Best Authentic Restaurants in Kensington

Price

££
£££
££££

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

BallaratBaysideEastern SuburbsInner CityInner City NorthInner City West

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

241 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Laksa King Flemington restaurant

1. Laksa King Flemington

4.7

Exceptional(9)

££££Price: Moderate

• Malaysian • Flemington

Booked 16 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(155)

££££Price: Moderate

• Vietnamese • Kensington

Booked 2 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(1316)

££££Price: Expensive

• Italian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 50 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.

4. Il Solito Posto

4.8

Exceptional(1214)

££££Price: Expensive

• Italian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 52 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 Johnny's Green Room restaurant

5. Johnny's Green Room

4.2

Awesome(97)

££££Price: Expensive

• Italian • Carlton

Booked 1 time 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

6. DOC Pizza & Mozzarella Bar - Carlton

4.5

Awesome(585)

££££Price: Moderate

• Pizzeria • Carlton

Booked 33 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.

A photo of Secret Kitchen - Chinatown - Melbourne CBD restaurant

7. Secret Kitchen - Chinatown - Melbourne CBD

4.4

Awesome(865)

££££Price: Expensive

• Asian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 39 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(145)

££££Price: Expensive

• Greek • Melbourne CBD

Booked 22 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 Ichi Ni Nana Izakaya - Fitzroy restaurant

9. Ichi Ni Nana Izakaya - Fitzroy

4.2

Awesome(1726)

££££Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Fitzroy

Booked 23 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.

10. Gilson

4.5

Awesome(730)

££££Price: Moderate

• Italian • South Yarra

Booked 75 times today

Gilson is an authentic Italian restaurant. It's praised for its 'authentic Italian cuisine' and 'flavor-packed pasta dishes' by customers in their reviews. The 'Seafood Linguine', 'avocado bruschetta', and 'tiramisu' are particularly noted as delicious. The ambiance is also described as cozy and welcoming, further adding to the authentic Italian experience.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
Claudine
Sydney •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Consistency is the word to use with Il Solito Posto. Consistently fresh and flavoursome food, exceptional service and a price point that is adequate for both personal and corporate wallets. This is my go-to restaurant when I have visiting executives, and I am always applauded for the choice. In a world where post COVID service can be sadly lacking in many restaurants, Il Solito keeps raising the bar. Cannot fault the service or food. Thank you, team!
More info
Il Solito PostoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Melbourne CBD
•
4.8
DC
DavidC
Victoria •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Amazing fresh food and wonderful service makes the restaurant well worth a visit!
More info
Trattoria EmiliaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Melbourne CBD
•
4.8
P
Peter
Melbourne •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Gem of Kensington. Nice ambience and great food, wish there were more like this around here
More info
Mama LePrice: Moderate• Vietnamese• Kensington
•
4.4
P
Paige
Melbourne •1 review
4.0
Dined on 2 Mar 2025
Absolutely love this spot but was disappointed they had no moscato.
More info
Johnny's Green RoomPrice: Expensive• Italian• Carlton
•
4.2
G
Grace
Victoria •8 reviews
5.0
Dined on 27 Feb 2025
Food is always great. We ate there and got some takeout. Curry Laksa Chicken, Prawns in wasabi sauce, Sambal French Beans, Nasi Lemak with Beef and Peking Duck. Fabbo family dinner.
More info
Laksa King FlemingtonPrice: Moderate• Malaysian• Flemington
•
4.7

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Authentic

Kensington

Hawthorn
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