The best late-night eats in Melbourne

What is it: A Cantonese institution

When does the kitchen close: 2:30am daily

Time Out tip: The menu here is humongous (more than 200 items), so bring a couple of friends so you can order more dishes to try!

There’s something to be said for constancy in the restaurant world. This venerable establishment perched aloft Chinatown built its reputation the old-fashioned way – with straight-up excellent Cantonese food served until 2.30am, making it a magnet for the city’s hospo crowd looking for a post-work feed that wouldn’t break the bank. The menu is long, but anyone who’s been a couple of times will know which dishes to beeline for. Chicken congee, flecked with ginger, accompanied by Chinese doughnuts. The soothing minced pork, eggplant and salted fish hotpot. Your pick of glistening roast meats – the suckling pig and duck are consistently popular.

What is it: A vibrant, subterranean Mexican restaurant

When does the kitchen close: Fri–Sat 1am; Sun and Tues–Thurs midnight

Time Out tip: Try a Michelada, Mexican's spicy, salty, citrusy beer (Bodega Underground does a good one)

Descend into a basement plastered in posters from the golden age of Mexican cinema. The tables and stools are more cantina than bar, and the prime place to be is perched up at the counter. The kitchen is open all the way until 1am on Friday and Saturday – your coeliac and vegan friends will be happy as the menu is partial to both. Naturally, tacos feature heavily on the menu. Corn tortillas act as a foil for fried fish, battered zucchini, braised pork, frijoles negros and buttery potatoes layered with crisp chorizo. The traditional Jalisco braised beef birria taco with a dipping consommé is also available at Bodega Underground.

What is it: New York-style pizzas by the slice

When does the kitchen close: Fri–Sat 1am; Tue–Wed 11pm; Thu midnight 

Time Out tip: Get the special as it's always something interesting; last time we had a butter chicken pizza and it was delicious

Pretend you’re in New York by venturing down Meyers Place at an unearthly hour to buy pizza by the slice at this bright, tiled hole-in-the-wall. You can’t miss the neon yellow lights blaring ‘pizza pizza pizza’ encapsulated within an arrow. What you may miss is the cosy cocktail bar nestled out the back, accessible by paring back a glossy black curtain – the perfect nook for a nightcap. The pizzas – available both by the slice and whole – range from the classic Margherita and pepperoni to the jazzier Magic Mushroom (think a double injection of mushrooms and truffle oil) and triple cheese (a trifecta of mozzarella, parmesan and bocconcini). 

What is it: New York-inspired French bistro

What time does the kitchen close: Sat 3am; Thu–Fri 1am; Tue-Wed 11pm

Time Out tip: Want to impress a date after midnight? The Beggar's Banquet deal will snag you two glasses of NV Bollinger 'Special Cuvée', steak tartare, half a dozen oysters and frites – all for just $80

Just because it’s past midnight, it doesn’t mean you have to compromise your dining standards. In sharp contrast to the fluorescent-lit convenience stores and fast-food offerings where you may be tempted to grab a bite, this moodily lit city basement bar offers a truncated late-night menu suitable for all manner of needs, whether it be a snack, sweet treat or full meal. Opt for Bar Margaux’s famed MGX cheese and bacon burger with golden crunchy frites, steak tartare or oysters. 

What is it: Hand-pulled noodles as long as your night’s been

When does the kitchen close: Daily 2am 

Time Out tip: This is a great place to come if you're all alone, due to several tiny booths designed for peaceful solo dining

The addictively springy hand-pulled noodles and mouth-wateringly aromatic soup of traditional Chinese-Muslim Lanzhou noodles have gained a cult following in Melbourne. So, what better places than the three nondescript branches of Bowltiful (soon to be more) to satisfy midnight cravings? Piquant broths full of housemade chilli oil and slow-braised beef are the name of the game here, which is not to say there aren’t other options – dry noodle options exist, beef is swapped out with lamb in a few instances, and a healthy selection of vegetarian noodles pepper the menu. If you’re not in the mood for noodles, the Lanzhou spicy lamb burger is the perfect midnight snack. 

What is it: One of the CBD's most popular rooftop bars, which has just launched a late night food menu on weekends

When does the kitchen close: Thu-Sat 1am

Time Out tip: Bring a cardigan – it can get pretty windy up here!

Having opened in 2006, this rooftop bar on the uppermost floor of Swanston Street's historic Curtin House offers 360-degree views over central Melbourne. Just in time for summer, they've just launched an exciting late-night menu; think French onion grilled cheese and Cubano toasties, fries and wings with special salt. Heck yeah.

What is it: Fancily concocted drinks with a side of Euro snacks

When does the kitchen close: Daily 3am

Time Out tip: Order the steak sandwich, a fan favourite amongst Bar Ampere loyalists

Welcome to the Future, drinking fans – or a 1930s version of it anyway. Vernon Chalker, the quirky visionary behind Madame Brussels and Gin Palace, didn’t give himself an easy brief with Ampère: create a modern bar based on a past era that was obsessed with the future? Believe it or not, he's pulled it off. The tiny kitchen in the back of the bar serves up European-leaning fare like chicken liver parfait, cheese platters, croquettes, burgers and kranskies until 3am, seven days a week. 

What is it: A popular bar for cheap pizza, dancing and more shenanigans

When does the kitchen close: Fri-Sat 3am, Sun 10pm, Wed-Thu 1am

Time Out tip: Wear your dancing shoes if you visit on a weekend

Not many bars south of the river offer you more bang for your buck than Lucky Coq. Famous on Chapel Street for its lively energy and cushy leather sofas, the pizza legend has been a stalwart provider to cheap eat seekers for as long as we can remember.  And last year, due to roaring demand, its $5 pizzas officially sprung back onto the menu. Just head in from noon from Wednesday to Sunday, and a tasty pizza is yours for pocket change. 

What is it: Southeast Asian food in a club setting

When does the kitchen close: Fri–Sat 1am; Tues–Wed 10.30pm; Thurs 11pm

Time Out tip: End the night on a sweet note with Thai tea profiteroles, lemongrass caramel and coconut ice cream for dessert

There’s a slightly otherworldly quality to this CBD favourite: groups huddle over cocktails beneath crimson lighting, chattering over thumping house music, and waiters in suspenders bob and weave through three levels packed with high seating. Given Magic Mountain belongs to the same family as Cookie and the Toff, it’s no surprise these hospo pros had the savvy to create a venue that works equally well as a bottomless brunch venue as it does a late-night eating house.

What is it: Perhaps Melbourne’s most famous Greek restaurant

When does the kitchen close: Fri–Sat 2am; Sun–Thurs midnight

Time Out tip: If you're coming on your oqn, you might want to plug in the headphones – this place gets noisy!

Whatever the size of your night, you really can’t go wrong with a late-night souva. What Stalactites lacks in sophistication it makes up with charm, and it doesn’t hurt that it’s open till the wee hours of the morning on Friday and Saturday night. The prep game is down to an art here: souvas (available now in gluten-free pitas and in vegetarian and vegan equivalents) arrive in five minutes or less. Each souva comes with copious amounts of crunchy lettuce, thinly sliced tomatoes and housemade tzatziki for just the hit of freshness you need. Get some chips, nicely seasoned with thyme, or snack on little vine leaf parcels of herbed rice in the form of dolmades and crispy filo triangles of housemade spanakopita. 

What is it: A charming upstairs taven for dinner, late-night cocktails, soups and snacks 

When does the kitchen close: Tue-Sat 3am; Mon 11pm

Time Out tip: Ask the bartender for a mystery cocktail – they can whip almost anything up based on your preferences

Kafeneion (a play on the Greek term ‘kafeneio’, which refers to a traditional coffee house) aims to serve Melburnians a taste of true, traditional Greek comfort food. Think homestyle soups and hearty meat and vegetable dishes made from authentic village recipes you’re unlikely to find outside of the Hellenic motherland. It's serving a special supper and drinks most nights until 3am.  

What is it: Perennially popular hot pot destination

When does the kitchen close: Fri–Sun 2.30am; Mon–Thu 1.30am

Time Out tip: Be careful about the spice level you choose as they don't play around here

Arguably the overlord of malatang in Melbourne, Dragon Hot Pot has franchised aggressively over the past few years, with stores now open in the double digits between Springvale and the city. Chief among them is this snug Russell Street outpost that's open till late every day – exactly how late depends on whether it’s a weeknight or weekend. Choose any combination of meat, seafood, noodles, tofu and vegetables to be cooked in broths ranging from the signature ma la tang to the 12-hour-steeped bone marrow broth to the vegan malatang. 

What is it: Caviar at midnight, anyone?

When does the kitchen close: Fri–Sat 1am; Sun–Thurs midnight

Time Out tip: You might just be popping in for a late-night cheeseburger, but we still recommend dressing nicely

Everyone knows the lavish Gimlet, sitting in a heritage 1920s building on Russell Street, is well worth a visit for a fancy European lunch or dinner.  But what many may not know is its supper menu starts at 10pm and runs until 1am on Friday and Saturday nights. It’s not for penny pinchers – 30g of the house caviar comes in at $160 last time we checked, more than double that for the extra fine caviar of Giaveri Beluga. But if you don’t fancy spending a couple of hundred of dollars at the tail-end of your night, there’s the more affordable cheeseburger ($28), cheese platter ($32) and the best late-night snack, a bowl of French fries ($12).

What is it: A saloon-style joint for smoked meats, beers and late-night revelry

When does the kitchen close: Fri-Sat 3am; Sun and Tue-Thu 10pm

Time Out tip: Try an Aussie take on the Green Fairy with Never Never's absinth

Years down the track, Le Bon Ton is no longer one of the scant few declaring smoked meats, late nights and liquor their thing, so how do they fare in 2024? Not much has changed - exposed brick, copper accents, dripping candles, feature bar and an opulent New Orleans design brief are all still in place – but they’ve settled into their Collingwood home and now make vegans feel as welcome as omnivores with a menu spanning the southern belt of America.

What is it: A retro-themed bar and lounge for fast food-style eats, drinks and good times

When does the kitchen close: Fri-Sat 3am; Sun-Thu 1am

Time Out tip: Pair a pickleback with your popcorn chicken

Walking into Leonard’s is like finding the coolest house party at the ski resort, circa 1983: a place where staff kick back to rock’n’roll, drink whisky and make fun of the bleach-blonde varsity ski team crowd. The kitchen cranks out finger-lickin' good items like high-quality burgers and fried chicken and there's rivers of great beer a'flowing, too.

What is it: The Grossi team's subterranean bar for late-night spaghetti, cocktails and Italian vino

When does the kitchen close: Wed-Sat 1am

Time Out tip: Feel free to be picky about the drinks as the bar staff here are great at making recommendations

Tucked away snugly on Mornane Place in the shape of a fancy basement wine cellar, Arlechin is designed to transport its patrons to Italy with elegant pastas, share plates, Euro wines and a snazzy selection of cocktails. Arlechin's food menu, inspired by Grossi's Italian heritage, features savoury share plates and comforting classics like Grossi’s famous Midnight Spaghetti. You can also feast on Bolognese jaffles, hearty ravioli, steamed 'nduja mussels and more. 

What is it: A vibey, carnivore-friendly diner with beer, snacks and burgers (plus veggie options)

When does the kitchen close: Tue-Sat 1am

Time Out tip: Sit outside with your meal so you can people-watch all the Bourke and Spring street action

Butchers Diner, the 2018 winner of our Best Cheap Eat award, is the perfect no-frills venue. Here, you can chow down on a burger made with a seriously good beef patty for pocket change, snack on two skewers cooked yakitori-style, or put away the messy goodness of a poutine with real cheese curds. It's open until 1am most nights of the week, and you can even finish off with a cup of gelato! It's also right next to Angel Music Bar, so you can catch a set and kick on into the wee hours.

What is it: A recently reopened gig institution and pub known for its iconic rep in the '90s

When does the kitchen close: Fri-Sat 3am; Sun-Thu 11pm

Time Out tip: Time your visit on the night of a cool gig

Yes, we can confirm: the Punters Club is back. A beloved live music venue from the time before anyone had a mobile phone, and before it was Bimbo (and then Kewpie), the Punters Club has come back to the future with a fresh lick of paint, live music program and an inspired menu of nostalgia-inducing pub grub. For the latter, think a salt and vinegar chip packet full of tuna tartare (trust us, it's better than it sounds), South Melbourne Market dim sims with chilli oil, and old-school banana split for dessert. It's the perfect spot for a late-night dinner on any day of the week. 

What is it: A lively karaoke bar and late-night restaurant for contemporary Asian eats

When does the kitchen close: Fri-Sat 5am; Thu 3am; Wed midnight; Tue 10pm

Time Out tip: Try the Matcha Sour

Inspired by Hong Kong and the many karaoke bars that fill it, Yum Sing House is a hybrid of karaoke and modern Cantonese food in Melbourne’s CBD. The venue has a restaurant on the first floor and five karaoke rooms plus a bar upstairs. Each room is themed around neighbourhoods and nightlife spots in Hong Kong. The kitchen here is a big drawcard, offering pan-Asian snacks till very late at night. You can enjoy them in comfort in the restaurant section before or after your singing sesh, or order up in-room snacks to keep your energy up while under the spotlight.

What is it: A cult fave kebab stop hidden in a Coburg parking lot

When does the kitchen close: Thu-Sun midnight

Time Out tip: Opt for the chicken kebab if you're not a fan of tahini as they load heaps of it onto the lamb one

This might be the only kebab shop in Melbourne where you might have to wait more than an hour for your order, so popular are its super-packed wraps. But luckily if you come a bit later in the evening, you're likely to get stuck into one much sooner. In 2023, infamous Sydney-based YouTuber and street food reviewer Spanian even called it one of the best kebabs he’s ever had in his life. It’s worth mentioning the chips here are also the bomb, liberally dusted with chicken salt and available in HSP form if you’re after an all-out, sauce-slathered feast. 

What is it: Everything on skewers

When does the kitchen close: Daily 3am 

Time Out tip: For something a bit different, try the mutton skewers or the collagen-rich pork trotters

What better thing to snack on late at night than skewers, particularly ones freshly grilled for you? Think crackling chicken skin, salt-spiked pork ribs with green chilli, spiced mushrooms and shell-on grilled prawns – all threaded on to a skewer. That’s what the flamboyantly decorated Panda BBQ is known for. Rattan birdcage swing seats and huge fluffy pandas peppered around the restaurant meet purple neon lights and exquisitely adorned light fittings, while live music is often the backdrop if you’re looking for a jolly end to your night. Rest assured, there are also things that don’t come on skewers – the salted duck egg with prawns, spring onion pancake, sweet and sour pork and grilled eggplant have found favour with those hankering for something heartier. 

What is it: Good old-fashioned burgers

When does the kitchen close: Mon-Thu 4am; Fri 5am; Sat-Sun 7am

Time Out tip: Flinders Street Station is right there, so you might as well grab it to go and get into your PJs sooner

You used to be able to find a lot more eats 24/7 around Melbourne (ramen, souvlaki etcetera), but it's a bit more difficult these days. Rocket Burgers and Fries comes pretty dang close though. Designed for take-away, with only seven stools and a slim table, this hole-in-the-wall eatery opened in 2015 and has been keeping those grills hot all night long ever since. There’s a healthy selection of beef, chicken, vegetarian and vegan burgers. If you’re feeling so inclined, add the loaded cheesy bacon fries – a generous bucket of golden crunchy fries laden with sizeable chunks of crisp bacon for a smoky hit and American cheese – to your order. The Man Burger is terribly named, but it is the Noah’s Ark of burgers – there’s two of everything: two slices of bacon, two slices of cheese and two beef patties, made from Angus beef that Rocket grinds in-house.