We love BYO restaurants because the best things in life are shared. However, finding spaces to share things is another question, especially when the group chat exceeds eight people. These are the places we go when we’re bringing people together, arranged on a scale that starts at food court to bougie private dining rooms (you figure it out). We recommend bringing your own corkscrew to minimise disruption (for both one’s thirst and staff). Depending on your level of wine wankery, BYO glasses. Make sure you order a round of beers so you’re not putting restaurants out and ALWAYS tip when dining as a big group (it’s only fair when you’re taking up so much space, physically and in decibels).
A fabulous spot to hang out and drink wine while enjoying a variety of independent Thai, Sri Lankan, Korean and Chinese vendors. Not ‘officially’ BYO, but the food court is licensed, so you’ll need to bring your own glasses (and discretion). They have cheap beers at Asia Unique if you don’t feel like wine. Long live Paramount.
Pork belly with Chinese broccoli at Me Dee, spicy dry tom yum pork noodles at Asia Unique, eggplant curry at Ceylon wok.
When a place is in the burbs, cash only and 3.8 stars on Google Maps, you know it’s on target. Long deserved accolade, Jim’s food is a one-stop Cantonese Hotel Banquet whose craft rivals the best of Melbourne’s cuisine. Use Google Translate to access the seasonal menu board at the rear of the restaurant. They might not let you see the menu, but Grace will make sure you order right.
No private room, but you can request the big round table up front that fits 10.
Squab, crab, chicken soup with wonton mee, braised pork in pumpkin
A Collingwood stalwart for over twenty years, this Singaporean joint serves hawker classics in a cosy Victorian terrace. The proprietors are passionate about their cuisine, with deep knowledge to show how slight differences in ingredients and cooking set it apart from Malaysian cuisine. Bring a crowd and order generously.
Stir-fried radish cakes, prawn curry
The classic that I left unconsidered for too long. Organic, seasonal Italian – basically a farm-to-table osteria in the middle of Carlton. Corkage isn’t cheap, so it’s the kind of place to bring your best botts (in the name of value). If you’re in the private room and with the ~*wine wankers*~ the team can adjust the set menu to complement the wines.
Anything and everything seasonal and the classics.
Hansang, a Sydneysider classic, opened Surangsang in Melbourne and we’re blessed. There’s a bottomless banchan, a whole page of Korean pancake variations to try, and countless large-format stews and sides for groups. A bit dearer than other Korean places but makes up for it in both quality and choice.
There's a private room, for up to 18 people on one big long table.
Pancake, bibimbap, spicy potato and pork neck bone hot pot, marinated beef & mushroom hot pot
April 25, 2025