St Kilda has a way of making every meal feel like an experience. With its beachside charm and buzzing streets, it’s a place where you can grab a casual bite one day and sit down for a memorable dinner the next. The food here reflects the place’s energy.

This food guide isn’t about the fanciest food spots or the most talked-about restaurants. It’s about the restaurants that truly capture the spirit of St Kilda, the ones that make you want to return again and again.

Here are my top eight picks for the best restaurants in St Kilda — places that, in my opinion, deserve a spot on anyone’s must-try list.

Best Restaurants in St Kilda

1- Jode’s Mediterranean Eatery

Google Rating: 5.0

Jode’s Mediterranean Eatery in St Kilda at Carlisle St, is a warm, lively spot that brings the flavors of Greece, Turkey, and Lebanon together.

The starters include classics like hummus with warm pita, grilled halloumi drizzled with honey, falafel with tahini, and marinated olives.

For mains, diners can enjoy lamb souvlaki, chicken shawarma, moussaka layered with eggplant and béchamel, or fresh seafood paella.

Vegetarian plates such as stuffed vine leaves and roasted vegetable couscous balance the menu beautifully.

Desserts lean sweet with baklava, honey-drizzled yogurt, and semolina cake. Drinks include ouzo, regional wines, and refreshing mint teas

Recipes use olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs, and slow-roasted meats, giving the dishes their bold, authentic taste.

The restaurant has a casual, friendly atmosphere with rustic décor and open tables that make it great for group dining. Jode’s is the kind of place where comfort food feels elevated but still approachable.

2- Blu Oyster Co

Google Rating: 4.9

Blu Oyster Co at Fitzroy St, is all about seafood done with a fresh, modern touch. The menu begins with oysters served natural, with lemon, or topped with light vinaigrettes.

Starters also include calamari with garlic aioli, prawn skewers, and tuna tartare. The main courses highlight grilled barramundi with citrus butter, seafood risotto, lobster pasta, and fish tacos layered with slaw and lime.

For those who prefer meat, there are also steak and chicken options. Desserts are light, like lemon sorbet, coconut panna cotta, and chocolate mousse. The drinks list leans toward crisp white wines, sparkling options, and cocktails like Aperol spritz.

What makes Blu Oyster Co stand out is the focus on clean, fresh flavors where seafood is the hero—recipes often use minimal seasoning to let the natural taste shine.

The setting is modern with ocean-inspired interiors, polished wood, and plenty of natural light, creating an inviting dining experience that feels both stylish and relaxed.

3- The Walrus

Google Rating: 5.0

The Walrus offers a more playful and eclectic dining experience in St Kilda at Inkerman St, combining Australian favorites with international flavors.

The menu starts with small plates like duck spring rolls, chili garlic prawns, and cheese boards for sharing. Mains range from slow-braised beef cheek with creamy mash to wood-fired pizzas and spiced lamb burgers.

For vegetarians, there are roasted pumpkin gnocchi and charred cauliflower steaks with tahini. Dessert brings comfort classics like sticky date pudding, New York cheesecake, and tiramisu. Drinks include craft beers, boutique wines, and cocktails designed with seasonal ingredients.

Recipes often focus on slow cooking, bold spice mixes, and wood-fired techniques that create deep flavors. The interior is cozy yet trendy, featuring exposed brick, warm lighting, and a casual bar area.

The Walrus is a great choice for diners looking for hearty, flavor-packed meals in a laid-back environment that still feels special.

Also Read: Best Restaurants in Airlie Beach

4- Lady of St Kilda

Google Rating: 4.8

Lady of St Kilda at 204 Barkly St, is a plant-forward café and restaurant that has become a favorite among locals for its bright, health-driven menu.

Starters include dips with house-made bread, beetroot carpaccio, and zucchini fritters. For mains, there’s falafel bowls, grilled fish with seasonal vegetables, and their signature plant-based burger layered with hummus, pickles, and spiced chickpeas.

Brunch favorites like avocado toast, shakshuka, and grain bowls are also staples. Desserts highlight raw slices, flourless chocolate cake, and chia pudding with coconut cream.

Drinks include specialty coffees, herbal teas, smoothies, and natural wines. The recipes focus on fresh produce, whole grains, and spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika, making dishes both nourishing and full of flavor.

The space itself feels airy and stylish, with bright walls, lots of greenery, and a vibrant vibe that matches the St Kilda beachside energy. Lady of St Kilda is perfect for anyone wanting wholesome food that still feels indulgent.

5- Flour Child St Kilda

Google Rating: 4.7

Flour Child St Kilda is a modern dining spot located right in the heart of St Kilda at 1/77 Acland St. Known for its unique twist on pizza and bar-style dining, it offers a creative menu that blends classic comfort food with contemporary flair.

Their signature pizza bases are crafted from slow-fermented dough, giving them a light yet satisfying crunch. Popular choices include the “Lamb Ragu Pizza” with slow-cooked lamb, mozzarella, and fresh herbs, or the “Truffle Mushroom Pizza” rich in earthy flavors.

Starters like burrata with roasted tomatoes and wood-fired bread pair beautifully with craft cocktails and an extensive wine list. For dessert, their tiramisu and Nutella pizza stand out as indulgent choices.

The interior has a sleek industrial style with dim lighting, lively music, and a chic cocktail bar. It’s the perfect destination for social gatherings where food and atmosphere carry equal weight.

6- Pesto’s Ristorante Italiano

Google Rating: 4.8

Pesto’s Ristorante Italiano at 172 Carlisle St, brings a true Italian dining experience to St Kilda. The restaurant offers a warm setting with rustic wooden interiors, candlelit tables, and an inviting family-style ambiance.

The menu highlights authentic recipes straight from Italy, beginning with antipasti like bruschetta al pomodoro, calamari fritti, and prosciutto with melon.

Pasta dishes are house-made daily, with crowd favorites such as fettuccine alfredo, spaghetti carbonara, and seafood linguine with garlic, chili, and white wine.

Main courses include osso buco, chicken parmigiana, and wood-fired pizzas topped with fresh mozzarella and basil. A dessert menu of panna cotta, cannoli, and traditional tiramisu rounds out the experience.

Their wine list focuses heavily on Italian labels, perfectly complementing the flavors of each dish. Pesto’s stands out for its authenticity, generous portions, and friendly service, making it a must-visit for lovers of Italian cuisine.

7- Manu’s Cafe and Restaurant

Google Rating: 4.8

Manu’s Cafe and Restaurant is located near the beach at Fitzroy St, and offers a casual yet refined dining experience.

Known for its eclectic mix of Mediterranean and modern Australian flavors, the menu is approachable while still creative.

Starters include mezze platters with hummus, baba ghanoush, and warm pita, or seafood tapas with prawns and calamari.

Their main course selection ranges from lamb shanks slow-cooked in herbs, to grilled barramundi with lemon butter sauce, and vegetarian risotto packed with seasonal produce.

The drinks menu has freshly squeezed juices, cocktails, and a selection of local wines. Desserts like baklava with pistachio and honey or a rich chocolate lava cake end the meal perfectly.

The interior feels warm and welcoming with earthy tones and comfortable seating, making it ideal for both casual brunches and evening dinners.

Manu’s is loved for its consistent flavors and genuine hospitality.

Also Explore: Things to Do in St Kilda

8- Rufio

Google Rating: 4.7

Rufio is a vibrant restaurant and bar located on Fitzroy Street, bringing Latin-inspired cuisine to St Kilda’s dining scene. The atmosphere is lively, with colorful interiors, bold murals, and upbeat music that matches its energetic vibe.

The menu is designed for sharing, beginning with starters like empanadas, grilled corn with chipotle mayo, and ceviche made with fresh market fish.

Larger plates include slow-cooked pork belly tacos, char-grilled steak with chimichurri, and roasted vegetable enchiladas. Plant-based diners will appreciate the creative vegan options, such as jackfruit tacos and quinoa-stuffed peppers.

The drinks menu emphasizes craft cocktails infused with tequila, mezcal, and tropical flavors. Desserts like churros with chocolate sauce or passionfruit flan bring a sweet ending.

Rufio shines for its bold flavors, festive atmosphere, and playful menu, making it the perfect spot for groups wanting both great food and nightlife energy in one place.