Our 7 Favourite Melbourne BYO Spots
Fancy a night out in Melbourne, but wishing you could take along a special bottle from home? Or perhaps you’ve been touring the Yarra Valley or Mornington Peninsula wine regions and picked up something on your travels that needs to be enjoyed before you leave Victoria? Here we’ve compiled a list of our favourite venues in Melbourne where you can let someone else handle the cooking while you take care of the wine.
More Refined Choices
Matteo’s of North Fitzroy is a celebration of fine dining with a menu showcasing modern interpretations of Italian cuisine. With elegant decor and expert service, this is a place for celebration over a delicious and refined dinner. Bring one of your most treasured bottles from the cellar to enjoy, with BYO offered for $15 per bottle during weekday lunch, $25 per bottle on weekday dinner, or $40 per bottle on weekends and public holidays.
Contemporary Japanese is what you’ll find at Hawthorn’s Ocha restaurant. Their sushi and sashimi are staples, or order small plates and mains showcasing traditional Japanese flavour and technique. Bring your favourite wine from home with BYO offered during lunch or on Tuesday - Thursday nights for $15 per person, and join the crowd of regular diners here.
For over 35 years, South Yarra bistro France-Soir has offered an authentic French dining experience in Melbourne. Bookings are a must in this busy venue, where you can enjoy expert service from theatrical French-speaking waiters, in a bustling and vibrant dining room serving assured French classics. Order steak tartare and roast quail, then bring a bottle of red to drink with steak au poivre with free BYO offered on Monday - Wednesday lunch.
Casual Dining Options
For nearly 15 years, Hu Tong Dumpling Bar has been serving delicious Chinese cuisine from its Market Lane restaurant. Known best for their authentic Xiao Long Bao dumplings, the experience is a little more upmarket than a standard dumpling bar, with the decor chosen to reflect the ambience and elegance of old Shangai and Beijing. Enjoy BYO wine for $7 per person.
A tiny, homely room found at the top of a rickety flight of stairs houses The Waiters Restaurant. Started in 1947 as an after-hours refuge for hospitality workers known as the ‘Italian Waiters Club’, it continues to serve homestyle Italian classics like osso buco, carbonara or veal saltimbocca in a character-filled setting. With no website or social media, you’ll need to call to book: (03) 9650 1508.
Jim’s Greek Tavern in Collingwood has been a Melbourne institution for almost 50 years. With no menu, let the waitstaff guide you through what is on offer, or opt for their traditional Greek banquet. A great option for groups from all walks of life, bring a few bottles to open alongside generous serves of chargrilled seafood and lamb, and enjoy the lively atmosphere at this Johnston Street taverna. BYO is offered free of charge.
An award-winning Malaysian restaurant in central Melbourne, Mamak focuses on the spicy, bold flavours of this Asian cuisine. The menu focuses on traditional roti, along with satay and a short menu of Malaysian classics. A great place to meet with friends for a mid-week tipple and casual dinner, with BYO available for $4 per person.
With an enviable foodie reputation, there are many quality options in Melbourne to enjoy fine food and service while you bring your favourite tipple from home. Check the venue's websites for opening hours, booking requirements and menus.