Private Dining Melbourne: Where Good Food Meets Great Company
There’s something magical about having a space entirely to yourself. You know that feeling when you walk into a restaurant and think, “What if this whole place was just for us tonight?” Well, at Mr Brightside in Caulfield – just 10 kilometres south-east of Melbourne’s CBD – that’s exactly what we offer.
Private Dining That Actually Feels Private
Let’s be honest – most “private dining rooms” in Melbourne are just cordoned-off corners where you can still hear every conversation from the main restaurant. We do things differently. When you book our venue hire, you get the entire space. No awkward partitions, no competing conversations, just you and your guests in our beautifully transformed cafe-turned-elegant-evening-venue.
Our cozy day-time cafe transforms into something quite special after hours. Think warm lighting that makes everyone look their best, intimate table settings that encourage conversation, and an atmosphere that feels both sophisticated and wonderfully relaxed.
What Makes Our Private Dining Special
Exclusive Use Only – When we say private, we mean it. The entire venue is yours, creating an intimate atmosphere that’s impossible to achieve in shared spaces.
Flexible Capacity – Accommodate up to 50 seated guests inside or 40 seated on outside tables. Perfect for everything from intimate birthday dinners to larger engagement parties.
Restaurant-Quality Catering – Our customised menus feature the same high-quality ingredients and attention to detail that our regular customers love, tailored specifically for your event.
Full Alcohol License – From champagne toasts to carefully curated wine pairings, we can provide complete beverage service for your celebration.
Convenient Parking – Free on-street parking is available in the surrounding area, making it easy for local guests from Brighton, Malvern, Ormond, and across Melbourne’s South East to attend without the parking stress.
Function Rooms That Work for Every Occasion
Birthday Celebrations
Birthdays deserve more than a corner table at a busy restaurant. Whether it’s an intimate gathering of close friends or a milestone celebration, our private dining space creates the perfect backdrop for making memories. Contemporary private dining trends emphasise sustainable dining options, and we’re happy to accommodate dietary preferences that make everyone feel included.
Engagement Parties
Celebrating your engagement should feel as special as the moment itself. Our intimate venue hire provides the perfect setting for sharing your joy with loved ones, complete with customised menus and beverage service that matches the significance of the occasion.
Corporate Functions & Product Launches
Corporate events don’t have to be stuffy affairs in sterile conference rooms. Our after-hours venue hire offers a refreshing alternative for product launches, brand activations, and team celebrations. The relaxed yet professional atmosphere encourages genuine connection – something that’s often missing from traditional corporate venues.
Kids’ Parties (With a Difference)
Yes, we do kids’ parties – but with a twist. Our private dining space can be transformed into a magical setting for special occasions, complete with customised menus that satisfy both little ones and the adults who love them.
Dining for Large Groups Made Easy
One of the biggest challenges with dining for large groups is finding a venue that can actually accommodate everyone comfortably. Melbourne’s restaurant scene is fantastic, but many places struggle with groups larger than 8-10 people. Our function venue solves this problem elegantly.
Event Setup Configurations
| Setup Style | Indoor Capacity | Outdoor Capacity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formal Dining | 40 seated | 40 seated | Engagement parties, corporate dinners |
| Cocktail Style | 60 standing | 60 standing | Product launches, networking events |
| Mixed Setup | 25 seated + 15 standing | 25 seated + 15 standing | Birthday celebrations, casual gatherings |
Event Space Hire That Includes Everything
When you book our private dining venue, you’re not just hiring a space – you’re getting a complete experience. Here’s what’s included:
Professional Setup – We handle all the details, from table arrangements to lighting, ensuring your event looks effortlessly elegant.
Customised Menus – Work with our team to create menus that reflect your preferences, dietary requirements, and the nature of your celebration.
Full Service Staff – Our experienced team provides attentive service throughout your event, allowing you to focus on your guests.
Event Support – From initial planning to final cleanup, we’re here to ensure your function runs smoothly.
Why Choose Mr Brightside for Your Function Venue
Melbourne has no shortage of restaurants for birthday dinners or halls for hire, but finding the perfect balance of intimacy, quality, and service can be challenging. Located in the heart of Caulfield and easily accessible for residents of Brighton, Malvern, Ormond, and surrounding southeastern suburbs, here’s why our private dining consistently exceeds expectations:
Intimate Scale – We’re not trying to be everything to everyone. Our focus is on creating perfect experiences for groups of 20-50 people.
Quality Over Quantity – Every dish is prepared with the same care we put into our regular cafe service, just scaled up for your group.
Personal Attention – As an independent venue, we can be flexible and responsive to your specific needs in ways that larger establishments simply can’t match.
Unique Atmosphere – Our venue has personality and character that creates natural conversation starters and memorable moments.
Ready to Create Something Special?
Melbourne’s private dining scene is evolving, and we’re proud to offer something genuinely different from our Caulfield location. Whether you’re a local from Brighton, Malvern or Ormond, or coming from Melbourne’s CBD for an intimate birthday celebration, a milestone engagement party, or a corporate function that people will actually remember fondly, our venue hire provides the perfect foundation for unforgettable moments.
The beauty of true private dining lies in those spontaneous moments – the impromptu toasts, the unexpected conversations, the laughter that fills the entire space because it’s yours for the evening. That’s what we’re here to create.
Contact us today to discuss your private dining requirements and discover how we can transform your next celebration into something truly special.
Our team is ready to help you plan every detail, from customised menus to seamless service, ensuring your function reflects your vision and exceeds your expectations.
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Private Dining Enquiry Form
Private Dining & Events Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book your private dining space?
We recommend booking 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for weekend events. However, we can sometimes accommodate shorter notice bookings depending on availability.
What's included in the venue hire cost?
We don’t charge a venue hire fee, but you’ll need to meet our minimum spend requirements for food and beverages. Private dining bookings include exclusive use of the space, professional setup, service staff, and basic audio equipment. Special decorations can be arranged and are quoted separately based on your requirements.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Absolutely. We regularly cater for gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, and other dietary requirements. Just let us know when booking, and we’ll ensure everyone’s needs are met.
Is there a minimum spend requirement?
Yes, we have minimum spend requirements that vary depending on the day of the week and time of year. Contact us for specific details based on your event date.
What hours is private dining available?
Our private dining is available after regular cafe hours, typically from 6pm – 11pm, weekdays or weekends.
Do you provide entertainment or decorations?
We can arrange basic decorations and have connections with local entertainment providers. For more elaborate setups, we’re happy to work with your chosen suppliers.
Do you offer private dining catering for home events?
Yes, we provide private dining catering services for your home or external venue. Our catering packages include customised menus with delivery and setup options. Please contact us to discuss your specific requirements and pricing.
What's your venue capacity?
We can accommodate up to 50 seated guests inside or 40 seated on outside tables. For cocktail-style events, we can host up to 60 standing guests. We also offer mixed setups with 25 seated plus 15 standing guests.
What types of events do you cater for?
We cater for birthday celebrations, engagement parties, corporate events, product launches, team celebrations, and children’s parties. Our venue is perfect for intimate gatherings of 20-50 people.
Do you have a full alcohol license?
Yes, we have a full alcohol license and can provide complete beverage service including champagne toasts and carefully curated wine pairings for your celebration.