St. Kilda is a vibrant coastal suburb of Melbourne, known not only for its beautiful beaches and lively boardwalk, but also for the diverse and delicious food scene. The best restaurants in St Kilda offer something to suit everyone’s taste. Whether it is fresh seafood, Australian contemporary cuisine or international flavours, there is a restaurant for you. St. Kilda is a foodie hotspot, with trendy cafes overlooking the bay and cozy eateries hidden away in quiet streets. This eclectic neighbourhood has some of the best restaurants in St Kilda, where tradition and creativity are combined in each dish. Explore a few top restaurants that will satisfy your appetite as well as your sense of adventure.
After your family trip to see the beautiful St Kilda Penguins, recharge with a beautiful meal at some of the beautiful cafes and restaurants St Kilda has to offer.
Here are Some of the Best Restaurants In St Kilda
1. Monarch Cakes
Monarch Cakes have been using the same recipe for more than 80 years. The original Polish shop was brought to Australia, and many of the recipes have been used ever since. In the old days, cakes were made with fresh ingredients like butter, flour and eggs. Many bakers today have given up the old-fashioned taste to bake faster and cheaper. Monarch Cakes would never do that!
Our grandmothers used to bake using only the most natural ingredients. We only use the best butter and sugar, and never substitutes or pre-mixes. The cakes’ taste is a testament to this.
The majority of recipes are from Eastern Europe, including Austria, Poland, Germany, Hungary and Slovakia. A few French editions have also been added in recent years.
The same recipe has been used to make our Polish Cheesecake since the 1920s. It is listed in one of the top Asian travel guides as being among the best things to do in Melbourne.
Monarch’s Chocolate Kooglhoupf may be difficult to pronounce, but everyone who tries it loves it. Chocolate Kooglhoupf cake is a cult favourite among trendy St Kilda residents.
Monarch would like to invite you in for cake and coffee. We hope you enjoy the website. You can also order cakes online!
2. DOC St Kilda
Southsiders no longer have to travel north to Carlton to eat the best panini, pizza and pasta at D.O.C Espresso and DOC Pizza and Mozzarella Bar. St Kilda now has its own D.O.C. restaurant, located in the Saint Moritz Residences on the Esplanade. This is just in time to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the culinary giant.
3. Stokehouse Pasta and Bar
Stokehouse Pasta and Bar, the casual Mediterranean restaurant, has reopened after being closed for renovations since 2022. In recognition of the commitment to sustainability, the venue was awarded the five-star “Australian Excellence” Green Star Design and As Built rating earlier this year. The menu is dominated by pasta, including classic spaghetti with chilli and crab. However, there are plenty of share plates and snacks. Enjoy gnocci Fritto with salami, pickles, mortadella and jamon or a 600g Murray Cod with pepperonata and crisp chips.
4. Donovans
Donovan doesn’t feel like it belongs in Melbourne. This is the high-quality, beautiful seaside restaurant you search for on vacation but don’t look for it in your hometown. The restaurant is located right on the beach, so it’s not surprising that the seafood selections are excellent. Try the barramundi with crispy skin, or the daily crudo. The grass-fed T-bone, cooked over charcoals, is a perennial favourite. Donovan’s bombe Alaska has been around for long enough to be the stuff of legends. A must-eat is this chocolate dessert with hazelnut cream ice and a soft meringue that has been lightly toasted. This is the perfect place for a very special occasion.
5. Radio Mexico
Radio Mexico is a long-standing favourite for its tasty tacos, fresh Margaritas, and guacamole. The elotes and totopos ( white-corn chips with guacamole, salsa, and house-made guacamole ) are great for sharing. The baja taco (beer-battered salmon with pico de gallo and slaw), barbacoa (slow-cooked Lamb shoulder with tomatillo), and frijoles ( black beans, jalapeno with avocado, and pico de gallo ) are our favourites. Radio Mexico offers a special Margarita menu. Try the Pineapple Tommy’s, the Hibiscus Mezcalrita or the Margarita Nera.
6. Ichi Ni Izakaya
Ichi Ni Izakaya is the place to go for contemporary Japanese food and killer cocktails. Open kitchen chefs prepare mouth-watering yakitori, fresh sushi and more. Or head to the terrace for a view of Port Phillip Bay while you enjoy the buzz.
Prince Dining Room
The Prince Dining Room is located on the second floor of The Prince. It offers a modern Australian menu with a touch of elegance. The menu at this stylish St Kilda eatery includes fresh oysters and grilled Abrolhos island scallops.
7. Republica
You’ve already been to Republica on St Kilda Beach if your dog is like many others who love the beach. Dog owners and their dogs can relax in the sand courtyard with cocktails and snacks, while their pups recover from chasing seagulls. We recommend the roasted barramundi with mussels, apple cream, peas, and potato dumplings if you have worked up an appetite while chasing Rover.
8. Prince Dining Room
Prince Dining Room, the second-level restaurant of St Kilda’s Prince Hotel, is a revival and upgrade of Circa, a legendary diner that shut down in early 2017, after nearly 20 years.
Daniel Cooper, former executive chef of Circa in Sydney and Aria in Sydney, has designed a sophisticated menu based on Mediterranean coastal flavours and seasonal produce. Many dishes are cooked over a flame.
The room is full of modern flourishes but also has arches and curves that reflect the art deco heritage of the hotel. You’ll find bay views as you ascend a flight of marble steps. There are also several dining options. The options range from a small booth stitched along a crisscrossing partition wall for some intimacy akin to long-haul airline business class, to an exposed 16-seater dining table perfect for large groups.
9. Beachcomber Café
Discover the delights of Beachcomber Café: St Kilda Sea Baths’ Premier Destination for Great Food and Gelato!
You can enjoy a delicious culinary experience with stunning seaside views, and you can even eat and drink on the sand at St Kilda Beach. Beachcomber Cafe is located in the St Kilda Sea Baths Complex, a short distance from Melbourne, and right next to the St Kilda Pier. Beachcomber Café is the perfect place to dine, whether you are a local or a tourist looking for an amazing seafood experience.
Beachcomber Café wants everyone to experience the magic of dining with them, with fresh food prepared with love and sweeping bay views.
10. Cafe di Stasio
St. Kilda’s classic Cafe di Stasio offers refined Italian cuisine, prepared with style. White-jacketed staff and a genteel ambience add sophistication to the meal. The menu includes the best seasonal produce as well as traditional Italian specialties. The three-course Italian menu is available as a la carte or a three-course meal. The wine list features local wines as well as Rinaldo Di Stasio’s Yarra Valley estate.
The best restaurants in St Kilda, Melbourne, reflect the vibrant, laid-back atmosphere and multicultural spirit of the neighbourhood. St Kilda offers a wide range of dining options, from fine dining to brunch spots and hidden gems that serve up global flavours. This iconic suburb is a favourite among foodies for its blend of beachside ambience and world-class culinary offerings. Next time you are in Melbourne, be sure to check out the best restaurants in St Kilda. Your taste buds will certainly thank you.
