Docklands has grown into one of Melbourne’s most exciting dining precincts and the area around Melbourne Star makes it even easier to find a great meal after a ride, a waterfront walk, or an event at the venue. From Italian trattorias to steakhouses and Asian fine dining, this stretch of Docklands offers something for every craving.
This guide covers the 10 best restaurants near Melbourne Star, what each one specializes in and how to pick the right spot for your next visit.
Top 10 Restaurants Near Melbourne Star: A Quick Overview
Before the full breakdown, here is a side-by-side look at the top dining spots near Melbourne Star and what each one does best.
| Restaurant | Best For | Cuisine |
| Sassy Italian | Authentic Italian dining | Italian |
| Cargo Bar & Eatery | Casual waterfront drinks and share plates | Modern Australian |
| Berth | Fine dining with harbour views | Contemporary |
| Byblos Bar and Restaurant | Lebanese mezze and shisha nights | Lebanese |
| Renzo’s Bar Cafe Italiano | Quick Italian classics | Italian |
| Platform 28 | Relaxed brunch and all-day dining | Modern Australian |
| Nine Elephants | Authentic Thai flavors | Thai |
| Hooks at the Yarra | Fresh seafood on the water | Seafood |
| Steakhouse Grill 66 Docklands | Premium cuts and grills | Steakhouse |
| Squires Loft Docklands | Traditional grill dining | Steakhouse |
Each restaurant brings its own atmosphere and menu style. Your best pick depends on the occasion, a quiet dinner, a group celebration, or a quick bite before heading to Melbourne Star.
1. Sassy Italian
Sassy Italian sits right at the heart of the Docklands dining strip and has become a go-to spot for locals and visitors near Melbourne Star. The restaurant focuses on honest, flavor-packed Italian cooking served in a warm, welcoming setting.
There’s also a fresh reason to time your visit for the evening: Melbourne Star has recently been fitted with new LED lighting that switches on nightly from 5:30pm, and the illuminated wheel is clearly visible from the restaurant, making for a striking backdrop to dinner. With the ride expected to be back in full operation and NYE fireworks planned by December, Sassy Italian is shaping up to be one of the best spots in Docklands to pair a proper Italian meal with a view of the action.
Why Sassy Italian stands out:
- Handmade pasta dishes prepared fresh using traditional Italian methods
- Wood-fired pizzas with classic and specialty toppings
- A wine list built around Italian regions, paired to match the menu
- Family-friendly seating with a relaxed, social atmosphere
- Walking distance from Melbourne Star, ideal before or after a visit
Sassy Italian keeps its menu focused on quality over complexity, letting fresh ingredients carry each dish. Whether you want a quick pasta lunch or a full multi-course dinner, the restaurant delivers a consistent, satisfying Italian dining experience close to the water.
Contact Detail
- Address: 1 Dryburgh St, West Melbourne VIC 3003, Australia
- Phone Number: +61 3 4420 9785
- Email: info@sassyitalianrestaurant.com.au
- Book Table: https://sassyitalianrestaurant.com.au/book-table/
2. Cargo Bar & Eatery
Cargo Bar & Eatery is a favorite for its laid-back energy and prime waterfront position. It works well for casual catch-ups, after-work drinks, or a relaxed dinner with a view.
Key features of Cargo Bar & Eatery:
- Open-air seating overlooking Victoria Harbour
- A menu built around share plates and modern Australian bites
- Strong cocktail and craft beer selection
- Regular live music and events on weekends
Cargo Bar & Eatery suits groups who want good food without a formal dining commitment. The outdoor seating area makes it especially popular during warmer months when Docklands comes alive with foot traffic near Melbourne Star.
Contact Detail
- Address: 55A Newquay Promenade, Docklands VIC 3008, Australia
- Phone Number: +61 3 9670 09993.
3. Berth
Berth brings a more refined dining experience to the Docklands waterfront. It is known for polished service and a menu that changes with the seasons.
What makes Berth a strong choice:
- Seasonal menu highlighting fresh, local produce
- Elegant indoor and outdoor dining spaces facing the harbour
- Extensive wine list curated for pairing with each course
- A calm, upscale setting suited to special occasions
Berth is a solid pick for anniversaries, business dinners, or anyone wanting a slower, more considered meal near Melbourne Star. The harbour views add extra value to an already strong food offering.
Contact Detail
- Address: 45 Newquay Promenade, Docklands VIC 3008, Australia
- Phone Number: +61 3 9670 0199
4. Byblos Bar and Restaurant
Byblos brings the flavors of Lebanon to Docklands, offering a menu built around shared mezze plates, grilled meats, and traditional spices.
Notable Byblos features:
- Generous mezze platters designed for sharing
- Charcoal-grilled meats and fresh salads
- Shisha lounge area for a relaxed evening
- Warm, vibrant atmosphere suited to group dining
Byblos works particularly well for larger groups who want a social, flavor-forward dining experience. The mix of food, shisha, and ambiance makes it a standout option among restaurants near Melbourne Star.
Contact Detail
- Address: 18-38 Siddeley St, Docklands VIC 3005, Australia
- Phone Number: +61 3 9614 6400
5. Renzo’s Bar Cafe Italiano
Renzo’s offers a more relaxed take on Italian dining, ideal for a fast, satisfying meal without the wait of a full sit-down restaurant.
Core strengths of Renzo’s Bar Cafe Italiano:
- Classic Italian staples including pasta, panini, and coffee
- Quick service suited to lunch breaks or pre-event meals
- Casual, budget-friendly pricing
- Convenient location near Melbourne Star and the waterfront path
Renzo’s is a practical choice when time is limited but quality still matters. It delivers dependable Italian comfort food in a no-fuss setting.
Contact Detail
- Address: 46 Newquay Promenade, Docklands VIC 3008, Australia
- Phone Number: +61 3 9640 0550
6. Platform 28
Platform 28 has built a name around all-day dining, with a menu that transitions easily from breakfast to dinner. It is a popular stop for locals living and working in Docklands.
Platform 28 key highlights:
- All-day breakfast and brunch menu
- Modern Australian dishes with global influences
- Bright, casual interior with outdoor seating
- Good coffee program alongside a full food menu
Platform 28 suits visitors who want flexibility, whether that means an early meal before Melbourne Star opens or a late lunch after a day out.
Contact Detail
- Address: 82 Village St, Docklands VIC 3008, Australia
- Phone Number: +61 3 9670 9933
7. Nine Elephants
Nine Elephants brings authentic Thai cooking to the Docklands dining scene, with a menu built around bold, balanced flavors and fresh ingredients.
Why Nine Elephants stands out:
- Traditional Thai dishes made with authentic spices and herbs
- A mix of mild and spicy options to suit different preferences
- Vegetarian and vegan-friendly menu choices
- Stylish, modern dining room close to the waterfront
Nine Elephants is a strong pick for diners craving something outside the usual Italian and steakhouse options near Melbourne Star. The kitchen focuses on consistency, keeping flavors true to traditional Thai cooking.
Contact Detail
- Address: 8/737 Bourke St, Docklands VIC 3008, Australia
- Phone Number: +61 3 9670 9994
8. Hooks at the Yarra
Hooks at the Yarra puts seafood front and center, with a location that takes full advantage of its riverside setting near Docklands.
Hooks at the Yarra product strengths:
- Fresh, daily seafood selections including local catches
- Riverside seating with direct water views
- Seafood platters designed for sharing
- Relaxed dress code suited to casual and special occasions alike
For seafood lovers, Hooks at the Yarra is one of the standout restaurants near Melbourne Star. The combination of fresh catches and a scenic riverside setting makes it a memorable dining stop.
Contact Detail
- Address: 50 River Esplanade, Docklands VIC 3008, Australia
- Phone Number: +61 3 9043 4221
9. Steakhouse Grill 66 Docklands
Steakhouse Grill 66 focuses on one thing above all, quality cuts cooked well. It has earned a loyal following among steak lovers in the Docklands area.
Steakhouse Grill 66 highlights:
- Premium cuts including ribeye, sirloin and scotch fillet
- Charcoal grilling for a distinct smoky flavor
- A solid selection of red wines to match the menu
- Hearty portions suited to serious steak fans
Steakhouse Grill 66 Docklands is a reliable choice for anyone planning a dinner centered around a good cut of meat. It delivers a straightforward, satisfying steakhouse experience close to Melbourne Star.
Contact Detail
- Address: 66 Newquay Promenade, Docklands VIC 3008, Australia
- Phone Number: +61 3 9640 0808
10. Squires Loft Docklands
Squires Loft rounds out this list as a well-established grill restaurant known for its consistency and no-nonsense approach to steak dining.
Squires Loft Docklands core features:
- Signature basting sauces served alongside every grill dish
- A wide range of steak cuts and grilled seafood options
- Family-friendly setting with attentive service
- A menu that has stayed consistent for loyal regulars
Squires Loft may not have the trendiest interior on this list, but it holds its own on flavor and portion size. It remains a dependable option for grill dining near Melbourne Star.
Contact Detail
- Address: 818 Bourke St, Docklands VIC 3008, Australia
- Phone Number: +61 3 9670 9968
How to Choose the Best Restaurant?
Picking the right restaurant near Melbourne Star depends on more than just what is closest. A few practical factors can guide the decision.
Start with the occasion:
A quick lunch before Melbourne Star calls for something fast and casual, like Renzo’s or Platform 28. A celebration or date night suits a more refined setting like Berth or Sassy Italian.
Consider the cuisine you are craving:
Docklands offers real variety near Melbourne Star, Italian, Lebanese, Thai, seafood and classic steakhouse fare are all within walking distance. Matching the menu to your mood makes the meal more enjoyable.
Check the setting and group size:
- Larger groups tend to do well at Byblos or Cargo Bar & Eatery, where sharing plates suit a social table
- Couples often prefer Berth or Hooks at the Yarra for the view and atmosphere
- Families usually find Sassy Italian and Squires Loft comfortable and welcoming
Factor in timing and location:
Some restaurants near Melbourne Star get busy around major events at the venue. Booking ahead, especially on weekends, helps avoid long waits, particularly at waterfront spots with outdoor seating.
Think about the budget:
Casual spots like Renzo’s and Platform 28 suit a lighter budget, while steakhouses and fine dining venues like Berth or Steakhouse Grill 66 sit at a higher price point. Matching the restaurant to your budget keeps the outing stress-free.
Taking a few minutes to weigh these factors makes it far easier to land on the right restaurant for the occasion, rather than settling for whatever is nearest.
Why Is Sassy Italian A Docklands Favorite?
Sassy Italian stands apart from other restaurants near Melbourne Star through its focus on genuine Italian cooking and a welcoming, family-style atmosphere. The kitchen prioritizes fresh, handmade pasta and traditional recipes over shortcuts, so every dish reflects real Italian technique.
The restaurant’s location makes it one of the most convenient stops in the area, just a short walk from Melbourne Star, making it easy to fit into any visit to the precinct. The dining room is designed to feel relaxed rather than formal, which works well for families, couples and groups of friends alike.
Beyond the food, Sassy Italian pays close attention to service and consistency. Regular guests know what to expect, fresh ingredients, generous portions, and a team that treats every table with care. For anyone looking for a dependable, flavor-focused Italian meal near Melbourne Star, Sassy Italian remains one of the strongest choices in Docklands.
Final Thoughts
Docklands has developed into a genuine food destination and the area around Melbourne Star reflects that growth well. Whether you want handmade Italian pasta, fresh seafood by the Yarra, bold Thai flavors or a proper steakhouse dinner, this stretch of Docklands delivers.
Sassy Italian and Berth lead for overall dining quality and atmosphere. Cargo Bar & Eatery and Platform 28 offer strong casual options. Hooks at the Yarra and Nine Elephants bring variety for seafood and Thai lovers. And Steakhouse Grill 66 and Squires Loft cover the grill and steakhouse crowd well.
Take a little time to match the restaurant to your occasion, group size, and cravings. When in doubt, book ahead, especially on weekends and during Melbourne Star events, to secure the best table and avoid the wait.
FAQs
What Is The Best Restaurant Near Melbourne Star?
Sassy Italian and Berth are consistently rated among the top choices near Melbourne Star. Sassy Italian is known for authentic handmade pasta, while Berth offers refined dining with harbour views.
Are There Italian Restaurants Near Melbourne Star?
Yes. Sassy Italian and Renzo’s Bar Cafe Italiano both serve Italian cuisine within walking distance of Melbourne Star, ranging from full sit-down dinners to quick, casual meals.
What Is The Best Seafood Restaurant In Docklands?
Hooks at the Yarra is the top pick for seafood near Melbourne Star, offering fresh daily catches and riverside seating along the Yarra River.
Which Restaurant Near Melbourne Star Is Best For Groups?
Byblos Bar and Restaurant and Cargo Bar & Eatery both suit larger groups well, thanks to their shared-plate menus and social, open dining layouts.
Is There A Good Steakhouse Near Melbourne Star?
Yes. Steakhouse Grill 66 Docklands and Squires Loft Docklands both specialize in premium grilled cuts and are popular choices for steak lovers in the area.
What Restaurant Near Melbourne Star Has The Best Views?
Berth and Hooks at the Yarra offer some of the best waterfront views in Docklands, with seating positioned directly along the harbour and river.
Are There Family-Friendly Restaurants Near Melbourne Star?
Sassy Italian and Squires Loft Docklands are both known for their family-friendly atmosphere, comfortable seating, and menus that suit a range of ages.
Where Can I Get Thai Food Near The Melbourne Star?
Nine Elephants is the leading option for authentic Thai cuisine near Melbourne Star, offering traditional dishes with both mild and spicy choices.
Do I Need To Book In Advance At Restaurants Near Melbourne Star?
Bookings are recommended, especially on weekends or during events at Melbourne Star. Waterfront restaurants with outdoor seating tend to fill up fastest.
What Is A Good Quick-Bite Option Near Melbourne Star?
Renzo’s Bar Cafe Italiano and Platform 28 both offer fast, casual dining suited to a quick meal before or after visiting Melbourne Star.
