Restaurant Venues for Hire in Melbourne

Booking costs of restaurant venues average $3000 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:

Based on the popularity and user ratings on Tagvenue (updated September 2026), the best options include:

• Entire Venue at Frontside Food & Wine in Port Melbourne - rated 5/5
  Our user said: ‘The venue was amazing, aswell as the food and drinks. You’re really getting what your paying for.’

• Private Dining Room at Aunty Kim's in Collingwood - rated 4.9/5
  Our user said: ‘Staff are incredibly helpful, the venue itself is beautiful and the food was amazing...’

• 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.’

You'll find restaurant 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 (September 2026):

These are the venues within 450 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.’
• Liberace 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.’
• Entire Venue at SOAZ 22 on 170 Queen Street - 450 m from centre.
  Venue said: With a capacity of up to 100 guests seated or 150 guests standing, our space is flexible and well-suited to both intimate gatherings and large-scale functions.

Smaller restaurant venues usually fit up to 40 guests seated. Here are some great options in Melbourne, based on Tagvenue data as of September 2026:

• The Attic at The George on Collins, rated 4.9/5 - event space for 30 guests
  Our user said: ‘amazing service , communication , room was perfect with its own bar and bar staff.’

• Upstairs Private Room at Rice Paper Scissors Fitzroy, rated 4.9/5 - function room for 40 guests
  Our user said: ‘The welcome drinks were delicious as was the food.’

• Pink Delight Private Dining at Father's Office Downtown - Flinders Lane, rated 4.9/5 - dining room for 22 guests
  Our user said: ‘Plus, it felt more personal and intimate when they took the time to print our logo on our entrance and menu.’

In Melbourne, restaurant venues are most commonly booked for 20 to 55 guests. Here are some popular kinds of events people have hosted at these spaces on Tagvenue, as of September 2026:

Any special occasion requiring food, drinks, and a larger event space is good to hold at a restaurant venue. These venues specialise in high-quality food and a pleasant atmosphere, so if those factors are important to you, throw your event at a restaurant! Here are some examples of the most popular occasions to celebrate at a restaurant venue: 

• Birthdays: These are the most popular occasions for hiring a restaurant venue. Sometimes, the restaurant will give you a free dessert or a drink for the occasion. Additionally, venues may allow you to bring your own cake but you may be charged a cutting fee. If you want to play your own music, always check with the venue manager if it is allowed. At Tagvenue you can read about all the available perks in the venue description. 

• Anniversaries: Look for charming restaurant venues to host a milestone anniversary with your significant other, friends and family. It’s the best place to throw a personalised event as you often can ask for an individual menu and drink selection.  If you wish to bring decorations to the venue, always check first with the venue manager. A good rule of thumb is to choose a venue whose existing decor aligns with your personal taste.. 

• Work Events: From business meetings and product launches to team dinners, restaurants can offer a professional yet relaxed environment. Some venues have an available PA system, projector or a whiteboard to use in your professional events. 

• Social Parties: Hens party? High school reunion? Or maybe just wild girls' night out! Any social event is great for a restaurant venue. If you want a more intimate and private setting, look for restaurants with private dining rooms or function rooms. 

• Weddings: More exclusive restaurants often hold licences for wedding ceremonies and spaces big enough to host a reception afterwards. If you’re looking to have your wedding all in one place, you can surely consider a restaurant venue too! 

Remember, each restaurant will have its own unique offerings and capacities, so it's worth exploring a few to find the perfect fit for your event.

When hiring a restaurant venue, it's important to be aware of certain restrictions and policies that venue managers and restaurant owners might ask you to follow.

For instance, many venues follow a strict age policy after a certain hour, meaning that underage guests are not allowed in the venue in the evening hours (often after 8 pm).

Liquor licence restrictions can limit the type and time of alcohol served, some venues may have a liquor licence extension that will allow them to serve alcohol all night. Always ask beforehand just to make sure that you won’t be cut off from your favourite drinks right in the middle of the party.

It's also worth noting that some venues may not allow loud music, especially if they are located in residential areas. Additionally, cancellation policies vary from venue to venue, so be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully. As always, it's best to discuss any specific requirements or concerns with the venue manager in advance.