When it comes to gastronomy, Melbourne is a world leader.
From trendy cafes to fine-dining establishments, the city offers many choices to satisfy even the most discerning palates. Yet, amidst this culinary tapestry, a collection of dining experiences goes beyond the ordinary, pushing the boundaries of creativity and delighting food enthusiasts with their unexpected twists. It is a world where dining becomes an adventure and eating is elevated to an art form.
To say they are unconventional is a wild understatement. Here, the city’s chefs and restaurateurs have blurred the lines between food and entertainment, transforming meals into immersive experiences that engage all the senses.
In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through Melbourne’s most unusual dining experiences. So prepare to enter a world where secret locations are texted to you just a couple of hours before the food gets served. Imagine the sensation of dining blindfolded, relying solely on your taste buds and sense of touch to navigate a world of flavours and textures. Envision savouring your meal high above the city’s skyline, suspended in a captivating aerial setting. These unique and quirky dining experiences are just a taste of what awaits you in Melbourne’s remarkable culinary landscape.
Here are 14 of the city’s most unusual dining experiences.
Silver Clipper Dinner Flight
If you like the thought of a fantastic dinner with a breathtaking view of Melbourne, why not board one of the first plane models ever created?
The DC-3, also known as the Gooney Bird, was made in August 1945 and now serves as a restaurant where you can enjoy a meal while flying across the sky. It lets you experience the elegance of mid-1900s travel while dining in style in a historic airliner.
Starting from Essendon Airport, you’ll be offered champagne and canapes before flying in the DC-3 Gooney Bird, where you can also enjoy a delicious hamper meal specially prepared by the award-winning AAG Services of Melbourne, along with a selection of wine.
Even if you don’t eat, this unique restaurant offers one of Melbourne’s best and most unforgettable experiences. For a period of 70 minutes, you can glide above the beautiful Port Phillip Bay and observe the sun setting over the cityscape while savouring an award-winning dinner. Once the flight ends, you can take stock of it over coffee, port, and fine chocolate in the lounge.
Address: Essendon Airport, 72 Hargrave Avenue, Essendon Fields, VIC 3041
Tel: 03 9379 9299
High Tea on a Yarra River Cruise
If you’re after a distinctive dining experience in Melbourne, consider indulging in a spot of High Tea while cruising on the Yarra River.
Red Balloon offers a VIP-style degustation with an assortment of canapés, delightful sandwiches, fluffy scones with cream and jam and a terrific range of desserts that will make your heart sing.
You can also enjoy a complimentary welcome glass of champagne and unlimited tea or coffee while taking in stunning views of the Melbourne Central Business District from the comfort of your seat.
Naked For Satan
Discover Naked for Satan – Fitzroy’s rooftop oasis that caters to the younger crowd with its lively atmosphere, infused vodkas, Australian wines, and pintxos-style appetisers.
Inspired by Basque culture, the bar offers a diverse selection of drinks and an irresistible menu of small bites at affordable prices.
Ingeniously, to make the payment process simple, each individual pintxo comes with a toothpick which doubles as a billing mechanism. They cost no more than $2 each, and you simply present your finished collection to the waiter, who will then work out the charge for you.
Despite what its name might suggest, this venue does not involve taking your clothes off. However, it offers breathtaking skyline views, making it a must-visit spot for groups looking to enjoy a drink and some delicious bites in Melbourne.
Address: 285 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, VIC 3065
Phone: (03) 9416 2238
Hours: Mon – Thurs 12 pm – 12 am, Fri & Sat 12 pm – 2 am, Sun 12 pm – 4 pm
Dinner in the Sky
Dinner in the Sky has been offering unforgettable dining experiences worldwide since 2008.
With Michelin-star dishes, impeccable safety measures, and breathtaking views, this unique experience suspends 22 diners 50 meters in the air by a crane.
The head chef, sommelier, and waitstaff cater to guests, promising top-notch service, luxury, and fine cuisine.
If you have a head for heights, Dinner in the Sky creates a one-of-a-kind culinary adventure, providing diners with an elevated sensory experience. This quirky concept will make dining an exciting and unforgettable experience where the sky is the limit.
Address: Melbourne CBD, 3000
Dining In The Dark
If you don’t fancy dining in the sky, how about in the dark?
You can do this on a unique foodie adventure with Dining In The Dark, an enigmatic culinary concept in Melbourne that is becoming increasingly popular.
Diners sit blindfolded in a dimly lit restaurant and enjoy a 3-course meal that is said to amplify the
taste and texture of the food. Some psychologists have backed the idea, believing that losing sight heightens your sense of taste.
Although it may be challenging at first to use cutlery whilst blindfolded, each facet on your plate will pop in your mouth as the flavours and textures are dialled up a notch or two.
A guide will lead guests into the barely-lit space, and blindfolds will be provided to heighten the senses and prevent peeking at what’s on the plate. Guests can choose from a meat, seafood, or vegan set menu before the event to ensure they enjoy their meal. However, aside from that, they won’t give you much other information as the experience would be different if they did.
TRAPT Bar and Escape Room
TRAPT Bar and Escape Room is a popular destination in Melbourne’s CBD, offering unique, immersive experiences that allow visitors to escape temporarily from the reality of their everyday life.
A variety of themed adventures are available, including the Wizard of Oz, where you can follow the yellow brick road, Alchemy, which enables you to test out your magic skills and Cave In, where you can explore an abandoned gold mine, there is something for everyone.
TRAPT also is a bona fida restaurant and fully licensed bar where you can enjoy cocktails that are linked to individual escape room experience. If you are into martinis, you’ll love their broad range.
Address: 377 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: (03) 9088 0870
Hours: Mon – Thurs 2 pm – 8 pm, Fri 2 pm – 11.30 pm, Sat 11 am – 11.30 pm, Sun 11 am – 8 pm
Easey’s
Easey’s is a burger joint and bar that offers a unique dining experience in Melbourne. It is located in an old-school train carriage fixed to a roof, providing a great view of the city’s CBD.
With its relaxed atmosphere and retro soundtrack, Easey’s is a must-visit destination for foodies in Melbourne. The carriage is decorated with graffiti and classic orange and brown train seats. At the same time, the menu offers indulgent comfort food and a wide selection of local beers.
Address: 3/48 Easey Street, Collingwood VIC 3066
Phone: (03) 9417 2250
Hours: Sun – Thur 11 am – 10 pm, Fri & Sat 11 am – 11 pm
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
After a unique venue for your corporate function or private party? Then Look no further than SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium!
With multiple event spaces to choose from – including the incredible 2.2 million litre Oceanarium and the Coral Atoll, which can hold up to 650 guests for a cocktail function – you can take your guests on an unforgettable aquatic journey.
The team here provides highly personalised service and top-notch food, ensuring your event is tailored to your needs. They can even help plan an underwater proposal if anyone wants to ask!
Address: King Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Hours: Mon – Fri 10 am – 5 pm, Sat & Sun 9.30 am – 5 pm
Tel: 03 9682 1777
Titanic Theatre Restaurant
Experience the Titanic’s maiden voyage at a unique restaurant in Williamstown, where your evening will surely be unforgettable.
Diners can choose to travel in luxury in first class or opt for a casual night in steerage with Irish camaraderie.
Regardless of your class, the team will serve you a delicious 3-course meal before the ship of dreams meets its tragic fate.
While dining, Titanic offers roving performers and stunning effects to entertain you throughout your Atlantic journey.
Address: 1 Nelson Place, Williamstown VIC 3016
Phone: (03) 9193 0778
Hours: Mon – Wed 3 pm – 11 pm, Thurs to Sat 11 am – 11.30 pm, Sun 11 am – 11 pm
Nevksy Russian Restaurant
Melbourne has a variety of popular restaurants, such as Vietnamese eateries, Korean BBQs and numerous burger and pizza joints.
However, if you’re looking for something new, why not try Russian cuisine at Nevsky Russian Restaurant?
They offer a 10-course degustation for two people, currently priced at only $195. The menu includes Red Caviar, Atlantic Salmon, and Duck Legs, accompanied by a selection of three different vodkas to taste.
To start off your meal, you’ll also get a pre-dinner cocktail. If you are a foodie, take advantage of this adventurous dining experience!
Address: 476 Glen Huntly Road, Elsternwick VIC 3185
Phone: (03) 9530 0012
Hours: Sun to Mon Closed, Tues – Thurs 5 pm – 9 pm, Fri & Sat 5 pm – 10 pm
IceBar Melbourne
For one of Melbourne’s coolest culinary experiences – literally and figuratively – check out at IceBar in the city’s eastern part.
It is located at the Atrium in Federation Square and is permanently set at -10 degrees Celsius!
Don’t worry about being cold; the venue will give you Ugg boots, gloves and snow capes to keep you warm. Once you have donned them, you can enjoy your favourite drink in ice glasses while you’re there. Compared to other places, there’s no time limit for your stay. Indeed, the staff even encourages you to break their eight-hour record in below-freezing temperatures.
Address: The Atrium, Federation Square, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: (03) 9077 9716
Hours: Sun & Mon 2 pm – 8 pm, Tues & Wed Closed, Thurs to Sat 1 pm – 10 pm
Lunch in a Puffing Billy Rail Car
Escape the city and experience a unique dining experience on the Puffing Billy Railway in the lush Dandenong Ranges east of Melbourne.
Whilst on it, you can enjoy a 3-course meal while chugging past historic landmarks like Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge and the beautiful temperate rainforest.
Cauliflower Gnocchi and Colossal Jacket Potatoes are some delicious dishes you may be served during your meal. For dessert, Brandy Snapped Rolls is a much loved favourite.
The food is always beautifully presented to you and cooked to perfection. Your friendly hosts will also ensure a VIP experience while taking in the stunning scenery from your train window.
Phone: (03) 9757 0700
Dinner & Overnight Safari at Werribee Zoo
Love animals? Well, thanks to Red Balloon, you can enjoy an exclusive experience with them that goes beyond a delicious feast.
The Werribee Open Range Zoo offers the opportunity to spend the night with your partner in luxurious tented accommodations, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the zoo’s collection.
The experience features sunset drinks, a delicious African-influence dinner, and a huge and varied breakfast. As part of the deal, you will have the chance to encounter animals on a fully hosted safari experience and wake up with the primates and mammals that reside in this Melbourne southwestern zoo.
Should you do this, you will undoubtedly be in for one of Melbourne’s most unique dining experiences!
Address: K Road, Werribee South VIC 3030
Phone: 1300 966 784
Secret Foodies
If you’re a foodie who enjoys surprises, then you should definitely get a ticket to Secret Foodies.
This unique culinary experience takes place in a secret location that is only revealed through a text message on the day of the event.
Secret Foodies has been around since 2010 and hosts themed events in various cities, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and the Sunshine Coast.
You could end up dining in a warehouse, restaurant, rooftop, or even in a hidden laneway. The cuisine is also a mystery, so you never know what delicious food you’ll get to try! (Though they do cater to all dietary requirements).
Phone: 0422 667 488