South Yarra has always been one of Melbourne's great dining precincts. Toorak Road, Chapel Street and the surrounding streets hold an extraordinary concentration of restaurants — from a beloved French institution that has been serving celebrities and locals for decades, to a ten-seat omakase serving the world's finest Kobe Wagyu beef, to buzzing Italian joints, elegant hotel dining rooms and long-running neighbourhood favourites that have earned their loyalty the hard way.
We've been dining in South Yarra for years, many of these restaurants multiple times. This is our considered guide to the best restaurants in South Yarra right now — updated for 2026.
Updated June 2026. All venues personally visited by The World Loves Melbourne.
Best Restaurants South Yarra: At a Glance
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| France-Soir | French | Melbourne icon, celebrity haunt, timeless French |
| Yakikami | Japanese omakase | Kobe Wagyu, 10-seat omakase, premium experience |
| Omnia Bistro & Bar | European bistro | Capitol Grand, refined bistro dining |
| Mr L's Bar & Restaurant | Modern Australian | Romantic dining, wine, South Yarra elegance |
| Yugen Dining | Japanese fine dining | Multi-course Japanese, stunning space |
| Stella Restaurant & Bar | Italian | Four-level Italian, great vibes, steaks & pasta |
| Matilda | Modern Australian | Fire-driven cooking, Chapel Street flagship |
| Bar Carolina | Italian | Premium Italian, exceptional produce |
| Cucinetta | Italian | Intimate 16-seat Italian, fresh pasta, date night |
| A25 | Pizza | Neapolitan pizza, South Yarra favourite |
| Beverly | Modern bistro | All-day dining, brunch and beyond |
| Leonard's House of Love | Eclectic | Wine bar dining, neighbourhood hero |
| MissChu | Vietnamese/Asian | Rice paper rolls, quick and delicious |
| The Botanical | Modern Australian | Garden setting, classic South Yarra dining |
| 48 Pizza e Gnocchi Bar | Italian | Gnocchi, pizza, casual Italian comfort |
| Oriental Teahouse | Chinese / Yum Cha | Yum cha institution, 20+ years, innovative dumplings |
Jump To
- → France-Soir
- → Yakikami
- → Omnia Bistro & Bar
- → Mr L's Bar & Restaurant
- → Yugen Dining
- → Stella Restaurant & Bar
- → Matilda
- → Bar Carolina
- → Cucinetta
- → A25
- → Beverly
- → Leonard's House of Love
- → MissChu
- → The Botanical
- → 48 Pizza e Gnocchi Bar
- → Oriental Teahouse
- → FAQ
France-Soir — South Yarra
Best For: Melbourne icon | Celebrity haunt | Classic French bistro
There are very few restaurants in Melbourne that can genuinely claim the word icon. France-Soir is one of them. For decades this French bistro on Toorak Road has been the restaurant of choice for Melbourne's arts world, its media, its sports stars and its celebrities — and it has never had to try particularly hard to maintain that status. The pull is entirely organic. The food is the real deal: classic French bistro cooking done with conviction and consistency, the kind of menu that doesn't change because it doesn't need to.
The room buzzes with the energy of a restaurant that knows what it is. The wine list is extraordinary — one of the finest French cellars in Australia. The service has the professional warmth of a place that has been doing this a very long time. If you want to understand what makes Melbourne's dining culture great, a meal at France-Soir is one of the most instructive evenings you can spend.
Verdict: An irreplaceable Melbourne institution. Every visitor to the city should eat here at least once. ★★★★★
Yakikami — South Yarra
Best For: Kobe Wagyu omakase | 10-seat Josper Room | Premium Japanese
This is one of the most extraordinary dining experiences in Melbourne, full stop. Yakikami is the only Japanese restaurant group in Victoria certified to serve genuine Kobe Wagyu beef, and the 10-seat Josper Room omakase is the best way to experience it. We sat for a 15-course-plus degustation that blew our minds from beginning to end — a Louis Vuitton suitcase introducing the premium meats is just one of the theatre moments that make this evening memorable in ways that stay with you.
The Josper grill uses Binchotan charcoal at high temperature to draw out the umami of the Wagyu in a way that nothing else achieves. The A5 Kobe Sirloin is extraordinary — expensive but absolutely worth it, the kind of bite that resets your expectations of what beef can be. Standout dishes across the omakase included the A5 Wagyu Tartare with smoked Beluga caviar in a nori wrap, the Ox Tongue Misoni slow-cooked for 12 hours, and the Konbu Chuck Tender and Scallop Sushi. The Nikku Kappo style — chefs explaining each step as they cook — makes the evening as entertaining as it is delicious.
Read more: World's Best Kobe Wagyu at Yakikami's 10-Seat Omakase
Verdict: One of Melbourne's great dining experiences. Unmissable for serious food lovers. ★★★★★
Omnia Bistro & Bar — South Yarra
Best For: European bistro | Capitol Grand setting | Refined occasion dining
Omnia occupies one of South Yarra's most impressive spaces — the ground floor of the Capitol Grand luxury development, with a vaulted front room, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Chapel Street, a large central bar, and a curved-ceiling rear room with leather banquettes. It is a genuinely beautiful room, and the cooking matches it.
Executive Chef Stephen Nairn is a serious talent — we described him at the time as a creative genius and a rising star not only in Melbourne but on the world stage, and the food bears that out. Standout dishes from our visit included the ocean trout cigars (a clever, memorable dish with big flavour that we had to photograph twice), duck liver parfait with ruby port glaze, the steak tartare with a kick of dried chilli, stuffed quail with barley risotto, and a liquid-centre cheesecake with blackberry sorbet that was among the year's highlights. The house-made bread alone was exceptional. A new high bar for bistro dining.
Read more: Dinner at Omnia Bistro and Bar at Capitol Grand
Verdict: A standout South Yarra dining room. Beautiful space, exceptional kitchen. ★★★★★
Mr L's Bar & Restaurant — South Yarra
Best For: Romantic dining | Wine-forward | South Yarra elegance
Mr L's on Toorak Road has quietly become one of South Yarra's most satisfying places to spend an evening — a venue that takes wine and food with equal seriousness and delivers both without any of the stiffness that sometimes accompanies that kind of ambition. I've dined here and came away genuinely impressed.
The room is dark and moody with a romantic quality that's hard to manufacture. The front dining room has real old-world charm; the rear atrium creates a sense of occasion; elegant chandeliers add just enough glamour. The outdoor terrace is another option depending on the night. Chef Deepak Mishra produces refined modern Australian cooking that earns its place alongside serious wines, and owner Mr L brings a strong hospitality background and a genuine understanding of what makes guests feel welcome. Classy without pretension.
Verdict: One of South Yarra's finest. Romantic, wine-forward, and consistently excellent. ★★★★½
Yugen Dining — South Yarra
Best For: Japanese fine dining | Multi-course experience | Stunning interiors
Yugen Dining is one of South Yarra's most visually striking restaurants — a multi-course Japanese fine dining experience housed in a space that manages to be both dramatic and serene. The name references the Japanese concept of profound awareness of the universe, and the kitchen takes that idea seriously: this is patient, considered cooking that reveals itself gradually across each course.
The interiors are extraordinary — a restaurant you want to linger in as much for the space as for what arrives at the table. Japanese techniques applied to premium Australian produce across a long degustation format make this one of the more distinctive fine dining experiences in South Yarra's increasingly competitive dining landscape. A special occasion restaurant that delivers on the occasion.
Verdict: Stunning space, considered Japanese fine dining. Worth the splurge. ★★★★½
Stella Restaurant & Bar — Chapel Street, South Yarra
Best For: Italian vibes | Four levels | Steaks, pasta, great cocktails
Stella radiates style. Named after the owners' daughter, this four-level Chapel Street destination has mastered what you might call casual sophistication — the kind of restaurant where a special night out and a spontaneous dinner with friends both feel equally right. The pasta and pizza are South Yarra staples, but on our most recent visit we zeroed in on the steaks and they delivered magnificently.
The O'Connor scotch fillet — 600g of grass-fed, 14-day aged beef — was a triumph: expertly rendered crust, tender pink centre, every bite to be savoured. The Wagyu rump cap, rich and buttery, was pure decadence paired with a Henschke Five Shillings Shiraz. Entrees of fried calamari and Venetian scallops set the tone beautifully, and desserts — traditional tiramisu and chocolate basque cheesecake with crème anglaise — were a high note to finish on. The cocktail menu is excellent too.
Read more: Dinner at Stella on Chapel St
Verdict: A South Yarra dining institution. Great vibes, excellent Italian, brilliant steaks. ★★★★½
Matilda — Chapel Street, South Yarra
Best For: Fire-driven cooking | Chapel Street dining | Modern Australian
Matilda has been one of Chapel Street's most talked-about addresses since it opened, and with good reason. The kitchen centres on fire — the Josper grill and open flame cooking give dishes a char and depth that is immediately distinctive. This is modern Australian cooking with confidence and restraint: produce-driven, seasonally led, and executed with technical precision that belies how relaxed the room feels.
The space is handsome and the team are genuinely engaged. Matilda is a restaurant that makes Chapel Street feel like a proper dining destination rather than just a strip of cafes and bars — a significant contribution to South Yarra's culinary landscape.
Verdict: One of Chapel Street's finest. Fire-driven cooking at its best. ★★★★½
Bar Carolina — South Yarra
Best For: Premium Italian | Exceptional produce | Elegant dining
Bar Carolina is one of South Yarra's leading Italian restaurants — a venue with genuine ambition about the quality of what it sources and serves. We attended an exclusive dinner here showcasing Prosciutto di Carpegna PDO, one of Italy's most celebrated protected charcuterie products, and the kitchen handled it with exactly the kind of intelligence and respect the ingredient deserved.
The evening moved through four sumptuous courses — Burrata, Risotto ai Funghi, Barramundi in Crosta, Pollo Arrosto and Torta al Ricotta — all paired with exceptional wines. A touch of class and plenty of fun sums up a Bar Carolina evening. The aperitivo welcome, the considered wine list, the quality of produce — this is Italian dining done with both heritage and ambition.
Read more: Prosciutto di Carpegna PDO at Bar Carolina
Verdict: Premium Italian with a genuine love of produce. A South Yarra standout. ★★★★½
Cucinetta — South Yarra
Best For: Intimate Italian | Fresh pasta | Date night perfection
Only 16 seats. That fact alone tells you something about what Cucinetta is trying to do — and succeeding at. This is Italian dining at its most intimate and joyful: the kind of restaurant you leave satisfied and smiling, having eaten dishes that people actually want rather than dishes that require explanation. The team behind it also run Cosi in South Yarra, Vaporetto in Hawthorn, and Carboni's in Ballarat — and they've brought a deep understanding of what great Italian hospitality feels like.
Pasta is made fresh from their own boutique pasta lab, and it shows. The Special Cheese Wheel pasta — Fettuccine Cacio e Pepe finished in an actual cheese wheel — is a showstopper. The Tagliatelle al Ragù dello Chef has depth and richness that only comes from real technique. The arancini with peas, the pan-seared scallops with parsnip purée, and what may be the best tiramisu in South Yarra round out an exceptional experience. Book well ahead.
Read more: Italian Food Dreams at Cucinetta
Verdict: A warm hug of a restaurant. One of Melbourne's most joyful Italian experiences. ★★★★★
A25 — South Yarra
Best For: Neapolitan pizza | Casual Italian | South Yarra staple
A25 has built a loyal following in South Yarra for consistently excellent Neapolitan-style pizza — the kind of thin-base, puffy-crust, properly sourced-ingredient pizza that makes you wonder why you'd ever order anything else. The wood-fired oven does its work with conviction, the dough is properly fermented, and the toppings are considered rather than just stacked.
The atmosphere is appropriately relaxed — this is neighbourhood Italian without pretension, the kind of place you return to regularly rather than saving for special occasions. Good wine list to accompany. South Yarra is lucky to have it.
Verdict: Among the best pizzas in South Yarra. A reliable, joyful neighbourhood favourite. ★★★★
Beverly — South Yarra
Best For: All-day dining | Brunch | Modern bistro feel
Beverly brings a certain California-via-Melbourne energy to South Yarra — a bright, stylish all-day venue that does brunch with genuine flair and transitions effortlessly into a dinner destination. The room is considered, the menu shifts comfortably between lighter daytime fare and more substantial evening plates, and the team strike the right balance between professional and relaxed.
South Yarra has no shortage of brunch options, but Beverly distinguishes itself through quality of execution and the consistency of a kitchen that clearly cares about what it puts out. One of the best options on Toorak Road for a long, leisurely daytime meal.
Verdict: South Yarra's best all-day dining destination. ★★★★
Leonard's House of Love — South Yarra
Best For: Wine bar dining | Neighbourhood feel | Eclectic menu
Leonard's House of Love occupies a particular niche in the South Yarra dining landscape — part wine bar, part neighbourhood restaurant, entirely its own thing. The eclectic, seasonal menu lends itself to grazing and sharing, the wine list is well-chosen and interesting, and the room has the warm, slightly irreverent energy of a place that genuinely doesn't take itself too seriously.
This is the kind of restaurant that locals return to constantly rather than saving for occasions — the mark of a truly successful neighbourhood venue. South Yarra has plenty of formal dining options; Leonard's is where you go when you want great food and wine without the formality.
Verdict: A South Yarra neighbourhood gem. Wine and food done with personality. ★★★★
MissChu — South Yarra
Best For: Vietnamese rice paper rolls | Quick, fresh, delicious | Casual dining
MissChu has been a fixture in Melbourne's dining landscape for good reason — fresh, flavourful Vietnamese-inspired food that is consistently well-made and immediately satisfying. The rice paper rolls are the headline act: vibrant, packed with fresh herbs and proteins, and the kind of thing you crave after a first visit.
South Yarra's MissChu is a reliable option for a lighter, quicker meal — ideal for lunch, a pre-shopping stop, or a casual dinner that doesn't require booking ahead. Good value in a suburb where that isn't always guaranteed.
Verdict: Fresh, delicious and consistently good. A South Yarra quick-dining staple. ★★★★
The Botanical — South Yarra
Best For: Garden setting | Classic South Yarra dining | Long lunches
The Botanical holds a special place in the South Yarra dining story — a restaurant set in one of Melbourne's most beautiful locations, adjacent to the Royal Botanic Gardens, with a setting that makes long lunches feel like the only sensible response to the day. The terrace and garden spaces are among the most pleasant outdoor dining areas in Melbourne, and the kitchen serves modern Australian cooking in a style that suits the surroundings.
A South Yarra classic that continues to earn its place on any neighbourhood dining guide. Particularly good in the warmer months when the outdoor areas are at their best.
Verdict: One of Melbourne's best settings for a long, relaxed lunch. ★★★★
48 Pizza e Gnocchi Bar — South Yarra
Best For: Casual Italian | Gnocchi | Neighbourhood comfort dining
48 Pizza e Gnocchi Bar does exactly what it says — pizza and gnocchi, done well and served in a relaxed, welcoming environment. The gnocchi in particular has won fans across South Yarra: properly made, with texture and flavour that lifts it above the pedestrian versions that populate less dedicated kitchens. The pizza holds its own too.
This is casual Italian neighbourhood dining with honest ambition — a venue focused on doing a limited number of things exceptionally well rather than spreading itself thin. Regular South Yarra diners know it well, and return regularly for exactly that reason.
Verdict: Unpretentious, satisfying Italian. Great gnocchi, solid pizza, welcoming room. ★★★★
Oriental Teahouse — South Yarra
Best For: Yum cha | 20+ year institution | Innovative dumplings
Oriental Teahouse has been part of Melbourne's dining landscape for over two decades and shows no sign of resting on its laurels. We celebrated their 20th anniversary dinner and came away reminded of why this place has lasted: a genuine commitment to innovation within a format that people love. Yum cha here is both familiar and surprising — classic dishes executed with care alongside creative additions that keep long-term regulars engaged.
From our visit: Peking Duck pancakes, Xiao Long Bao, Chilli Wagyu Beef Dumplings, XO Scallop and Prawn Dumplings, Soft Shell Crab Sliders, and Crispy Skin Oolong Tea Smoked Chicken. All excellent. The signature tea range — blended by founder David Zhou and rooted in his lifelong study of tea's healing properties — adds a dimension to dining here that you won't find anywhere else. A South Yarra institution that has earned every year of its reputation.
Read more: Oriental Teahouse 20th Year Celebration
Verdict: A Melbourne yum cha institution. 20+ years of innovation and consistency. ★★★★½
Best Restaurants South Yarra: Comparison
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Occasion | Price Range | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| France-Soir | French | Any — icon | $$$ | ★★★★★ |
| Yakikami | Japanese omakase | Special occasion | $$$$ | ★★★★★ |
| Omnia Bistro & Bar | European bistro | Occasion, group dining | $$$ | ★★★★★ |
| Mr L's Bar & Restaurant | Modern Australian | Romantic, wine dinner | $$$ | ★★★★½ |
| Yugen Dining | Japanese fine dining | Special occasion | $$$$ | ★★★★½ |
| Stella Restaurant & Bar | Italian | Any, group, date | $$–$$$ | ★★★★½ |
| Matilda | Modern Australian | Dinner, date night | $$$ | ★★★★½ |
| Bar Carolina | Italian | Dinner, occasion | $$$ | ★★★★½ |
| Cucinetta | Italian | Date night, friends | $$–$$$ | ★★★★★ |
| A25 | Pizza | Casual, any | $$ | ★★★★ |
| Beverly | Modern bistro | Brunch, all-day | $$ | ★★★★ |
| Leonard's House of Love | Eclectic | Neighbourhood, wine | $$–$$$ | ★★★★ |
| MissChu | Vietnamese/Asian | Casual, quick | $–$$ | ★★★★ |
| The Botanical | Modern Australian | Long lunch, groups | $$$ | ★★★★ |
| 48 Pizza e Gnocchi Bar | Italian | Casual, neighbourhood | $$ | ★★★★ |
| Oriental Teahouse | Chinese / Yum Cha | Family, groups, brunch | $$ | ★★★★½ |
Best Restaurants South Yarra: FAQ
What is the best restaurant in South Yarra?
The best restaurant in South Yarra depends on what you're looking for. For a true Melbourne institution with celebrity pedigree and classic French bistro cooking, France-Soir is unmatched. For a premium special occasion experience, Yakikami's 10-seat Kobe Wagyu omakase is extraordinary. For intimate Italian with exceptional fresh pasta, Cucinetta is hard to beat. For refined modern Australian in a romantic setting, Mr L's Bar & Restaurant on Toorak Road consistently delivers.
Where do celebrities eat in South Yarra?
France-Soir on Toorak Road is Melbourne's most celebrated celebrity dining haunt — it has been the go-to restaurant for the city's arts, sports and media worlds for decades. The loyal following it commands across all walks of Melbourne life is a testament to its enduring quality.
What are the best Italian restaurants in South Yarra?
South Yarra has a strong Italian dining scene. Cucinetta is our top pick for intimate date-night Italian with exceptional fresh pasta. Stella on Chapel Street is excellent for a lively four-level Italian experience with great steaks and cocktails. Bar Carolina is the choice for premium Italian produce and elegant dining. A25 delivers excellent Neapolitan pizza, and 48 Pizza e Gnocchi Bar is a reliable neighbourhood Italian staple.
What is the best Japanese restaurant in South Yarra?
Yakikami is the standout for premium Japanese dining in South Yarra — the only restaurant in Victoria certified to serve genuine Kobe Wagyu beef, with a 10-seat Josper Room omakase that is one of Melbourne's great dining experiences. Yugen Dining offers a different Japanese fine dining experience with beautiful interiors and a multi-course degustation format.
Where is good for a romantic dinner in South Yarra?
Mr L's Bar & Restaurant is our top pick for a romantic dinner in South Yarra — dark, moody, elegant chandeliers, old-world charm in the front dining room and a beautiful atrium at the rear. France-Soir is another excellent choice for a romantic evening with a classic French bistro atmosphere. Cucinetta's intimate 16-seat format also makes for a wonderful date night.
What are the best restaurants on Toorak Road South Yarra?
Toorak Road is the heart of South Yarra dining. France-Soir is the street's most iconic address. Mr L's Bar & Restaurant is a newer addition bringing romance and considered wine-and-food pairing to the strip. Beverly is excellent for all-day dining. Oriental Teahouse is a long-running yum cha institution. Between them they offer something for every occasion and budget.
Is South Yarra good for dining out?
South Yarra is one of Melbourne's great dining precincts. The combination of Toorak Road and Chapel Street gives diners access to an exceptional range of cuisines, atmospheres and price points — from casual neighbourhood pizza and yum cha to world-class Japanese omakase and iconic French bistro dining. It holds its own against any suburb in Melbourne for dining diversity and quality.
Also explore these related guides:
• Best Italian Restaurants in Melbourne
• Best Steak Restaurants in Melbourne
• Best Schnitzels in Melbourne
• Best Comfort Food Restaurants in Melbourne