Melbourne has fantastic restuarants so if you're looking for a venue for a special occasion, you will be spoilt for choice.

For fine seafood by the beach, you can't go past Donovans at St Kilda.

Or the just next door is the Stokehouse, another good restaurant overlooking the water. (Upstairs for fine dining, downstairs for more casual fare.)

If Asian food is your preference, Flower Drum is considered one of the best in Australia (at least).

For great Italian, Grossi Florentino in the city is great. For a special occasions splurge, request a table in Florentino's Mural Room.

Try Cecconi's Cantina at 61 Flinder Lane.  Its Italian but there is no pizza and only a few pasta dishes on the menu. The chicken lasagne with truffled cream its highly recommended.  The food is fantastic and the room is beautifully elegant. Its not cheap but considering the quality of the food, service and venue its not overpriced either.

A great place is the rambling enjoyment of Melbournes quaint Colonial Tramcar Restaurant, that operates, daily for lunch & Dinner.

Rockpool has recently opened in the Crown Entertainment complex. Service and decor are first rate. The restaurant specialises in the best steaks and seafood. 

For a good restaurant in Southgate try Pure South which specialises in Tasmanian produce. Everyting on the menu is good and the steak is highly recommended.

There are so many to choose from, you could also ask a local for a recommendation.