Best Authentic Restaurants in Kensington

Price

££
£££
££££

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

BaysideEastern SuburbsInner CityInner City NorthInner City WestInner East

Areas

AbbotsfordAlbert ParkArmadaleBalwyn NorthBrightonBrunswick

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeaway only

Seating options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral toiletWheelchair access

236 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Laksa King Flemington restaurant

1. Laksa King Flemington

4.7

Exceptional(6)

££££Price: Moderate

• Malaysian • Flemington

Booked 5 times today

At Laksa King, we bring the authentic flavors of Malaysia to life with our famous Curry Laksa—a rich, aromatic coconut broth filled with fresh prawns, chicken, and fragrant spices. Combining traditional recipes with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, we offer a warm and welcoming dining experience that’s perfect for lovers of Malaysian cuisine. Whether you’re craving a comforting bowl of laksa or exploring our street food classics, Laksa King promises a true taste of Malaysia.

2. Mama Le

4.4

Awesome(152)

££££Price: Moderate

• Vietnamese • Kensington

Booked 3 times today

Mama Le Restaurant is the best of mums cooking with a modern twist. This hidden gem is across multiple levels with modern decor with lots of luscious plants, neons and artwork. While Mama's serving up her Vietnamese asian fusion dishes, Rebel's Bar will keep you happy with all the cocktails. This new venue is a MUST on your next night out. Perfect spot for an intimate dinner or catch up with friends and family. This multi level venue can accomodate functions for a cheeky party.

3. Trattoria Emilia

4.8

Exceptional(1300)

££££Price: Expensive

• Italian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 40 times today

Trattoria Emilia is an authentic Italian restaurant focusing on seasonal produce and fresh pasta. Head chefs Francesco Rota and Luca Flammia hail from Modena in Emilia Romagna.At Trattoria Emilia we seasonally change the menu and source a large majority of our produce from regional Victoria, our meat is organic and sustainably grown in Tasmania and Victoria and we import some of the best Italian DOC products. Some dishes that are not to be missed are our Tortelloni Emiliani and the crowd favourite salumi misti with gnocco fritto and tigelle served with mortadella mousse.Rustic, yet refined, Trattoria Emilia boasts fantastic ambience, attentive and professional service whilst all the while remaining a great casual dining spot perfect for a quick lunch, a long relaxing dinner with friends and has always been a romantic date spot.

A photo of Johnny's Green Room restaurant

4. Johnny's Green Room

4.3

Awesome(94)

££££Price: Expensive

• Italian • Carlton

Booked 25 times today

Situated on the rooftop of the iconic King & Godfree building in the heart of Lygon Street’s Little Italy, Johnny’s Green Room is a Tuscan-inspired terrace with dazzling city skyline views and an enthusiastic appreciation for la dolce vita.Conceived by award-winning designer Dion Hall, Johnny’s evokes the good times of an Italian summer with a semi-retractable roof enabling those summertime vibes to be enjoyed year-round. We have acclaimed chef Karen Martini on board as our Culinary Director, her relaxed menu of Italian-style sharing dishes beautifully complemented by Melbourne bar maestro Matt Bax’s delicious program of Italian-accented cocktails and wine and a rolling roster of the finest DJs in the land.Named after the classic Carlton nightspot that in the 70s and 80s attracted the bohemian and the notorious like moths to a neon-lit flame, Johnny’s has been reimagined for a whole new generation of Carlton habitués.

A photo of DOC Pizza & Mozzarella Bar - Carlton restaurant

5. DOC Pizza & Mozzarella Bar - Carlton

4.5

Awesome(581)

££££Price: Moderate

• Pizzeria • Carlton

Booked 20 times today

D.O.C is real Italian eating and age old simplicity refreshed with contemporary flair. A celebration of heritage. A joy in sharing. Authentic, exuberant and outrageously Italian.

6. Il Solito Posto

4.8

Exceptional(1194)

££££Price: Expensive

• Italian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 59 times today

One of Melbourne's most renowned Italian restaurants. Il Solito Posto is an institution. A real Melbourne Italian dining experience with a warm urban chic feel. Tantalise your taste buds with regional Italian dishes, prepared with the freshest seasonal produce and revel in the awarded wine list. This is Il Solito Posto ..... The usual place..

A photo of Secret Kitchen - Chinatown - Melbourne CBD restaurant

7. Secret Kitchen - Chinatown - Melbourne CBD

4.4

Awesome(856)

££££Price: Expensive

• Asian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 41 times today

Founded in 2007, Secret Kitchen brings to the city of Melbourne chinese dining experience the like of which youwon’t find anywhere else in the state. Combining traditional flavours with innovative techniques, an extensive variety of menu items and an incomparable atmosphere, Secret Kitchen offers its guests an inimitable feasting experience. We are awarded one of the top Yum Cha restaurant on Time Out Melbourne and rated 4 stars out of 5 by The Age Good Food Guide. Secret Kitchen is located strategically opposite Her Majesty's Theatre, also serving pre-theatre menus for your before show meal.

A photo of Kafeneion at the Melbourne Supper Club restaurant

8. Kafeneion at the Melbourne Supper Club

4.5

Awesome(142)

££££Price: Expensive

• Greek • Melbourne CBD

Booked 19 times today

Melbourne's favourite spot is joining forces with the city's hottest Greek restaurant! Brace yourself for a culinary love affair that merges the best of Melbourne's charm with the rich flavours of traditional Greek cuisine.

A photo of Quando Quando Cucina and Bar restaurant

9. Quando Quando Cucina and Bar

4.5

Awesome(123)

££££Price: Expensive

• Italian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 18 times today

A simple phrase we use in order to bring friends and families together, ‘dimmi quando tu verrai’ meaning “tell me when will you come”. With passion and care, through our colourful and traditional Italian dishes we celebrate our culture of love and gathering.

A photo of Ichi Ni Nana Izakaya - Fitzroy restaurant

10. Ichi Ni Nana Izakaya - Fitzroy

4.3

Awesome(1718)

££££Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Fitzroy

Booked 15 times today

Ichi Ni Nana, is a modern style Izakaya experience spread across multiple levels along the iconic Brunswick Street offering delectable Japanese dishes with a modern twist (such as our must try Ebi Mayo). The venue also comprises an amazing beverage list of Japanese inspired cocktails, the best Japan has to offer in sakes and whiskies and a comprehensive wine list covering local and international regions. Our friendly and professional team will take you on a guided tour through a Japanese experience that will leave you eagerly anticipating your next visit. Whether it’s an intimate dinner in one of our hand crafted booths or a group celebration, Ichi Ni Nana has an abundance of breathtaking indoor and outdoor areas (including a courtyard with a retractable glass ceiling which can be enjoyed rain, hail or shine), to suit any occasion.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

L
Lesley
Melbourne •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We had the degustation menu. The food was excellent, the staff were just the right amount of attentive and very pleasant, wine a little pricey. We left full. We will definitely be back.
More info
Trattoria EmiliaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Melbourne CBD
•
4.8
P
Peter
Melbourne •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Food was amazing, we did the feed me option and it didn't disappoint and finished with sticky date pudding which slapped. Loved it. Staff were friendly and food came out super fast and efficiently no complaints
More info
Mama LePrice: Moderate• Vietnamese• Kensington
•
4.4
K
Kayne
Melbourne •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Everything was amazing! From the service to the food, 10/10 👏
More info
DOC Pizza & Mozzarella Bar - CarltonPrice: Moderate• Pizzeria• Carlton
•
4.5
R
Rehana
Melbourne •1 review
4.0
Dined on 2 Feb 2025
Great ambience and banquet is great value for a big group.
More info
Johnny's Green RoomPrice: Expensive• Italian• Carlton
•
4.3
K
Kelly
Melbourne •5 reviews
4.0
Dined on 2 Jan 2025
Great food and lovely staff. Such quick service too I only dropped off one star as my laksa was visibly very different to husbands. Mine was rather bland, next to no chilli oil and milky tasting, while his was deeply flavoured with a lovely rich red on top. His was delicious, while mine was just kinda plain. Not sure what happened as no changes requested. The food was fresh and nice though, my laksa was still good, just no where near as good as husbands
More info
Laksa King FlemingtonPrice: Moderate• Malaysian• Flemington
•
4.7

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