St Kilda remains one of Melbourne’s most exciting dining destinations in 2026, blending beachside elegance with a wave of new culinary energy across Fitzroy Street, Acland Street and the wider precinct. With its relaxed coastal lifestyle, thriving food culture and strong mix of long standing institutions and fresh arrivals, it is an ideal base for guests staying at Kimberley Gardens who want exceptional dining within easy reach. From refined modern Australian menus to bold Mediterranean flavours and standout plant based eateries, St Kilda has become a true showcase of Melbourne’s evolving restaurant scene.
Stokehouse
Stokehouse continues to define beachfront dining in Melbourne, offering a sophisticated modern Australian menu balanced with effortless coastal style. The bright dining room overlooks the water, and the entire venue is designed around fresh produce, high quality seafood and polished service. It is ideal for guests seeking an elevated evening by the beach, a memorable date night or a special dinner during their stay. The sunset views are particularly striking, and a booking is recommended well in advance during peak months.
Donovans
Donovans is a St Kilda icon that blends refined comfort with Mediterranean influenced cuisine in a warm, homely setting. The interior feels relaxed yet polished, with soft lighting, a fireplace in winter and an inviting beachfront outlook that suits both long lunches and evening meals. The menu focuses on classics prepared with exceptional care, and regulars return for dishes that balance nostalgia with modern technique. It is one of the best choices in the area for guests who want warmth, charm and quality without formality.
Cicciolina
Cicciolina has been a beloved Acland Street fixture since the early 1990s and remains one of the most character filled spots in St Kilda. The interior is intimate, artistic and full of personality, and the menu delivers Italian inspired dishes with richness and flair. The wine offering is extensive and curated with intention, making it a favourite for those who appreciate a long conversation over pasta and a well chosen bottle. It suits guests who prefer a deeply local experience and a venue that feels lived in, authentic and full of character.
Cafe di Stasio
Cafe di Stasio is synonymous with timeless Italian dining, white tablecloths and impeccable attention to detail. It is ideal for travellers who enjoy classic dishes prepared with precision, a well trained service team and a space that feels indulgent without being excessive. The experience encourages diners to slow down and savour each course, and it works perfectly for celebrations or refined evenings where atmosphere and service matter as much as the food. Guests staying at Kimberley Gardens who want a luxurious night out will find this venue particularly memorable.
The Lady of St Kilda
The Lady of St Kilda offers a relaxed yet stylish atmosphere on Barkly Street, delivering a Mediterranean inspired menu with generous portions, appealing cocktails and a steady flow of energy throughout the day. The interiors mix contemporary design with casual comfort, making it suitable for brunch, lunch or uncomplicated dinners that are high in flavour without being heavy. For travellers seeking a social and modern spot that is not overly formal, this venue fits beautifully.
Sister of Soul
Sister of Soul stands out for its plant forward menu, seasonal vegetables and dishes that cater exceptionally well to dietary preferences. From vibrant bowls to healthy plates and comforting vegan interpretations of popular classics, it is a strong choice for guests looking for something lighter while still enjoying big flavours. The atmosphere is easygoing and inviting, and its Acland Street location makes it ideal for a daytime meal or a casual evening out before a stroll along the foreshore.
Additional Coffee Houses in the St Kilda Precinct
For travellers who prioritise great coffee, St Kilda offers several standout options. These venues complement the main restaurants listed above and ensure guests at Kimberley Gardens have high quality morning and afternoon choices for caffeine and light bites.
Galleon Cafe offers a retro inspired atmosphere with consistently excellent coffee, making it a favourite for locals who prefer a laid back environment near the beach.
Monk Bodhi Dharma is tucked away and renowned for its specialty coffee and plant based menu, attracting both coffee enthusiasts and vegans with its high quality roasting and thoughtful food.
Newmarket Espresso delivers strong coffee in a simple, relaxed setting that suits morning walkers, early risers and guests wanting something quick but high quality before heading out for the day.
These options ensure that the St Kilda and Kimberley Gardens area caters to coffee lovers as well as those seeking full dining experiences.
Expanded Vegan and Vegetarian Friendly Options
In addition to Sister of Soul, St Kilda includes several venues that cater strongly to vegan and vegetarian diets. Vegilicious on Acland Street is a relaxed plant based spot known for comfort dishes, satisfying portions and a friendly, laid back style. Matcha Mylkbar has made a name for itself with innovative vegan dishes, colourful bowls and creative takes on brunch favourites. These venues provide additional assurance for travellers who want more choice beyond traditional offerings, allowing Kimberley Gardens guests to explore St Kilda with complete dietary confidence.
Why St Kilda Works So Well for Kimberley Gardens Guests
Guests staying at Kimberley Gardens benefit from being close to one of Melbourne’s most diverse dining districts, with cuisines ranging from iconic Italian to contemporary Australian, vegan influenced menus and European inspired beachfront dining. The area offers accessible options for casual meals, refined dinners, daytime cafes and celebration worthy evenings. St Kilda’s variety means travellers can select a venue that suits their mood, whether they want something polished and scenic or relaxed and social.
Practical Tips for Dining in 2026
Bookings are almost always recommended, particularly for dinner and especially for Stokehouse, Cicciolina and Cafe di Stasio which remain in high demand.
Early evening dining often provides the best balance of service quality, atmosphere and efficiency, especially on weekends.
Most restaurants can accommodate dietary requests if notified ahead of time, and St Kilda is well suited to vegetarian, vegan and gluten friendly requirements.
Smart casual attire works across most venues, though Cafe di Stasio and Stokehouse tend to attract guests who prefer to dress slightly more formally.
Transport access is convenient, with tram routes making it easy for guests to reach restaurants without relying on parking during busy periods.
Beachfront venues may have slower peak service during high summer, so lunchtime bookings can offer a smoother experience.
Suggested Three Day Foodie Schedule for Kimberley Gardens Guests
Day One
Start the morning with coffee at Monk Bodhi Dharma for its specialty brews and plant based menu.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Donovans where the Mediterranean inspired menu pairs well with the relaxing beachfront atmosphere.
Finish the evening with dinner at Stokehouse to experience its refined seafood dishes and sweeping ocean views.
Day Two
Begin the day with breakfast at Matcha Mylkbar for vibrant vegan brunch plates and nourishing bowls.
Have a relaxed afternoon meal at The Lady of St Kilda where Mediterranean flavours and easygoing service match perfectly for a midday break.
Spend the evening at Cafe di Stasio for an indulgent Italian dinner with classic dishes prepared to an exceptional standard.
Day Three
Kick things off with coffee and something light at Galleon Cafe before exploring the foreshore.
Head to Sister of Soul for a flavour packed plant forward lunch that suits all dietary preferences.
Choose Cicciolina for dinner where Italian influenced dishes and a warm, intimate interior create a memorable final evening in St Kilda.
Kimberley Gardens provides an ideal base for exploring all of these dining experiences, placing guests close to St Kilda’s most celebrated restaurants, coffee houses and plant focused eateries. With quiet St Kilda accommodation, easy access to public transport and the convenience of returning to a peaceful retreat after a day of food discovery, it offers the perfect balance of comfort and connection to Melbourne’s vibrant coastal dining scene.