12 Hatted Restaurants you must try in Melbourne

The Australian Good Food Guide has awarded its 2023 Chefs Hats, recognising some of the best restaurants around Australia. 

Awarded annually, AGFG Chef Hats are based on food alone, looking at factors such as ingredients, taste, presentation, technique, value and consistency to determine the standout Australian gastronomy of the year. 

Keen to experience some of Melbourne’s best menus for yourself? We’ve picked out 12 Melbourne restaurants you need to try, that have all been awarded Chef Hats in 2023. 

Pictured: Flower Drum in Melbourne

Flower Drum, Melbourne

If you haven’t yet had a chance to experience Melbourne’s iconic Chinese restaurant Flower Drum, consider this your sign! Since 1975, Flower Drum has been delivering Cantonese fine dining in an opulent (and somewhat vintage) setting. Don’t go past their Peking Duck or famous soup dumplings. BOOK NOW >

Restaurant Lume, South Melbourne

This experimental fine-diner, known for its modern international menu, has recently commenced a new chapter. Executive Chef Diego Huerta Chabert has scaled back the restaurant's famous degustation experience from 16 courses to seven and added a la carte dining for the first time. While some things have changed, the focus on seasonal Australian produce remains. BOOK NOW >

Bacash, South Yarra

Not a huge seafood fan? Bacash is the place that just might convert you. From whole flounder to spaghetti marinara overflowing with prawns, mussels, calamari and seasonal fish, you’ll be truly spoiled for choice. Don’t worry though, if you prefer your ingredients come from the land, not the sea, there are a range of delicious options just as thoughtfully prepared. BOOK NOW >

Caterina’s Cucina e Bar, Melbourne

In a charming underground dining room in the heart of the CBD, you’ll find Caterina's Cucina e Bar - a lunchtime only restaurant popular amongst the corporate crowd and keen foodies looking for an authentic Italian feed. How do you know it's the real deal? Caterina's has received the coveted ‘Marchio D’Ospitalità’ from the Italian Chamber of Commerce to commend venues sharing authentic Italian cuisine outside Italy. BOOK NOW >

Etta Dining, Brunswick East

The inspiration for Etta comes from our favourite, cosy local dining rooms - the kind that feel like an extension of your living room and part of the neighbourhood. Etta is all about fresh, seasonal produce, treated with respect. Expect simple, generous and familiar flavours, served with warmth and welcome. BOOK NOW >

Entrecote, Prahan

Taking inspiration from the original one-dish steakhouse Le RelaisDe L'Entrecôte, which opened in 1959 in Paris, Entrecôte Melbourne is a renaissance of classic French dining. The self-prescribed ‘French Party Palace of Prahan’ offers a range of delightful French dishes from the signature Steak Frites to Canard Festif (dry aged duck breast) and even caviar bumps. BOOK NOW >

Pictured: Tulum in Balaclava

Tulum, Balaclava

Famed for its contemporary approach to traditional Turkish flavours, this bustling eatery is a favourite amongst Balaclava locals thanks to its innovative approach to fine dining. Tulum delivers artfully modern plates without compromising on authentic Anatolian taste, with service that is just as delightful. BOOK NOW >

Matteo’s Melbourne, Fitzroy North

Since 1994, Matteo's has been offering a quintessential Melbourne dining experience built on quality, comfort and community. With a focus on contemporary Italian cuisine, Matteo reinvents Italian classics with exciting new zest. BOOK NOW >

Poodle Bar and Bistro, Fitzroy

One word to describe Poodle Bar and Bistro is unique. This art deco–style gathering place features a courtyard, cocktails and creative food offering with Modern European cuisine. Poodle’s menu is inspired by the tastes of Europe with its own renditions of some well-loved, classic dishes. BOOK NOW >

Smith & Daughters, Collingwood

Smith & Daughters is a 100% vegan bar and eatery in Collingwood which is flipping the script on preconceptions around vegan dining. Set inside the bones of an historic Fitzroy pub, enjoy a Mediterranean menu of remarkable, unforgettable dishes...that just happen to be vegan. BOOK NOW >

Taxi Kitchen, Melbourne

Set high above the city streets and boasting some of the best views of Melbourne’s skyline and the Yarra River is this trendy CBD restaurant. Focusing on sustainable, locally sourced produce, Executive Chef Tony Twitchett delivers a modern Australian menu with a distinct Asian influence. BOOK NOW >

Auterra, Armadale

Auterra is a place where people can walk in, gather and enjoy the simple things in life - good wine, good food and good company. This charming wine bar in Armadale stands out from its lengthy list of competitors due to its truly innovative menu. With dishes including a Hot Dog with spiced merguez and lebanese pickle and a Jasmine rice soft serve, this is the kind of food you won’t find anywhere else in the city. BOOK NOW >

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