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Restaurant

Diner on Franklin

1/245 Franklin St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Recommended by 47 people

Updated

Find Diner on Franklin

1/245 Franklin St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

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HoursMonday: Closed Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Diner on Franklin

Run by a couple on Franklin Street, this low-profile spot serves nourishing Korean comfort food built around thoughtfully assembled babsang sets. The footprint is deliberately compact—best suited for solo diners or pairs rather than big crews. Patrons single out the bubbling soft tofu seafood stew and rich kimchi soup with pork bone, alongside crunchy Korean fried chicken. Make sure to order the banchan set, which turns each meal into a full spread with carefully prepped sides like seasoned cauliflower.

  • Curated Babsang Sets: Meals center on curated individual spreads with prepped side dishes like seasoned cauliflower rather than communal table refills.
  • Suited for Solo and Duo Dining: A compact, couple-run dining room with minimal decor that caters smoothly to solo diners and twosomes.
RestaurantKoreanRestaurant

What's On at Diner on Franklin

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Choose Diner on Franklin

Thoughtful homestyle Korean dining in an intimate, couple-run setting

  • Authentic, Comforting Stews

    Homestyle Korean stews like soft tofu and kimchi soup are cooked with rich depth and served steaming hot.

    I got the soft tofu seafood stew and my friend got the kimchi stew, we both loved it!

    Zoe Chen

  • Carefully Crafted Banchan Sets

    Banchan are served as curated meal sets prepared with evident attention to detail.

    Highly recommend ordering with the banchan (side dishes) - it felt like a lot of care went into preparing these.

    Zoe Chen

  • Clean and Homely Atmosphere

    The low-profile space offers a calm, welcoming environment free from the hustle of large venues.

    Lovely, clean and comfortable restaurant with a homely vibe.

    Zoe Chen

  • Warm, Couple-Run Hospitality

    Operated directly by a Korean couple, dining feels personal and community-centered.

    It’s a small place ran by a Korean couple and they are super nice and welcoming ~~~

    MARINA LITINSKAYA

  • Tailored for Solo Diners

    Individual dining sets provide balanced, wholesome dining tailored conveniently for solo patrons.

    The sets are perfect for a nutritious lunch or dinner for one

    MARINA LITINSKAYA

  • Intimate Setting for Duos and Solos

    An intimate layout focused on small tables keeps the environment calm and suited for individuals or pairs rather than crowds.

    Small place - definitely don’t come in a big group.

    樱木花

Comforting, authentic Korean classics and curated babsang sets

  • Soft Tofu Seafood Stew

    I got the soft tofu seafood stew and my friend got the kimchi stew, we both loved it!

    Zoe Chen

  • Kimchi Stew

    I got the soft tofu seafood stew and my friend got the kimchi stew, we both loved it!

    Zoe Chen

  • KFC (Korean Fried Chicken)

    Amazing KFC - large tender and crisp light batter has me craving this now while I write this.

    L P

  • Beef Bulgogi Babsang

    They have a good lunchtime special where it's slightly cheaper and we got the beef bulgogi and KFC babsangs. Was it worth it? Definitely!

    The Mog Champ

Frequently Asked Questions

Are side dishes (banchan) complimentary with every meal?

Side dishes (banchan) are not served automatically or complimentary like at some traditional Korean restaurants. To get banchan, make sure to order the dedicated banchan sets or babsang.

Is Diner on Franklin suitable for large groups?

The dining room is very compact and run by a couple, making it best suited for solo diners or pairs. Visiting in a large group is not recommended due to limited space and seating.

Does the restaurant offer a lunch special?

Yes, lunch specials such as the beef bulgogi and KFC (Korean Fried Chicken) babsangs are available at a slightly cheaper price during lunchtime.

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