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Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Inner City South

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OpenTable
Updated July 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in Inner City South? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!


A photo of Shelanous restaurant
Shelanous
5.0
5 (175)
$101 and over
Australian
Port Melbourne
About the restaurant
Born from a Melbourne sunset, our pop-up restaurant, Shelanous, evolved into a multi-sensory journey, blending Melbourne’s seasons into each dish. As we transitioned to “Shelanous”, we retained the essence of sharing, embodied in “nous,” meaning “our” or “us” in Hebrew and French.
Top review
Damian
Dined 1 day ago
For that stimulation and engagement you had as a child to stimulate your palate and senses, Shelanous is your destination. You can taste the care and enthusiasm with every breathe. An unforgettable evening shared with new found friends, massive thanks to Batman Fabi, Jean Louis Theo and of course Rony Parienty our French Israeli chef. You warmed our hearts and minds. With a childish joy and some wicked adult humour. Damo Approved 5 stars
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A photo of Shelanous Four Seasons of a restaurant
Experience
Shelanous Four Seasons
A photo of Bellota Wine Bar restaurant
Bellota Wine Bar
4.9
4.9 (98)
$41 to $100
Wine Bar
South Melbourne
About the restaurant
Nestled next to Australia’s leading independent wine store, the Prince Wine Store, Bellota makes full use of the massive selection on offer from its sister business. The restaurant/wine bar brings to fruition a long-held desire to provide a venue that showcases the great wines of the world in a warm and friendly environment alongside beautifully executed food. Head chef Nicky Riemer champions the kitchen with her European cuisine which offers a sense of provenance and brings back flavours that often get lost in modern cooking techniques.

The casual, friendly atmosphere is at the heart of Bellota. Our knowledgeable staff’s aim is simple; try and help you love the wine as much as they do. Our list changes with the seasons and wines are all available by the taste, glass and carafe (half bottle), reflecting our belief that good and interesting wines are made all over the globe. We also offer a small selection of iconic wines, poured by the taste utilising the Coravin wine access system.

Top review
Frank
Dined 5 days ago
Excellent experience all round. Will definitely be back
A photo of Kirbie restaurant
Kirbie
4.8
4.8 (415)
$41 to $100
Bistro
South Melbourne
About the restaurant
KIRBIE Caff' & Bistro

Tuesday-Saturday From 12pm-Late
Sunday 12-3pm
Functions & Events Available
Top review
Barbara
Dined 4 days ago
Incredible dining experience last night at Kirbies. The service was exceptional and Madi was an absolutely superstar and made our night from the first phone call. Each dish was delicious and we throughly enjoyed the whole experience. We will definitely be coming back.
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A photo of $49 SOUP|BREAD|PIE|WINE of a restaurant
Experience
$49 SOUP|BREAD|PIE|WINE
A photo of $90 Chef’s Menu of a restaurant
Experience
$90 Chef’s Menu
A photo of Bansho restaurant
Bansho
4.8
4.8 (145)
$101 and over
Japanese
Armadale
About the restaurant
Nestled in the heart of Armadale on High Street, Bansho is a sophisticated Japanese-fusion gem that invites you to embark on an exquisite culinary journey.

Here, the timeless elegance of French cuisine harmoniously intertwines with the refined artistry of Japanese flavors, creating a dining experience like no other.

Our menu is a celebration of both innovation and tradition, meticulously crafted with the finest ingredients from both culinary worlds. Complement your meal with our beautifully curated cocktail menu and an extensive selection of wines, designed to elevate your dining experience at Bansho.
Top review
Matthew
Dined 4 days ago
Absolutely outstanding. One of the better meals I’ve had - of 8 dishes we had, not one of them was below excellent.
A photo of Golden Fleece Hotel restaurant
Golden Fleece Hotel
4.6
4.6 (207)
$41 to $100
Greek
South Melbourne
About the restaurant
Heritage pub turned Greek Islands-inspired paradise, Golden Fleece Hotel has brought Santorini to South Melbourne.

Entering off Montague Street, you’ll find curvaceous, stone-look tables, booths and an adjoining bottle shop where the walls are lined with vino you can take away! Make your way up the colourful mosaic-tiled stairwell you'll find a place to enjoy more cocktails after dining down stairs and nooks to sit back and relax, as well as a pool table and our DJ's on the weekend to keep the party forever going.

Our Santorini Rooftop is where you’ll feel most transported, as the sun beams down, sip on a fun Aperol Spritz, or a Passionfruit Martini to feel the holiday vibes.

The menu is similarly Mediterranean. Among the highlights: Our famous fluffy oven baked bread accompanied by a selection of dips, and a delicious Yia-Yia's style Moussaka. Partner any dish with a wide selections of wines from our bottle shop or our famous Santorini Sour!
Top review
Sue
Dined on Jul 11, 2025
We had a lovely lunch at the Golden Fleece and what a beautiful place, like going on a holiday to Greece . Food is amazing and our waiter was so awesome. We will be back and highly recommend it. 🧡
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A photo of Santorini Soiree - Drinks of a restaurant
Experience
Santorini Soiree - Drinks
A photo of Santorini Soiree - Mezze of a restaurant
Experience
Santorini Soiree - Mezze
A photo of Greek Night 3rd October YAMAS Dining of a restaurant
Experience
Greek Night 3rd October YAMAS Dining
A photo of Atta Restaurant restaurant
Atta Restaurant
4.6
4.6 (76)
$101 and over
Indian
Albert Park
About the restaurant
At Atta we offer you the finest cuisine drawn from all corners of India.

From preparation to presentation we strive to ensure your experience represents the best India has to offer.

We believe that food should not only please the palate but also the eyes hence we take the modern approach on traditional and endogenous Indian dishes from cooking to presentation.
Top review
frank
Dined 5 days ago
The staff where very attentive and helpful when ordering our meal. Great food, fantastic experience alround.
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A photo of Atta Restaurant Booking of a restaurant
Experience
Atta Restaurant Booking
A photo of Lona Misa restaurant
Lona Misa
4.6
4.6 (878)
$41 to $100
Vegetarian / Vegan
South Yarra
About the restaurant
A collaboration with renowned Melbourne chefs Shannon Martinez (Smith & Daughters, Smith & Daughters Deli) and Ian Curley (French Saloon, Kirk’s Wine Bar), Lona Misa is a rebellious renaissance from root to stem, sustainably crafted to be seasonal, full of flavour, and memorable. The result? "A deliciously lively eatery that provides the ideal setting for coming together and taking part in the simple act of enjoying good food that is kind to the planet" (TimeOut).

Awarded One Hat by the prestigious Good Food Guide 2023, Lona Misa’s Latin fare and bistro dining collide against the norms of the classical medley you know of vegan and vegetarian dining. Think of dishes like Brazilian steafood stew Moqueca, roasted padron & manchego croquetas, or pastor mushrooms grilled over charcoals on Josper with corn puree, fermented pineapple & chilli.

We are committed to accomodating your dietary requirements. However, please call us or email should your dietaries include onion or garlic.
Top review
SusanVIP
Dined on Jul 5, 2025
We are regulars. Interesting delicious food. Great staff and ambience. Highly recommended.
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A photo of Chefs Tasting Menu of a restaurant
Experience
Chefs Tasting Menu
A photo of Havana Nights of a restaurant
Experience
Havana Nights
A photo of Group Bookings - 4 Course Tasting Menu of a restaurant
Experience
Group Bookings - 4 Course Tasting Menu
A photo of Suzie Q restaurant
Suzie Q
4.6
4.6 (187)
$40 and under
Chinese
Windsor
About the restaurant
Suzie Q was unapologetically rebellious, alluring and ahead of her time. Bathed in the red glow of oriental charm, her underground chinese restaurant was a well-kept secret by those in the know during the 80’s in downtown San Francisco; a hidden gem drawing people in from across the city with her timeless dishes and unforgettable ambiance.

Suzie Q embodies the indulgence of this rich legacy, re-imagined through a modern lens and coupled with retro oriental charm, classic chinese fare and contemporary cocktails.
Top review
Susan
Dined 3 days ago
Absolute gem of a restaurant! Grogeous retro decor, great music, friendly helpful service and delicious food. 10/10
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A photo of Suzie Q x Windsor Wine Room Joint Birthday of a restaurant
Experience
Suzie Q x Windsor Wine Room Joint Birthday
A photo of Karaoke Room Suzie Q! of a restaurant
Experience
Karaoke Room Suzie Q!
A photo of Feed Me Now Dinner of a restaurant
Experience
Feed Me Now Dinner
A photo of Astoria Bar Ke Grill restaurant
Astoria Bar Ke Grill
4.5
4.5 (353)
$41 to $100
Greek
South Yarra
About the restaurant
Nestled in a charming 1895 terrace house, Astoria Bar Ké Grill welcomes you with warm Greek hospitality. Our seasonal menu blends tradition and innovation, featuring time-honored recipes and modern twists that delight your palate.
Indulge in our innovative and traditional cocktails, expertly crafted to enhance your dining experience. From refreshing classic twists to unique creations inspired by Greek flavors, our cocktail menu adds excitement to your evening.
Enjoy a thoughtfully designed menu of smaller and larger dishes perfect for sharing. Featuring delectable mezze plates, aromatic grilled meats, and vibrant salads, every dish invites you to create your own culinary adventure.
Relax in a refined atmosphere while savoring exquisite Greek wine or signature cocktails on our sun-drenched terrace or in chic indoor seating. Whether celebrating a special occasion or enjoying everyday moments, Astoria Bar Ké Grill promises an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Greece.
Top review
Jim
Dined 2 days ago
Pleasant helpful staff. Good food, music appropriate & quiet! Worth more visits.
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A photo of Group menu for 8+ of a restaurant
Experience
Group menu for 8+
A photo of Mr. Miyagi restaurant
Mr. Miyagi
4.3
4.3 (429)
$41 to $100
Japanese
Windsor
About the restaurant
Chapel St. Windsor welcomes Mr. Miyagi, a standout Modern Japanese restaurant serving contemporary dishes with a twist. Enjoy inspired cocktails, Japanese Whisky and an impressive beer and wine list to compliment your meal.

Mr. Miyagi’s approach to dining is all about fun and variety. The menu is cleverly structured into three rounds - Round One, Round Two and Round Three, making it easy to explore different dishes whilst encouraging an Izakaya, shared experience. Pick from each round, try something new and take full advantage of the diverse options on offer!

The fun atmosphere is brought to life by the open kitchen, where sushi chefs serve up fresh sushi and sashimi. For a more laid-back vibe, dine at Yukie’s Snack Bar, where you’ll find the same delicious menu in a comfortable setting near the cocktail bar. Perfect for a casual bite or drink.
Top review
Victoria
Dined 5 days ago
Amazing food. Amazing service. Amazing Vibes will definitely be back
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A photo of LOOSE LUNCH | $69pp of a restaurant
Experience
LOOSE LUNCH | $69pp
A photo of THE HEROES | $89pp of a restaurant
Experience
THE HEROES | $89pp
A photo of REGULAR DINING of a restaurant
Experience
REGULAR DINING
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