Urban List Guide To Melbourne

What began as a lockdown project in 2020 has grown into one of Melbourne’s most reliable dessert destinations.

When a neighbourhood eatery is backed by someone who’s been at the forefront of Melbourne’s favourite venues for decades, you know you’re in pretty good hands

Some pubs trade on history, and O’Connell’s Hotel has 150 years of it. The South Melbourne pub has been slinging pints since 1873, and now, after a thoughtful refurbishment, the local institution is back and better than ever. 

There’s no shortage of excellent baked goods in Melbourne, but BakeStand has arrived with a point of difference that might stop you in your tracks: a ‘Melbourne-style’ cookie. 

An homage to Italian heritage and weekly dinners at your grandparents', Spaghetti Club is now open.

It's intimate, it's homely, and it's ever-so-chic. Love Isabelle's first Melbourne boutique comes to life in the form of a living room. 

Looking for an events space with a little more personality than the bright overhead lights and white walls of your local Scout hall? 

The intimate 21-seat cocktail bar’s drinks list is structured like parts of a garden, with each cocktail designed to capture a different aspect of the environment.

Snack like a Venetian, play cards like a nonno and sip negronis to Italo Disco bangers. Da Bepi
brings the lifestyle of Veneto to Sydney Road with a vibe that mixes vinyl wine bar and retro
social club. 

Melbourne loves an American-style cinnamon scroll, and Simply Mike's has
drawn crowds since opening in March 2026.

Sitting proudly on the coastline of the Mornington Peninsula, Laura is the jewel in Pt. Leo Estate’s crown—a two‑hatted fine‑dining destination where art, wine and food collide in perfect harmony. 

Midnight spaghetti and a martini club? Say less. From the team behind Etta, Daphne is the newest addition to Brunswick East’s buzzing scene.

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. 

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.

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.

This Euro-inspired garden eatery smack-bang in the Royal Botanic Gardens brings a serious upgrade to your ‘Tan visit.

Melbourne’s north just got a whole lot more sabroso with the arrival of Holy Guacamole, a spirited Mexican-Colombian cantina from cousins Laurent Linares and Leidy Avila.

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.