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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.
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. In other words, you’ll need to bring your own glasses (and discretion) but you could really bring as many people as you want. They have cheap beers at Asia Unique if you don’t feel like wine. Long live Paramount.
Pork belly with Chinese broccoli at Mee Dee, Number 43 or spicy dry tom yum pork noodles at Asia Unique, eggplant curry at Ceylon wok
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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. Call ahead to request the big round table up front that fits 10.
Squab, crab, chicken soup with wonton mee, braised pork in pumpkin
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. There's a private dining room with room for up to 14 who have to all be on the set menu.
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. They've got a private room that fits up to 18 people on one big long table.
Pancake, bibimbap, spicy potato and pork neck bone hot pot, marinated beef & mushroom hot pot
Spicy! Northern! Chinese! Sticks! You'll have to BYO vibe as well as wine because there's no music to be found here– just the smoke alarm going off every 25 minutes or so. This place is perfect for the many, especially groups with vegetarians and GF friends. Order in rounds and make some left-choices like soft pork bones or grilled gluten. Book ahead because this place is chokkers every night that it's open but you'll be able to squeeze around 10 people in on some tables they'll stick together.
Lamb skewer, chicken wings, garlic chives, lamb ribs, cucumber salad, spicy oil split noodles, bean jelly salad