From whimsical fantasies to urban oddities, feast at Melbourne’s best themed restaurants!
Sick of your standard dining out selections? Looking to try something out-of-this world? Then look no further than our guide to the best themed restaurants in Melbourne.
Whether a burger restaurant inside a tram that hangs over Collingwood, or a Chinese restaurant decked out in traditional decor featuring a giant stone dragon, diners can indulge not only in delectable cuisine but also in captivating atmospheres that transport them to different times, places, and even realms of imagination in Melbourne!
So read on through as we guide you to the best themed restaurants in Melbourne of 2024!
Image supplied.
Easey’s
One of the most original restaurant concepts in Melbourne, Easey’s almost defies the laws of physics. On top of a multi-storey complex in Collingwood sits three train cars, rusting and tatted with street art. Undeniably, this unique burger joint in Melbourne is just as cool as it is vintage. With the trains feeling as if they are hanging over the city, as if placed there by a feng shui King Kong, inside the carriages have been decked out to mimic a classic American deli, with booth chairs and sauce dispensers. Enjoy drop-dead delicious burgers, fries and hot-dogs while gazing over Melbourne.
Photographed by Paul Philipson. Image via Visit Victoria.
Hopetoun Tea Rooms
While most cafes come and go, some have stood the test of time. Just like one of the best themed restaurants in Melbourne, Hopetoun Tea Rooms. With decadent cake displays and period specific decor, Hopetoun feels frozen in time from when it first opened its doors all the way back in 1892. The vintage charm carries over to their sophisticated selection of teas, scones and cakes that will have you raising your pinkie in glee. One of the most audacious high tea experiences Melbourne has to offer, this cool cafe will ensure that you spoil yourself silly with this ageless institution.
Image supplied via Facebook.
IceBar Melbourne
If Melbourne isn’t cold enough for you, shiver your way into IceBar – one of the top themed bars in Melbourne! Located in the city’s east, this must-do foodie experience is permanently -10 degrees Celsius and serves up your favourite drink of choice – appropriately served in an ice glass of course. Once you’re in IceBar, there is no time limit for your stay; in fact, they ask that you try and stay as long as possible if you want to break their record of eight hours in below freezing temperatures. Don’t worry if you haven’t come prepared for the occasion, IceBar will provide snow capes, ugg boots and gloves if necessary.
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Marche Board Game Cafe
Victory has never tasted so sweet at Marche Board Game Cafe. Right in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, this unique restaurant offers the chance to eat delicious Taiwanese cuisine to the clitter clatter of Monopoly pieces. Dozens of board games are on offer including everything from classics like Catan and Cards Against Humanity, to any number of obscure tabletop adventures. Better yet, Marche Board Game Cafe also doubles as a karaoke bar, letting you belt out classic tunes to your heart’s content.
Photographed by a.ruiz.photography. Image via Shutterstock.
Mjølner
Enter Valhalla with the sensational Norse-inspired restaurant Mjølner. Right in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, Mjølner is a succulent and over the top feast for the eyes and mouth. The decor feel straight out of a Viking’s meal hall including horns used as glasses, intricately designed knives and, not to forget, their meat-heavy-menu cooked on a rotisserie. With heavy wooden interior features, Mjølner focuses more so on their menus including their three feasting options named after Norse gods Freya, Thor and Odin. One of the best themed restaurants in Melbourne!
Image via Visit Victoria.
Panda Hot Pot
One of the most ostentatious and extravagant restaurants in Melbourne, Panda Hot Pot is one of the best Chinese hot pot eateries in the city for good reason. Walking inside is like stepping back in time to ancient China, complete with a giant dragon statue in the centre of the establishment, intimate Chinese eating booths, and plenty of other small details that show the love and care taken at this themed restaurant. That same attention to detail is also found in the cooking, as an expansive range of ingredients show off the diversity of flavours and spiciness of Sichuan cooking. Bookings essential.
Photographed by Melissa Butters Photography. Image supplied.
The Toff
Stationed on the second floor of the iconic Curtain House building, The Toff is not only one of the quirkiest dining experiences in Melbourne, but it’s also one of the Best Live Music Restaurants too. This uniquely themed Melbourne bar is modelled after an art deco train, with lavish interior carriage booths, as well as a moody bar complete with delicious cocktails and a Thai-inspired menu. In between bites and slurps, check out the sensational live music, with everything from smooth late-night jazz to pumping house DJs.
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TRAPT Bar and Escape Room
Located in Melbourne’s CBD, TRAPT is an immersive experience that will help you escape reality with unique adventures to choose from. One of the most unique themed restaurants in Melbourne, here you can follow the yellow brick home in the Wizard of Oz, get rich or die trying in an abandoned gold mine in Cave In, or test out your magical skills in Alchemy. After all that fun, you can cool off after your adventure with TRAPT’s completely licensed bar, boasting cocktails to match each escape room experience, a huge range of martinis and other spirits.
Photographed by Jonas Petrovas. Image via Shutterstock.
Witches in Britches
Move aside Federation Square — the true iconic Melbourne landmark is the haunted house of Witches in Britches. First opening in 1990, this lively musical-theatre restaurant that blends kitsch with plenty of spooky Halloween memorabilia. There’s always a campy good time brewing in the cauldron of Witches in Britches, including classics such as My Big Fat Witch Wedding and Desperate Housewitches. So prepare yourself for Melbourne’s most wicked night out at Witches in Briches!
For more unusual eateries in Melbourne, check out the 10 Quirky and Unique Dining Experiences in Melbourne of 2024. And for an equally inventive drink, discover The Top 6 Hidden Speakeasy Bars in Melbourne here.
