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Restaurant

The Moat

176 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Recommended by 33 people

Updated

Find The Moat

176 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 3 9094 7820
HoursMonday: Closed Tuesday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: Closed

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About The Moat

Tucked beneath the State Library, this candlelit basement den serves handmade pasta, fresh kingfish crudo, and Italian pours away from the city rush. Gingham-clad tables glow under low light surrounded by books and art, creating an easy sanctuary for date nights and celebrations. Regulars drop down the stairs early for the daily four-to-six aperitivo window before settling into warm house focaccia, prawn-and-calamari tagliatelle, and chocolate mousse finished with olive oil.

  • Subterranean Library Den: Set beneath the State Library with moody lighting, artwork, and book-lined walls that create an intimate retreat from the CBD.
  • Authentic Italian Fare: Features house-made focaccia, kingfish crudo, calamari tagliatelle, and rich chocolate mousse spiked with olive oil.
  • Aperitivo & Happy Hour: Hosts a daily 4pm to 6pm session for early cocktails and mocktails before the evening dinner rush.
  • Milestone-Worthy Service: Staff provide warm, tailored hospitality that turns anniversaries and birthdays into effortless celebrations.
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What's On at The Moat

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

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Choose The Moat

Discover why diners choose this subterranean library refuge for milestones, aperitivo hours, and date nights.

  • Subterranean Den Ambiance

    Descending beneath the State Library into a dark, candlelit haven filled with art and literature offers an immediate escape from the bustling city streets.

    Downstairs under State Library a very dark room, with lots of moody lighting, art and books. Like a den.

    Sam Keir

  • Intimate Candlelit Dining

    Gingham-dressed tables softly lit by candlelight set a tailored, romantic backdrop designed for intimate anniversary dinners and memorable dates.

    gingham-clad tables intimately spread across the space whilst being softly illuminated by candlelight

    Jess

  • Attentive Milestone Care

    Dedicated waitstaff tailor the evening with attentive recommendations and complimentary celebratory touches that elevate milestone moments.

    Checking in often, and was very kind, and did all the little things to what felt like an experience tailored to us.

    Ash Bloom

  • Secluded City Sanctuary

    Guests find a welcoming, cocoon-like refuge right in the city center where sincere hospitality makes every visitor feel genuinely cherished.

    The impeccable attention, they make you feel like a princess. It is what I call Serendipity, a jewel of a place in the heart of the CBD.

    Janice Haynes

  • Pre-Event Happy Hour Bridge

    A dedicated daily 4pm to 6pm happy hour allows patrons to transition smoothly into the evening with well-crafted drinks and plates before nighttime plans.

    The happy hour between 4 and 6pm was amazing and gave us the perfect chance to relax before heading off to our evening event.

    Gordana Janev

  • Early Aperitivo Seating

    Guests can settle in early ahead of dinner reservations to sip aperitivo cocktails and savor fresh Italian bites at an unhurried pace.

    We were booked in for 6pm for dinner but we were able to be seated early enjoy happy hour cocktails, mocktails before dinner.

    eclair5912

Guest favorites from our Italian subterranean kitchen

  • Focaccia

    The standout dishes were the homemade focaccia, kingfish crudo, and the tiramisu.

    Chris L

  • Kingfish Crudo

    The standout dishes were the homemade focaccia, kingfish crudo, and the tiramisu.

    Chris L

  • Pistachio Tiramisu

    Great good, staff lovely, wine all good and the pistachio tiramisu was sublime.

    Jenny Jones

  • Mushroom Ravioli

    we had ordered the mushroom ravioli and the pasta special.

    Ash Bloom

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful hospitality gestures and tailored dining care at The Moat

  • Milestone Birthday & Celebration Apéritifs

    Guests arriving to celebrate milestone events are greeted with welcoming touches like gelato upon arrival and complimentary celebratory apéritifs.

  • Dedicated Gluten-Free Pasta Craft

    The kitchen offers dedicated gluten-free pasta that reviewers cite as genuine standout quality rather than a standard compromise.

  • Tailored Dining & Wine Guidance

    Servers take time to guide menu choices and offer tailored recommendations for specials, wines, and pairing selections throughout dinner.

  • Chef-Curated Table Sharing Plates

    For group gatherings, the kitchen and service team curate tailored sharing plate selections directly for the table, taking the guesswork out of ordering.

Before you head over

Practical dining tips for visiting The Moat

  • Catch Early Happy Hour Drinks

    Arrive between 4pm and 6pm to enjoy happy hour cocktails and drinks before dinner seatings or pre-show plans.

  • Reserve for Special Celebrations

    Book ahead for milestone birthdays and anniversaries so the staff can provide tailored hospitality and table touches.

  • Ask for the Daily Specials

    Look out for rotating specials alongside the core menu, including handmade pasta and daily chef creations.

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