the waiters restaurant
Everyone talks about where chef’s eat. Well, this is where the waiters eat. Tucked upstairs off a Melbourne laneway, The Waiters Restaurant has been dishing it out since 1947—long before hidden restaurants were a trend. It’s got history (including a standoff over the release of Mark ‘Chopper’ Read—true story), but these days it’s all about low-key charm, good company, and seriously satisfying food. The vibe is old-school Italian, no fuss, no pretense. Think big bowls of pasta, rich sauces, and a BYO policy that keeps the good times rolling. It’s not flashy, but that’s the point. The real ones know.