Urban List Guide To Melbourne

Discover the best of Melbourne—where to eat, drink, explore and escape, plus local news and cultural must-reads, all curated by Urban List.

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Rest Of The Best

Bakeries & Delis

T6 Patisserie

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.

Food & Drink

Molli

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.
Restaurants

La Tortillería

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.

Food & Drink

Breadcetera

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.

Restaurants

O’Connell’s

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.

Food & Drink

Rumble Coffee Roasters

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.

Food & Drink

Castlerose

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

Food & Drink

LKF Bar

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.

Entertainment

OnAir

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. 

Cafes

Yugen Tea Bar (YTB)

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. 

Food & Drink

Chapati & Daaru

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.

Cafes

Como Lane

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. 

Food & Drink

Woolstore

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.

Cafes

Agathé Pâtisserie Petite

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.

Cafes

Osoi

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.

Restaurants

Bang Bang St Kilda

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. 

U:L Recommends

Suupaa

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.

Food

Miss Amelie’s Gourmet Pies

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.

Food & Drink

Mill Place Merchants

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. 

Restaurants

Barragunda Dining

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.

Food & Drink

Saul’s Sandwiches | Elsternwick

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.

Bakeries & Delis

Baker Bleu

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.

Cafes

Brewsmith

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

Food & Drink

Marmont

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.

Restaurants

Kolkata Cricket Club

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.

Food & Drink

Miss Gunn’s

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

Restaurants

Mr L’s

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.

Restaurants

Ishizuka

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.
Food & Drink

Plern

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.

Cafes

Milkbar

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.

Food & Drink

Secondipity Roasters

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.

Restaurants

Katsuhon

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.

Melbourne's Best Pubs With Playgrounds
Fam

A Parents’ Guide To Melbourne’s Best Family Pubs With Playgrounds

Melbourne’s best pubs are redefining family-friendly dining—with proper playgrounds, delicious food  and cocktails to top you off. We’ve hunted down the 19 spots where kids go feral in enclosed play zones, teens disappear into arcades and parents finally get to enjoy a meal while it’s still hot. Genius? Absolutely. Long overdue? Even more so.
Entertainment

It’s Happening: Here’s How To See Taylor Swift’s ‘The Life Of A Showgirl’ Movie In Australia

Grab your sparkliest cardigan, your orange-glitter nail polish, and maybe (absolutely) your dancing shoes. Taylor Swift isn’t just dropping a new album; she’s turning the release into a full-on cinema event. For two days only. The official release of Life of a Showgirl, a movie-theatre experience tied to her upcoming album of the same name, is coming to Australia from 3–5 October 2025.
Victoria's Best Country Pubs
Bars & Pubs

These Are Victoria’s Best Country Pubs That Are Worth The Drive

We’re pretty lucky in Victoria, we definitely have some of Australia’s best country pubs. Big, grand old dames, or ramshackle, quirky little numbers with plenty of nooks and crannies. Victoria’s Best Country pubs are tough to nail down. Is it the vibe, is it solid gigs, where does food fit into the equation? What about a bangin’ wine list, because that certainly exists too.
Bars & Pubs

Perth’s Best Pubs To Hit Up This Weekend

There’s just something about pubs, isn’t there? The buzz of thirsty locals, the clink of pint glasses, the smell of chips wafting through the air—pure comfort. Perth’s pub scene is a glorious mix of heritage-listed haunts, zhuzhed-up locals and rowdy beer gardens that have seen more iconic Sunday sessions than anyone on the East Coast could possibly imagine. 
Restaurants

Your Ultimate Local Melbourne Guide To Father’s Day 2025

Not to get you stressed but Father’s Day is fast approaching… it’s September 7th for those who are freaking out thinking it was 3 months away—don’t worry that was us this morning. Forgot to pick up something for Dad? Not sure where to spend the big day to celebrate? We have got you covered with everything you need to know before the day of all things Dad arrives. 
Pets

The Best Dog Beaches In Melbourne & Victoria For 2025

Dogs love water just as much as we do, from chasing garden hose streams to splashing in shallow pools. Watching your pup frolic in the waves at Melbourne’s best dog-friendly beaches is pure joy. However, not all beaches welcome furry friends. We've curated the top dog beaches in Victoria for 2025 so you and your best mate can enjoy the coast together. Here are Urban List's picks for the best dog-friendly beaches in Victoria.
Wondering where to watch the AFL grand final in Melbourne for 2023? Check out our ultimate guide.
Things To Do

Where To Watch The AFL Grand Final In Melbourne

Let’s cut straight to the chase, Melbourne. After a few years of chaotic fixture changes and interstate envy, the question on every footy fan's lips as we look to the future is: where are we watching the holy grail of Australian sport in 2025?