Top 5 BYO Restaurants In Melbourne

Melbourne is jam-packed with some fantastic BYO restaurants, so you can enjoy fantastic cuisine without the lofty bottle prices on top. Here we shed light on a few of our favourite BYO’s in and around the city. So pop to the bottle-o and head to some of Melbourne’s best eats.

Shanghai Dumpling
In the beating heart of Melbourne’s China Town, down one of the city’s most popular laneways lies the best dumpling joint in the whole city. Head down to this gem and tuck into some delicious Chinese dumplings whilst sipping on your own store bought poison – winner. Expect to have a wait in the queue to get into the place as it is a firm favourite with Melbourne students. Select your choice of dumplings from the vast and cheap menu whilst catching up with friends and enjoying the alcohol you brought in your jam-packed esky/ice box (for you Brits). The busy atmosphere gives the place a cosy yet happening mood to de-brief from the days antics. The service can be a little bit shirty – only because the joint is so busy. It certainly creates that deep city Shanghai vibe, allowing you an authentic oriental experience without the airmiles.
112 Little Bourke St, Melbourne (CBD)

Victoria Street
Victoria Street in the suburb of Richmond is home to a whole street of BYO Vietnamese restaurants. Perfectly suited for the backpacker on a budget – or people who just appreciate a tasty cheap feed, you can take your pick of where you want to pull up a seat and open a bottle of shelf bought booze. The street itself looks a little shady compared to the high-end city laneways – but trust us it’s safe as houses. The street is bustling and full of appealing Vietnamese eateries for you and your mates to decide between. Some of BBM’s personal favourites are Minh Minh, Thy Thy and Pho 2. There are a few more upmarket places dotted along the street but mainly it is cheap and cheerful. Plus the fact there is a range of places to BYO means you can shake things up next time you go.
Victoria Street, Richmond

Lentil As Anything
Whether you’re a fulltime vegetarian or just up for something easy on the wallet ‘Lentil As Anything’ is definitely worth checking out. Taking place in a convent of all places – you sure as hell can B.Y.O! This place truly is something special – a buffet full of delicious flavoursome vegetarian food. The best thing about it is you pay whatever you feel the food deserves. That’s right we take a break from overpriced city good menus and are welcomed with our cask of goon or box of beer to eat some wholesome grub and pay what we wish. But be fair on the legends that organise and cook this for us – people work hard just as we do, and as the saying goes there is no such thing as a free lunch! But it will sure as hell be a damn sight cheaper than city centre restaurants. Packed to the rafters with students, backpackers and business men alike – Lentil As Anything satisfies the taste buds and the bank balance in equal measure.
41 Blessington Street, St Kilda

Moroccan Soup Kitchen
For a taste of the Middle East head to Moroccan Soup Kitchen in Melbourne’s trendy North Fitzroy suburb. This place gets busy so just be patient when waiting for a table. The food is unbelievable if you are a fan of Middle Eastern cuisine and the experience you have here allows you to feel like you have slipped into central Morocco on a weekday evening. The food is designed to share with platters full of lentil dhal, vegetable stew, pide, Moroccan dips and after the entrees and mains, you are rewarded with the sweets. These consist of a small plate of delights (including a slice with a crushed pistachio centre) served with a traditional cardamom coffee. For a laid back BYO meal this place is perfect as you don’t even have to worry about what to order- it’s all set out for you. Easy peasy!
183 St Georges Rd, Fitzroy North