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Running a successful restaurant or bar is no mean feat – especially in Melbourne's ever-evolving hospo scene. From finding great staff and finessing a menu to designing a stunning space and creating good vibes, it can be tricky navigating the many and varied challenges.
But there are venues across Melbourne – some that have clocked five years in business or more – that are congratulating themselves and the teams that make it all happen. And they are also sharing their survival stories as they reach these magnificent milestones.
5+ years
Nomad, CBD
It’s five years since Nomad Melbourne brought its signature wood-fired cooking and Middle Eastern-influence flavours to Flinders Lane. The sleek subterranean dining room hosts many a date night, celebratory dinner and special occasion. The flatbread and burrata dish – part of Nomad’s DNA – has been on the menu from day one.
“Respecting the history of the space, Melbourne and diners is what makes the place hum,” says Rebecca Yazbek, Edition Hospitality Director, confirming plans for a five-year celebration and some décor tweaks.
Bar Bambi, CBD
The bougie late-night supper club opened five years ago, inspired by the bar that owners and brothers Nick and Daniel Russian's nonno ran in Italy 80 years ago.
The vodka pasta flies out the door and the Limoncello brûlee is to die for. And while the pair acknowledge that “the current economic climate brings enormous pressure,” plans are afoot for a big soirée in June to celebrate five years of good food, raucous nights and dancing on tables.
Sebastian, Williamstown
Coastal Europe meets 1930s Art Deco at Sebastian – a beachy, sophisticated (without the attitude) San Sebastian-inspired restaurant now in its eighth year.
A custom charcoal grill produces excellent steaks and whole fish, while tapas plates overflow with chorizo-stuffed dates and the like. Housemade Sangria is served and you can indulge in the Basque cheesecake for dessert. Plus, every Wednesday is paella night.
Sebastian director Alex Brawn’s secret to success is reading the room, consistency and making a dining experience feel like an escape.
Beneath Driver Lane, CBD
Nine years ago, owner Hamish Goonetilleke stripped back plaster and paint to reveal original bricks believed to be around 150 years old – adding to the gothic, timeless, ‘whiskey and blues’ vibe of Beneath Driver Lane. Now, each night around 100 candles are lit in this underground bar, amongst a raft of moody booths and cosy tables.
Goonetilleke’s mantra? “Be something to someone, not everything to everyone.”
The must-have bite here is the Scotch Egg made with quail egg wrapped in Spanish morcilla sausage, crumbed then fried.
10+ years
Entrecôte, Prahran
Entrecôte co-owner Jason M Jones wants people to feel like they’ve wandered into a dinner party that started ten years ago and hasn’t quite ended. There are plenty of Champagne pops and that famous steak frites is served with Parisian-style flair and exuberance.
Jones says survival comes from a blend of courage, silliness and a team who follows you into the storm while laughing. The ten-year milestone means so much, that he’s about to launch a book filled with “messes, triumphs and the bits people never see front of house”.
Royal Stacks, CBD and other locations
It’s been a decade of burgers for Dani Zeini, who, by his own admission, borrowed a lot from New York diners to create Royal Stacks.
His business adage involves “having fun and being fun”. And after serving nearly 800,000 burgers in 2025, Royal Stacks is heading towards the magic number of one million this year.
Paninoteca, Coburg
Ten years ago, Melbourne embraced the OG panini bar: Paninoteca. With a fitout replicating nonno’s place, it arrived with concrete floors and retro furniture. It remains unpretentious, sometimes loud, and with a hint of nostalgia. Bonus: it even pumps out $2 espressos.
“Early on, people would ask for pizza, hot dogs, dim sims,” said owner David Scodella, who shares that sticking to their lane is what made them.
Eastern Spice, Geelong
Executive chef Manpreet Sekhon brings bold Indian flavours to the Geelong waterfront, where floor-to-ceiling windows allow for sunset dinners over a vibrant curry.
There are no rushed dishes, with community and consistency top of mind for Sekhon, also known as the Curry Queen. The spicy lamb chops are for those seeking smoky and bold flavours, straight from the tandoor. Ordering the green chilli naan is a no-brainer.
Eleven years on, Sekhon is still “respecting ingredients and looking after diners who just keep returning... and bringing their mates”.
Tokyo Tina, Windsor
It’s eleven years since Tokyo Tina transformed a space that was once a bong shop into a buzzing bar, dining room and open kitchen. The fusion dishes aim to offer a snapshot of Tokyo – polished yet playful.
Crowd favourites include the prawn slider, karaage chicken and the kingfish. Tokyo Private – a low-lit, 28-seat, ‘70s Japan train carriage styled into a dining room – is quite spesh, and the perfect spot to celebrate your next big occasion.
15+ years
Mamasita, CBD
Mamasita owner Joss Jenner-Leuthart describes this beloved Mexican restaurant – which celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2026 – as unassuming, high energy and slightly unpredictable.
The cerveza-crumbed fish taco has been a mainstay over the years, and there’s a vast Margarita menu that spotlights Nodo Blanco – an agave spirit that's been produced by the Bañuelos family in Mexico's Canyon of Tecuani since the ‘70s.
Nevermind Bar, Hawthorn
Drag karaoke, irreverent trivia, comedy nights, DJs and live music (including Vance Joy and Flamingo Jones) have kept Nevermind Bar, also known as Nevs, going for 26 years. It's got a dive bar party vibe, and slings $3 tacos and $9 pizzas.
There are also plenty of stories to share. One night Chet Faker’s mic stand broke so the singer duct-taped his mic to a pool cue, which was then strapped to a vintage floor lamp.
Watch this space: there’s even talk of a return of the infamous Friends of Nevermind parties to help mark the upcoming birthday.
Il Bacaro, CBD
Marco Tenuta opened Il Bacaro in 1995 – an intimate, dimly lit dining room trimmed with wood and marble. Since then, it’s estimated more than 150,000 plates of Moreton Bay bug spaghettini have been served. Removing the agave nectar cheesecake from the menu caused a riot, so it’s now an off-menu delight.
“Reaching 30 years is definitely a milestone. It’s equivalent to 100 in restaurant years,” says Tenuta.
Hofbräuhaus, CBD
Racking up 58 years is cause for celebration for the OG restaurant, the bar next door and the upstairs bierhall that make up Hofbräuhaus. The walls are still ‘70s memorabilia-laden, aiming to transport you to Germany for a traditional knees-up. Top menu picks include (obviously) the crumbed-to-order schnitzel, the pork knuckle and currywurst.
Brand manager Philipp Hockenberger credits a great team and authenticity for the venue’s longevity, as it prepares for a massive 60th party in two years. In the meantime, bring on Oktoberfest.
Florentino, CBD
Couched in a heritage-listed building at the top end of Bourke Street for 98 years are Florentino Dining Room, Café Florentino and Cellar Bar.
The upstairs Dining Room is opulent – best known for its timeless service and stunning murals. Café Florentino is centred around wood-fired and charcoal cooking, while Cellar Bar, open from 11am, offers a quick pasta and vino.
There’s a new menu from group executive chef Michael Greenlaw, but the dreamy chocolate soufflé and tiramisu remain.
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