Trying to save money, but still want to check out some of the tastiest restaurants in Melbourne? We’ve BYO’d & dined as some (& by some we mean many!) restaurants to find the best for value, food and location to help take the search out of finding your next catch up with friends, while sipping your favourite wine from home.
1. Ladro Tap
Making our Top 5 list again is Ladro Tap (recently known as Ladro Greville). Ladro has made our number one spot due to its involvement with local charities. On Monday’s, BYO is only $5, with all proceeds going to two amazing charities. If dining in Fitzroy, donations go to Fitzroy Vinnies Vannies Matthew Talbot Soup Van, and if dining in Prahran, proceeds go to the Prahran Mission Christmas Day Lunch.
Tuesday through Sunday, BYO is $15 per bottle in Fitzroy. It may be a bit steep, but still a savings compared to bottle prices at the restaurant. Ladro serves up amazing wood-fire pizzas’s, easy to pair with a delicious red or white wine.
BYO: $5 Monday, $15 Tuesday-Sunday
Location: 224 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy & 162 Greville Street, Prahran
2. Jim’s Greek Tavern
The number of Greek restaurants opening in and around Melbourne have sky rocketed over the last few years, however Jim’s Greek Tavern has remained the number one choice with more than 30 years under their belt. Staying true to tradition, the food, service and atmosphere of the space are all authentic Greek. White walls, blue accents and tasty homemade dips, seafood and meat’s and bustling vibe of the space keep locals coming back time after time again.
No menus keep things interesting as you never know what you’re going to get, which is half the fun in the whole experience. Jim’s is open dinner every night from 6pm, with last orders taken around 11pm. BYO is available for beer and wine, with no maximum amount you are allowed to bring. It’s a help yourself system where you put the beer in the fridge to keep cold and open when you’re ready.
BYO: Free
Location: 32 Johnston Street, Collingwood
3. HuTong Dumpling Bar
It’s no surprise we’ve added in one of the best dumpling joints in Chinatown. There aren’t many dumpling places you need to book in advance, however you definitely want to make sure you book here. All 3 levels of the space are constantly full with diners indulging in the best dumplings this city has to offer.
BYO: $4.50pp, wine only, City Dumpling Bar only
Location: 14-16 Market Lane, Melbourne CBD
4. Mezzo Bar & Grill
Just shy of HuTong is Mezzo Bar & Grill, serving up the opposite spectrum on the menu selection. With a rebrand in 2010, this Sicilian inspired restaurant serves up some of the most authentic Italian food. Matching the cuisine is the beautiful decor that fills the space. From the marble bar to the beautiful mural on the wall, it’s like taking a step into Sicily.
The sharing menu consists of two and four courses, plus a bar menu for those after something a bit smaller. Is there anything better than a plate of homemade pasta paired with your favourite Shiraz?
BYO: $10 per bottle
Location: 35 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD
5. France-Soir
Some people may think it’s silly to BYO at a restaurant that has over 40 pages of wine to choose from. But even a wine list so extensive, they may not have your favourite wine to sip while enjoying Duck breast or steak tartare. Their policy on BYO is a bit more strict than other restaurants, however during their ‘not so busy’ nights, BYO is accepted.
Now in operation for shy of 30 years, the team behind France-Soir have collected more than 2,100 specialty wines, all available for a special night out, or for some just because.
BYO: $15 per bottle – NO BYO on Saturday night, public holidays, special dates (ie Mother’s Day) and dinner bookings for over 6 people.
Location: 11-13 Toorak Road, South Yarra