There’s only one thing better than heading out into Melbourne for a delicious dinner at one of your favourite restaurants … and that’s doing it privately. Escape the crowds on a Friday or Saturday, or book in for a weeknight adventure, a private dining room is elegant and a great way to celebrate a special occasion.
Whether you’re planning a surprise party, organising a special birthday, celebrating a promotion, or you simply want to catch up with your closest friends in an intimate setting, Melbourne has some spectacular private dining rooms on offer. Here are some of our favourites.
THE NATIONAL HOTEL
Located in Richmond, the National Hotel is an iconic dining destination with delicious menu options, great drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s an ideal destination if you’re celebrating a special occasion and provides a range of private dining options.
There are four spaces available, the Den, the Café, the Garden Parlour outdoor dining room and the open-air Beergarden (courtyard). The Den is semi-private and accessible via the main bar. It has a fireplace and exposed brick walls, and is suitable for smaller groups – you can have up to 20 people seated for dinner. The Café is an intimate room with a fireplace and a long parquetry table. It overlooks Victoria Street and is available for 30 seated guests. The Garden Parlour is a private bar with a modern design that can be rearranged to suit your event style. It can seat 40 dining guests and has large glass sliding doors you can keep closed for privacy. The Beergarden is perfect for various event sizes, but you’ll likely be sharing the space with other groups.
CAPACITY = 40 (banquet style)
Click HERE for more information and enquiries
PORTELLO ROSSO
If you’re after a dining option that oozes charm, Portello Rosso is a rustic laneway restaurant with a Spanish tapas dining style. Located near Hardware Lane, behind a red doorway off Little Bourke Street, this small tapas restaurant can cater to small and large parties. Book a table or book the entire venue for the best private dining experience, complete with shared plates, fresh produce, Sangria and professional service. There is a huge variety of Spanish wines and beers, along with Paella, pulpo (the signature dish of octopus), pork belly and succulent slices of Jamón. If you’re looking to celebrate your special occasion in classic Spanish style, Portello Rosso is the perfect venue. It’s just a short walk to Melbourne Central and there’s also secure parking nearby. The venue offers an option to move upstairs into the piano lounge following dinner and hire is based on a minimum spend.
CAPACITY = 25 (banquet style)
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GARDEN STATE (Balcony Dining Room)
You’ll find the Garden State Hotel in the heart of Flinders Lane, just a hop, skip and a jump to Melbourne’s famous theatres and premier events precinct. There are four levels and several spaces that offer a different experience for those looking to book for events. When it comes to private dining, the Balcony Dining Room is the best option and offers a casual, relaxed and intimate setting. The Balcony Dining Room features timber walls, warm lighting and a large geometric mirror that simply heightens the ambience of the space. There’s a private balcony with views through the beer garden and public bar to the sparkling city beyond, and you have the option of enjoying a five or eight-course seasonal degustation. The room also features private bathrooms, life access, mini bar and wall-mounted plasma screen. It seats 20 people and is perfect for your own private celebration.
CAPACITY = 20 (banquet style)
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ARTS CENTRE MELBOURNE
Located in the heart of Melbourne’s Arts and Entertainment precinct, the Arts Centre Melbourne has ten function rooms, four theatres and a range of pre-function spaces – each offering their own unique experience. If you’re looking for a sit-down dining option in your own private room, you’ll find rooms that cater to 15 people, through to hundreds. The design is contemporary, and as you would expect, arty. There are circular rooms and rooms with a view. The in-house menu offers innovative, locally sourced dishes that are guaranteed to impress. You can utilise the state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment if required, and there’s onsite parking for easy access. If you want entertainment, the centre has access to a variety of performing artists, or you can simply enjoy the conversations. Booking a private dining room here is particularly popular before a show.
CAPACITY = 60 (banquet style)
Click HERE for more information and enquiries
THE ATLANTIC
If you’re looking for an intimate setting, stunning surrounds and bespoke experiences, The Atlantic, with its ocean theme, is everything you need for your private dining. It brings with it a range of fresh produce – from ocean to plate. There are three private dining rooms available for hire, the Engine Room, the Cabins, and the State Room. The Engine Room is fully encased in glass with unobstructed views of the kitchen, so you can actually see your meals being prepared. The Cabins are hidden away in an alcove and include soft furnishings, exposed pipes, taps and even a ship’s wheel. For discreet, head to the State Rooms, both East and West. The Executive Chef designs the menus and you can discuss meal options when booking. This venue is known to be a warm and inviting oasis. If you love seafood, you’ll never want to leave.
CAPACITY = 20 (banquet style)
Click HERE for more information and enquiries
IKI-JIME
Iki-Jime provides a unique and intimate dining experience that is truly all about the food. It is located in the heart of Little Collins Street with easy access to public transport and parking. The distinctive aspect that sets Iki-Jime aside from other restaurants we’ve mentioned here is that it operates based on using local and seasonal ingredients that are obtained through ethical and sustainable harvesting methods. The menu is seasonal and includes only the best Australian ingredients on the market. Every dish is designed to celebrate the unparalleled calibre of produce in Australia. The venue itself offers both formal and informal dining, including a private dining room that’s just perfect for an intimate lunch or dinner.
CAPACITY = 48 (banquet style)
Click HERE for more information and enquiries
Private Dining Rooms Are Hard To Find
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