Where To Eat In St Kilda?

St Kilda is a vibrant and bustling suburb of Melbourne, renowned for its beautiful beaches, lively atmosphere and diverse culinary scene. With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to eat in St Kilda. Whether you’re looking for a cozy cafe, a trendy restaurant or a lively bar, this guide will help you navigate the best dining spots in the area.

From the famous Acland Street cake shops to the trendy Fitzroy Street restaurants, St Kilda has something for everyone. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, you’ll be able to find a delicious meal or refreshing drink to satisfy your cravings. So let’s dive in and explore the top places to eat in St Kilda!

Where to Eat in St Kilda: A Guide to the Best Restaurants and Cafes

St Kilda is a vibrant and eclectic suburb located just 6km from Melbourne’s CBD. Known for its stunning beach views, vibrant nightlife, and thriving arts scene, it’s no surprise that St Kilda is also home to some of the best restaurants and cafes in Melbourne. Whether you’re looking for a casual lunch spot or a fine dining experience, St Kilda has something to offer everyone.

1. The Galleon Cafe

The Galleon Cafe is a local favourite, known for its delicious breakfast dishes and excellent coffee. The cafe has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, with indoor and outdoor seating options available. The menu features classic breakfast dishes like eggs benedict and French toast, as well as more unique options like green eggs and ham and breakfast tacos. The Galleon Cafe is also open for lunch, with a range of sandwiches, salads, and burgers on offer.

If you’re looking for a sweet treat, be sure to try one of the Galleon Cafe’s famous cronuts. These decadent pastries are a hybrid of a croissant and a doughnut, and come in a range of flavours like vanilla custard, Nutella, and raspberry jam.

2. Donovans

For a more upscale dining experience, head to Donovans. This iconic St Kilda restaurant has been a local favourite for over 20 years, and offers stunning views of the beach and Port Phillip Bay. The menu features a range of fresh seafood dishes, as well as classic Australian favourites like steak and lamb. Donovans also has an extensive wine list, with over 500 wines on offer.

If you’re looking for a special occasion spot, Donovans is perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, and romantic dinners. The restaurant also offers private dining options for groups of up to 50 people.

3. Fitzrovia

Fitzrovia is a trendy cafe and restaurant located on Fitzroy Street. The menu features a range of modern Australian dishes, with a focus on fresh and seasonal ingredients. The cafe is open for breakfast and lunch, with options like smashed avocado on toast, eggs benedict, and wagyu cheeseburgers.

In the evening, Fitzrovia transforms into a chic restaurant, with a menu that focuses on shared plates and tapas-style dishes. The restaurant also has an extensive cocktail menu, with creative and delicious drinks like the “Peach and Basil Fizz” and the “Lavender Margarita”.

4. Lentil as Anything

Lentil as Anything is a unique restaurant concept that focuses on social enterprise and community. The restaurant operates on a pay-what-you-feel basis, with no set prices on the menu. Instead, customers are encouraged to pay what they can afford, with all profits going towards supporting the restaurant’s mission of promoting multiculturalism and social inclusion.

The menu features a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes, with a focus on healthy and sustainable ingredients. Lentil as Anything also has a strong community focus, with regular events and workshops held on-site.

5. Il Fornaio

Il Fornaio is a traditional Italian bakery and cafe, located on Acland Street. The bakery has been operating for over 20 years, and is known for its delicious breads, pastries, and cakes. The cafe also serves a range of Italian-inspired dishes, like wood-fired pizzas, pasta, and antipasti platters.

Il Fornaio is perfect for a casual lunch or coffee break, with indoor and outdoor seating available. The bakery also offers catering services for events and functions.

6. Claypots Seafood Bar

Claypots Seafood Bar is a popular St Kilda institution, known for its fresh seafood and lively atmosphere. The bar has a casual and rustic vibe, with a focus on communal dining and shared plates. The menu features a range of seafood dishes, like oysters, prawns, and grilled fish, as well as some non-seafood options like lamb and chicken skewers.

The bar also has an extensive drinks menu, with a range of beers, wines, and cocktails on offer. Claypots Seafood Bar is perfect for a fun night out with friends or a casual date.

7. Sister of Soul

Sister of Soul is a vegetarian and vegan restaurant located on Acland Street. The restaurant has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, with a focus on healthy and delicious food. The menu features a range of plant-based dishes, like chickpea burgers, lentil dhal, and sweet potato and quinoa salad.

Sister of Soul also has a range of smoothies, juices, and health shots, perfect for a post-workout or mid-day pick-me-up. The restaurant also offers catering services for events and functions.

8. The Nelson

The Nelson is a classic St Kilda pub, located on the corner of Nelson and Carlisle Streets. The pub has a warm and cosy atmosphere, with a focus on craft beers and hearty pub fare. The menu features classic pub dishes like fish and chips, burgers, and schnitzels, as well as some more unique options like loaded fries and Korean fried chicken.

The Nelson also has an extensive drinks menu, with a range of local and international beers and wines. The pub is perfect for a casual meal or a few drinks with friends.

9. Supernormal Canteen

Supernormal Canteen is a modern Asian-inspired restaurant located on Fitzroy Street. The restaurant has a sleek and stylish interior, with a focus on shared plates and bold flavours. The menu features a range of dishes, like crispy chicken wings, pork belly bao, and grilled wagyu beef.

Supernormal Canteen also has an extensive drinks menu, with a range of cocktails, beers, and wines on offer. The restaurant is perfect for a special occasion or a night out with friends.

10. Cicciolina

Cicciolina is a cosy and intimate Italian restaurant located on Acland Street. The restaurant has a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with a focus on traditional Italian dishes and flavours. The menu features a range of pasta dishes, like spaghetti carbonara and linguine with prawns, as well as some meat and seafood options like duck and snapper.

Cicciolina also has an extensive wine list, with a range of Italian and Australian wines on offer. The restaurant is perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best restaurants to try in St Kilda?

St Kilda has a diverse range of dining options, from trendy cafes to sophisticated restaurants. Some of the best places to eat in St Kilda include The Stokehouse, Donovans, and Cicciolina. The Stokehouse is a fine dining restaurant with an extensive wine list and beautiful ocean views. Donovans is a more casual restaurant that serves modern Australian cuisine, while Cicciolina is an Italian restaurant that offers homemade pasta and delicious seafood dishes.

When it comes to trendy cafes, you can’t go wrong with the Fitzrovia, which serves brunch all day, or the Galleon Cafe, which is famous for its homemade cakes and pastries. Other recommended restaurants in St Kilda include Claypots Seafood Bar, Supernormal Canteen, and Ichi Ni Nana.

Where can I find cheap eats in St Kilda?

If you’re on a budget, there are plenty of cheap eats in St Kilda. For quick bites, head to Lentil As Anything, a not-for-profit vegetarian restaurant that operates on a pay-what-you-feel basis. Another budget-friendly option is Babu Ji, an Indian restaurant that offers reasonably priced curries and street food.

For pizza lovers, check out Pizza e Birra, which offers wood-fired pizzas and craft beer. You can also find delicious Vietnamese food at Pho N Roll, or grab a burger at Grill’d. Other affordable dining options in St Kilda include Tacos y Liquor, Uncle, and Rococo.

What are the best vegan restaurants in St Kilda?

St Kilda has a thriving vegan scene, with plenty of restaurants that cater to plant-based diets. One of the best vegan restaurants in St Kilda is Sister of Soul, which offers a range of vegan and vegetarian dishes in a funky, laid-back atmosphere. Another popular vegan restaurant is Matcha Mylkbar, which serves Instagram-worthy dishes like vegan burgers and blue algae lattes.

If you’re in the mood for something sweet, head to Girls & Boys, a vegan ice creamery that uses coconut milk as a base for its ice cream. Other recommended vegan restaurants in St Kilda include Vegilicious, Serotonin Eatery, and Trippy Taco.

Where can I find halal food in St Kilda?

For halal food in St Kilda, there are several options to choose from. One of the most popular halal restaurants in the area is La Roche Cafe, which serves Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. Another halal option is Gazi, a Greek restaurant that offers halal meat dishes.

If you’re in the mood for Indian food, check out Babu Ji, which offers several halal dishes on its menu. You can also find halal food at Lentil As Anything, a vegetarian restaurant that operates on a pay-what-you-feel basis. Other recommended halal restaurants in St Kilda include Moroccan Soup Bar, Tahina Bar, and Biryani House.

What are the best seafood restaurants in St Kilda?

Being a coastal suburb, St Kilda is known for its fresh seafood. There are several seafood restaurants in the area that are worth checking out. The Stokehouse is one of the best seafood restaurants in St Kilda, offering a range of seafood dishes with beautiful ocean views.

Another popular seafood restaurant is Claypots Seafood Bar, which serves fresh seafood cooked in claypots. If you’re in the mood for oysters, head to The Atlantic, which offers a selection of oysters from around Australia. Other recommended seafood restaurants in St Kilda include Republica, Captain Baxter, and Donovans.

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In conclusion, St Kilda offers a diverse range of dining options that cater to different tastes and budgets. Whether you’re in the mood for seafood, Italian cuisine, or vegan fare, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant neighborhood.

If you’re looking for a fine dining experience, head to Stokehouse for impeccable service and stunning ocean views. For a more laid-back atmosphere, try the iconic Luna Park and grab a bite at the newly renovated kiosk.

Lastly, don’t forget to explore the local food markets, such as the Veg Out Farmers Market on the first Saturday of each month or the St Kilda Esplanade Market on Sundays. These markets offer an array of fresh produce and gourmet treats that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

So, the next time you’re in St Kilda, be sure to check out these top dining destinations and experience the culinary delights of this thriving neighborhood.