Melbourne's best restaurants for group bookings

Housed inside an early 1900’s textile factory named ‘Panama House’, the huge floor-to-ceiling arch windows of this Fitzroy restaurant provide signature views over the heart of Smith Street. The menu is described as "journeys across countries in a way that is uniquely Australian", with an eclectic mix of dishes like duck liver parfait, lamb shoulder with pine nut gremolata and pavlova of the day. Large groups can dine on the 'let us feed you' menu dubbed the 'Fitzroy feast' – and at $69 per person, we can assure you no one will go home hungry.

The frenetic service at Jim’s is part of its charm, as is the absence of a menu. Just like dinner at Yia Yias, you'll get what you're served – and you certainly won't be disappointed. The menu is meat-heavy, so vegetarians beware – though the saganaki alone is worth the trip. Without much pricing guidance, prepare to pay around $50 and up for the banquet, with à la carte dishes ranging from $10 for entrees to $30 for meat mains. Oh, and it's BYO, which is handy for large groups.

Paying homage to the gypsy travellers of Europe, L’Hotel Gitan serves seasonal and modern French food. Lying just to the side of the main dining room is the Copper Suite, featuring a handpicked custom redwood dining table sourced directly by the Reymond family from Moama. With copper accents and the mesh wine cupboard separating you from the main dining room, this private dining room can be booked for groups of up to 12.

Collingwood’s backstreets are home to Rupert on Rupert, an eyeball-wooing bar and restaurant graced with high ceilings, light-drenched interiors and a mini forest’s worth of pot plants and trees. The Mediterranean share style menu is both comforting and exciting, with dishes such as sumac roasted cauliflower, lightly spiced grilled lamb shoulder and beetroot cured salmon on offer. Groups of 12-30 can be seated in the main dining hall. 

No, Grossi Florentino isn’t luxe for less, but it is one of the best Italian restaurants in the city and as one of Melbourne’s last bastions of lavish European dining charm, it's the perfect venue for a special occasion. Book the private dining room for up to eight people, or the Wynn room for up to 30. The price of entry is $175 for three courses, $205 for four courses or $210 for the 'gran tour' of six.

Our 2021 Revive Award winner Teta Mona is a boho-chic all-day restaurant serving simple, delicious Lebanese with plenty of wins for vegans and very little fuss. It's BYO with furniture that looks like a cross between the share house of an anthropology enthusiast and a stall at the Dandenong markets. Book for up to 12 in the dining room, or for up to 22 in the courtyard. 

Brunswick Street may be ground zero for cocktails in Fitzroy, but lurking in the back streets is one of Melbourne’s finest establishments for getting in your cups on sunny days, freezing nights and boring Mondays. This comfy, unpretentious pub serves great food and takes bookings of up to 20.

Gilson is a seasonal neighbourhood eatery that’s all about sharing good food and good times. Privato, Gilson's private dining suite, seats groups of up to 30 people. Guests can choose from a set menu of $79, $95 or $125 per person, featuring pizzas, antipasti, pasta and more – with a focus on locally grown ingredients.

Rumi is a Middle Eastern restaurant with a menu specifically designed for sharing, but the banquets on offer are especially great for large groups hoping to try a little bit of everything. The Classic champions Rumi’s mainstay dishes ($55 for 12), and you can opt for a beverage and wine match at an additional $30 per person.