Looking for the Best Melbourne Restaurant with a View? One Spot Stands Out
Let’s be honest. Food just hits different when you’ve got a view.
There’s something about watching the sun set behind the city skyline while sipping a good pinot that turns an ordinary dinner into something you’ll talk about for weeks. It’s the Yarra catching that soft evening glow, or the lights of Flinders Street flickering on just as your mains arrive.
And clearly, we’re not the only ones who think so. According to OpenTable’s 2024 report, a restaurant with a view are in high demand, especially in Melbourne. People aren’t just after delicious meals anymore; they want atmosphere, setting, and a little something extra.
What Makes a Restaurant View-Worthy Anyway?
You’ve probably seen the lists. They promise “restaurants with views,” but you show up and it’s one small window, and someone’s head is in the way.
Here’s what we’re all actually after:
A bit of height so you can look out over the city, not just across the street
Massive windows that don’t block the magic
Close enough to Melbourne icons like Federation Square, the Yarra, and Flinders Street Station
A space that feels good with warm lighting, relaxed buzz, nothing too try-hard
Some spots tick a box or two. But very few give you the full package, except one.
So, Where Is This Unicorn of a Restaurant?
Meet Taxi Kitchen.
It’s tucked above Federation Square, right on top of Transport Hotel. From the moment you walk in, you’re looking down at the city from a new angle. You can see the river shimmer, trams glide along Flinders, and the skyline stretches out in every direction.
Inside, it’s bright, open, and full of good energy. Big windows wrap around the dining room. Tables are spaced so you’re not elbow-to-elbow, and the house has no bad seat. It feels modern and stylish but still easygoing.
Someone once said it’s like eating inside a postcard, and they weren’t wrong.
What’s the Food Like? Is It Worth It?
Absolutely. You’ll be thinking about it long after the last bite.
The menu’s a fresh take on modern Australian food with a punchy Asian twist. Everything’s seasonal, local where it counts, and cooked with a clear love for big flavours. It’s food you want to share, but you might not want to.
Highlights? The pork belly with pickled green papaya hits that sweet-salty-crunchy spot. The yellowfin tuna is silky, just-seared, and beautifully plated. And the duck? Sticky, tender, unforgettable.
Pair it with a crisp white from the Yarra Valley, or something sparkling and citrusy from their cocktail list. Either way, your drink will look and taste perfect with that view in the background.
Is It Easy to Get To?
Dead easy.
Taxi Kitchen is literally a 30-second walk from Flinders Street Station. Trams drop you off right out front. There’s plenty of parking nearby. And it’s fully accessible, with a lift straight up through the Transport Hotel.
Heading to a show after dinner? No stress, you’re already in the thick of it. Want to kick on with a drink? You’re sorted. You don’t have to trek across town to keep the night going.
What’s the Vibe Like Inside?
Here’s the thing! Taxi Kitchen feels fancy, but not in a scary way.
You won’t get stiff white tablecloths or hushed voices. It’s polished but comfortable. The staff are warm and switched on. The crowd mixes city workers, tourists, date-nighters, and groups just there for the good times.
Dress up if you want. Stay casual if that’s your thing. No one’s judging. It’s a space that welcomes you in and lets you enjoy the moment.
One bloke told us he booked last-minute after the footy “just to grab a feed with a view” and ended up staying for dessert and booking again for his mum’s birthday.
Is This Really One of the Best Melbourne Restaurants with a View?
Yes. And here’s why.
Taxi Kitchen doesn’t just offer a great view. It gives you the whole experience. The food’s a knockout. The service is solid. And the atmosphere just makes you feel good to be there.
It’s the place you remember not because it shouted for attention, but because it delivered in every way that matters. Great food. Beautiful setting. Effortless vibe.
Ready to See It for Yourself?
Melbourne’s packed with great spots, but if you’re looking for a place that combines top-notch views, seriously good food, and a warm, easygoing vibe, then Taxi Kitchen’s the one.
Bring someone you like. Order that second cocktail. Watch the city light up beneath your feet. It’s not just dinner, it’s a night you’ll remember. Book a table now!