Where To Eat & Drink In Melbourne

You can find possibly the world’s best curry puff at a tiny Eurasian bakery in Carnegie. The delicately spiced potato, wrapped in a perfectly laminated pain suisse pastry, is just the start of their offering.

Bruno Fine Foods is your favourite Italian restaurant's favourite food and beverage supplier. 

With a new chef at the helm and girl dinners to boot, Molli is back baby. The funky diner, heavy on the smoky grill and local produce has flipped their own script after feedback from locals that it wasn’t quite what they were after.

Step into the heart of warm Mexican food culture at La Tortillería, a traditional yet casual eatery where soulful, bona fide flavours take centre stage. From hand-pressed tortillas to housemade salsas, every dish is a humble homage to Mexico’s rich culinary heritage.

From the team behind beloved suburban gems Riserva, Baia Di Vino and Lucia comes Breadcetera—a fresh neighbourhood concept where daily essentials meet delightful discoveries.

South Melbourne institution O’Connell’s—slinging pints since 1873, has scored the esteemed head chef Aaron Brodie (ex-Oakridge) and his signature woodfire cooking, produce-first approach.

Rumble Coffee Roasters has officially opened the doors to its new espresso bar in the heart of Kensington, marking an exciting new chapter for the Melbourne-based specialty roaster.

Quirky cocktails, confit duck cigars and a roaming vintage cheese trolley are all on the cards at this intimate, subterranean art deco supper club. 

Inspired by Lan Kwai Fong in Hong Kong, LKF Bar radiates everything the world-famous nightlife district is known for: food, booze, music and a big, big energy. Think private karaoke bar meets delicious dining experience.

If you've been watching the ever-growing trend of coffee shop DJ sets with eager eyes, you'd better get down to Cremorne's newest venue OnAir. 

Adorable fish-shaped waffles, Matilda-inspired chocolate cake, and an Oriental Bloody Mary... If the perfect Asian-inspired brunch exists, it's got to be this. 

Chapati's new Crossley Street home continues its reign as one of the city's most vibrant modern Indian kitchens, but it's the daring upstairs addition—Daaru cocktail bar—that's really setting tongues wagging (and burning). This dynamic duo delivers a complete spice experience, from street food to cocktails, under one roof.

Como Lane might be the most South Yarra opening South Yarra has seen in a good long time. Oozing European class, the 60-seater indoor outdoor cafe sits flush with Como House, an historic mansion owned by the National Trust, dating back to 1847. 

We don’t want to be dramatic but if we could only live off one food group for the rest of our lives, it would be carbs from Little Sister Bakery.

Nestled in the heart of Geelong's Newtown, Woolstore offers a unique and inviting dining experience within a century-old woolstore building. This exciting venue brings together the talents of the team behind the Federal Mills precinct and the culinary brilliance of award-winning head chef Eli Grubb.

The city's smallest bakery (well, distributor of baked goods at least) Agathé Pâtisserie Petite has grown into a bigger space, but still in Royal Arcade.

In a “love letter” to the two places that Duy and Shy cherish most, the quaint Japanese cafe Osoi, is a celebration of Melbourne’s specialty coffee scene and Japan’s rich tea culture.

For an authentic taste of Italy—the kind Nonna would be proud of—make tracks to Melbourne Arancini.

This South Yarra wine bar built a cult following before its first pour, and we'd say the highly anticipated wait has been worth it. 

Bang Bang is a certified banger. The bustling hawker-style Pan Asian restaurant is bold, fun, and not pretentious in any sense of the world. The crew have done such a good job with their vibrant dishes that they've gone and done it again, opening a third location. 

Suupaa is where convenience meets culinary creativity—consider Japanese konbini vibes with a Melbournian twist. The latest venture from the visionaries behind Future Future, this quirky little spot is redefining the “grab-and-go” experience.

Get 'em while they’re hot! Miss Amelie Gourmet Pies has expanded its Melbourne presence with a new location at the historic Queen Victoria Market, offering pie lovers a taste of their award-winning creations.

Finally, somewhere that serves a Dirty Martini as it should be—on a silver platter. This speakeasy bar will transport you back into another century, the hardest part is just finding it. 

This farm to table restaurant set in the rugged, wild beauty of Cape Schanck on the Mornington Peninsula is bringing a whole new dimension to destination dining.

We said it once but we’ll say it again—we’re not sure when Saul’s will stop opening new stores, but we’re absolutely not complaining if we saw that iconic logo on a corner of every Melbourne suburb.

Is Baker Bleu the return of the neighbourhood bakery? With their third location in Cremorne, we might just be feeling that little bit extra European here in Melbourne.

Blink and you'll miss it on Smith Street. Brewsmith is Fitzroy’s latest gem, proving that great things truly come in small packages.

This new everything venue on the Crown River Walk is the perfect spot for just that: everything. Marmont, heavily inspired by Los Angeles in both decor and menu is a little slice of SoCal on Southbank.

The latest venue by Toddy Shop’s Mischa Tropp is modelled after old school Bengali cricket clubs and members bars in India and is serving up up astutely spiced curries and a moody atmosphere that’s perfect for everything from dates to catch-ups or family feasts.

Beneath Flinders Street Station you’ll find this mysterious yet timeless basement bar oozing with old world charm.

This little New York-coded diner on Toorak Road giving big Great Gatsby vibes is the spot for a cheeky mid-week meal out or a terrace cocktail.

Melbourne’s finest Japanese diner, Ishizuka is an intimate spectacle, serving up elaborate, thoughtful and tantalising banquets, tucked away on a basement level down a lane off Bourke Street.

Whip out your notes app, because you’ll want to try the slurp-worthy noodles and mouth-watering curries at your new go-to Thai-slinging eating house, Plern.

True to its name, Milkbar is serving up your favourite café classics but reimagined: think old-school Aussie milk bar with a touch of Melbourne flair. The option to add a side of yellowfin tuna tartar to your morning eggs on toast, if you will.

Mont Blanc lovers, prepare to bookmark this one for your next coffee date. Nestled amongst the Collingwood warehouse offices is Secondipity Roasters, a Korean-style micro roastery and bakery.

Crumbed and deep-fried. Need we say more? Tucked away downstairs off Queen Street is Katsuhon is serving up six different kinds of mouthwatering and traditional Japanese katsu.

Trading the desk for the dough, the Mornington Peninsula local and ex-Urban List ed turned pizza devotee Simon Cassar, has parked his pop-up venture, Pizza Luna, at Quealy Winemakers for a summer residency takeover.

Mr Charlie's is a tongue-in-cheek homage to the world’s most famous burger chain but with a completely plant-based menu.

Fire and spice and all things nice are the name of the game at Juni, the moody, neon clad pan-Asian diner on Exhibition Street.

Rising to institution status after garnering attention for its unorthodox location in a parking garage, Soi 38 has moved to yet another inconspicuous spot—but now accommodating five times the capacity of its former 60-seat venue.

What's there not to like about Greek food? Especially when it's as good as it gets at Astoria Bar Ke Grill. 

Iconic CBD restaurant Red Spice Road has new digs, but you'll be happy to know it's just a short stroll from their former location.

Lacey-edged smash burgers, loaded subs and tacos, is there anything we don't want to eat at BAM Street Food, who have moved from their food truck into a bricks and mortar home in Altona.

Get that party shirt out and your drinking thongs on, Moon Dog’s fifth monster concept venue in Frankston serving up tropical cocktails and craft brews for days

This Melbourne-staple has truly stood the test of time and when a new generation of the family took over, expanded into a very hip (and much more relaxed) Fitzroy outpost, and then headed over west to Highpoint.

Yes, it is in Mid-Air. This open-air architecturally designed rooftop is a stunning addition to Melbourne's skyline and your must-do list.

Who else would dare serve up a Royale with Cheese inspired by Quentin Tarantino’s 1994 masterpiece Pulp Fiction? Naturally, it’s Brighton’s own burger institution, Royale.

Darts are back, baby.  If you’re anything like us and have been craving something to do while consuming a tasty beverage, Flight Club’s social darts and cocktails situation is exactly what the doctor ordered.

Sitting pretty atop a Cremorne tenth floor is none other than Amatrice, a swish Italian joint that’s changing the rooftop bar game.

Self-proclaimed G.O.A.T of Mexican restaurants, La Cabra are set to take their chill vibe and tangy flavours to Melbourne’s Bayside, heading for Main Street in Mordialloc.

Cheri, the latest everything venue by the Darling Group (that’s the Top Paddock and Higher Ground crew, for the uninitiated) in South Melbourne and it bumps.

Marmelo and Mr Mills promise to bring bold flavors and unmatched vibes to the Paris end of Russell Street, next to boutique hotel Melbourne Place.

Mondo di Pasta is living up to its name (world of pasta, for those of us who can’t speak Italian) with genre-bending flavours like a sizzling harissa carbonara or gochujang vodka sauce, and even a jamun–black plum—tiramisu for dessert.

There’s a lovely no-nonsense feel to Lorenzo Tron and Roberto Davoli's Pizzeria in Pascoe Vale South. Bubbling thin-crust pizzas issue forth from the glowing mouth of a giant wood-fired oven, and it’s clear they’re the star attraction. The restaurant didn’t even offer salads and pasta when it opened (the theory being they took up valuable stomach space that could be better filled with dough, salami and cheese).

Wallet friendly, easy on the tastebuds and always a good time, Luther's Scoops tasty flavours are becoming iconic, just like the queues they draw off Sydney Road when it's hot.

Say hello to Frankie’s Pie Shop—bringing the fluffy, crispy pastry snack to the Fitzroy Mills Market in a not-so-normal kinda way. What we mean is you won’t see your classic pie flavours in this joint, which is expected when it’s brought to life by an ex-Farmer’s Daughters and Marion chef, Francesca Giorgi Monfort.

San Sebastian is a desired travel destination known for its top-notch cuisine and sandy  village energy—and definitely not something you would expect to find on the shores of Williamstown Beach. Yet here we are, a restaurant that will have you feeling like you’re holidaying in the Basque region.

Amongst the bustling food scene of Swan Street, family-owned Casa Mariotti Bar and Cucina is the newest kid on the block. 

We said hooroo to the sticky carpets, now we can say hello to some tasty craft beers because The Bendigo Hotel has began life anew as the new home to fellow Collingwood staple, The Mill Brewery

Melbourne has a stack of bars, but none are quite like this, blending Filipino culture and contemporary cocktails into a delicious drinkable treat—say hello to Inuman. The name is a nod to tradition, derived from the Tagalog word ‘to drink.’ 

Rarely will you find the words castle and nonchalant in the same sentence, and yet that's Overnewton Castle for you—a delightfully unpretentious escape from the city. In this Bridgerton-esque, heritage-listed homestead, there’s no expectation to frock up, only to soak in the lush surrounds.

Zero95 is a go-to spot for pizza lovers in Melbourne, and it's easy to see why this pizzeria is so well-loved. Known for their authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas, Zero95 has perfected the art of creating the ideal wood-fired crust.

Say what you like about South Wharf, but it’s moving in the right direction. This used to be the place you came for Jeff’s Shed exhibitions, DFO shopping and ignoring the Polly Woodside.

It’s no secret that Italy’s cafe culture is top-notch. The melange of European charm, elegant aesthetics and community all bundled into your morning espresso is irresistible. Luckily for us, Melbourne has scored a(nother) taste of this prestige in the heart of Cremorne—Caffé Amatrice.

Think pizza couldn't get any better? Think again.

Rossi is the place to be on Greville Street. A stylish, yet industrial diner, Rossi Bar is the Italian osteria from Nick Young of Good Company Bar Group (Riviera Beach Club, Electric, The Emerson). 

Nestled between skyscapers in the eternal hustle and bustle of Exhibition Street in the CBD, Japan-influenced bakery Bloomwood has carved a croissant-shaped hole in our hearts. 

Who’s the fairest of them all? That title would have to go to Mirror Mirror Rooftop Lounge, a Snow White-inspired rooftop bar serving up fairytale cocktails and tasty nibbles.

Auterra, Clinton McIver’s second Armadale restaurant has comfortably carved out a niche of its own despite its sibling (just over the road) Amaru’s sublime reputation.

They say all good things must come to an end, but that doesn't seem to be the case for The Punters Club in Fitzroy as it returns to its roots after two long decades. 

Longstanding institution Ned’s i.e. Ned’s Bakehouse in Prahran and Armadale and Ned’s Bake & Bistro in Middle Park has been snapped up by the Valarc Group.

Coming in hot with a revamp and supplying locals with a classic watering hole, blended with bistro flair and old school Melbourne charm, it's the Post Office Club Hotel.

The world of wine can seem daunting and distant to your typical Melburnian grub and pub type. But Punch Lane's new wine-centric restaurant with accessibility at its core is about to make it a whole lot easier for all of us—Circl. 

Elio’s Place is where heart and hospitality meet; two siblings working hand in hand to open a European-style bistro—a nod to their late father—painting a deep affection for their Italian heritage.

Dessous. If you don’t speak French you won’t get the joke: it means under. And under Dessous is, under its stunning sister venue Hazel on Flinders Lane. But that’s the only thing it’s under.

Melbourne is known for its institutions, and this one sticks out like a sore thumb— but in a great way. 

Winter is looking fresh for new openings in Melbourne, and our sights are set on Yaki Nau. We don’t know a ton yet but we do know it’s a Japanese diner with BBQ taking centre stage, and food is by Chef Hugo Mai who’s dipping into his wealth of experience from Nobu to bring Yaki Nau to life.

A cornerstone in the Melbourne Italian scene is undoubtedly Trattoria Emilia, and after a decade of dispensing an outstanding menu, the team have opened the door on a sister venue, Emilietta. Residing in the bar area of Emilia, this lunch spot is all about fried flatbread made into quick bites—something you might liken to a sandwich. Some call them Crescentina, but at Emilietta, they’re calling it Tigella, which is the type of stone used for cooking.

The ‘burbs have just scored a slick distillery door and gin bar called Dutch Rules Distilling Co. The focus is, as one would expect, all about the gin with a few bar snacks on offer to soak up the booze. 

You’re in for a treat if your go-to is a martini. Le Martini is the latest spot Crown has welcomed into its stable of venues. Paying homage to its namesake, Le Martini is everything luxurious as it is intimate. We’re talking plush velvet drapery, banquette seating, aged mirrors, and deep blue hues, seating just 34 people.

Moorabbin-based brewery, 2 Brothers, has been brewing and bottling some of the best beer in Melbourne for yonks now. And as good things would have it, the kitchen just got a serious upgrade.

Rathdowne street has recently birthed a family-run cafe, bringing a little taste of the Middle East to Carlton North—Cafe Jabelle. 

Fans of the Sicilian pastry pipped full 0f creamy ricotta will be glad to know a cafe dedicated to the treat has landed in Carlton with Melbourne's cannoli king Dario Di Clerico leading the charge.

***TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOR RENOVATIONS***

The Prince is a real old charmer and a true Melbourne icon. However, we’re here to tell you all about Prince Dining Room as it ushers in a new era with Sydney’s rising star Mitch Orr at the helm as Creative Director, already making as one of our city's best restaurants. 

It’s big, it’s bold, and after a martini or two, you might feel like you’re in one of NYC’s top-tier bistros. Society is from powerhouse restaurateur Chris Lucas of Lucas Restaurants, flaunting crystal chandeliers, a wine cellar with more than 10,000 bottles, and a menu decked out with first-class Australian produce. 

One of Melbourne's best restaurants in the CBD, Shane Delia's Maha Restaurant—named after Delia's wife—has been kicking around for a good 15 years. The city's premier Middle Eastern restaurant underwent a tasteful, moody little renno a few years back, bringing it more in-line with modern Melbourne sensibilities.

Carlton North’s La Luna Bistro has held down the fort as a Melbourne institution for 25 years, and with full-hearts and full-bellies they plan to close their doors, dishing-up their final meals on 3 August.