Solo Dining Melbourne: The Best Restaurants for Some Alone Time
Dining alone doesn’t have to be daunting. In fact, taking yourself on a solo date in Melbourne can be incredibly rewarding—and these are the best places to do it.
Solo dining is an art form that few dare to master. We get it—walking into a restaurant alone and simply being perceived can feel daunting. But pushing past that initial hesitation opens the door to a truly joyful experience. Dining solo lets you savour incredible food on your own terms, indulge in some top-tier people-watching, and even learn a little more about yourself along the way.
Ready to take the plunge? These are the best solo dining spots in Melbourne to push you beyond your comfort zone and into something new.
Butcher's Diner
Butcher's Diner is the ultimate solo dining spot in Melbourne—any time, day or night. This 24-hour haunt serves up perfectly juicy burgers, loaded toasties, sizzling steaks, and daily specials that hit the comfort food sweet spot. Pull up a seat at an individual table for some quality time with your meal, or join the communal dining table and swap stories with fellow diners. Who knows? You might just leave with a full belly and a new friend.
10 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Tipo 00
Snag a seat at the bar at Tipo 00, and you’re in for a solo dining experience that hits all the right notes. The pasta? Next level. Watch the chefs turn flour and eggs into pure magic while you sip on a glass of wine that makes you feel like you’ve got life figured out. You don’t need company when the food’s this good. It's modern Italian dining, mastered.
361 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne
Clover
Clover in Richmond is the ultimate solo dining spot for when you want to dine alone but never feel lonely. With a sleek bar and intimate ambiance, it’s where solo diners can sip on natural wines, savour fire-kissed dishes, and dive into Melbourne’s food scene like a true culinary adventurer. The vibe is warm, the menu is bold, and the service? Top-notch.
193 Swan Street, Richmond
Willows & Wine
In the mood to cosy up with a glass of wine and a good book, but forgot yours at home? Willows & Wine has you covered with shelves upon shelves of enthralling reads. This library-cellar hybrid boasts an extensive collection featuring First Nations, Black, Brown, queer, disabled, and trans authors—championing diversity and amplifying underrepresented voices. Pair your solo date with a killer cheese board, or indulge in gozleme, jaffles, and small bites if you're craving something extra.
315 Victoria Street, West Melbourne
Soi 38
Soi 38 has always been a bit of a cult favourite—once a hidden gem in a McIlwraith Place car park, now thriving in its new Bourke Street digs. By day, it’s all about steaming bowls of boat noodles, rich with aromatic broth and tender meats. By night, the space transforms into a Chang-fuelled Thai barbecue and hotpot haven, buzzing with energy and the scent of smoky, sizzling meats.
While it's tucked away, Soi 38 is incredibly popular and gets busy, so it's the perfect place to go by yourself and set up on one of the colourful tables while you slurp on noodles and people watch.
235 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Arbory Bar & Eatery
Fancy a bit of people-watching (and totally not eavesdropping)? Arbory Bar & Eatery is perched right next to Flinders Street Station, overlooking the constant stream of commuters scurrying through their day. The long bar stretches the length of the venue, giving you the perfect vantage point to sip on a glass of wine and take it all in.
As for the food? You’re spoilt for choice—think juicy burgers, fresh salads, pub classics, or a charcuterie board if you're feeling indulgent. Whether you're unwinding solo or simply soaking up the city’s rhythm, Arbory is the perfect spot to do it.
1 Flinders Walk, Melbourne
Pho Bo Ga Mekong
Pho Bo Ga Mekong is the ultimate spot for slurping up a big bowl of pho all to yourself. A staple on Swanston Street, this no-frills Vietnamese eatery has been serving up rich, aromatic broth and tender rice noodles for decades. The lively, bustling atmosphere makes it the perfect place for a solo meal—whether you're after a quick bite between errands or a quiet moment of indulgence. For the ultimate experience, pair your pho with a strong, iced Vietnamese coffee and let the flavours transport you.
241 Swanston Street, Melbourne
Yakikami
If you're looking to indulge in a fine dining experience on your own, Yakikami is the perfect place to do it. Settle in at the sleek counter and let the chefs take you on an unforgettable omakase journey, where every dish is served with precision and care.
While the fresh sashimi is a highlight, the real star here is the yakitori. Using 13 different parts of the chicken—including the liver, heart, neck, tail, and even the oysters—each skewer honours the Japanese tradition of resourcefulness and nose-to-tail dining. It’s an intimate and immersive experience, perfect for solo diners who want to savour every bite while soaking in the artistry behind the grill.
150 Toorak Road, South Yarra
Bar Lourinha
Bar Lourinhã's intimate, welcoming atmosphere and bar-style seating make it the perfect spot for solo dining in Melbourne. The cosy tapas bar offers a dynamic menu of Spanish and Mediterranean-inspired small plates, allowing solo diners to sample a variety of flavours at their own pace. You need to try their yellow tail kingfish ‘pancetta’ and lemon oil–it’s unique and packs a punch.
37 Little Collins Street, Melbourne
Udon Izakaya Maedaya
This popular spot is walk-in only, so it’s actually better to come solo than with a group. Udon Izakaya serves up comfort food at its finest and has quickly become a go-to for udon lovers. With generous bowls of steaming noodle soup piled high, it’s the perfect place to cosy up with a hearty meal all to yourself. The rich, umami-packed broth and perfectly chewy udon make for a deeply satisfying experience, whether you’re seeking warmth on a chilly day or simply treating yourself to something special.
168-174 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Sakura Kaiten Sushi
Sushi trains are a wonderful place for solo dining, and Sakura Sushi Train is no exception. With a steady stream of fresh sushi gliding by, you can effortlessly pick and choose exactly what you’re craving, without the need to order ahead. The counter seating makes dining alone feel completely natural, while the variety of nigiri, rolls, and sashimi keeps things exciting. The casual yet efficient setup lets you enjoy high-quality sushi at your own pace, making it a top choice for solo diners in Melbourne.
282 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
61 Little Collins Street, Melbourne
Shusai Mijo
This intimate eight-seater Japanese fine diner is perfect for solo diners, thanks to its cosy setting and counter-style dining. Shusai Mijo isn’t just about exquisite dining—it’s also an immersive educational experience. Head Chef Jun Oya presents a captivating Kappo-style omakase, where you can watch as he crafts eight incredible courses right before your eyes, featuring a variety of sashimi and nigiri that will delight your taste buds.
256 Johnston Street, Fitzroy
Excited to embark on your solo dining in Melbourne journey, and want to read about even more restaurants to add to your hit list? Feast your eyes on these Italian restaurants, or tantalise your taste buds at the best degustations in Melbourne.
