Date Night in Southbank (2026)
Southbank has 20 restaurants and 20 bars — a solid selection for couples.
Restaurants for Date Night
#1 Left Bank Melbourne Restaurant & Cocktail Bar — Riverside of, 1 Southbank Blvd, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia
A Southbank local worth knowing about.
★ 4.4/5 (7,547 reviews) | $$ | Casual
What makes it great: Eclectic cuisine in a vast, stylish restaurant and bar with charcoal lounges and a mirrored ceiling. A Southbank local that has built its reputation on consistency rather than hype. The menu does not try to be everything — it picks a lane and executes well. Regulars come back because the quality holds up week after week, and the prices have not chased the suburb’s rising rents. Worth a visit if you are in the area, worth a return if you live here.
Melbourne tip: Call ahead to confirm hours, especially on public holidays. Check Google Maps for the latest opening times and reviews.
Website: Left Bank Melbourne Restaurant & Cocktail Bar | Google Maps
Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, verified March 2026
#1 Ludlow Bar & Dining Room — 6 Riverside Quay, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia
A Southbank local worth knowing about.
★ 4/5 (2,117 reviews) | $$ | Casual
What makes it great: Rustic-chic pub and grill serving southern European-style food and featuring live DJs on weekends. One of Southbank’s more interesting dining options. The kitchen draws from multiple traditions without losing focus, and the result is a menu that rewards curiosity. Portions are reasonable, the service is attentive without hovering, and the room has enough character to feel like a destination rather than a convenience.
Melbourne tip: Call ahead to confirm hours, especially on public holidays. Check Google Maps for the latest opening times and reviews.
Website: Ludlow Bar & Dining Room | Google Maps
Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, verified March 2026
#1 The Meat & Wine Co Southbank — Freshwater Place, 3 Queens Bridge St, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia
A Southbank local worth knowing about.
★ 4.4/5 (4,348 reviews) | $$$ | Casual
What makes it great: Steaks, ribs & skewers, plus a long wine list, in a sophisticated, Afro-centric chophouse. One of Southbank’s more interesting dining options. The kitchen draws from multiple traditions without losing focus, and the result is a menu that rewards curiosity. Portions are reasonable, the service is attentive without hovering, and the room has enough character to feel like a destination rather than a convenience.
Melbourne tip: Call ahead to confirm hours, especially on public holidays. Check Google Maps for the latest opening times and reviews.
Website: The Meat & Wine Co Southbank | Google Maps
Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, verified March 2026
#1 La Camera, Italian Restaurant — MR2/3 Southgate Ave, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia
A Southbank local worth knowing about.
★ 4.2/5 (1,365 reviews) | $$ | Casual
What makes it great: Traditional Italian food in a spacious dining room with private booths and a city-facing balcony. One of Southbank’s more interesting dining options. The kitchen draws from multiple traditions without losing focus, and the result is a menu that rewards curiosity. Portions are reasonable, the service is attentive without hovering, and the room has enough character to feel like a destination rather than a convenience.
Melbourne tip: Call ahead to confirm hours, especially on public holidays. Check Google Maps for the latest opening times and reviews.
Website: La Camera, Italian Restaurant | Google Maps
Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, verified March 2026
#1 Rockpool Bar & Grill Melbourne — Crown Casino, 8 Whiteman St, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia
A Southbank local worth knowing about.
★ 4.2/5 (2,339 reviews) | $$$$ | Casual
What makes it great: Modern Australian dishes offered in a luxurious establishment with high ceilings and moody lighting. This Southbank spot fills a gap in the local dining scene. The food is prepared with care, the ingredients are sourced with thought, and the pricing reflects fair value for what you get. It is the kind of restaurant that a neighbourhood needs — reliable enough for a Tuesday, good enough for a birthday.
Melbourne tip: Call ahead to confirm hours, especially on public holidays. Check Google Maps for the latest opening times and reviews.
Website: Rockpool Bar & Grill Melbourne | Google Maps
Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, verified March 2026
#1 The Deck Southbank — UPPER, LEVEL U1/2 Southgate Ave, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia
A Southbank local worth knowing about.
★ 4.3/5 (183 reviews) | $$$ | Casual
What makes it great: Inventive Modern Australian cuisine in an elegant restaurant with a balcony overlooking the skyline. One of Southbank’s more interesting dining options. The kitchen draws from multiple traditions without losing focus, and the result is a menu that rewards curiosity. Portions are reasonable, the service is attentive without hovering, and the room has enough character to feel like a destination rather than a convenience.
Melbourne tip: Call ahead to confirm hours, especially on public holidays. Check Google Maps for the latest opening times and reviews.
Website: The Deck Southbank | Google Maps
Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, verified March 2026
#1 The Breslin Steakhouse — 1 Southbank Blvd, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia
A Southbank local worth knowing about.
★ 4.1/5 (1,984 reviews) | $$ | Casual
What makes it great: Upscale grills on a riverside terrace, or in a room with antler chandeliers and leather booths. This Southbank spot fills a gap in the local dining scene. The food is prepared with care, the ingredients are sourced with thought, and the pricing reflects fair value for what you get. It is the kind of restaurant that a neighbourhood needs — reliable enough for a Tuesday, good enough for a birthday.
Melbourne tip: Call ahead to confirm hours, especially on public holidays. Check Google Maps for the latest opening times and reviews.
Website: The Breslin Steakhouse | Google Maps
Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, verified March 2026
#1 PJ O’Brien’s Irish Pub — G14 / 15, 16/3 Southgate Ave, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia
A Southbank local worth knowing about.
★ 4.4/5 (2,158 reviews) | $$ | Casual
What makes it great: Old-fashioned watering hole with Guinness on tap, classic grub & regular Irish music gigs. This Southbank spot fills a gap in the local dining scene. The food is prepared with care, the ingredients are sourced with thought, and the pricing reflects fair value for what you get. It is the kind of restaurant that a neighbourhood needs — reliable enough for a Tuesday, good enough for a birthday.
Melbourne tip: Call ahead to confirm hours, especially on public holidays. Check Google Maps for the latest opening times and reviews.
Website: PJ O’Brien’s Irish Pub | Google Maps
Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, verified March 2026
Bars for After Dinner
#1 Left Bank Melbourne Restaurant & Cocktail Bar — Riverside of, 1 Southbank Blvd, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia
A Southbank local worth knowing about.
★ 4.4/5 (7,547 reviews) | $$ | Casual
What makes it great: Eclectic cuisine in a vast, stylish restaurant and bar with charcoal lounges and a mirrored ceiling. A Southbank local that has built its reputation on consistency rather than hype. The menu does not try to be everything — it picks a lane and executes well. Regulars come back because the quality holds up week after week, and the prices have not chased the suburb’s rising rents. Worth a visit if you are in the area, worth a return if you live here.
Melbourne tip: Call ahead to confirm hours, especially on public holidays. Check Google Maps for the latest opening times and reviews.
Website: Left Bank Melbourne Restaurant & Cocktail Bar | Google Maps
Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, verified March 2026
#1 Hopscotch Melbourne — Ground Floor/4 Riverside Quay, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia
A Southbank local worth knowing about.
★ 4.4/5 (3,279 reviews) | $$ | Casual
What makes it great: Buzzing riverside brewpub offering creative bar fare, burgers & a nitro ice-cream bar. A Southbank local that has built its reputation on consistency rather than hype. The menu does not try to be everything — it picks a lane and executes well. Regulars come back because the quality holds up week after week, and the prices have not chased the suburb’s rising rents. Worth a visit if you are in the area, worth a return if you live here.
Melbourne tip: Call ahead to confirm hours, especially on public holidays. Check Google Maps for the latest opening times and reviews.
Website: Hopscotch Melbourne | Google Maps
Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, verified March 2026
#1 Ponyfish Island — Evan Walker Bridge, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia
A Southbank local worth knowing about.
★ 4.4/5 (1,708 reviews) | $$ | Casual
What makes it great: Unique venue on a river island offering cocktails & seasonal bar snacks along with scenic views. This Southbank spot fills a gap in the local dining scene. The food is prepared with care, the ingredients are sourced with thought, and the pricing reflects fair value for what you get. It is the kind of restaurant that a neighbourhood needs — reliable enough for a Tuesday, good enough for a birthday.
Melbourne tip: Call ahead to confirm hours, especially on public holidays. Check Google Maps for the latest opening times and reviews.
Website: Ponyfish Island | Google Maps
Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, verified March 2026
#1 State of Grace — 27 King St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
A Southbank local worth knowing about.
★ 4.6/5 (3,063 reviews) | $$$ | Casual
What makes it great: Restaurant and cellar bar with kitsch decor including a mounted giraffe, for Modern European food. A Southbank local that has built its reputation on consistency rather than hype. The menu does not try to be everything — it picks a lane and executes well. Regulars come back because the quality holds up week after week, and the prices have not chased the suburb’s rising rents. Worth a visit if you are in the area, worth a return if you live here.
Melbourne tip: Call ahead to confirm hours, especially on public holidays. Check Google Maps for the latest opening times and reviews.
Website: State of Grace | Google Maps
Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, verified March 2026
#1 Ludlow Bar & Dining Room — 6 Riverside Quay, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia
A Southbank local worth knowing about.
★ 4/5 (2,117 reviews) | $$ | Casual
What makes it great: Rustic-chic pub and grill serving southern European-style food and featuring live DJs on weekends. One of Southbank’s more interesting dining options. The kitchen draws from multiple traditions without losing focus, and the result is a menu that rewards curiosity. Portions are reasonable, the service is attentive without hovering, and the room has enough character to feel like a destination rather than a convenience.
Melbourne tip: Call ahead to confirm hours, especially on public holidays. Check Google Maps for the latest opening times and reviews.
Website: Ludlow Bar & Dining Room | Google Maps
Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, verified March 2026
Date Night Budget Guide
| Style | Estimated Cost (2 people) |
|---|---|
| Casual dinner + drinks | $80–$120 |
| Mid-range restaurant + cocktails | $120–$200 |
| Fine dining + wine | $200–$400+ |
Related Guides
- Best Restaurants in Southbank
- Best Cafes in Southbank
- Best Bars in Southbank
- Cost of Living in Southbank
- Southbank Neighbourhood Guide
- Family Guide to Southbank
- Is Southbank Safe?
- Southbank Transport Guide
Last updated: March 2026. This guide is refreshed when OpenStreetMap data changes — new openings, closures and corrections are reflected automatically. Found something wrong? Let us know.
Sources
- OpenStreetMap Contributors — openstreetmap.org — accessed March 2026
- ABS Census 2021 — abs.gov.au/census
- REIV Quarterly Median Prices — reiv.com.au
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