Best Cozy Restaurants in Hillside, Melbourne

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSeafoodFrenchIndianMexican

Regions

City CentreInner City NorthInner City SouthInner City WestNorthern SuburbsWestern Suburbs

Neighborhoods

Albert ParkBrunswickCarltonCarlton NorthDocklandsEssendon

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

GFG

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

102 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Ototo

4.0

Excellent(61)

$$$$

• Asian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 12 times today

Discover a hidden gem beneath the city streets at our contemporary Asian restaurant. Located underground, our venue boasts a full bar and an exquisite menu that promises a fusion of flavors. Delight in the Chef's Tasting Menu, a curated selection of favorites. Savor dishes like Kingfish Sashimi with truffle ponzu, or popular wagyu tataki. Dumpling enthusiasts can relish our diverse range, while main courses feature delights such as 48-Hour Black Angus Short Ribs and Signature 14-Day Dry Aged Duck. Don't forget to pair your meal with creative cocktails from our bar. Complete your journey with decadent desserts like Chocolate Fondant and Pandan Creme Brulee.

A photo of Straight Outta Saigon restaurant

2. Straight Outta Saigon

4.5

Awesome(1277)

$$$$

• Vietnamese • Melbourne CBD

Booked 16 times today

Straight Outta Saigon is a cozy spot with a friendly vibe. Reviewers love the 'cosy atmosphere', 'cozy venue', and 'intimate space'. The restaurant offers a 'lovely ambience' and a 'vibrant' atmosphere. It's a place where you can enjoy delicious food, drinks and a great value for money.

A photo of Bodega Underground restaurant

3. Bodega Underground

4.4

Awesome(1700)

$$$$

• Mexican • Melbourne CBD

Booked 27 times today

A restaurant smuggled from Mexico to Melbourne. Find Little Bourke Street’s late night mezcal bar and taqueria hidden underground in the China Town precinct, and open 7 days a week until late, including lunch Wednesday - Sunday. Try a Tequila or Mezcal cocktail, or speak to our team about sipping some exciting Agave spirits instead. The $60 Feed Me banquet offers great value and a huge mix of traditional Mexican street food, plus some dishes with a twist. We also offer a $75 Bottomless Brunch every Wednesday to Sundays, with unlimited cocktails and 5 dishes; or a Pre-Theatre deal available every night of the week. We are located on the corner of Little Bourke and Crossley Street, Melbourne, with a moody bar and dining area perfect for both a quiet drink, or a larger celebration.

4. Trattoria Emilia

4.8

Exceptional(1528)

$$$$

• Italian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 27 times today

Trattoria Emilia is a cozy Italian restaurant in Melbourne CBD. Reviewers frequently mention its warm and comfortable ambience, with one saying 'Amazing delicious food in a cosy warm atmosphere'. The relaxed atmosphere and high ratings for ambience suggest a cozy setting, perfect for casual dining or a romantic date.

5. Dessous

4.6

Exceptional(204)

$$$$

• Cocktail Bar • Melbourne CBD

Booked 11 times today

Located in the heart of the city on Flinders Lane, Dessous is a Thai restaurant and cocktail bar in the basement of the historic Richard Allen & Son building.An underground bar like no other. Old World decor meets a new wave of Thai-accented cuisine alongside signature cocktails.The perfect subterranean spot to linger late. Perch at the long marble-topped bar or sink into a booth and enjoy an intimate space of moody shadows and lamplight, bright flavours and vibrant music.Our menu, guided by Chef Dan Sawansak, offers punchy one-bite snacks and shareable plates as well as more substantial mains. We complement these with signature cocktails, seasonal specials drawing on Common Ground Project produce, and an eclectic wine list that puts familiar and surprising varietals side by side.

A photo of Maccaroni Trattoria Italiana restaurant

6. Maccaroni Trattoria Italiana

4.6

Exceptional(1317)

$$$$

• Italian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 28 times today

Maccaroni Trattoria Italiana in the Melbourne CBD is serving rustic and authentic Italian food like its meant to be – flavoursome, simple and made with a healthy dose of Italian passion. The chefs behind this Manchester Lane restaurant are dedicated to following traditional recipes (just like Nonna used), using their knowledge from homeland Italy and adding just a touch of gourmet modernity. Freshly made pasta is undoubtedly the star of the show at Maccaroni Trattoria Italiana, ranging from gnocchi and tagliatelle to fettuccine and pappardelle. Yet the menu also offers rustic pizzas, traditional mains and homemade desserts that will satisfy any guest – especially when enjoyed alongside the Italian and Australian wines available. Better yet, the service and atmosphere of Maccaroni is both genuine and inviting. Located in the Melbourne CBD, this restaurant is understandably popular and making an advance booking is highly recommended.

A photo of The Carlton Wine Room restaurant

7. The Carlton Wine Room

4.8

Exceptional(908)

$$$$

• European • Carlton

Booked 30 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.

8. Ms Ava

4.0

Excellent(55)

$$$$

• Modern European • Melbourne CBD

Named after the iconic actress Ava Gardner, Ms Ava embodies timeless beauty, charm, and sophistication, much like the hotel it resides in. Just as Ava Gardner was known for her warmth and graciousness, we strive to create a welcoming and enchanting ambiance where patrons can indulge in a variety of food and beverages and create unforgettable moments.

9. Maven by Morgan

4.4

Awesome(292)

$$$$

• Mediterranean • Fitzroy

Booked 18 times today

Step into Maven, Fitzroy's lively and stylish dining spot by Morgan Hipworth. Enjoy Mediterranean-inspired dishes designed for sharing, alongside innovative cocktails in a relaxed and buzzing atmosphere. Whether for a casual night out or a special occasion, Maven offers memorable moments over great food and drinks.

10. Boonchoou

4.8

Exceptional(74)

$$$$

• Thai • Melbourne CBD

Booked 19 times today

Tucked away in a cozy Chinatown alley at 11 Heffernan Lane, Boonchoou offers an authentic Thai dining experience in the heart of Melbourne CBD. This hidden gem is delivering dishes that traditional Thai flavors it Not just the familiar dishes you might know, but a deeper experience rooted in memory, culture, and care.Our menu is inspired by the flavours of Thailand’s four diverse regions — from bold southern curries to delicate central sweets and humble northeastern favourites.We reimagine these traditions using local Australian ingredients, while staying true to the soul of Thai cooking.. The ambiance strikes a balance of relaxation and comfort, enhanced by thoughtful tableware and attentive service , Boonchoou promises a memorable meal that delights both the palate and the senses.

‘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

A
Annissa
Sydney •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
It was my date my with my partner - we are from NSW visiting and it exceeded our expectations- thank you!
More info
Ototo$$$$• Asian• Melbourne CBD
•
4
A
Angelo
Melbourne •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Food was YUM! (I should be a food reviewer ... 😊) - Flavours hit you, from the Coconut chicken satay skewers through to the Pork Ribs and stir-fry veggies with lovely garlic ... great variety and packed with taste.
More info
Boonchoou$$$$• Thai• Melbourne CBD
•
4.8
J
Janire
Melbourne •1 review
5.0
Dined on May 20, 2026
Really good food and really good service. Everything was perfect!
More info
Da Guido 365$$$$• Italian• Melbourne CBD
•
4.5
P
Peter
Melbourne •6 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 9, 2026
Great vibe , warm and inviting place - staff were extremely helpful and the food was great! Highly recommend
More info
Fitzroy Town Hall Hotel$$$$• Contemporary European• Fitzroy
•
4.5
C
Carol
Melbourne •8 reviews
4.0
Dined on Mar 31, 2026
Ms Ava is beautiful a lovely quiet dining area set within one of Melbourne's iconic & wonderful heritage hotels. Away from the crowds quietly located the service was excellent. My friend & I were well looked after by the bar attendant who took our orders for food & drink. He was very helpful & friendly. The food was delivered promptly we had the express menu. A good easy menu selection for lunch. The food was great well prepared cooked to perfection presented well. I highly recommend a visit.
More info
Ms Ava$$$$• Modern European• Melbourne CBD
•
4

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