Stokehouse

Good Food hat15/20Critics' PickUpdated October 12, 2026,first published November 18, 2024Good Food hat15/20Critics' PickStokehouseSeafood$$$The quintessential bayside beauty offers easy glamour at elevated prices. On a clear day, the water sparkles over the beach and the dining room glints with polished glassware and blindingly white teeth. Is there anywhere you’d rather be? Informed, unpretentious staff might suggest an immaculate cocktail or a glass of something French to start. Most tables assemble iced platters of creamy oysters, pristine king prawns and sweet marron from a menu that spotlights local seafood. Mains are generally individual serves rather than shared plates (radical these days). Try a translucent fillet of Murray cod in a savoury crab reduction, or rich wagyu with smoky bordelaise. Everything is beautifully presented, from a seashell of house-made butter to a twist on lemon meringue pie encased in white chocolate. The bill could make you squint, but this is not a place to scrimp. Order the bread, order dessert, or even order the lobster. You only live once. Editors’ note: Stokehouse changed owners and executive chef between our reviewer’s visit and the time of publication. This review will be updated to reflect these changes after it reopens in November.Good to know: Downstairs, new venue Marea Beach House & Bar opens in late October with a more casual menu of southern European dishes.Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox.Sign upGood Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant can’t pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide.Last visited: June 2026More:St KildaStokehouseMelbourneSeafoodAccepts bookingsSeparate barVegan-friendlyPrivate dining roomGood for solo dinersGreat or interesting viewGood for business lunchGood for groupsLicensedLong lunchGreat for steakGluten-free optionsVegetarian-friendlyRestaurantReviewsGood Food GuideCritics’ PickFrom our partners