From $15 noodles to $45 set menus: Where to do catch-ups without blowing the budget

If you’ve been tasked with choosing the festive catch-up venue this year, you’re in luck. We’ve done the scouting for you, pinpointing 10 meet-up spots for any occasion, from your team’s skint Christmas party to the last-minute gathering that has to be central and hassle-free.

Afloat

Now in its 10th year, Arbory’s annual aquatic spin-off remains a go-to for city meet-ups with a dose of escapism. This season, the floating bar-restaurant looks to Rio de Janeiro, transforming into a bright, beachy slice of the Brazilian coast. Bites pull from the country’s diverse culinary traditions: sushi shaped by Japanese migration; ceviche drawing from across South America; smoky charcoal-grilled skewers; and acai reimagined as sorbet and daiquiris.

2 Flinders Walk, Melbourne, afloat.melbourne

Ho Liao

Sydney chef Junda Khoo’s three-level Malaysian hub in the heart of the city covers most bases, from the refined dishes at Ho Jiak to grab-and-go lunches at Da Bao. The vibe at Ho Liao falls squarely in the middle. With its relaxed atmosphere, it is ideal for casual catch-ups – and with all noodle and rice dishes capped at $15, it’s also one of the city’s more wallet-friendly options, although the menu holds plenty more.

Level 2, Rainbow Alley (off Bourke Street), Melbourne, holiao.com.au

Lane’s Edge

A drink in the Lane’s Edge courtyard is a Melbourne summer ritual, but food has recently stepped into the spotlight thanks to chef turned venue manager Gary Dick. The menu is easy but thoughtful, heroing antipasti, charcuterie such as chicken terrine, and tinned fish served with crusty banh mi from N Lee. Specials such as $20 cheeseboards on Mondays and $2.50 oysters on Tuesdays make a strong case for school-night catch-ups.

39 Bourke Street, Melbourne, lanesedge.com

Disuko

This newcomer pulls from 1980s Tokyo and contemporary Melbourne, blending a sprawling terrace, indoor dining and drinking spaces, an omakase-style chef’s counter, and a vinyl sound system. With capacity for more than 150 people, it’s group-friendly and flexible enough to start with drinks and stay for dinner – or the other way around.

Level 3/59-63 Bourke Street, Melbourne, disuko.com.au

Maiz y Cacao

Don’t let its location beneath a city hotel fool you: this spot is anything but cookie-cutter. Find regional Mexican dishes rarely spotted in Melbourne, from street-style sandwiches (including pambazo), enormous towers of seafood served aguachile-style, and tamales – steamed corn cakes – served with either house-made mole and eggs or pulled chicken. Cocktails are fun, too.

1/189 Queen Street, Melbourne, maizycacao.com.au

Hickens Hotel

Spread across four levels, Hickens Hotel (the former Crafty Squire) has something to suit just about any group get-together. Classic pub fare (including a kids’ menu) is joined by more modern interpretations – pork and duck sausage rolls, crab-and-corn fish fingers, a goat pie. In warmer weather, head to the rooftop overlooking Little Collins and Russell streets. There’s even a sports-bar-slash-karaoke set-up on one floor for bigger nights.

127 Russell Street, Melbourne, hickenshotel.com.au

7 Alfred

Rockpool’s little sibling keeps things streamlined with just one main course: steak frites for $48. It comes with your choice of peppercorn sauce, chimichurri, “umami butter” or veal jus, but the rest of the menu maintains the minimalism. Add a green leaf salad and finish with New York cheesecake or ice-cream with chocolate sauce. A winning pick for indecisive friends.

7 Alfred Place, Melbourne, 7alfred.com.au

Yaowarat

Melbourne has plenty of Thai restaurants, but few like Yaowarat, which draws on the dishes of Thailand’s Chinese diaspora. The warehouse-style setting – concrete ceilings, exposed brick and tchotchkes lining the walls – feels fun and unfussy, while the food stays sharp. Spicy salads and sizzling plates suit group dining, and sub-$20 lunch specials make it an easy midday meet-up spot.

7-9 Waratah Place, Melbourne, instagram.com/yaowarat.melbourne

Saadi

Modern Indian dining concept Saadi has roamed around Melbourne for several years but now has a permanent home. The evening set menu sits at $85 a head, while lunch sets start at $45. A la carte is also available on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Dishes pull from regions across India but get a contemporary treatment, and seasonal Victorian produce is always the star. Start with idli – steamed rice cakes with house-made chutney – then explore the minimal-intervention wine list.

18 Punch Lane, Melbourne, saadimelbourne.com

Le Pub

In a city increasingly ruled by rigid dining, the ease of Le Pub is refreshing. Walk-ins only, counter service and a brief handwritten menu are the MO. Food leans British, from an old-school oxtail-and-snail pie finished with bone marrow to a festive-feeling bread and butter pudding. There are also favourites such as chicken schnitzel, all for the crowd-pleasing price of $30 or less. Don’t skip a browse of the wall full of wine.

380 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne, instagram.com/lepubmelbourne

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