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Best Modern Australian Restaurants in Essendon, Melbourne

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55 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Etta restaurant
1. Etta
4.8
Exceptional(88)
$$$$
• Modern australian • Brunswick
Booked 21 times today
Etta is a little neighbourhood restaurant that tastes like Melbourne.An Australian restaurant bringing a bit of magic to neighbourhood dining, Etta serves an à la carte and set menu of shared dishes flavoured by fire and inspired by the city’s worldliness. Inventive, unexpected and punchy flavours meet genuine hospitality — neighbourhood feel, destination quality, and some of the best service in Melbourne.We’re looking forward to hosting you at Etta. Swing by and say hi.
A photo of TOTE Bar & Dining restaurant
2. TOTE Bar & Dining
4.6
Exceptional(294)
$$$$
• Modern australian • Moonee Ponds
Booked 13 times today
A contemporary bar and restaurant, serving modern-Australian dishes with seasonal eating in mind.Channelling the timeless allure of 1930's design, the interior boasts rich oak panelling, emerald hues, decadent leather and bronze finishes. The space offers three intimate dining areas, known as The Northern Terrace, The Dining Room and The Cellar - our Private Dining Room. The main feature of TOTE is casual dining with premium quality food from well sourced high quality and sustainable produce.It features a contemporary offering from coffee, craft beer and creative cocktails to carefully curated local & imported wines and spirits.The bar itself is modelled to the development’s quintessential roots – the racecourse – and is aptly shaped in an oval form to mirror it.
A photo of GK Tapas Bar & Restaurant restaurant
3. GK Tapas Bar & Restaurant
4.3
Awesome(26)
$$$$
• Modern australian • Moonee Ponds
Booked 5 times today
Our Tapas Bar & Restaurant blends Spanish style dishes with Australian native ingredients to create a unique menu of Tapas, Paella and hearty Mains. Our Head Chef and owner Laura also has quite a love affair with Patisserie which shows in our extensive dessert menu. GK is the place where food brings people together. We make absolutely everything in-house using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. With a focus on bold flavours and creative textures, our dining menu caters to every taste, offering seafood, meat, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Join us for a laid-back dining experience that seamlessly blends Australian and Spanish cuisine.GK’s relaxed atmosphere is perfect for any occasion, from a casual mid-week meal to a party with your whole crew, and everything in between. It enriches the Moonee Ponds locale, providing an ideal setting for relaxed drinks, dinner, and events of any size.
A photo of Cordelia restaurant
4. Cordelia
4.5
Awesome(36)
$$$$
• Modern australian • Carlton
Booked 9 times today
Cordelia is a neighbourhood restaurant serving bold, seasonal food with a Mediterranean spirit. Warm, welcoming and unpretentious, it’s a place for long lunches, late-night bites, and everything in between — where great produce, good wine, and honest hospitality come together.
A photo of Reed House restaurant
5. Reed House
4.7
Exceptional(48)
$$$$
• Modern australian • Melbourne CBD
Booked 15 times today
Reed House is a contemporary Australian restaurant, inspired by British brasseries. We blend modern cuisine with a relaxed atmosphere, honouring the heritage of our historic building.We envision Reed House as a place where the warmth of home meets modern cuisine. we bring bold flavours, quality ingredients, and a relaxed atmosphere. Our goal is to create an inviting space where friends gather, stories are shared, and every meal feels special
A photo of Blacksmith Bar and Grill restaurant
6. Blacksmith Bar and Grill
4.7
Exceptional(345)
$$$$
• Modern australian • Melbourne CBD
Booked 17 times today
Blacksmith Bar and Grill in Melbourne CBD is a true gem for Cocktail Bar enthusiasts, offering an exquisite blend of expertly crafted cocktails and a sophisticated ambience. Guests rave about the "fantastic service and wonderful staff," creating a welcoming atmosphere that enhances the dining experience. Located against the backdrop of Melbourne's stunning skyline, the bar invites patrons to unwind with "great wine pairings" and a meticulously curated drink list that complements their delicious menu. Whether you're savoring a classic cocktail or exploring innovative new flavors, Blacksmith's commitment to quality and creativity makes it a must-visit destination for cocktail aficionados.
A photo of Sir Duke restaurant
7. Sir Duke
4.5
Awesome(153)
$$$$
• Modern australian • Moonee Ponds
Booked 1 time today
Sir Duke is a cafe located in Melbourne's North West, Moonee Ponds serving an exceptional array of locally grown produce and seasonally paired with the finest specialty coffee, fresh juices, cocktails, beers and wines.
A photo of Malin restaurant
8. Malin
4.7
Exceptional(84)
$$$$
• Modern australian • Carlton North
Booked 1 time today
Malin, located in the charming Rathdowne Village in Carlton North, offers a delightful French-inspired dining experience that stands out for its "absolutely stunning" cuisine and "superb" service. The restaurant's menu, crafted by the talented Chef Clement, showcases fine French techniques with dishes like steak tartare oysters and delicious ceviche that leave diners raving. Guests are greeted with "warm welcomes" and enjoy a "casual, yet very elegant" atmosphere that perfectly matches the exquisite food. With an extensive wine list and divine cocktails, Malin promises an "excellent value" and a memorable dining journey that is "as good as anything" in Melbourne.
A photo of The Carlton Wine Room restaurant
9. The Carlton Wine Room
4.8
Exceptional(907)
$$$$
• Modern australian • Carlton
Booked 32 times today
The Carlton Wine Room in Carlton is a quintessential destination for those seeking the finest Modern Australian cuisine. Renowned for its "amazing food" and "fantastic service," this gem crafts dishes that are both fresh and seasonal, seamlessly showcasing the diverse flavors that define Modern Australian cooking. With an ever-changing wine list that features selections from Italy, Australia, and beyond, the staff offers "perfect recommendations" to enhance each dining experience. Guests rave about the "outstanding night of taste adventures" and the "exemplary food, service and atmosphere," making it a must-visit for a memorable culinary journey in Melbourne.
A photo of Doju restaurant
10. Doju
4.7
Exceptional(74)
$$$$
• Modern australian • Melbourne CBD
Booked 17 times today
Doju 〜 a combination of Head Chef/Owner Mika Chae’s hometown Jeollanam-do and Meju, a fermented, Korean soybean block. Meju is the first step for making a number of Korean dishes like doenjang (Korean miso), ganjang (soy sauce) and gochujang (chilli paste). Since Doju is Mika’s first restaurant, Meju is perfectly incorporated into the name and sets the scene for meaningful, passionate food.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Jason
    Melbourne •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Excellent in every aspect, from the welcome to the farewell. The food was so tasting and approachable, especially the duck special, the wine service was great and the service team very personable.
    More info
    Etta$$$$• Modern Australian• Brunswick
    •
    4.8
  • Tamara
    Melbourne •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on May 10, 2026
    Outstandong experiance, spent a lovely mothers day with very freindly service and a relaxed atmosphere.
    More info
    The Union Hotel$$$$• Pub• Ascot Vale
    •
    4.7
  • Shyna
    Melbourne •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on May 10, 2026
    Great portion size! Friendly staff and good vibes!
    More info
    Sir Duke$$$$• Modern Australian• Moonee Ponds
    •
    4.5
  • Jo
    Melbourne •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Apr 24, 2026
    We had a delicious dinner and dinks, the service was fantastic and while it was very noisy earlier in the evening, we stayed on after most people and it was much quieter then for our group of 12 to catch up :)
    More info
    GK Tapas Bar & Restaurant$$$$• Spanish• Moonee Ponds
    •
    4.3
  • Richard
    Melbourne •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Apr 23, 2026
    Stopped in for lunch with a friend. The steak frites were perfect as was the wine we had with it. Really enjoyed the tarte du jour as well, and the attentive staff made it a great afternoon.
    More info
    French Saloon$$$$• French• Melbourne CBD
    •
    4.7

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