind.Channelling the timeless allure of 1930's design, the interior boasts rich oak panelling, emerald hues, decadent leather and bronze finishes. The space offers three intimate dining areas, known as The Northern Terrace, The Dining Room and The Cellar - our Private Dining Room. The main feature of TOTE is casual dining with premium quality food from well sourced high quality and sustainable produce.It features a contemporary offering from coffee, craft beer and creative cocktails to carefully curated local & imported wines and spirits.The bar itself is modelled to the development’s quintessential roots – the racecourse – and is aptly shaped in an oval form to mirror it.

A photo of The Courthouse Hotel restaurant

5. The Courthouse Hotel

4.8

Exceptional(329)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Australian • North Melbourne

Booked 30 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!

A photo of Sporting Club Hotel restaurant

6. Sporting Club Hotel

4.7

Exceptional(153)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Australian • Brunswick

Booked 26 times today

Hosting cosy vinos by the Public Bar fire, delicious get-togethers in the Dining Room, cocktails in the leafy Laneway and sun soaked pints on the Deck with the dog; Sporting Club Hotel is Brunswick’s newest all rounder! Whether you’re looking for your new regular watering hole or a location for a special blow-out; we’ve got you covered.

7. Malin

4.8

Exceptional(53)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Modern European • Carlton North

Booked 2 times today

Malin is a small neighbourhood restaurant in the heart of Rathdowne Village, Carlton North. Set in an 1880s property on the corner of Curtain and Rathdowne streets, the site has been renovated to honour the heritage of the building. The food menu, developed by Chef Clement Pilatre, samples European cuisine and showcases seasonal produce and frequently changing dishes. The drinks list favours emerging wine producers, while also giving a nod to the classics. Malin aims to deliver engaging service 5 days a week; with dinner served Wednesday to Saturday and lunch on Saturday and Sunday. More information can be found on our website or by contacting us directly. We look forward to hosting you soon.

8. La Vallee

new

3.7

Very Good(4)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Café • Essendon

Booked 2 times today

La Vallee - A Refined Dining Experience in Moonee ValleyLa Vallee was established to offer a unique dining experience in the heart of Moonee Valley. Our name, "La Vallee," not only connects to our local heritage but also adds a touch of elegance that mirrors our refined culinary offerings. From the beginning, our mission has been to create a welcoming space where guests can enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, complemented by a fully licensed bar.Open seven days a week, La Vallee brings the finest culinary delights and impeccable service to a select group of sophisticated diners. Our brasserie offers a full service from breakfast through to dinner, ensuring that every meal is an occasion to remember.With a passion for seasonal, classic food and a devotion to exceptional service, La Vallee remains true to its values of quality and community.Join us at La Vallee and experience the refined elegance and exceptional service that sets us apart.

9. Cross Keys

4.3

Awesome(278)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Australian • Essendon

Booked 6 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 !

10. Grandview Hotel

4.8

Exceptional(321)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Australian • Brunswick

Booked 7 times today

The Grandview Hotel, located in Brunswick West, is a classic corner Victorian pub. Offering a variety of indoor and outdoor seating, the hotel provides a cozy environment for casual drinks or dining. The menu features classic pub fare and seasonal specials with options for all dietary needs. Paired with a well-curated selection of craft beers, wines, and spirits, it’s a perfect spot for a casual catch up, special event celebrations or just your local hangout for a drink and maybe friendly game of pool.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

B
Bernadette
Melbourne •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Chefs prepared a meal for each of us of lasagne and half a free range chicken with heirloom carrots and a potato gratin and of course a joy. Chicken was moist and roasted to perfection. Lasagne a flavour bomb. Do yourself a favour and dine here
More info
TOTE Bar & DiningPrice: Expensive• Australian• Moonee Ponds
•
4.7
N
Natalie
Melbourne •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Food and matching wine was absolutely outstanding. A truly memorable experience.
More info
The Carlton Wine RoomPrice: Expensive• European• Carlton
•
4.8
V
Vanessa
Sydney •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Beautiful food, wine and fantastic service. Loved the feel of the restaurant. Very intimate.
More info
BistraPrice: Expensive• Australian• Carlton
•
4.9
M
Michael
Melbourne •6 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jul 18, 2025
Great food at a great price. Service was excellent as well. Will be back!
More info
The Courthouse HotelPrice: Moderate• Australian• North Melbourne
•
4.8
L
Lynda
Melbourne •1 review
4.0
Dined on Jun 29, 2025
Wonder birthday dinner, food was great but the attention and service given by Lydia was outstanding! She is a gem. Thank you Lydia for your wonderful kindness and service.
More info
Postmistress EateryPrice: Moderate• Italian• Brunswick
•
4.6

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