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The Moat, Melbourne, AU-VIC

The Moat

4.9
4.9
331 Reviews
$41 to $100
Italian

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 13 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Charming
  • Good for special occasions
  • Good for groups
Enjoy an Italian escape at The Moat, an intimate haven in the heart of Melbourne.
Set in the basement of the State Library.
Our new menu reflects the Italian heritage of our two owners, Paul and Rosie, and of our head chef Monica. Together, they have created authentic dishes that are hand-made with seasonal local produce, simplicity and love.
Our family welcomes yours to join us.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $41 to $100
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Cocktail Bar, Mediterranean
  • Hours of Operation
    Wed–Fri 12:00–22:00 Dinner Tue, Sat 16:00–22:00
  • Phone number
    (03) 9094 7820
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Private party facilities
    For Private Functions please Contact Rosie via email: info@themoat.com.au
  • Area
    Melbourne CBD
  • Cross Street
    Swanston and Little Lonsdale
  • Parking details
    Parking available at QV Centre
  • Public transit
    Melbourne Central
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeaway, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • Gnocchi Night!

    A$40.00 per person

    Multiple dates available
    Join us every Wednesday for Gnocchi Night! Enjoy your choice of three pasta dishes, each featuring our handmade gnocchi, served with a side salad and a glass of red or white house wine for just $40 per person. It's the perfect mid-week treat!
    Gnocchi Night! photo
  • Lunch Special!

    A$35.00 per person

    Multiple dates available
    On Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays enjoy our lunch special: a plate of our silky handmade pasta and a glass of wine for just $35.
    Lunch Special! photo
  • Chef's feed me menu

    A$80.00 per person

    Multiple dates available
    for parties larger than 8 enjoy a family style feed me menu of the chefs favourite dishes. Let us know if we need to consider any special diets and we will make it happen
    Chef's feed me menu photo

What 331 people are saying

The Moat reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.9
4.9 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseEnergetic

Loved For

  • Inner City

    Best Overall

  • Inner City

    Best Food

  • Inner City

    Best Service

  • Inner City

    Best Ambience

  • Inner City

    Good for business meals

  • Inner City

    Italian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Moat in Melbourne is a "hidden gem" offering "excellent Italian style fare" and a "cozy setting." Guests praise its "amazing food," "friendly staff," and "warm ambiance." Highlights include "gnocchi to die for" and "incredible service." It's "perfect for date nights" or intimate gatherings. Highly recommended!

332 Reviews
  1. Kelle

    Melbourne5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined today

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This is one of Melbourne’s hidden gems. Beautiful fresh Italian food elevated by excellent service and a great wine list. I’ll definitely be back to explore more of the menu and wines, and enjoy the cosy and friendly ambiance again.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Pieris

    London2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Very quaint restaurant with a limited menu, however the food is superb. Our waitress Annie, was cheerful, knowledgeable and friendly. The restaurant is fairly small so you may need to book. I highly recommend this wonderful restaurant..

    Is this helpful?

  3. Georgia

    Victoria5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fantastic lunch special - great value for money and the special of the day gnocchi with the lamb was to die for!

    Is this helpful?

  4. OpenTable Diner

    Melbourne1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 1 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our pre theatre go too. Italian. Never disappointed! Food divine, staff friendly, quick service.

    Is this helpful?

  5. OpenTable Diner

    Melbourne3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 28 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful staff great food and very gluten free friendly we always come here when we are in Melbourne

    Is this helpful?

  6. Sally

    Melbourne2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 27 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The Moat is a hidden gem. Delicious food, lovely service - I have never been disappointed.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Louise

    Melbourne1 review

    4.0

    Dined on 21 February 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    Food was lovely and service attentive. I did ask that the play list be changed as I'm not a fan of rap and someone kindly obliged, which I appreciated. It's a great place for a drink after an exhibition launch at RMIT galleries, which is why we were there.

    Is this helpful?

  8. justine VIP

    NT2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 18 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Exceptional from linen table cloth to warm service to hand made pasta. Every time.
    The MoatResponded on 26 February 2025
    Justine, thank you for your kind words. We are so happy to learn that you love spending time at The Moat and we look forward to your next visit!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Sam

    Melbourne1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 8 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Lovely bar with nice staff and good ambience. And close to The Wheeler Centre.
    The MoatResponded on 26 February 2025
    Thank you for your lovely review, Sam! We were honoured to host your book launch and we hope you'll stop by and see us again soon!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Connor

    Adelaide2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 7 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a great dinner here, the staff were all very friendly and really made our night, especially offering to take our photo
    The MoatResponded on 26 February 2025
    Connor, we're so happy to hear that you loved dining at The Moat and to learn that our team took such great care of you! Thank you for the five star review and we hope you'll dine with us again soon!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Moat offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (03) 9094 7820.

The Moat is rated 4.9 stars by 331 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 13 times today
Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for The Moat

176 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne, AU-VIC 3000

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Swanston and Little Lonsdale
  • Area
    Melbourne CBD
  • Hours of Operation
    Wed–Fri 12:00–22:00 Dinner Tue, Sat 16:00–22:00
  • Price
    $41 to $100
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Cocktail Bar, Mediterranean
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Parking available at QV Centre
  • Public transit
    Melbourne Central
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeaway, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (03) 9094 7820
  • Private party facilities
    For Private Functions please Contact Rosie via email: info@themoat.com.au
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