9 Quirky and Unique Themed Dining Experiences in Melbourne

Are you up for trying some of Melbourne’s most unusual places to eat? Imagine eating in total darkness at Dans Le Noir? or enjoying drinks that remind you of a science lab at The Croft Institute. Melbourne’s fun and odd restaurants are sure to excite your taste buds and give you something cool to look at. Whether you want to feel like you’re in a fairy tale at StoryVille or go back in time with video games at Bartronica, Melbourne has something special for you. Let’s check out the city’s most playful, themed, and unique spots for a memorable evening!

State of Grace

Walk into State of Grace, a place where an amazing restaurant and a hidden cellar bar, Fall From Grace, exist behind a moving bookshelf. In the busy center of Melbourne, this spot serves a European-inspired menu in a unique setting. The restaurant is celebrated for its bold atmosphere, from the eye-catching decor to the creative cocktails and the hidden charm of its cellar bar.

Eating at State of Grace feels like being in on a secret, perfect for those who want something out of the ordinary. With its luxurious interiors and a rooftop that shows off breathtaking views of the city, State of Grace offers a variety of experiences that are sure to impress and entertain.

• Known for: Hidden cellar bar and European-inspired menu
• Website: https://stateofgracemelbourne.com.au/
• Address: 27 King Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
• Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jnHpAWmFnEnbGpbz5

Berlin Bar

Transport yourself to another era and another part of the world at Berlin Bar. This unique venue is divided into two distinct sections, representing East and West Berlin during the Cold War. The East side features a stark, bunker-like environment, while the West exudes opulence and luxury. The thematic division makes Berlin Bar not just a place to drink but a place to experience history.

The cocktail menu is as inventive as the decor, with drinks designed to reflect the historical and cultural complexities of Berlin. It’s a perfect spot for history buffs and those looking for a night out that’s out of the ordinary.

• Known for: Cold War-themed interiors and inventive cocktails
• Website: https://berlinbar.com.au/
• Address: 2nd floor, 16 Corrs Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
• Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/UcghbQKfVWsnGsWa7

Madame Brussels

Madame Brussels is a unique rooftop garden party that adds a fun twist to Melbourne’s bar scene. It is named after a famous 19th-century brothel owner and offers a playful and slightly cheeky vibe with its fake grass floors, outdoor furniture, and umbrellas. The bar is well-known for its large servings of Pimm’s, punch, and delicious cocktails, which are served by staff dressed in tennis outfits.

Whether you visit during a sunny afternoon or a warm evening, Madame Brussels provides the ideal atmosphere for a laid-back and happy get-together with friends, making each visit feel like a cheerful garden party.

• Known for: Rooftop garden party vibe and delightful cocktails
• Website: https://madamebrussels.com/
• Address: Level 3, 59 Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
• Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Kk6TDrhGXS2dvMJ2A

Easey’s

Sitting on top of a building in Collingwood, Easey’s shows off Melbourne’s love for burgers, trains, and graffiti in a cool way. This one-of-a-kind restaurant serves delicious burgers and comfort food inside actual train carriages, giving customers amazing views of the city. The place is decorated to reflect Melbourne’s train and graffiti scene, making the atmosphere truly local. From a menu that looks like a train timetable to tables covered with rail maps, every bit of Easey’s is designed to be interesting and fun.

The Easey Cheesy burger is something you have to try, but if you’re in the mood for something different, they also have items like fried chicken coated in Frosties cereal. With local beers available and a relaxed atmosphere, Easey’s is the perfect spot for a laid-back meal with friends. It offers a real Melbourne experience, combining great food in a creative setting.

• Known for: Burgers served in a rooftop train carriage
• Website: https://www.easeys.com.au/
• Address: Collingwood, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
• Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/gkxK2gd65r6PVQFA6

Bodega Underground

Step down into a slice of Mexico right in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD at Bodega Underground. This place becomes alive at night, offering genuine Mexican street food along with a wide selection of tequila and mezcal, making it a lively spot that celebrates Mexican traditions. The dim, underground ambiance adds to the excitement, creating the feel of a secret bar. Whether you’re there for the tacos or the tequila, Bodega Underground promises a fun night with a menu that includes everything from spicy pork carnitas to tangy octopus tacos.

This spot is also recognized for its gluten-free options and the mezcal and tequila flights, which are perfect for those looking to try different flavors. Bodega Underground is more than just a place to eat; it’s an experience that educates and thrills at the same time.

• Known for: Authentic Mexican street food and an extensive mezcal and tequila menu
• Website: bodegaunderground.com.au
• Address: 55 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
• Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/9hqHk2hR6q3j8tKN8

The LuWOW

Walk into The LuWOW and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a tropical island paradise, right in the middle of Melbourne. This tiki bar is filled with extravagant Polynesian decorations, including huge tiki statues and lots of bamboo. It’s a lively place with drinks as colorful as the surroundings. The LuWOW is known for its carefully made tropical drinks, especially the popular Mai-Tai and the exciting Voodoo Volcano, which is big enough to share.

The LuWOW also serves delicious Tiki Tacos and other dishes inspired by Polynesian flavors, making it a great choice for both drinks and dinner. If you’re looking for a fun and unusual place for a date night or to kick off your weekend, The LuWOW offers a mini vacation to a tropical island atmosphere.

• Known for: Exotic tiki décor and tropical cocktails
• Website: https://www.theluwow.com/
• Address: Little Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
• Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7z3MbPraU9Cc8xTL8

Holey Moley

Holey Moley stands out from your typical mini-golf course. Situated in the busy center of Melbourne, this place mixes a cocktail bar with a mini-golf course, making putt-putt a cool and enjoyable activity. It features 27 uniquely designed holes, each with a different challenge and references to popular culture and memorable moments from your childhood.

Whether you’re really into mini-golf or just looking for an entertaining way to spend the evening, Holey Moley provides a lively and somewhat competitive setting. With awesome music, tasty snacks from the bar, and unique cocktails, it’s the ideal place for hanging out with friends or for a fun and unusual first date.

• Known for: Unique mini-golf courses and lively atmosphere
• Website: https://www.holeymoley.com.au/
• Address: Melbourne CBD, Victoria, Australia
• Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FNFzaxE8dYWRAGHN8

Bartronica

Bartronica is a hidden gem in Melbourne’s bar scene, offering a nostalgic trip back to the golden age of arcade games. This basement bar is filled with classic arcade machines and pinball tables, providing a blast from the past that’s sure to delight gamers and non-gamers alike. The bar serves up a range of craft beers and themed cocktails, making it a great spot to unwind after work or kick off a night out.

With its cool, underground vibe and rows of vintage games, Bartronica offers a unique way to enjoy your drinks while reliving some of your favorite childhood memories. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking for something different in Melbourne’s nightlife.

• Known for: Vintage arcade games and themed drinks
• Website: https://bartronica.com.au/
• Address: 335 Flinders Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
• Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/nzkWZoyXJMYqVpek7

Cat Cafe Melbourne

Cat Cafe Melbourne offers a unique twist on the traditional cafe experience, combining the love of coffee with the comfort of cats. As Australia’s first cat cafe, it provides a cozy environment where you can relax with a coffee in one hand and a purring cat in the other. The cafe is home to several rescue cats, all of which roam freely and are eager to interact with visitors.

This spot is perfect for animal lovers looking for a relaxing break in their day. It’s important to book your visit in advance, especially if you plan to go during peak times, as the cafe limits the number of guests to ensure a calm environment for the cats.

• Known for: Combining coffee culture with cat companionship
• Website: https://catcafemelbourne.com/
• Address: 375 Queen Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
• Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4Cvf5kFRP1ohmSdE7

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these themed restaurants suitable for families with children?

• Easey’s, with its train carriage seating and casual dining, is very family-friendly.
• Cat Cafe Melbourne is perfect for animal-loving families, though children must be over the age of 8 to visit.
• Holey Moley offers a fun mini-golf experience combined with dining, suitable for families.

Can I find vegetarian or vegan options at these themed restaurants?

• The LuWOW and Madame Brussels both offer a selection of vegetarian options in their menus.
• Bartronica has a variety of drinks and can accommodate dietary preferences with advance notice.

Do I need to book in advance?

• Booking in advance is highly recommended for all these venues, especially for unique experiences like The LuWOW and Madame Brussels.

Are there any themed restaurants with outdoor seating?

• Madame Brussels is known for its rooftop garden party vibe, offering outdoor seating with a whimsical touch.
• The LuWOW also features some outdoor seating areas where guests can enjoy their tropical drinks.