Best Casual, But Not Too Casual Dining in Melbourne

Casual dining is king.

The best dining is a mix of casual and not too casual; when its cool, but not too cool.

Here’s a guide to some of the best casual dining spots in Melbourne.

Terror Twilight

Brunch

Address: 11-13 Johnston Street, Collingwood

Brunch but no bull. A favourite amongst the Fitzroy types, Terror Twilight serves breakfast and lunch, with a view. A view of Johnston Street that is, which is its own kind of visual splendour.

Cool brunch options like, Pate on toast, black forest pancakes, eggs Kurosawa, all around that $25 mark.

Hawker Hall

Dinner

Address: 98 Chapel Street, Windsor

Southeast Asian-focused food in a super cool restaurant, which could easily be charging more for classic hawker items like steamed market fish, roti canai, sambal prawns and char kway teow. This is casual dining without compromising on the cool factor. Big range of cocktails and a cracking drinks menu.

A good option for friends who want to celebrate the occasion but don’t want to break the bank.

Leonard’s House of Love

Burgers

Address: 3 Wilson Street, South Yarra

Leonard’s House of Love is nestled in a converted 1970s house, without swingers and a living room that smells of cigarettes.

This is easy living, with good comfort food like fried chicken sandwiches and loaded cheeseburgers. Grab a beer, melt into the retro couches and make yourself at home. No smoking allowed in the kitchen.

Belle’s Hot Chicken

Fried Chicken

Address: 150 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy

Fried chicken and beer. Undo the belt and let a few burps rip. Time to unwind with some creature comforts. These guys do an unlimited beer and chicken deal if you’re keen to enjoy a few earned spoils with some friends.

La Tortilleria

Mexican

Address: 72 Stubbs Street, Kensington

This is authentic Mexican in the truest sense of the word, which is honestly harder than you think in Australia.

Seriously and no hyperbole, this might even be some of the best Mexican in Melbourne. Homemade corn tortillas, with all the classics: Birria tacos, chicken tinga, borrego (slow-cooked lamb) and carnitas (slow-cooked pork in citrus).

Cervazas, horchatas (chilled Mexican rice drink) and Jarittos (Mexican soda) all round.

They have the cutest little providore selling their own tortillas, salsas and guacamole.