Melbourne’s dinner scene is as diverse as its lively neighborhoods, offering everything from scenic river cruises to hidden laneway eateries. Its unique combination of waterfront views, historic transport, and vibrant street food makes it a city where you can truly dine with a view or learn about local flavors. We’re especially fond of the Melbourne Sunset Kayaking Experience with Dinner because it combines stunning water-based views with a relaxed on-water meal — perfect for those wanting a different perspective on Melbourne’s skyline. Whether you prefer a romantic private cruise or a lively food crawl through Chinatown, Melbourne’s dinner options are guaranteed to impress.
Quick Overview
This list features waterfront dinners, guided food tours, heritage train experiences, and even ghostly night tours — all with a focus on authentic local flavors and memorable settings. We’ve included options for couples, families, and small groups, highlighting those that offer unique environments, exceptional value, or special touches like private tables or scenic journeys. Now, let’s explore each one in detail.
1. Melbourne Sunset Kayaking Experience with Dinner
At number 1, this tour combines an adventure on the Yarra River with a relaxing dinner, making it the perfect mix of activity and indulgence. You’ll start with a 2.5-hour kayak trip around Victoria Harbour and Southbank, where you’ll see the fire-ball display at Crown Casino, a spectacle that’s best enjoyed from the water. After paddling past iconic landmarks, you’ll stop for an on-the-water fish and chips dinner, adding a casual yet delicious touch to your evening. The guide ensures safety and local insights, making it suitable for families with kids aged 12 and above, and perfect for travelers wanting a fun, active way to see Melbourne’s city lights. The reviews highlight Rory, the guide, as “amazing” and the experience as “first time in Melbourne worth the time.” The combination of water views and dinner makes this a standout choice for those seeking something different.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a relaxed but engaging way to experience Melbourne’s waterfront with a memorable dinner, suitable for adventurous couples and families alike.
2. Melbourne: Sunset Kayak Tour with Dinner
Ranked just slightly behind the first, this Sunset Kayak Tour with Dinner is another excellent water-based option. It begins before sunset, allowing you to paddle down the Yarra River and witness Melbourne’s skyline transition from day to night. The tour includes a special on-water dining experience, where you can enjoy the changing views and the city’s vibrant energy from a unique water-level perspective. The focus on the sunset makes it ideal for romantics or those wanting a peaceful moment amid Melbourne’s busy life. At 3 hours, it balances activity with relaxation, and guests love the chance to paddle through Southbank as the lights come on. The ongoing reviews score it 4.9/5, noting the experience as “beautiful” and “a one-of-a-kind way to see Melbourne.”
Bottom Line: Perfect for sunset lovers and those wanting a tranquil yet scenic meal on the water, this tour combines active paddling with spectacular views.
3. Night Bites — A Progressive Dinner of Melbourne’s Best Food
For those who prefer exploring on foot, the Night Bites Progressive Dinner takes you through Melbourne’s Chinatown and laneways, sampling diverse dishes from three carefully selected eateries. This 3-hour tour is a culinary treasure hunt, where your guide reveals the city’s lesser-known food spots and street art gems along Hosier Lane. The smaller group size ensures an intimate experience, with personalized attention and the chance to taste everything from street food to fine cuisine. Guests appreciate the food variety—including vegetarian options—and the guide’s local knowledge. At $134.92 per person, it offers good value for the chance to sample Melbourne’s vibrant night scene and hidden culinary gems in a relaxed, social setting.
Bottom Line: Ideal for food lovers wanting an insider’s taste of Melbourne’s laneways and street art, with a focus on authentic, off-the-beaten-path eateries.
4. The Q Train – First Class Private Dining For 2
At number 4, the Q Train First Class Private Dining offers a truly unique experience. Departing from Drysdale Station, this heritage train serves a degustation menu with paired wines in a cozy, private carriage. You’ll stop next to Swan Bay, enjoying scenic views and a gourmet meal designed for romance or special occasions. The train’s private setting ensures intimacy, making it perfect for anniversaries or a memorable date. The reviews praise the “wonderful staff,” “delicious cuisine,” and the “incredible scenery,” making it a luxurious yet accessible experience. The relaxed pace and focus on local produce add value for those looking for a special, personalized dinner.
Bottom Line: This is perfect for couples wanting a private, elegant meal combined with stunning scenery and heritage charm.
5. Private Romantic Melbourne Dinner Cruise for 2
For an intimate experience, the Private Romantic Dinner Cruise offers a 1.5-hour sail along the Yarra River. You’ll enjoy a delicious 3-course meal, paired with beer and wine, while floating past Melbourne’s glittering cityscape. This private experience is tailored for couples wanting a special night out, with the boat’s quiet, eco-friendly design providing a peaceful atmosphere. The reviews highlight the “delightful and romantic” setting, with one guest proposing during the cruise. The price reflects the personal nature of the experience, making it ideal for anniversaries or special occasions that deserve a luxurious touch.
Bottom Line: A perfect choice for couples seeking romance, privacy, and a scenic, waterside dinner.
6. From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Day Trip with Dinner
The Great Ocean Road Day Trip with Dinner combines breathtaking scenery with a well-planned itinerary. After exploring highlights like the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, you enjoy a dinner while immersed in the spectacular coastline. This 12-hour tour is best suited for those wanting to combine scenic sightseeing with a satisfying meal at the end of a full day. Guests love the chance to see Australian wildlife, visit secret locations, and avoid crowds at popular spots. The value lies in the combination of a comprehensive tour and a quality dinner, making it a great option for nature lovers who don’t want to sacrifice good food.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers looking to combine scenic adventure with a memorable dinner in an iconic setting.
7. The Q Train – Q Class Social Dining
The Q Class Social Dining offers a more casual yet still memorable heritage rail experience. Traveling along the Bellarine Railway, this 3-hour journey includes a degustation menu and local wines, with the opportunity to enjoy the scenery of the countryside. This experience is perfect if you prefer a social atmosphere over complete privacy but still want excellent food and a touch of history. Guests rave about the “great food and wine” and “friendly staff,” making it a relaxed way to enjoy regional flavors and scenic views.
Bottom Line: Great for those who want good food, local wine, and a lively, scenic train trip with friends or family.
8. Melbourne: Peninsula Nature Private Day Trip with Dinner
This private day trip to the Mornington Peninsula blends nature, wildlife, and relaxed dining. Highlights include hand-feeding kangaroos, visiting Moonlit Sanctuary, and viewing from Eagle’s lookout. The tour includes a delicious Australian-style picnic, making it a fantastic choice for outdoor lovers who also want a quality meal. It’s perfect for families or couples wanting an active day immersed in local wildlife and stunning scenery, with the added benefit of a private guide. Reviews mention the “amazing wildlife encounter” and “breathtaking views,” emphasizing the tour’s intimate nature and personalized touch.
Bottom Line: Best suited for nature enthusiasts and families wanting a private, scenic day with a memorable meal.
9. Luxury Private Romantic Dinner Cruise For 2
In the realm of romantic waterside dinners, this Luxury Private Dinner Cruise offers an eco-friendly, whisper-quiet boat for your exclusive enjoyment. The 1.5-hour cruise includes a high-end 3-course meal and drinks, in a serene setting on Melbourne’s Yarra River. Its eco-conscious design means you float smoothly without fumes or noise, enhancing intimacy. This experience is ideal for couples celebrating special moments, with reviews praising the “luxury” and “delicious food.” If privacy and eco-friendliness matter, this dinner cruise is a top contender.
Bottom Line: Perfect for couples seeking a luxurious, quiet, and eco-friendly waterside dinner experience.
$389 per group up to 2
10. Eynesbury Homestead Dinner and Ghost Tour
For something different, the Eynesbury Homestead Dinner and Ghost Tour combines haunted history with a spooky evening walk. After exploring the ghostly grounds with your guide, you’ll use a $30 gift certificate toward a dinner at the onsite restaurant. The tour reveals eerie stories of the estate’s past, making it great for thrill-seekers or history buffs. The experience lasts around 3.5 hours, offering a mix of ghostly tales and tasty food. It’s a fun, atmospheric choice for those wanting to combine history, mystery, and a good meal.
Bottom Line: Ideal for history and ghost story enthusiasts looking for an adventurous dinner outing.
$53.97 per person
11. Melbourne: Skydeck and Altitude Dining Experience
The Skydeck and Altitude Dining combines spectacular panoramic views with a gourmet 3-course meal. Located high above Melbourne, the Skydeck offers stunning 360-degree views, and the meal is crafted by Executive Chef Renee Martillano. Plus, an innovative VR experience lets you “fly” over Victorian landmarks in 6-D. It’s suited for travelers who want a blend of dining and visual spectacle, especially those who enjoy a bit of tech alongside their meal. Reviews note the “breathtaking views” and “delicious food,” making it a memorable, if slightly pricier, option.
Bottom Line: Best for those seeking a high-altitude dining adventure with a view and a touch of tech.
12. Eynesbury Homestead Dark Tales & Ghostly Trails Dinner&Tour
This experience offers a dark, atmospheric tour exploring haunted lakes, eerie stables, and secret stories of the Staughton estate. The 3.5-hour tour includes a 2-course dinner at the historic homestead, perfect for thrill-seekers or history lovers. The guided stories of betrayal and curses add an extra dimension to the evening. Reviews mention the “ghastly ghost stories” and “delicious food,” making it an immersive experience that merges history with spooky fun. It’s ideal for groups or couples wanting a night filled with mystery and good food.
Bottom Line: A great pick for fans of ghost stories, history, and a touch of the supernatural with a hearty meal.
13. Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise
The Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise offers a classic, elegant way to enjoy the city’s lights along the Yarra River. With a 4-course gourmet meal and a full bar, you’ll cruise past landmarks like Federation Square and the Royal Botanic Gardens. The ship’s atmosphere is relaxed yet sophisticated, making it suitable for special occasions or a refined night out. Reviews highlight the “delicious food,” “excellent service,” and “magical night views.” At around $132, it’s a good value for a luxurious, scenic dinner that combines sightseeing with fine dining.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those celebrating a special event or seeking a romantic, scenic dining experience.
$132.21 per person
14. Best of Little Italy Dinner Tour
This tour is a tasty journey through Lygon Street, often called Melbourne’s “Little Italy.” It offers a family-friendly environment, where you explore Italian eateries and learn about the street’s history. While reviews are not yet available, the focus on authentic Italian dishes and stories promises a lively, cultural experience. It’s ideal for those who want to enjoy a guided walk with food that captures Melbourne’s multicultural character.
Bottom Line: Great for families or anyone wanting an immersive, flavorful look at Melbourne’s Italian heritage.
$92 per person
15. Carlton a Little Italy Dinner Tour
Finally, the Carlton Little Italy Dinner Tour offers a similar vibe but with a focus on Carlton’s multicultural flair. While reviews are not available, the itinerary suggests an authentic Italian experience with engaging stories and family-friendly hospitality. It’s a good choice if you want to explore Melbourne’s diverse culinary landscapes within a relaxed, friendly setting.
Bottom Line: Suitable for those interested in Italian culture and food, with an emphasis on local stories and authentic dishes.
$93.78 per person
How to Choose Your Melbourne Dinner Experience
Choosing among these options depends on your interests and style. If you’re after scenic water views and romance, the private Dinner Cruise or the Heritage Q Train make excellent choices. For food explorers, the Night Bites or Lygon Street Tours offer immersive culinary adventures. Those seeking something spooky and historical will enjoy the ghost tours, while scenic day trips like the Great Ocean Road with dinner can deepen your experience of Australia’s natural beauty.
Practical tips include booking early, especially for popular cruises and train experiences, and considering your activity level and budget. For a romantic night, opt for private or cruise options; for a lively, social evening, explore the food tours and heritage train dining.
Final Thoughts
Melbourne’s dinner options cover a wide spectrum—from scenic river cruises and heritage train journeys to immersive food tours and ghostly adventures. Two standout choices for a special occasion are the Private Romantic Melbourne Dinner Cruise and the Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise, both offering exquisite scenery and gourmet meals. For those wanting to explore Melbourne’s food scene, the Night Bites Tour provides a delicious, authentic experience through hidden laneways and Chinatown. No matter your style or budget, booking early will ensure you secure your spot at these sought-after experiences—so start planning your ideal Melbourne evening today.