Melbourne has a reputation as Australia’s foodie capital, and it’s not just the fine dining that puts us on the map. Casual dinner spots are where locals and visitors alike truly get a taste of the city’s food culture. From late-night dumplings to hearty pub meals and authentic dishes from all over the world, there’s no shortage of relaxed places where you can sit down, tuck in, and enjoy a great night without worrying about white tablecloths or fancy dress codes.
If you’re wondering where to go next, here are 8 of the best casual dinner restaurants in Melbourne – each with its own unique vibe, flavour, and charm.
8 Best Casual Dinner Restaurants in Melbourne
1. Old Durbar – Authentic Nepalese Dining in the Heart of Melbourne
Let’s start with a real gem: Old Durbar Nepalese Restaurant in Melbourne. With restaurants in Flinders Lane, Nunawading, and Brunswick, it’s fast becoming a household name for anyone craving Nepalese food in Melbourne. What makes Old Durbar stand out is how much of the Nepalese menu they’ve brought across – not just a token few dishes, but the full spread.
You’ll find the famous momo dumplings (steamed, fried, or even in a spicy soup), slow-cooked goat curries, hearty dal bhat sets, chow mein noodles, and flavour-packed street snacks like chatpate and sekuwa. It’s the kind of place where you can order a little bit of everything and share it around the table, or just settle in with a bowl of curry and rice that warms you right through.
The vibe is relaxed and welcoming, making it perfect for a weeknight feed with mates or even a casual date night. The staff know their menu inside out and are always happy to guide you if you’re new to Nepalese cuisine. For many diners, Old Durbar isn’t just dinner – it’s an experience that takes you straight to Kathmandu without leaving Melbourne.
2. +39 Pizzeria – A Slice of Italy in the City
When the pizza cravings hit, +39 Pizzeria delivers in spades. This place is all about traditional woodfired pizza, and you can taste the difference in every bite – thin, blistered bases with that smoky edge and toppings that balance flavour without overloading the crust.
The menu is packed with Italian classics, but it’s the Diavola (spicy salami and fresh mozzarella) and the Prosciutto e Rucola that win over most tables. If you’re not in the mood for pizza, their handmade pastas are equally good. The atmosphere is lively but casual, the kind of spot where you can rock up in jeans, order a carafe of red, and stay chatting long after your plates are empty.
3. Chin Chin – The Crowd Favourite
Chin Chin has been a Melbourne staple for years, and while it’s always buzzing, it still deserves a spot on this list. The menu takes inspiration from across Asia, with dishes designed for sharing. Don’t miss the kingfish sashimi, the crispy pork belly, or the famous massaman curry – they’re crowd-pleasers for good reason.
Yes, there’s often a wait, but that’s part of the experience. Once you’re inside, the energy is infectious. The music’s up, the cocktails are flowing, and the food comes out fast. For anyone after casual dining that still feels exciting, Chin Chin nails it.
4. Miss Katie’s Crab Shack – Roll Up Your Sleeves
Sometimes dinner should be fun and messy, and Miss Katie’s Crab Shack delivers just that. The highlight is the Louisiana-style crab boil, where seafood is cooked in a spiced broth and served by the bucket. Throw in some fried chicken, cornbread, or mac ‘n’ cheese, and you’ve got yourself a proper feast.
The atmosphere is relaxed, rustic, and perfect for groups who want to dig in and share. It’s casual dining at its best – you don’t come here for a polished experience, you come for good food, good laughs, and plenty of napkins.
5. Easey’s – Burgers with a View
Eating burgers in a train carriage perched on a rooftop? Only in Melbourne. Easey’s is part quirky venue, part comfort food haven. Their burgers are loaded and unapologetically indulgent, with names like the Melbourne Madness (stacked with multiple patties and cheese) and sides that range from classic fries to deep-fried mac ‘n’ cheese bites.
The vibe is relaxed but lively, especially on weekends. Whether you’re inside the graffiti-covered train or chilling on the rooftop with views over Collingwood, it’s a dining experience you’ll remember.
6. The Napier Hotel – Fitzroy’s Local Favourite
For a proper Aussie pub feed, The Napier Hotel in Fitzroy is hard to beat. Their parma is legendary – big, cheesy, and served with chips and salad that could easily feed two. Beyond that, the menu includes steaks, kangaroo dishes, and rotating specials that keep things interesting.
The Napier is the kind of pub that feels lived in, with locals propping up the bar and plenty of chatter filling the rooms. It’s casual, friendly, and very Melbourne – the sort of place you wander into after work and end up staying longer than you planned.
7. Rice Paper Scissors – Street Food Fun
If you’re after casual dining with a bit of flair, Rice Paper Scissors hits the mark. Inspired by Southeast Asian street food, the menu is full of small plates designed for sharing. Think crispy pork belly sliders, spicy Thai-style salads, and sticky chicken wings that keep you reaching for more.
The fit-out is fun and vibrant, with colourful décor and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s a great pick for groups who want to try a bit of everything without spending a fortune.
8. Franco Cozzo’s Pizza & Bar – Comfort with a Twist
Last but not least, Franco Cozzo’s Pizza & Bar brings Italian comfort food into a cosy, laid-back space. Their pizzas are baked to perfection with quality ingredients, while the pasta and antipasto options round out the menu. Add a cocktail or two, and you’ve got yourself an easy, satisfying dinner spot.
It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel – just serving good, honest Italian food in a casual setting where you feel welcome from the moment you walk in.
Final Bite
Melbourne’s casual dining scene is proof that you don’t need fine dining to enjoy a memorable meal. From the rich Nepalese flavours at Old Durbar to quirky rooftops at Easey’s, hearty pub classics at The Napier, or woodfired perfection at +39 Pizzeria, the city has something for every mood and craving.
So next time you’re wondering where to head for dinner, skip the fancy bookings and give one of these casual gems a go – you’ll walk out full, happy, and already planning your next visit.