Choosing the right venue for a special event is about more than just space - it’s about atmosphere, personality and, of course, unforgettable food. Whether you’re planning a chic rooftop engagement, a rustic birthday lunch with views or a family celebration steeped in tradition, the setting should impress, inspire and satisfy.
We’ve scouted four standout venues across Victoria and New South Wales that tick every box. These spots don’t just offer function rooms - they deliver dining experiences that elevate every occasion. From elegant gnocchi and espresso Martinis in Gippsland to slow-roasted Greek meat in Eltham, each of these venues brings a unique flavour to the table, both literally and figuratively.
Set over three vibrant levels on Seymour Street, MOMO brings industrial-chic flair to Traralgon with a strong focus on community and connection. This thoughtfully designed venue features a welcoming ground-level restaurant, an intimate upstairs function room and a striking rooftop deck that practically begs for Champagne toasts at sunset. MOMO is the kind of place where every occasion feels elevated - whether you’re planning a sophisticated corporate gathering or a casual rooftop cocktail soirée. Warm service and a commitment to local produce seal the deal.
Start the day with a café classic elevated: fluffy scrambled eggs spiced with confit chilli, spring onions and chorizo, served atop toasted sourdough. Come evening, the menu takes a contemporary turn. Prawn and ginger dumplings drizzled in hoisin and topped with sesame and crispy shallots make an irresistible pairing with an Espresso Martini. Mains like handmade gnocchi, drenched in 12-hour braised lamb ragu and finished with Grana Padano, fuse comforting textures with rich, nuanced flavours - ideal fare for any celebration.
Positioned on the scenic Bells Line of Road, Kurmond Social makes the most of its idyllic backdrop. Think sprawling decks overlooking lush rolling hills, a rustic stone façade and relaxed interiors brought to life with wine barrels and geometric lighting. Whether you're sipping wine by the fireplace or hosting a lively alfresco lunch, this multi-purpose venue has function versatility down to a fine art. With capacity for more than 150 seated guests or up to 200 for a cocktail affair, it’s a top pick for milestone events.
The menu leans into bold Italian flavours and seasonal freshness. Kick off your culinary journey with creamy garlic prawns or grilled octopus in spicy tomato sugo. Handmade pasta steals the show, like the linguine laced with spanner crab, cherry tomatoes, chilli and lemon - a dish that sings with brightness and depth. For mains, the veal saltimbocca delivers a timeless punch with its layers of prosciutto, provolone and sage, offset by smashed chats and a delicate white wine jus.
Stepping into Kuzina is like stepping into a Greek family kitchen - warm, welcoming and deeply rooted in tradition. Located on Eltham’s Main Road, this venue is as much about heart as it is about heritage. Designed to celebrate life’s milestones in an authentically Mediterranean setting, Kuzina offers tailored function experiences for everything from intimate christenings to corporate events with cultural flair. The space is elegantly understated, letting the spirit of togetherness shine.
The food is a love letter to Greek and Cypriot home cooking. Begin with mezze - perhaps the char-grilled octopus or Cypriot pork sausages with creamy tahini. Then dive into a generous Gyros platter featuring lamb or chicken cooked over charcoal and served with warm pita and silky tzatziki. Seafood lovers will want to try the prawn saganaki, baked in a rich tomato sauce with melty kefalograviera and crumbled feta. A sweet ending of baklava paired with velvety vanilla ice cream completes the experience - perfect for any celebratory gathering.
Mittagong Hotel – Mittagong NSW
History meets modern hospitality at the Mittagong Hotel, a Southern Highlands institution dating back to 1890. This character-rich venue has played many roles - from film set to local favourite - but today it’s known for its eclectic mix of spaces and a refreshingly contemporary bistro menu. The Cottage, nestled within the hotel’s courtyard, serves as an adaptable backdrop for everything from weddings to cocktail soirées. It’s intimate, charming and full of heritage character.
Food here plays confidently with bold flavours and fresh Aussie produce. Entrées like nduja-spiked mussels with toasted sourdough, or tuna crudo with lime and pickled shallots, set the tone. Mains span from comforting to elevated: think BBQ pork ribs with Moroccan slaw or silky linguine tangled with prawns, chilli and basil. It’s a menu that balances nostalgia and innovation, making it ideal for those looking to celebrate in both style and substance.
Function venues are evolving - no longer just places to gather, but destinations in their own right. Each of these four venues brings its own flavour to the function space game, combining atmosphere with artistry on the plate. Whether you're planning a once-in-a-lifetime celebration or a casual yet considered affair, these destinations ensure the food is as memorable as the occasion itself.
