Looking for a dining experience a little left of centre? Look no further, as we've deep-dived into the best themed restaurants in Melbourne.

Whether you’re planning a fun family outing, a quirky date night, or just want to spice up your usual dining routine, Melbourne is packed with unique restaurants and one-of-a-kind dining experiences that promise more than just great food.

We’ve rounded up eight of the most creative and fun themed restaurants in Melbourne—from rooftop train carriage burger joints to hidden Greek caves serving up authentic lamb gyros. You’ll even find playful spots inspired by childhood favourites like Dennis the Menace.

So if you’re craving a dining experience that’s a little unexpected (and totally Instagram-worthy), these themed restaurants in Melbourne are sure to impress. 

8 Unique Themed Restaurants in Melbourne

1. Panda Hot Pot

China's famous Panda Hot Pot is known for its authentic Sichuan cuisine and has now brought the exclusive, authentic dining experience to downtown Melbourne.

From the detailed facade of the two-story building to the elaborate traditional decor and nightly performances from music performances to family-friendly Panda Shows, the venue has been transformed to showcase not only the region's spectacular food but also its vibrant culture. The tradition of cooking hotpot at your table DIY-style is also a fun novelty.

Inspired by Wuxia - China's cult martial arts heroes - and adorned with trademark red lanterns, hand-crafted Chinese-style interiors, and a striking steel dragon watching over the grand staircase, Panda HotPot is an awesome themed restaurant in Melbourne to add to your list.

Location: 100 Victoria St, Carlton

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2. Denis the Menace Cafe

I know, not your usual themed restaurant, but it's a theme that works! Denis the Menace cafe in Cremorne is a whole lot of fun. 

The huge, light-filled open warehouse is home to food with a sustainability focus and an in-joke-filled menu that you can't help but giggle at. Why not try the Avo, We've Met Before, Oh Shit-ake, Wild Child or Running Late Roti. The kids' menu options include eggs, muesli, toastie cheese, and chips.

Location: 106-108 Chestnut St, Cremorne

3. Stalactites Greek Restaurant

If you've ever walked past Stalactites in the city, you absolutely couldn't miss it. 

One of Melbourne's longest-established and well-known Greek restaurants, Stalactites stands out with its bright, friendly vibe and its famous stalactite-covered ceiling visible from the street.

Go old-school traditional with your eats and grab souvlaki (lamb, chicken or mixed), or vegetarian souvlaki with a bunch of mouthwatering toppings to customise your meal. They also make excellent platters, dips, seafood, a grill section, breakfasts, desserts, and homeland favourites like cabbage rolls, gemista, moussaka and homemade beef konkinisto, with most of those options available kid-sized from the children's menu.

Location: 177/183 Lonsdale St, Melbourne

4. Mjølner

Calling all Viking fans to step into Mjølner, a luxurious Viking-inspired haven nestled in the heart of Melbourne's CBD.

This themed restaurant is a tribute to Thor himself, blending contemporary Scandinavian design with historic Viking elements across its sprawling two-level space. Dive into an award-winning dining experience that offers more than just a meal—it's a complete escape.

Mjølner excels in both modern and traditional cooking techniques, turning every dish into an indulgent feast. The menu is complemented by a world-class beverage selection, featuring over 600 whiskies from around the globe, a robust collection of Australian craft beers, and expertly crafted cocktails.

This is not just dining; it's a bold adventure into Norse mythology right in the modern-day cityscape. 

Location: 106 Hardware Street

5. Easey's

"Burgers and beers served five stories up in a rooftop train carriage overlooking Melbourne City. Beat that."

That's what they say, and they deliver!

At Easey's, the best of Melbourne's art, music, transport, people, food and drinks combine on top of the End to End building on Easey St, Collingwood. The views from this themed restaurant in Melbourne are phenomenal, and the food portions are large and delicious.

Indulge in one of Easey's burgers, hot dogs, mac and cheese, chips, tater tots, dim sims, chicken wings and doughnuts before coming back down to earth.

Location: 48 Easey St, Collingwood

6. Munich Brauhaus

Guten Tag! It's all German all the time at Munich Brauhaus on the South Wharf. Paying homage to all things pork in their menu, you'll feel like you stepped right into a Bavarian bier hall without ever leaving Melbourne. 

The food features pretzels and pickles aplenty, as well as wiener, pork knuckle, schnitzel, steak, burgers and desserts, alongside an extensive beer menu and excellent kids' choices like mac and cheese balls, schnitzel, frankfurter, fries and gelato. How's that for a themed restuarant in Melbourne?!

Location: 45 South Wharf Promenade, South Wharf

7. Rice Queen

When you want good Asian food and plenty of it in funky-coloured surroundings, stepping into one of Melbourne's best themed restaurants; the kitschy Rice Queen. It is like stepping into another world with their brightly-lit paper lanterns and furious fuchsia blossoms offset by the outrageously blue bricks.

The menu is designed for sharing, so dishes are small, but they are delicious, and there is a huge range of gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options. Try the baby banh mi, san choy bao, grilled king oyster mushrooms with eggplant puree, their ultra-famous KFC (Korean Fried Chicken, or spring for the vegetarian cauliflower version), steamed dumplings, DIY Korean tacos, veggie curry, or their salad or noodle dishes. You will absolutely not leave here hungry! 

If you're looking for something to do after dinner, why not hit their karaoke room? It seats 15 at the back of the diner and is available in 90-minute slots.

Location: 389-391 Brunswick St, Fitzroy

8. Witches in Britches

Get ready for a night of spellbinding fun at Witches in Britches, the ultimate themed restaurant destination for anyone who loves witches, Halloween vibes, and dinner theatre all rolled into one!

This lively musical-theatre restaurant has been casting spells over Melbourne with its delightfully kitschy Halloween atmosphere since 1990.

Prepare to be entertained by a troupe of talented actors and actresses who bring the stage alive with comedy, cheeky pop culture nods, and plenty of adult laughs. The lineup at Witches is ever-changing, featuring everything from magic and illusion shows to tribute acts celebrating icons like Michael Jackson and Cher.

While the performances are saucy and vibrant, rest assured there's no nudity, though the humour does skew a bit adult. We recommend this enchanting evening for guests aged 16 and up, due to some sexual references and salty language.

Location: 84 Dudley St, West Melbourne

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