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Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Inner City South

OpenTable

Updated 05 October 2026

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in Inner City South? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

A photo of Amaru restaurant

5.0

5 (46)

$A101 and over

Modern Australian

Armadale

About the restaurant

Amaru is an amalgamation of words loosely translating to a "a beautiful place to love".

We aim to provide an experience that is one of excitement, intrigue and intimacy. Located in the inner-city suburb of Armadale with a maximum seating of 34 guests, the open concept dining room offers a beautiful connection between the diner and the creations of the kitchen.

We offer a tasting menu inspired by exquisite Australian produce, prepared and inspired by culinary techniques from around the globe in the hope to evoke the senses and challenge the imagination along the way.

The menu is revealed and delivered by the entire team of chefs, waiters and sommeliers who carefully guide our guests through each serving, which may be accompanied by a variety of beverage options from our extensive cellar or house-made infusions and ferments.

We look forward to welcoming you to Amaru.

Top review

T

Tony

Dined 4 days ago

An excellent night of food and matched wines with attentive and informative wait staff.

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A photo of Main Dining Room - Sensory Menu - $320pp of a restaurant

Main Dining Room - Sensory Menu - $320pp

A photo of Chef's Counter - Sensory Menu - $320pp of a restaurant

Chef's Counter - Sensory Menu - $320pp

A photo of Lunch - Main Dining Room - Insight Menu $260pp of a restaurant

Lunch - Main Dining Room - Insight Menu $260pp

A photo of Zia Rina's Cucina restaurant

Zia Rina's Cucina

4.9

4.9 (256)

$A41 to $A100

Italian

Armadale

About the restaurant

Modern trattoria in the heart of Armadale serving modern home style Italian with unique and playful touches of personal heritage.
All produce is sourced from the market and local farms.
We cook with soul and integrity and instinct, menus are created on a whim with whatever we feel is the best produce of the season.
$88pp Set Menu only
Please specify dietaries upon booking
BYO available at $25 per bottle (everyday)
BYO not available for tables over 4pax
BYO for larger groups please contact (rinas.armadale@gmail.com)

Top review

V

Vicky

Dined 3 days ago

Our whole family enjoyed ourselves for my daughter’s 20th birthday dinner - she wanted Italian, and when I told her that it was a set menu because the ingredients were purchased that morning and meals were prepped accordingly she was so excited. It was worth every penny- delicious and definitely fulfilling. The staff brought out a candle with cannellonis - thank you Zia RINA’S for a beautiful night

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Rina's Set Menu ($88)

A photo of Bounty of the Sun restaurant

Bounty of the Sun

4.9

4.9 (362)

$A40 and under

Japanese

Balaclava

About the restaurant

IZAKAYA DINING
Inspired, fresh, and flavorsome Japanese small plates, designed to be shared.
Thank you for choosing to dine with us. Please note that the duration of sittings prior to 7pm will be just under 2 hours. This allows us time to adhere to appropriate cleaning and sanitisation of tables before our next guests arrive. Please ensure you arrive at the time of your reservation, as seating is limited and there may not be any space if you arrive earlier. If you are however running late to your reservation, please call us as we only hold tables for 15 minutes.

Be aware that the seating in our venue comprises of low tables, counter tops and bar seating. Please note bookings of two are generally sat along a bar or counter top, not a low table. If you have a preference due to any health or mobility issues, please include this in your booking or give us a call, and we will try our best to accommodate.

Top review

M

Michael

Dined 2 days ago

Staff, food atmosphere was just fantastic, will return

A photo of Tulum Turkish Restaurant restaurant

Tulum Turkish Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (168)

$A40 and under

Turkish

Balaclava

About the restaurant

Tulum is a 1 Hatted Turkish restaurant.

The restaurant specializes in contemporary Anatolian / modern Turkish cuisine, reimagining traditional recipes using modern techniques, local produce, and personal culinary heritage.

The menu is designed for sharing, featuring mezze (both small and large plates), mains, and desserts for a communal experience.

Atmosphere: A stylish, intimate space featuring exposed brick walls, signature turquoise fish-scale tiles, moody lighting, and a warm, refined vibe.

Service: Frequently lauded for its hospitality, knowledgeable staff, and storytelling presentations of each dish.

Taste of Tulum – 7‑Course Degustation (Individual plates)
• $110 per person
• Each of the seven regional dishes is served individually and represents a different region of Türkiye, offering diners a curated journey across Turkish culinary traditions.

Sofra – 6‑Course Sharing Menu
• $95 per person
• Designed for group sharing — mezze and a main course served family-style.

Top review

P

Paul

Dined 1 day ago

A great interpretation of Turkish cusine. Love all the 7 courses on the tasting menu.

A photo of Charlong restaurant

4.8

4.8 (184)

$A41 to $A100

Thai

St Kilda

About the restaurant

Culinary Art - Casual Fine Dining Thai Restaurant - Locally Sourced - + Vegetarian/Gluten Free Menu

CHARLONG, where authentic Thai food meets art. Situated in the culinary heart of St Kilda on Carlisle Street, Charlong has quickly established itself as a "haven for food lovers" combining authentic Thai flavours with hearty French cooking techniques and local seasonal produce. Charlong boasts a rotating seasonal menu, with a series of Vegetarian/Vegan and Gluten Free options available to enjoy. If you would like to dine in, Charlong creates a cosy yet vibrant and light-filled atmosphere, with a colourful wall mural, shopfront glass, and simple alluring furnishings, the atmosphere removes all distraction and allows one to fully enjoy and appreciate their meal. As one reviewer said, "Each dish (in Charlong) reflects a commitment to quality, making it a noteworthy choice for those seeking a satisfying and flavorful meal."

Top review

V

Victoria

Dined 2 days ago

One of the best Thai restaurants- food was so delicious and service 10/10

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A photo of Humpty Doo Barramundi of a restaurant

Humpty Doo Barramundi

A photo of Lamb Shank Massaman of a restaurant

Lamb Shank Massaman

A photo of King Prawn Dumpling of a restaurant

King Prawn Dumpling

A photo of Aegli restaurant

4.8

4.8 (67)

$A41 to $A100

Greek

South Melbourne

About the restaurant

Step into Aegli, where the elegance of Greek tradition meets modern culinary artistry. Nestled in the vibrant heart of South Melbourne, Aegli invites you on a sensory journey through the sun-drenched flavors of the Aegean. From delicate meze to contemporary takes on classic dishes, every plate is a celebration of simplicity, seasonality, and soul. Whether it's a quiet dinner or a lively gathering, Aegli offers a refined yet warm dining experience — a true homage to Hellenic hospitality.

Top review

J

JohnGold

Dined 5 days ago

Outstanding food, incredible service, amazing location and excellent ambience

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3 Course Sharing Menu - $72pp

4 Course Sharing Menu - $90pp

A photo of Omnia Bistro & Bar restaurant

Omnia Bistro & Bar

4.7

4.7 (680)

$A41 to $A100

European

South Yarra

About the restaurant

Located on the corner of Chapel St and Toorak Rd in South Yarra, Omnia blends the energy of a European Bistro with Australia’s best produce, bringing fine-dining craftsmanship to culinary classics in the heart of South Yarra.

Awarded 2 hats in 2023 and 2024, Omnia is steeped in genuine old-world hospitality with an acute eye on quality and seasonality. Take a seat in our light-filled Conservatory, cosy Barrel Room or lean into the vibrant ambience of the Main bar. Come alone, meet with friends, and toast with us.

Groups of 7 or more are invited to enjoy our curated group menu featuring our seasonally sourced dishes, and timeless classics. Email us on info@omniabistro.com.au for any group reservations enquires.

Top review

J

Jennifer

Dined on 15 Oct 2026

A group of eight celebrating three birthdays, we all agreed that the restaurant was perfect. The food was absolutely delicious, wine was great, service exemplary and our noisy table was some distance from other diners so we didn’t interrupt anyone. We had chosen the $75 pp set menu and everyone at the table devoured every morsel. We will definitely return.

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Omnia Tasting Menu

Lunch Set Menu – 2 Courses $49pp

Lunch Set Menu – 3 Courses $64pp

A photo of ST. ALi Coffee Roasters - South Melbourne restaurant

ST. ALi Coffee Roasters - South Melbourne

4.7

4.7 (34)

$A40 and under

Café

South Melbourne

About the restaurant

ST. ALi South Melbourne stands as a beloved cornerstone of Melbourne's vibrant coffee culture, serving exceptional specialty coffee and innovative breakfast dishes in the heart of South Melbourne. Our expertly crafted menu features locally sourced ingredients and creative takes on breakfast classics, complemented by our signature house-roasted coffee blends. Whether you're seeking a perfect flat white to start your day or a leisurely brunch experience, ST. ALi offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere that embodies the essence of Melbourne's renowned café scene.

Top review

B

Bob

Dined on 17 Oct 2026

As a Star Wars fanatic I was wonderfully surprised by the presence of Star Wars themes in Storm Troopers standing guard, Star Wars themed menu items and gifts. The coffee and protein shake were out of this world! We will come back again.

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A photo of Coffee and Cake Reservation of a restaurant

Coffee and Cake Reservation

A photo of ST. ALi Christmas 2026 of a restaurant

ST. ALi Christmas 2026

A photo of Yugen Dining restaurant

4.6

4.6 (694)

$A101 and over

Asian

South Yarra

About the restaurant

Yugen redefines dining after dark. A promise of an experience where food, drink, and music continue well into the night. A subterranean setting with a refined industrial feel, offering dishes and beverages influenced by the cultural richness of Asia. Tradition met with the intuition of a contemporary flair.

Top review

A

Anya

Dined 4 days ago

The experience was beautiful. We did the chiefs menu and it was all delicious and elegantly served. The cocktails were amazing. The vibe was so lovely. Would definitely come back

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Yūgen Chef's Experience tasting menu

A photo of Yūgen Banquet (Groups of 7+) — $170pp of a restaurant

Yūgen Banquet (Groups of 7+) — $170pp

A photo of The Golden Orb - Sunday-Thursday - $180pp of a restaurant

The Golden Orb - Sunday-Thursday - $180pp

A photo of Hawker Hall restaurant

4.4

4.4 (37)

$A41 to $A100

Contemporary Asian

Windsor

About the restaurant

Led by Executive Chef Benjamin Cooper of Chin Chin, Hawker Hall brings the energy, flavour and theatre of Southeast Asian hawker markets to the heart of Windsor.

Set across a sprawling, industrial-inspired space, the restaurant hums with colour, music and movement. With cosy booths or large tables, it’s the perfect venue for all occasions. Get a front row seat to the action at the lively bar or kitchen counter.

Designed for sharing, the menu celebrates bold street-food flavours with modern flair, think roti with curry sauce, crisp fried chicken, smoky satays, fresh herbs and vibrant salads alongside larger dishes made for the table.

Fast-paced, generous and full of personality, Hawker Hall captures the spirit of Southeast Asia through big flavours, playful drinks and an atmosphere that feels equal parts neighbourhood hangout and lively night out.

Top review

D

Davina

Dined 1 day ago

Every thing was outstanding ! The staff were all so polite and accomodating along with providing efficient and excellent service throughout the whole evening. The kitchen counter seating had the perfect atmosphere for two along with the bar . I would highly recommend the restaurant and will be back!!!

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A photo of Boozy Feast of a restaurant

A photo of Banquet of a restaurant

A photo of The Chef's Table of a restaurant

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