Diners' Choice: Best Food restaurants in Inner City South

OpenTable

Updated May 05, 2026

Looking for restaurants with the best overall cuisine 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!

Kirbie

4.9

4.9 (461)

$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

Fraine

Dined 4 days ago

Delicious food and lovely service. Not too quiet and not too loud so a perfect venue for a conversational dinner!

Bounty of the Sun

4.9

4.9 (299)

$40 and under

Japanese

Balaclava

About the restaurant

IZAKAYA DINING
Inspired, fresh, and flavorsome Japanese small plates, designed to be shared.
Thank you for choosing to dine with us. Please note that the duration of sittings prior to 7pm will be just under 2 hours. This allows us time to adhere to appropriate cleaning and sanitisation of tables before our next guests arrive. Please ensure you arrive at the time of your reservation, as seating is limited and there may not be any space if you arrive earlier. If you are however running late to your reservation, please call us as we only hold tables for 15 minutes.

Be aware that the seating in our venue comprises of low tables, counter tops and bar seating. Please note bookings of two are generally sat along a bar or counter top, not a low table. If you have a preference due to any health or mobility issues, please include this in your booking or give us a call, and we will try our best to accommodate.

Top review

Chelsie

Dined 1 day ago

Was expecting a lot after seeing all the rave reviews. Fabulous service with some of the best food we've found in Melbourne. Brilliant experience, a must try!

Charlong

4.8

4.8 (150)

$41 to $100

Thai

St Kilda

About the restaurant

Culinary Art - Casual Fine Dining Thai Restaurant - Locally Sourced - + Vegetarian/Gluten Free Menu

CHARLONG, where authentic Thai food meets art. Situated in the culinary heart of St Kilda on Carlisle Street, Charlong has quickly established itself as a "haven for food lovers" combining authentic Thai flavours with hearty French cooking techniques and local seasonal produce. Charlong boasts a rotating seasonal menu, with a series of Vegetarian/Vegan and Gluten Free options available to enjoy. If you would like to dine in, Charlong creates a cosy yet vibrant and light-filled atmosphere, with a colourful wall mural, shopfront glass, and simple alluring furnishings, the atmosphere removes all distraction and allows one to fully enjoy and appreciate their meal. As one reviewer said, "Each dish (in Charlong) reflects a commitment to quality, making it a noteworthy choice for those seeking a satisfying and flavorful meal."

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on May 21, 2026

Food was amazing and service was so friendly and sweet. Very keen to go back!

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Popular dish

Humpty Doo Barramundi

5.0

5 (253)

$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

Sophie

Dined 1 day ago

Wow! What a night. From arrival to departure, the night was filled with fun, energy & lots of surprises. The venue itself was lovely; the food was unbelievable & the drinks paired perfectly with the meals. Evrything was well thought out- from the decor, to the music, to the food- all designed to set the mood & the theme of the 'season' we were in. Also, the staff made the night- fun, entertaining & engaging. I highly recommend this for a special night out.

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Experience

Four Seasons Show - $295pp ($150pp Deposit)

Experience

Four Seasons - Weekend $340pp ($150pp Deposit)

Bellezza Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (56)

$41 to $100

Global, International

Malvern

About the restaurant

Bellezza Restaurant invites you on a global culinary adventure in the heart of Melbourne. This hidden gem features a diverse menu that showcases international flavors, welcoming you with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The cozy ambiance, soft lighting, and elegant décor create the perfect setting for an unforgettable dining experience.

Each dish reflects the chef's passion for world cuisine, offering unique creations inspired by various cultures. Whether you desire the delicate tastes of Italy, the bold spices of Asia, or hearty European classics, Bellezza has something to satisfy every palate.

Begin your journey with our delightful small bites, each thoughtfully crafted to deliver exceptional flavors. Savor our must-try Entrées before indulging in the exquisite Veal Scaloppini, Prawn Golden Curry, tender Beef Short Rib, or our handcrafted pasta. Let your taste buds embark on a culinary adventure at Bellezza.

Top review

Karen

Dined on May 23, 2026

We always have enjoyed the hospitality, ambience and enjoyable food at Bellezza. We love the many choices on the menu - old favourites and new ones to try. We bring friends and family and it is a favourite choice on the way home from the footy!

Tulum Turkish Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (148)

$40 and under

Turkish

Balaclava

About the restaurant

Tulum is a 1 Hatted Turkish restaurant.

The restaurant specializes in contemporary Anatolian / modern Turkish cuisine, reimagining traditional recipes using modern techniques, local produce, and personal culinary heritage.

The menu is designed for sharing, featuring mezze (both small and large plates), mains, and desserts for a communal experience.

Atmosphere: A stylish, intimate space featuring exposed brick walls, signature turquoise fish-scale tiles, moody lighting, and a warm, refined vibe.

Service: Frequently lauded for its hospitality, knowledgeable staff, and storytelling presentations of each dish.

Taste of Tulum – 7‑Course Degustation (Individual plates)
• $110 per person
• Each of the seven regional dishes is served individually and represents a different region of Türkiye, offering diners a curated journey across Turkish culinary traditions.

Sofra – 6‑Course Sharing Menu
• $95 per person
• Designed for group sharing — mezze and a main course served family-style.

Top review

Cathy

Dined on May 7, 2026

Delicious food in warm and welcoming atmosphere 😋 all dishes shared and enjoyed

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Experience

CHRISTINE MANFIELD & TULUM EVENT

Experience

CHARLIE CARRINGTON & TULUM EVENT

Amaru

4.9

4.9 (16)

$101 and over

Modern Australian

Armadale

About the restaurant

Amaru is an amalgamation of words loosely translating to a "a beautiful place to love".

We aim to provide an experience that is one of excitement, intrigue and intimacy. Located in the inner-city suburb of Armadale with a maximum seating of 34 guests, the open concept dining room offers a beautiful connection between the diner and the creations of the kitchen.

We offer a tasting menu inspired by exquisite Australian produce, prepared and inspired by culinary techniques from around the globe in the hope to evoke the senses and challenge the imagination along the way.

The menu is revealed and delivered by the entire team of chefs, waiters and sommeliers who carefully guide our guests through each serving, which may be accompanied by a variety of beverage options from our extensive cellar or house-made infusions and ferments.

We look forward to welcoming you to Amaru.

Top review

Eric

Dined on May 21, 2026

I think I just had the best meal of my life. The food was amazing, as was the service. So many unique flavors. The wine pairing in particular was a standout. It really enhanced every bite.

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Experience

Chef's Counter - Sensory Menu - $320pp

Experience

Main Dining Room - Sensory Menu - $320pp

Experience

Lunch - Main Dining Room - Insight Menu

Freddy's Pizza

4.8

4.8 (294)

$40 and under

Pizza Bar

Windsor

About the restaurant

Ciao, This is Freddy's!

Your friendly neighbourhood pizzeria, nestled right in the heart of Windsor. Come for the wood-fired pizza, stay for the good times!

Top review

Karen

Dined on May 7, 2026

Great food. Fantastic staff. Whole place is a vibe.

Caffe E Cucina

4.8

4.8 (113)

$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

Steven

Dined on May 22, 2026

Brilliant family owned traditional Italian restaurant. Great menu, great service and great ambience.

Woods Yard

4.9

4.9 (194)

$40 and under

Wine Bar

South Melbourne

About the restaurant

For same day/last minute bookings, please call and chat to us on 0450207874
Food that is delicious and fun!
A Melbourne wine bar run by people who love what they do and are passionate about everything on the menu.
Wine that is alive!

Top review

Georgina

Dined 5 days ago

Woodsyard is always consistently good. The pizzas are great, the anchovy toasts are one of my favourite things, and the ambience is just so cosy, yet spacious enough you have some privacy. The service last night, as always, was attentive and efficient.

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Experience

Happy Hour 4-5.30pm Tuesday-Saturday

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