Lunch Venues for Hire in Melbourne

In Melbourne, prices of lunch venues average $2250 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 October 2025:

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

• Dining Terrace at Hophaus in Southbank - rated 4.9/5
  Our user said: ‘We had our Christmas lunch at Hophaus and it was so good!’

• 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.’

• Private Dining Room at Ludlow Bar in Southbank - rated 4.8/5
  Our user said: ‘The quality of the food and service was excellent.’

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 (October 2025):

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.