10 Unique Themed Restaurants in Melbourne

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

Get ready to enjoy a burger from a train carriage five storeys up, dine with Denis the Menace or eat lamb gyros in a subterranean cave at these funky restaurants in Melbourne.

10 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

RELATED:
Melbourne's Best Cheap Eats
Where to Grab Melbourne's Best Burgers

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. IceBar

Ok, so this one is not so much a themed restaurant but a seriously cool (pun intended) bar and yes, kids are more than welcome!

Chill out at IceBar Melbourne, where it's a cool -10°C all year round. This icy haven is not just about braving the cold; it's about sipping ice-cold drinks and soaking up some seriously cool vibes.

At IceBar, they've mastered the art of pleasing everyone. Whether you're a family looking for a unique outing, a couple on a quirky date, or friends in search of a chill hangout, this spot has got you covered. With over 40 tonnes of ice sculpted into everything from the walls to chairs, and games, stepping into IceBar feels like entering a frosty wonderland.

Don't worry about the cold; they've got you covered—literally! Before you embark on your 45-minute arctic adventure, they'll deck you out in gloves, Ugg boots, and a snow cape. 

Location: The Atrium, Federation Square

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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 the top of the End to End building on Easey St, Collingwood. The views from this themed restaurant are phenomenal, and the food is large and excellent.

Indulge in one of the 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

7. 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.

Location: 45 South Wharf Promenade, South Wharf

8. Rice Queen

When you want good Asian food and plenty of it in funky-coloured surroundings, stepping into 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

9. Truck Stop Deluxe 

Eat a burger in an indoor truck? Yes, please! Truck Stop Deluxe in Werribee is a west-coast-inspired truck-stop diner serving up fabulous burgers alongside signature spiked shakes, cocktails and desserts. 

Their burgers are served on lightly toasted brioche buns, and any one of them is available as a vegetarian (they sub a chickpea patty). If you feel like something different, they also do fried chicken in 3, 6 or 9 packs, as well as mac and cheese croquettes, onion rings, popcorn chicken, and four types of fries, including sweet potato, and cheese and bacon waffle fries.

If you've still got room after that, check out the dessert menu - perhaps they can tempt you with a Wizz Fizz ice cream, ice cream doughnut sandwich or Nutella waffle stack? Honk, honk!

Location: 98 Watton St, Werribee

10. Witches in Britches

Get ready for a night of spellbinding fun at Witches in Britches, the ultimate 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 humor 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

Other Restaurants in Melbourne

Best Yum Cha in Melbourne
Melbourne's Yummiest Chocolate Cafes
Get Cupcakes Delivered in Melbourne

Have you signed up to our newsletter? Join ellaslist to get the best family and kid-friendly events, venues, classes and things to do NEAR YOU!