These ace eateries are keeping the kitchen fires burning in the early week
There’s a lot of Melbourne restaurants that take Sunday or a Monday (or both) off – and that’s A-OK (our hospo champs need a weekend too). But if you’re in town for the weekend, or hosting visitors with tight schedules, you’re going to need this list of restaurants that are open for business at the very beginning (or end) of the week.
What is it: A long standing eating house and bar serving all meals of the day.
Why should you go: This is a Melbourne-favourite. Cumulus Inc is conveniently located on Flinders Lane, pretty close to Flinders Street Station and is open throughout the week, breakfast to late so grab a coffee, order some food or get a drink.
When should you go: Sun noon-11pm; Mon noon-10pm.
What is it: A bistro and bar with an ever changing wine-list of 100 bottles.
Why should you go: They were Time Out Melbourne’s restaurant of the year in 2018, thanks to their killer menu from John Paul Twomey. This is the place for casual Euro fare that's designed for drinking, and they do an excellent set menu if you'd like the kitchen to select your dishes for you.
When should you go: Sun-Mon, noon-11pm.
What is it: A large format restaurant promising fine dining Japanese.
Why should you go: Sprawled over three floors, Kisumé offers delicacies made with some of Australia’s finest seafood and if you sit over at the sushi counter, you can see the chefs at work.
When should you go: Sun noon-11pm; Mon 5-11pm.
What is it: A ticks-all-boxes wine bar bringing quiet magic to Carlton.
Why should you go: Goats cheese custard doughnuts; the charcoal-grilled calamari with nduja; the caramelised apple empanada with green almond ice cream; a seriously buffed-out wine list.
When should you go: Sun 12:30pm-midnight; Mon 5pm-midnight
What is it: A fire and charcoal fuelled restaurant celebrating contemporary Australian dining.
Why should you go: Tarte tatin with its caramelised toffee stickiness; must-order spanner crabs; saltbush lamb ribs; and the added bonus of a hefty drinks menu.
When should you go: Sun noon-10pm; Mon 6pm-10pm.
What is it: A wine bar with a food menu that makes it worth a visit just for snacks.
Why should you go: An Andrew McConnell (Cutler & Co., Cumulus Inc, Supernormal) creation, Marion’s menu changes a lot. So you’ll be able to sample new dishes whenever you rock up to the bar and you can even grab some breakfast on weekend mornings.
When should you go: Sun noon-10pm; Mon 5pm-10pm.
What is it: A modern Thai diner people are still queuing up for.
Why should you go: It's one of the most popular restaurants in Melbourne for a reason. From the chicken and shiitake spring rolls to the chargrilled pork chop, Chin Chin draws crowds after modern Thai, and after years in the game you'll still hit wait times.
When should you go: Sun-Mon 11am-11pm.
What is it: A Cantonese restaurant standing strong for over 40 years.
Why should you go: People book tables here months in advance because it is one of the best restaurants to enjoy traditional Cantonese and Sichuan at a fine dining level.
When should you go: Sun 6pm-10pm; Mon noon-10pm.
What is it: A restaurant serving never fail Middle Eastern
Why should you go: Extravagant multi-course degustations are on offer at this long-standing establishment (their signature slow-roasted lamb shoulder is a must-order) which also, surprisingly, caters to the vegans and vegetarians with the same opulence.
When should you go: Sun-Mon noon-10pm.
What is it: An Argentinian restaurant that knows how to treat red meat
Why should you go: With their Argentine parrilla, an all-Argentine wine list and sharing style menu featuring empanadas, entraña (hanger steak), chorizo and more, San Telmo has brought a taste of Buenos Aires to Melbourne.
When should you go: Sun-Mon noon-10pm.
What is it: A seaside fine dining restaurant.
Why should you go: Stokehouse fully leans into its location on St Kilda beach with its relaxed vibe, floor-to-ceiling windows offering a beautiful view and a menu filled with seafood.
When should you go: Sun-Mon noon-midnight.
What is it: A Flinders Lane restaurant offering modern pan-Asian cuisine.
Why should you go: They have a vending machine with Japanese snacks, a private karaoke room downstairs and a raw bar you can indulge in.
When should you go: Sun-Mon noon-10pm.
What is it: One of the city’s most authentic Thai restaurants
Why should you go: Dodee Paidang doesn't serve westernised dishes, but offers traditional Thai street food and their signature tom yum noodles are some of the hottest in town.
When should you go: Sun-Mon noon-10pm.
Do you find yourself on the streets of Melbourne in the middle of the night, looking for a place to get a decent feed? Don't worry, we've got you covered.
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