Perfect Melbourne restaurants for group dining

Riverside dining meets hanging bamboo lanterns at Ging Thai inside Melbourne’s swanky Crown complex. You and your gang will be greeted by a flurry of “Sawadika”, the traditional Thai greeting, which will make you feel right at home.

Open for both lunch and dinner, on days where the weather’s nice opt for outdoor dining so you can watch the sun as it sets over the Yarra. With plenty of long tables (and even a communal-style island table if that’s more your speed) on offer, call ahead to reserve and indulge in generous share plates of som tum salad, red duck curry and pad Thai noodles.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Tom Yum Goong ($26)

Another Yarra-side venue, La Camera has a prime location next to Melbourne’s iconic river.

Moody and intimate, this Italian spot is the perfect choice if you’re planning a special occasion or looking for a good place to enjoy a boujee dinner over some solid drinks. And let’s be real – who doesn’t love Italian food? The service here is efficient and knowledgeable, with a staff that zips past in a frenzy of motion, carrying plates of pizza, risotto, and rigatoni alla primavera. There are also more meaty options like slow-cooked traditional lamb shanks and chicken parma, so you can rest assured everyone in the group is covered.

With a range of signature cocktails and tiramisu for dessert, La Camera is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to keep you coming back for more.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Prosciutto e rucola pizza ($26.50)

Your gang will love Rupert on Rupert.

This warehouse-esque Collingwood space specialises in Mediterranean share plates and warm hospitality. Expect freshly shucked oysters, scallops with hazelnuts and confit duck, and grilled black Angus skirt steak with Jerusalem artichoke.

There’s a pizza menu too and you’ll find potato pizza, which is super decadent as it comes with truffle paste and fior di latte, as well as both meat and vegetarian options. The wine list is impressive, and you’ll get plenty of stuff on tap too, from lager to seltzer. Perfect for group hangs? We think so too.

Dish Cult top pick: Ortolana pizza ($24)

Make like the late, great Anthony Bourdain and head to Brunswick East favourite Rumi.

This buzzy spot does accessible Middle Eastern food that is perfect for sharing. Choose a mix of small, medium, and larger plates and get ready for some flavour revelations. From cheese cigars filled with halloumi, feta, and kasseri, to BBQ barramundi fillet and Persian meatballs, put together your very own sharing feast and enjoy the results. What’s not to love?

Dish Cult’s top pick: Quail kebab, saffron marinade, verjus & grape molasses ($22)

The modern European menu at Carlton’s Epocha comes with Greek, English and French influences in vintage-chic surroundings.

The gorgeous space is all floor-to-ceiling windows, low hanging lights, and grand open patios.

Dinner from Thursday to Sunday is a three or four course set menu but there’s plenty to choose from including steak tartare, grilled market fish, glazed beef short rib, and panna cotta to end it off.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Three-course set menu ($110)

This contemporary all-day diner manages to be both laidback and classy, despite being open from 6am on weekdays.

Gilson occupies a light and airy space which is big enough to house all your birthday meals and comes with gorgeously plated dishes, retro-chic wicker chairs, and plenty of patio seating.

Brunch is a solid choice here with ricotta hotcakes, chilli scrambled eggs, and eggs benny on offer.

For more substantial meals to feed your hungry horde, order a feast from the antipasti menu or drop in for wood-fired pizza, lamb ragu pappardelle, and minute steak that’s bound to people-please any group.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Spaghettone, cacio e pepe ($26)

Pepe’s looks and feels like a glitzy, glam old-world Italian bistro, and with its warm lighting, rounded tables and mirror-filled facade, your gang is about to feel a little fancier just stepping into this spot.

The menu here is inspired by Italian-American cuisine and is very much designed to be shared with a group.

Expect porchetta pizza (that’s roast pork with crackling and mozzarella on a pizza if you please), spicy rigatoni vodka macaroni, salumi plates, pecorino, and tempura soft shell crab, so who could refuse?

Mix in some solid dolce options like chocolate tarts, cannoli (we love these little pieces of Italian heaven) and lemon cheesecake for a great night out. And don’t even get us started on the cocktails. We’ll take the blood orange sour, per favore!

Dish Cult’s top pick: Spicy rigatoni vodka ($27.50)