It’s not always easy to find a restaurant where you can comfortably fit in a crowd. But there are some amazing venues in Melbourne where you can feed a hungry throng without compromising on the food. Here are our top 10 choices. Words by Lindy Alexander.
With so many great spaces at this Brunswick institution run by chef Matt Wilkinson, you’re sure to find one that fits your group. The north-facing courtyard is perfect for casual gatherings with friends, while the more secluded garden room holds up to 18 guests, making it the ideal space for a special occasion. 77-79 Nicholson St, Brunswick East, popejoan.com.au
The Village People Hawker Food Hall is the place for a group that wants the energy and spice of Southeast Asian markets with the matching sophistication of Japanese brews and cocktails. It’s a big and bustling venue with views over Melbourne city. 127 Brunswick St, Brunswick, villagepeoplehawkerfoodhall.com.au
On a sunny day, there are few places as enticing as Si Senor Art Tacqueria, with its beach proximity and colourful brick-walled open-air courtyard. The best part about dining with a crowd is that you get to work your way through the whole menu – don’t miss the slow-roasted pork marinated in chillies and pineapple. 193 Carlisle Street, Balaclava, sisenor.com.au
Even if you don’t have a huge group of your own, you’ll feel as if you are part of an extended Greek family when you dine at Jim’s – it’s noisy and welcoming. The golden saganaki is the stuff of dreams, as are the homemade dips and slow cooked lamb. 32 Johnston Street, Collingwood
At the base of the towering Eureka tower is the Belgian Beer Café – a sprawling restaurant serving classic Belgian beer as well as Australian craft brews. There is outdoor, indoor and upstairs space for every sized group – from cocktail parties to birthday gatherings to sit down corporate lunches. Happily, the food is great – don’t go past the rump steak with German black walnut jus. 5 Riverside Quay, Southbank, belgianbeercafemelbourne.com.au
If your group is after a racy nibble and a tipple, drop into Naked for Satan. Choose your pintxos (tapas-style bites) and settle into the cavernous downstairs, or wander up to the rooftop to order from the main menu and enjoy spectacular views over the city. 285 Brunswick St, Fitzroy, nakedforsatan.com.au
In the centre of Melbourne’s Chinatown, HuTong has three levels where groups can settle in. Just make sure you order enough of the signature xiao long bao and the thick-shelled pan-fried pork dumplings to go around. 14-16 Market Lane, Melbourne, hutong.com.au
A French gastro pub by Jacques Reymond – need we say more? With several private rooms and a gorgeous menu (think tender, golden chicken from a rotisserie and house made boudin noir and blanc), everyone in your group will go home with a full belly and happy heart. 32 Commercial Road, Prahran, lhotelgitan.com.au
For dining rooms with a view you simply can’t beat The Point at Albert Park Lake. Book the small private dining room for an intimate, fine dining experience and treat yourselves to the 10-course degustation menu where each course is more spectacular than the last. Aquatic Drive, Albert Park Lake, thepointalbertpark.com.au
Food to share is the name of the game at San Telmo, an Argentinean restaurant in the heart of Melbourne. You can book the private dining room, which seats up to 14 people, but ensure all your guests are meat lovers – often the chefs will cook a whole suckling pig or leg of lamb for private groups. 14 Meyers Place, Melbourne, santelmo.com.au
