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Pick plates, rooftops and gluten-free, moody retro venues and lots of small plates: there were some definite themes to new openings in 2024 and we are here for all of them. Play bingo with us, these are our standout spots from the past 12 months—and if you haven’t been, you better make note.
Il Mercato Centrale
Melbourne CBD
Image: Il Mercato Centrale | Supplied
Il Mercato Centrale was *the most* anticipated opening of 2024 according to Urban List readers, and it’s now a staple go-to for a slice of Italy (and other parts of the world) in the CBD. This epic three-floor foodcourt has 23 artisan ‘makers’, a legit Napoletana pizzeria, and fresh-as produce to stock your pantry. Trust us, you’ll want to linger.
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Hotel Nacional
Melbourne CBD
Image: Hotel Nacional | Supplied
Hotel Nacional landed on Hardware Lane in the former Campari House spot and it brought us five storeys of Mexican-inspired magic with a 100 per cent gluten free menu. Work your way up to the roof, pair your tacos with a handcrafted spicy marg and soak up that city vibe, it’s a vibe.
Maison Bâtard
Melbourne CBD
Image: Maison Bâtard | Supplied
Parisian chic meets Melbourne cool at Maison Bâtard, the crowning jewel in prolific restaurateur Chris Lucas’ cache of restaurants. With an oyster and caviar bar, plus a rooftop designed by Paul Bangay that features a craned in tree, this four-level beauty is perfect for a luxe night out—or a chill martini on La Terrasse.
Tombo Den
Windsor
Image: Tombo Den | Supplied
Half-way between Yakimono and Kisumé, Tombo Den’s bumping with excellent sushi and cocktails, high quality vibes, but in a slightly more relaxed atmosphere. This surprise opening by Chris Lucas (above, the same fella) sees a tidy zakaya-style menu meet a stacked sushi selection complemented by an A+ sake list. It’s intimate, it’s vibey, and it’s a must.
Malin
Carlton North
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Image: Malin | Supplied
Low-key our editor’s favourite opening of the year, this mini fine diner in Carlton North slings technique heavy French-style dishes, with a touch of North African spice. The tight but excellent French and Australian driven wine list pairs perfectly. Make sure you settle in to order everything, especially the chicken and the oysters, you won’t regret it.
Molli
Abbotsford
Image: Molli | Supplied
Molli is pretty cool. Think full 70s steez with bangin’ share cocktails, a sunken lounge and a fiery, smoky grill-led menu (all sourced from the restaurant group’s Surf Coast farm), if you haven’t been carve out a night for this Abbotsford gem. If breakfast is more your thing, check out their sister venue, Little Molli.
Melbourne Place & Mid Air
Melbourne CBD
Image: Melbourne Place | Supplied
Melbourne Place. It’s Melbourne’s answer to the Calile in Brisbane, or maybe Sydney’s Ace Hotel. We use the term “eat, play, stay” reluctantly, but that’s what it is, a concept we’re not fully accustomed to in the southern climes. The incredible bespoke designed building slips perfectly into Melbourne’s skyline, as do its classy mid-century and 70s influenced rooms in rich hues. But it’s the rooftop that really has us singing … well, from the rooftops. Mid Air, a Med-influenced restaurant, cocktail bar and brunch spot will be this summer’s hot spot, trust us.
Marmelo & Mr Mills
Melbourne CBD
Image: Marmelo | Supplied
Okay, so this might be a bit cheeky because they’re all in the same complex but Marmelo and its sister venue basement bar Mr Mills are worth a mention. They’ve been open for a matter of weeks and they’re already packed. Think Portuguese-influenced cuisine in Marmelo (the Portuguese word for quince) with a roasted cockerel, an excellent seafood offering and a global wine list that hits hard. Downstairs for befores or afters is Mr Mills, extra moody with plenty of neon, tuck yourself away for their signature gimlet, it’s a drink not to be ignored.
Lilijana Eatery
Port Melbourne
Image: Lilijana Eatery | Stephanie Comelli
Pick plates, 2024 was the year of pick plates, whether they were at home, or, as Lilijana is serving up, in a rustic brunch setting that we love. Imagine all the little pickled bits, cured meats, delicate salad bites, all with a big Scandi influence. There’s daily baked treats (get the cinnamon scroll, you won’t regret it), excellent coffee and a very humble and relaxed pace that we need on a weekend morning.
Brighton Beach House
Brighton
Image: Brighton Beach House | Supplied
Brighton Beach House brings laid-back luxury to Port Phillip Bay. Just next to the beach boxes you can dive into octopus rolls, soft serves, coffees, matches, juices and smoothies for before heading out on your hot girl walk (or selfie-session, we’re not judging). It’s laid back, much-needed and an all-around good-time. They’re open late in the summer months too, hot tip.
Bloomwood
Melbourne CBD
Image: Bloomwood | Supplied
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. Cure your sweet tooth with a stuffed matcha blueberry pastry, or those savoury hunger pangs with their signature corn and cheese danish (it’s delish, just try it).
Suzie Q
Prahran
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Image: Suzie Q | Supplied
Suzie Q is fire. Think an 80s-style Chinese diner, with moody lights, lazy susans and a bumping playlist. On the menu are mouth-numbing spicy pork dishes, delicate and fun little dumplings and a slew of vegan option flavours you get at a top tier restaurant today. Upstairs there’s private karaoke and a mezz level private dining area (perfect for Christmas parties) and downstairs there’s an extensive bar serving up just the kind of Instagrammable cocktails you’d expect.
Ophelia
Westgarth
Image: Ophelia | Supplied
By the crew that brought us such bangers as Convoy, Tinker and Terror Twilight, we’re frothing Ophelia’s iced miso butterscotch lattes and laidback daytime chic. This hybrid café-wine bar in Westgarth (in the old Barry spot) serves up a Euro-inspired menu from 7am–4pm daily. Park up for the day and think of it as your new home away from home.
Urban List Best Of: has our highest stamp of approval—curated lists of the very best recommendations for you to eat, do, see, buy or book, carefully chosen by our Editors.
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