Our top BYO spots in Melbourne

Want to be in the know when it comes to BYO? No problem, ‘fo. We’ve prepared a run down of our top spots in Melbourne with a BYO option for when you’re looking to break out that special bottle. 

Here’s our current top five (in no particular order). We’ve also included our picks from the menu and what we’d be taking too - but as always, it’s a you-do-you kind of thing. Let’s get into it.

Jim’s Greek Tavern

A Collingwood institution, and what’s not to love? Authentic Greek fare served in a hustling, bustling dining room; share plates jostling for position on every table as fellow punters tear, share and dunk flatbreads into house meze dips as the saganaki and souvlaki sizzle. Accept no imitations, this is as genuine as Greek gets this side of Gavdos. Open for dinner Monday through Sunday, and last time we checked there was no corkage.

What we order: Everything (is there any other option?)

What we’re taking: Grenache (red or white), Shiraz, anything with some good tannins

Address: 32 Johnston St, Collingwood VIC 3066

Insta: @hutongdumplings

HuTong Dumpling Bar

Proper peking duck and dim sum can be found here, but as the moniker suggests what we really get excited about here is the dumplings. Steamed, pan fried or swimming in soup, you’re sure to find exactly what you want for when only the best dumplings will do - nothing more or less. Although, hang on… maybe some chicken fried rice too. With a choi san bao. And four or five other things, you know… for the table. Find them either in the CBD or just off Chapel St in Prahan, corkage $5 per person.

What we order: Prawn with garlic chives dumplings, wonton soup, peking duck pancakes

What we’re taking: Pinot Noir, Merlot 

Address: 14-16 Market Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000 (CBD), Unit 1/162 Commercial Rd, Prahran VIC 3181 (Prahan)

Insta: @jindamelb

Jinda Thai

Operating out of Abbotsford for close to a decade, Jinda Thai must be doing something right, and in our opinion it’s everything when it comes to your classic thai line-up. It’s the epicurean equivalent of going to see your favourite band in concert, with a setlist of wall-to-wall hits from top-to-bottom. Pad thai, penang curry, papaya salad, pull up a chair for us. All killer, no filler. Closed Wednesday only, corkage $5 per person.

What we order: Fried fish with tamarind sauce, coconut rice

What we’re taking: Riesling. All day.

Address: 1 Ferguson St, Abbotsford VIC 3067

Insta: @teta_mona

Teta Mona

The top end of Lygon St is home to some of the best Lebanese food in Melbourne, and Teta Mona sits at the head of the table. Expect to find traditional village recipes linking back to the eponymous Mona, Teta (Grandmother) of the proprietors, and whose original immigration photograph greets you on the streetside windows. Can’t decide what to get? Split a shared banquet and wear something with a loose fitting waist. Open for dinner Monday through Sunday, corkage $5 per person.

What we order: Rez wa Diaj (7 spiced pulled chicken tenderloins with spinach and quinoa, buttered almonds, wild rice)

What we’re taking: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir

Address: 100A Lygon St, Brunswick East VIC 3057

Insta: @sostacucina

Sosta Cucina

Antipasti. Primi. Secondi. Contorni. Dolce. The menu at Sosta Cucina is romance, it’s opera, it’s everything you want from an Italian eatery where the food takes precedence over fine dining flair. Relaxed, though with classic white tablecloths, it’s perfect for a third or thirtieth date with a partner, or catching up with a long-lost friend. Corkage here is a little bit more pricey than the others on our list at $30 a bottle, so make it special; bring your best bottle and savour every moment of the wine and the company you’re dining with. Open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday, and lunch on Friday.

What we order: Pappardelle with lamb ragu

What we’re taking: Sangiovese, Nebbiolo

Address: 12 Errol St, North Melbourne VIC 3051

Want to grab a new arrival before heading out? Check out our latest here.