The top restaurants in Melbourne based on the independant reviews of the Australian Good Food Guide. http://www.agfg.com.au/ en-au Copyright Australian Good Food Guide Publishing Pty Ltd rss@agfg.com.au (AGFG Webmaster) webmaster@agfg.com.au (AGFG Webmaster) Thu, 18 Apr 2013 06:09:29 GMT Attica located in Ripponlea offers diners a unique and understated dining experience. The décor is minimal with earthy natural colours that create a subtle but swish ambience. Diners can anticipate and expect a menu and accompanying dishes that are reminiscent of the new food movement. The menu could include a simple dish of potato cooked in the earth it was grown. http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/southern-suburbs/ripponlea/restaurants-dining/attica http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/southern-suburbs/ripponlea/restaurants-dining/attica Already at the height of Melbourne's dining scene, Vue de Monde has raised itself even higher, to level 55 of the iconic Rialto. Rest assured, though, that Shannon Bennett's distinctively imaginative cuisine remains a spectacle to rival his restaurant's all-encompassing view. Pendant bulbs and neon art glow moodily over charcoal coloured tables and kangaroo hide chairs while polished service keeps things at a gentle but efficient hum. An open kitchen ramps up the theatre, as does the chefs' balancing act of artful whimsy and classical attention to detail. Diners can opt for the a la carte or degustation menu, each full of exciting flavour and texture combinations all exquisitely plated. http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/melbourne-inner-city/melbourne-city/restaurants-dining/vue-de-monde http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/melbourne-inner-city/melbourne-city/restaurants-dining/vue-de-monde There's a sense of industrial eeriness meets underground glam at Cutler & Co. in Fitzroy. Past wallpaper prints & paint jobs have been scrubbed away to reveal stripped brick walls. Peculiar but funky looking lights create an ambience that is cool and secretive, somewhat Gotham City. Dark deep timber floors are the stage for the simply arranged tables in the dimly lit dining room. The menu may include: Sashimi of king salmon, cuttlefish, cucumber & horseradish snow or Grass fed beef strip loin, braised short rib, cauliflower & onion. http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/melbourne-inner-city/fitzroy/restaurants-dining/cutler-co http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/melbourne-inner-city/fitzroy/restaurants-dining/cutler-co Set in a renovated Heritage listed Victorian mansion in Prahran, Jacques Reymond seeks to impress and initiate your appetite. Inside, eclectic coloured chair cushioning provides comfort amongst the elegant and delicately decorated French dining room. Celebrity Chef Reymond is guaranteed to satisfy with his entrée size meals, ensuring you sample a wide range from the extensive list. A combination of French cooking techniques with a hint of Asian influence is executed with sophistication and flair. Wild kingfish might be accompanied by bread nougatine, Iberian ham and saffron espuma, tender octopus and dried miso, with green pea and ginger dressing. http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/southern-suburbs/prahran/restaurants-dining/jacques-reymond http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/southern-suburbs/prahran/restaurants-dining/jacques-reymond Commit to an experience of minimal magnificence, à la Neil Perry style at Rockpool Bar & Grill inside Crown Casino. On first glances the dining room may appear simple; navy blue chairs blend harmoniously with its primary colour partner, red, to create a warm, but uncomplicated setting. Heightening the ambience are the eight metre high ceilings, creating a grandeur of space & suaveness. Little details here create that special dining experience. http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/melbourne-inner-city/southbank/restaurants-dining/rockpool-bar-grill http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/melbourne-inner-city/southbank/restaurants-dining/rockpool-bar-grill Owner/Executive Chef, Teage Ezard, has redeveloped Australian dining into what he describes as Australian free-style cuisine with the influence of China and Thailand. Diners are welcomed into an exclusive, intimate environment which is both plush and sleek. Ezard offers a truly memorable wine and food experience enhanced by seemingly effortless, efficient service. Recommended specialty: slow cooked bangalow pork belly, apple pudding, fennel, white peach, calvados jus. http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/melbourne-inner-city/melbourne-city/restaurants-dining/ezard http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/melbourne-inner-city/melbourne-city/restaurants-dining/ezard Flower drum has a well known history amongst foodies and Melbournians alike. An unlikely building is the venue for this Cantonese culinary delight, which is accessed predominantly by a lift, or stairs, if you want to build the appetite. It maybe windowless but the décor of the roomy dining room keeps you interested; with traditional artworks and flower arrangements in a warm setting. The menu could include Roast Duck breast Tender whole roasted duck breast served w/a sour tangerine skin sauce or Quail Sang Choi Bao. http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/melbourne-inner-city/melbourne-city/restaurants-dining/flower-drum http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/melbourne-inner-city/melbourne-city/restaurants-dining/flower-drum Seeking space, style & sumptuous dishes? Matteo's in Fitzroy fits the criteria, & welcomes you to its Victorian terrace home. A feeling of nobility exudes the dining room; regal tones of red, purples & deep blue explain why. It's the wallpaper, with its calligraphy design in pink & gold that's centre stage though. This venue is cool whilst but still comfortable; even more so with its rare Victorian wines. The menu could include: Japanese seafood plate - Steamed chawan mushi custard, yabby tail, ginko nut & soya beans or Five Spice Roast Duck Breast - duck neck & pork sausage, Peking cabbage & bamboo shoot okonomiyaki pancake,stir-fried choi-sum, hoisin duck sauce. http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/melbourne-inner-city/fitzroy-north/restaurants-dining/matteos http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/melbourne-inner-city/fitzroy-north/restaurants-dining/matteos Grossi Florentino in the exciting Bourke Hill dining precinct is Melbourne's quintessential Italian Restaurant. Equipped with a colourful history that spans over a century, as well as an iconic reputation, this venue has contributed to the cultural and culinary growth of Australia. Owner and executive chef Guy Grossi and Chef De Cuisine Chris Rodriguez, work vigorously with a passionate team, driven to seek excellence & execution with style. The menu may include Crumbed lamb cutlets, goat's cheese salmoriglio, mint, mache and pea salad. http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/melbourne-inner-city/melbourne-city/restaurants-dining/grossi-florentino http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/melbourne-inner-city/melbourne-city/restaurants-dining/grossi-florentino Lit up Venetian masks that work as lights at Cafe Di Stasio in St Kilda have a slight Halloween feel to them; happy & jovial though, and there in starts your experience. Shadows of waiters in long white jacketed outfits dart between tables, amongst the low lit intimate atmosphere, slightly rustic, yet cosy & classy, making it regarded as Melbourne institution. The menu may include Agnello Alla Romana - Lamb slow cooked with white wine, anchovies, rosemary and garlic. http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/southern-suburbs/st-kilda/restaurants-dining/cafe-di-stasio http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/southern-suburbs/st-kilda/restaurants-dining/cafe-di-stasio