Lunch Venues for Hire in Melbourne

Booking costs of lunch venues average $2000 minimum spend per event. Costs vary depending on guest capacity, popularity, location, and amenities like sound systems or bar services. Extra charges may apply for custom catering, decor, or event planning services. Packages with add-ons, such as DJs, photo booths, or other entertainment services, can also increase the overall cost. Check out the typical price ranges in Melbourne, based on Tagvenue data from December 2025:

Based on the popularity and user ratings on Tagvenue (updated December 2025), the best options include:

• The Green Room at La Madonna in Melbourne CBD - rated 5/5
  Our user said: ‘We ordered the chef’s meal which was five courses of excellent food shared.’

• Emerald Private Dining Room at Father's Office Downtown - Flinders Lane in Melbourne CBD - rated 4.9/5
  Our user said: ‘Fantastic service, Barbara was on top of all the food arrangements for the whole night.’

• Dining Terrace at Hophaus in Southbank - rated 4.8/5
  Our user said: ‘We had our Christmas lunch at Hophaus and it was so good!’

You'll find lunch venues in various sizes, from smaller spots to larger venues; keep in mind that the type of space and your chosen layout will affect the capacity! Below you can see the typical venue sizes in Melbourne, together with the standard prices in each size range, based on Tagvenue data (December 2025):

These are the venues within 200 m from central Melbourne, available to book on Tagvenue:

• Cocktail Bar at Cookie on 252 Swanston Street - 150 m from centre.
  Our user said: ‘Friendly and helpful staff on the night. Excellent and plentiful food and drinks. Great atmosphere.’
• Dining Room at The Moat on 176 Little Lonsdale Street - 200 m from centre.
  Our user said: ‘From the beginning, Rosie was responsive and helpful, & allowed us a lot of flexibility with our booking.’
• First Floor at Shanghai Street Elizabeth on 303-305 Elizabeth Street - 200 m from centre.
  Venue said: Chinese cuisine restaurant. CBD location. Space for up to 200 people. 1st floor is beautiful private space up to 70 seated guests or 100 standing. 1st floor has own bar with a range of wine and spirits.

You can secure a lunch venue in Melbourne on short notice, however your success will hinge on several factors. Firstly, consider the day of the week, as weekends, particularly Sundays, are peak times for brunches and lunches. Weekdays generally offer more availability during lunch hours. You should also consider the time of day. Lunch reservations peak between 12 pm and 2 pm. Consider earlier or later slots for better chances. Popular restaurants in trendy areas may be fully booked, while casual cafes or pubs in quieter suburbs could have more openings.

If you want to improve your chances of finding lunch venues on short notice, try the following strategies.

Contacting restaurants directly allows you to inquire about last-minute cancellations or bar seating availability. Online venue marketplaces like Tagvenue can help you make immediate bookings. Also, many cafes, pubs, and casual eateries operate on a first-come, first-served basis. You can also discover hidden gems or restaurants in less touristy areas, which may be more accommodating to last-minute diners.

Here are a few of some great affordable lunch venues in Melbourne: 

• The Oxford Scholar - Enjoy your lunch at this venue near the Melbourne Central Station. Sit down to dine at this historic venue with your guests and savour dishes based upon locally sourced and fresh produce. Available from AUD$500 per hour.
• Seamstress Restaurant & Bar - Hold your event at this historic restaurant in the Chinatown district, specialising in pan-Asian cuisine. This Supervenue offers packages for events from AUD$AUD$15 to AUD$65 per person. 
• P.J. O'Brien's Southgate - Enjoy your lunch at this iconic Irish pub in Southgate. Available for hire from AUD$35 per person.