Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in Inner City South

OpenTable

Updated July 05, 2025

Looking for the best special occasion restaurants 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!

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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Experience

Shelanous Four Seasons

Caffe E Cucina

4.9

4.9 (26)

$41 to $100

Italian

South Yarra

About the restaurant

Caffé e Cucina opened on August 16th 1988, with the aim of recreating the great restaurants in the most famous cities all over Italy. Since then, it has consistently achieved high acclaim in its contribution to the definition of "cafe culture" in Australia, originally introducing the concept of Italian hospitality in Melbourne.
Small tables, dim lights and high-end service are only some of our secret. "Produzione Artigianale” means strong attention to detail and passion for our culture.
A wide selection of wines, freshly baked bread on arrival and top quality extra virgin olive oil will never be missing.
The warm welcoming atmosphere, the thick accents and the genuine flavours are perfectly blended, casting a spell that transports you straight to Italy.

We have always been driven by the clear and ambitious intention to provide great traditional food, attentive yet friendly service and all around consistency.

Top review

JamesVIP

Dined 5 days ago

We had the perfect meal for 3 at Caffe E Cucina last night. Such a delicious menu, it makes choosing the hardest part of the evening. We enjoyed bruschetta & calamari followed by delicious pastas and a light green salad. The wine recommendation was spot on. The service across the evening was excellent, informative but not intrusive, with unrushed spacing between courses. Thank you we will be back

Lamaro's Hotel

4.8

4.8 (964)

$41 to $100

Modern Australian

South Melbourne

About the restaurant

"Truly a wonderful pub is Lamaro’s, run by experts that embrace hospitality."
Tony Leonard, 3AW
https://bit.ly/36XkQbd

Broadsheet's Top 5 Gastropubs in Melbourne 2019 & 2020
3AW's Pub Of The Year 2019

Lamaro's Hotel is an iconic Gastro-pub located in leafy Cecil Street in South Melbourne.

Let us take you on a gourmet journey with our creative modern Australian menu. Either dine in the opulent surrounds of our restaurant or relax in our old world bar.

With a boutique extensive wine list and 12 craft beers on tap there is something to please every taste and palate.

Private dining rooms available and functions welcome.

A must visit venue for any food, wine and beer lovers.

We're close to Albert Park Lake and just 100m stroll from Bridport Street light rail (Tram no. 96) and South Melbourne's bus

Top review

Janne

Dined 3 days ago

Food absolutely fabulous Highly recommend the rib eye

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4.8

4.8 (381)

$41 to $100

Italian

Mordialloc

About the restaurant

Meat Flour Wine is a modern Italian restaurant located in Braeside. MFW has a unique offering of Rustic Italian, house-made pasta's with a large focus on prime quality steaks cooked on coal. It has a warm and comforting feel and a buzzing atmosphere.

Top review

Michelle

Dined 5 days ago

Fabulous evening, great service and good food. Lovely place to celebrate

Chez Olivier Le Bistro

4.8

4.8 (145)

$41 to $100

French

South Yarra

About the restaurant

Chez Olivier Bistro – A Taste of Paris in South Yarra

Located at 268 Toorak Road, across the Como Centre, Chez Olivier Bistro brings the warmth and charm of a traditional Parisian bistro to Melbourne. Voted 2024 Diner's Choice on OpenTable, our restaurant offers an authentic French dining experience, blending classic techniques with seasonal produces under the guidance of our talented chefs.
Signature Dish :Canard à l’Orange with Pumpkin Mash Our showstopping dish features succulent duck , glazed in a tangy-sweet orange reduction, served atop velvety pumpkin mash.
Step into an intimate, softly lit dining room adorned with vintage French posters, and soft candlelight create an inviting ambiance. Our new outside spot offers the ideal spot for leisurely lunches or evening apéritifs.
✔ **Award-winning bistro (2024 Diner’s Choice, OpenTable)
✔ **Prime South Yarra location (near Como Center)
✔ **Classic French dishes with a modern touch
✔ **Romantic indoor setting & charming outdoor terrace

Top review

Lara

Dined on Jul 14, 2025

We love Chez Olivier for any occasion however Bastille Day is extra special due to the vibe and also the entertainment. The French mime is so fun and we loved the set menu with wine pairing. The pumpkin soup shouldn't taste as good as it does, but somehow they manage it! We had beetroot tarte and barramundi for mains; the beetroot tarte was light and earthy and the fish was not only cooked to perfection but was on the most delicious light and creamy puree, I'm drooling thinking about it! For dessert we finished with creme brulee (cracking top, smooth and creamy underneath just like it should!) and a chocolate fondant which my hubby devoured. Chez does French food without the fuss or the snobby vibes while still providing a very high level of service and incredible food I would pay double for, happily. The staff are excellent, always warm and friendly and the food literally never fails to make me smile! In all the years, across many locations, I have never had a bad meal or a bad experience here. It is just like being in Paris and I already can't wait to go back.

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Experience

WEDNESDAY - FONDUE SAVOYARDE

Experience

TUESDAY - STEAK FRITES

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.

Yugen Dining

4.7

4.7 (553)

$101 and over

Asian

South Yarra

About the restaurant

Yugen redefines dining after dark. A promise of an experience where food, drink, and music continue well into the night. A subterranean setting with a refined industrial feel, offering dishes and beverages influenced by the cultural richness of Asia. Tradition met with the intuition of a contemporary flair.

Top review

Fiona

Dined 5 days ago

An amazing experience to celebrate a 21st - attentive service, incredible food (Chef’s Menu), fabulous place!

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Normandy Wine & Grill

4.7

4.7 (126)

$41 to $100

French

Windsor

About the restaurant

Normandy, a cosy restaurant & wine bar, serving French food both traditional and modern. Steak frites plays a big part on the menu serving Cape grim beef with Bearnaise or bordelaise sauce.
- TUESDAYS 1/2 Price Steak Frites (all cuts of 'The Grill')
- WEDNESDAYS $35 French Classic Dish + Glass of Wine
- BYO Tuesday - Thursday ($25 corkage pb)

Top review

Helen

Dined 6 days ago

The Steak & Frites was beautiful . Steak cooked beautifully

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Experience

FRENCH CLASSICS WEDNESDAY NIGHTS

Experience

1/2 PRICE STEAK FRITES NIGHT

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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Experience

Santorini Soiree - Drinks

Experience

Santorini Soiree - Mezze

Experience

Greek Night 3rd October YAMAS Dining

Made In Casa

4.6

4.6 (92)

$40 and under

Italian

Malvern

About the restaurant

Made In Casa: A Taste of Italy in the Heart of Malvern Located in a charming old English house, Made In Casa offers a refined luxury experience from the moment you enter. The warm fireplace and the inviting aroma of wood-fired pizza create a cozy atmosphere. This Italian restaurant is a paradise for fans of authentic cuisine. The menu boasts a variety of delicious dishes made with fresh ingredients and traditional methods. From signature wood-fired pizzas to homemade pasta, each bite reflects their commitment to quality and flavor. The ambiance is as enchanting as the food. The elegant dining room features a sage green, white, and natural wood palette, creating a sophisticated yet comfortable setting. A grand staircase with floral English paper and a chandelier adds a touch of elegance. Whether for a romantic dinner or a casual gathering, Made In Casa is the ideal destination. Their dedicated team ensures an unforgettable dining experience. If you crave a taste of Italy in Malvern, visit us soon.

Top review

VickyVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Love this place! Ambience, food and staff . Perfection 🥰

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Experience

Set Menu 1

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