Located on the southeastern coast of Melbourne, St Kilda is a vibrant and eclectic beachside suburb that offers a diverse range of dining experiences. From traditional Australian cuisine to international flavors, St Kilda’s food scene is a melting pot of cultures and tastes. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, finding the perfect place to eat in St Kilda can be a daunting task, especially with the numerous options available. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through the best restaurants, cafes, and eateries in St Kilda, highlighting the must-try dishes, hidden gems, and insider tips to make your dining experience unforgettable.
Beachside Eats: Restaurants with a View
St Kilda’s iconic beachfront offers breathtaking views of Port Phillip Bay, making it the perfect setting for a beachside dining experience. Here are some top restaurants with a view that you shouldn’t miss:
The Beachcomber
Located on the St Kilda Beachfront, The Beachcomber is a beachside institution that serves up fresh seafood and traditional Australian cuisine. Enjoy stunning views of the bay while savoring their famous fish and chips, seafood platters, or try their signature dish, the Beachcomber Burger.
The St Kilda Pier Hotel
Situated on the historic St Kilda Pier, this hotel restaurant offers breathtaking views of the bay and the city skyline. Their menu features a range of international dishes, including seafood, steaks, and pasta, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
The Esplanade Hotel
This iconic hotel has been a St Kilda landmark for over 150 years and offers stunning views of the bay from its rooftop restaurant. The menu features a range of modern Australian cuisine, including seafood, meat, and vegetarian options, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Other Beachside Eats
- The St Kilda Beachfront Cafe: A casual cafe serving up breakfast, lunch, and snacks with stunning views of the bay.
- The St Kilda Pier Seafood Restaurant: A seafood lover’s paradise, serving up fresh seafood and traditional Australian cuisine.
- The Beach House: A beachfront restaurant serving up modern Australian cuisine with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
International Flavors: Restaurants Serving Up Global Cuisine
St Kilda’s diverse community is reflected in its vibrant food scene, with a range of international restaurants serving up authentic flavors from around the world. Here are some top picks:
Italian Cuisine
For a taste of Italy, head to one of St Kilda’s many Italian restaurants. Some top picks include:
- Bella Italia: A family-run restaurant serving up traditional Italian cuisine, including pasta, pizza, and risotto.
- La Bella Vita: A cozy Italian restaurant serving up authentic Italian dishes, including seafood, meat, and vegetarian options.
- Il Posto: A modern Italian restaurant serving up creative dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Asian Cuisine
For a taste of Asia, head to one of St Kilda’s many Asian restaurants. Some top picks include: (See Also: Where to Eat in Ponta Delgada? Best Kept Secrets)
- Wok This Way: A Chinese restaurant serving up authentic dishes, including stir-fries, noodles, and dumplings.
- Sushi Sushi: A Japanese restaurant serving up fresh sushi and sashimi, as well as traditional Japanese dishes.
- Thai Basil: A Thai restaurant serving up authentic dishes, including curries, noodle dishes, and street food.
Mexican Cuisine
For a taste of Mexico, head to one of St Kilda’s many Mexican restaurants. Some top picks include:
- El Guapo: A Mexican restaurant serving up authentic dishes, including tacos, burritos, and quesadillas.
- La Taqueria: A casual Mexican restaurant serving up fresh, made-to-order tacos and other Mexican favorites.
Cafes and Bakeries: The Best Places to Grab a Coffee or Cake
St Kilda’s cafes and bakeries are the perfect places to grab a coffee, cake, or light meal. Here are some top picks:
The St Kilda Bakery
This iconic bakery has been a St Kilda institution for over 100 years, serving up fresh bread, pastries, and cakes. Try their famous sourdough bread or indulge in one of their decadent cakes.
The St Kilda Cafe
This cozy cafe serves up a range of breakfast and lunch options, including fresh sandwiches, salads, and baked goods. Enjoy their outdoor seating area with stunning views of the bay.
The Esplanade Cafe
This cafe is located on the Esplanade and serves up a range of coffee, cakes, and light meals. Enjoy their outdoor seating area with stunning views of the bay.
Other Cafes and Bakeries
- The St Kilda Beachfront Cafe: A casual cafe serving up breakfast, lunch, and snacks with stunning views of the bay.
- The St Kilda Pier Cafe: A cozy cafe serving up coffee, cakes, and light meals with stunning views of the bay.
- The Beach House Cafe: A beachfront cafe serving up breakfast, lunch, and snacks with stunning views of the bay.
Food Markets and Street Food: Where to Find the Best Street Food
St Kilda’s food markets and street food scene is a melting pot of cultures and flavors. Here are some top picks:
The St Kilda Food Market
This bustling food market is held every Saturday and features a range of vendors selling everything from fresh produce to artisanal cheeses and baked goods.
The St Kilda Street Food Festival
This annual festival features a range of street food vendors selling everything from traditional Australian cuisine to international flavors. (See Also: Where to Eat in Bandra? Best Food Spots)
Other Food Markets and Street Food
- The St Kilda Beachfront Food Market: A weekly food market featuring a range of vendors selling fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and baked goods.
- The St Kilda Pier Food Market: A monthly food market featuring a range of vendors selling traditional Australian cuisine and international flavors.
Insider Tips and Tricks: How to Make the Most of Your Dining Experience
Here are some insider tips and tricks to help you make the most of your dining experience in St Kilda:
Book Ahead
Many of St Kilda’s top restaurants and cafes are popular with locals and visitors alike, so be sure to book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Try the Local Specialties
St Kilda is famous for its seafood, so be sure to try some of the local specialties, including fresh fish and chips, seafood platters, and oysters.
Explore the Neighborhood
St Kilda’s neighborhood is full of hidden gems and surprises, so be sure to explore and discover some of the local eateries and cafes.
Don’t Forget to Try the Desserts
St Kilda’s bakeries and cafes are famous for their decadent desserts, so be sure to try one (or two, or three!) during your visit.
Recap: The Best Places to Eat in St Kilda
St Kilda is a food lover’s paradise, with a diverse range of restaurants, cafes, and eateries serving up everything from traditional Australian cuisine to international flavors. Here are some of the top picks from this guide:
- The Beachcomber: A beachside institution serving up fresh seafood and traditional Australian cuisine.
- The St Kilda Pier Hotel: A historic hotel restaurant serving up international dishes with stunning views of the bay.
- The Esplanade Hotel: A rooftop restaurant serving up modern Australian cuisine with stunning views of the bay.
- Bella Italia: A family-run Italian restaurant serving up traditional Italian cuisine.
- Wok This Way: A Chinese restaurant serving up authentic dishes, including stir-fries, noodles, and dumplings.
- The St Kilda Bakery: A iconic bakery serving up fresh bread, pastries, and cakes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the best time to visit St Kilda for food?
A: The best time to visit St Kilda for food is during the day, when the sun is shining and the cafes and restaurants are bustling with activity. However, if you’re looking for a more relaxed dining experience, consider visiting in the evening when the crowds have died down. (See Also: Where to Eat in Aviemore? Foodie Delights)
Q: What are the best places to eat in St Kilda for families?
A: Some of the best places to eat in St Kilda for families include The Beachcomber, The St Kilda Pier Hotel, and The Esplanade Hotel, which all have kids’ menus and a relaxed atmosphere.
Q: What are the best places to eat in St Kilda for vegetarians and vegans?
A: Some of the best places to eat in St Kilda for vegetarians and vegans include The St Kilda Bakery, which has a range of vegan and gluten-free options, and The Beach House Cafe, which has a separate vegetarian menu.
Q: What are the best places to eat in St Kilda for seafood lovers?
A: Some of the best places to eat in St Kilda for seafood lovers include The Beachcomber, The St Kilda Pier Hotel, and The Esplanade Hotel, which all serve up fresh seafood and traditional Australian cuisine.
Q: What are the best places to eat in St Kilda for dessert?
A: Some of the best places to eat in St Kilda for dessert include The St Kilda Bakery, which has a range of decadent cakes and pastries, and The Beach House Cafe, which has a separate dessert menu.
