What's Melbourne's best new restaurant is something we're forever being asked here at Urban List. The thing is, what's best and what's new is always changing, like every day because the restaurant, bar and cafe scene is ever-evolving.
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All the new openings for July, 2025 are all right here:
Disco Down At This 1980s Tokyo-Inspired Rooftop Izakaya Taking Over Former Madame Brussels Digs
Image: MAMAS Dining Group | Supplied
We shed a tear when Madame Brussels called it a day, but we’re even more excited about what’s coming next: a bangin’ rooftop izakaya inspired by the heady 80s in Tokyo.
MAMAS Dining Group will be helming the venture, who you’ll know from Suzie Q, Straight Outta Saigon and Hochi Mama.
On the menu we’re hearing sushi from master Japanese chefs and smoky chargrilled izakaya-style dishes, with an extensive sake list, Japanese-inspired cocktails and Japan’s finest craft beers.
The venue will seat 150, meaning there’s plenty of room to party with sweeping views of the city skyline to the soundtrack of smooth disco and rhythmic hip-hop.
“We’re so excited to open our seventh venue in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, a huge milestone to mark MAMAS 10 years of operation in Australia’s most renowned city for hospitality," Thai Ho, CEO and Director of MAMAS says.
“Moreover, to open in one of the city’s most iconic locations is such a fantastic opportunity, and we can’t wait to bring the soul of Shibuya nights and the heart of Harajuku days to Melbourne’s CBD.”
Sit tight for a name, an opening date and more details, we’ll let you know when we’ve got ‘em.
This Melbourne Thai Spot Has Mastered Killer Chicken Spareribs and Surprising Vegan Tweaks
Image Credit: Kan Eang Thai Bistro | Supplied
If you're in search for Thai food with a modern twist, Kan Eang Thai Bistro should be at the top of your list. This Melbourne hotspot is known for crowd-pleasers like its Signature Fried Lucky Fish (a crispy whole barramundi with tamarind sauce) and the legendary ‘OG’ Fried Chicken Spareribs, but what really stands out is its vegan-friendly approach. A surprising number of dishes can be tweaked to be plant-based, proving that Thai cuisine doesn’t need meat at the forefront.
The Fried Truffle Cauliflower is crispy, aromatic and drenched in truffle seasoning, while the Avocado Green Curry (with seasonal veg) and Pineapple Fried Rice (tofu & veg) deliver rich, fragrant flavours without compromise. Even the Watermelon and Plum Salad (hold the dried fish) is a refreshing vegan option, loaded with toasted coconut and zesty plum dressing. Kan Eang shows that Thai food can be both indulgent and inclusive, for the carnivores and the plant-based.
Spoil Your Dog in Style (And Grab A Latte While You’re At It)
Welcome to Augie’s Place, Brunswick’s newest cafe—where the pooches may just get treated better than their people. Sure, your local cafe may be pup-friendly, but do they roll out the red carpet? At Augie’s Place they spare no cost, with a dedicated section on the menu and their very own spots.
Just a 10 minute walk from Brunswick station at 460 Victoria Street, open Wednesday through Sunday, Augie’s Place serves freshly made goods day in and day out. Every corner of Augie’s Place is meticulously thought out, from the furniture, to the artwork and of course, the legendary ‘Paw-l of Fame wall’.
And if all this furry fun isn’t enough to get you out there, the no extra charge for alternative milks should do the trick! And if you're lucky, you might even spot Augie—the café’s namesake and resident good boy.
Melbourne’s Freshest Hot Pot Spot Is A Feast For The Mouth & The Eyes
Image: Supplied | Words: Olivia Tiralosi
Dining in Melbourne isn’t only about the food anymore–because why would a restaurant be about the food? It’s about the experience, and this new hot pot restaurant, situated in an iconic Bourke Street location is about all the experience you can get.
In the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, this multi-level dining space comes from the TS Group behind some of Sydney’s cult-favourite restaurants such as YX Mini Hotpot and Oborozuki, a Japanese-French fusion style dining spot.
In an other-worldly space, visitors dine surrounded by neon-lit interiors, inspired by cyberpunk aesthetics, being treated to authentic-style Chinese meals and tableside service. Step into the future for the night and gorge on everything YX Hot Pot has to offer over a cold one with a group of mates.
Iconic Underground Arcade Formerly Home To Melbourne’s Best Coffee Has Finally Reopened
Image: Campbell Arcade | Supplied
That itty bitty passageway between Flinders Street Station and the city, Campbell Arcade, has officially reopened.
The arcade, which has been closed since 2022 and links the station and the rest of the city without the need for pesky crossings has had an extensive reno as part of the Metro Tunnel Project.
Passengers will also be able to access the arcade through Flinders Street Station and Degraves Street—creating another access point to Melbourne’s busiest stations.
Works have included replacing the ceiling, upgrading lighting and restoring the 1950s-era heritage features including tiled shop fronts and display cases—with the arcade still showcasing its pink-tiled curved walls, granite columns and prominent windows.
The leaseholds on the eight shopfronts (one that was home to Cup Of Truth—we still miss your brews!) will be announced later in the year.
Flame-Kissed Cheeseburgers At The New Burger Spot By The Yakamoz Crew
Image: Charrd | Hayden Dib Words: Kosa Monteith
The team behind Turkish fave Yakamoz in Brunswick East have opened their new takeaway burger joint, Charrd. Yakamoz owner Ogulcan “OJ” Atay says the burger started as a Sunday lunch special from head chef Cagri Ergin, but it became the most asked-about item at the restaurant. “We thought, why not open something ... for the people who love it and keep telling us it’s not fair that they can only get it on a Sunday?” he says. “So we listened, and opened Charrd.”
Just as Yakamoz is about fire-cooking, Charred’s beef burgers are cooked over charcoal. There are only two burgers, both on sesame brioche with melty American cheese: the Charrd with caramelised onion jam, pickles, truffle aioli and chilli jam, and the Classic with house CB sauce, pickles and onions. For sides, chips and spicy chicken wings, with soft drinks like house-made iced tea.
Charrd is open Thursday and Friday, 4pm-11pm and Saturday and Sunday, 12pm-11pm, find them at 74 Lygon Street, Brunswick East.
Watch Out Melbourne—Luxe & Elegance Is Coming Your Way
Image: Lexy | Supplied
Yes, we know—a new restaurant and bar opening in the CBD isn’t the most groundbreaking news to send your way—but what if we told you that it includes extravagant cocktails, refined delicacies AND a shimmery silver ceiling—now we have your attention.
Lexy is not just offering food and drink, but rather theatre, fashion and a promise to surprise. Whether you are in the mood for a glass of wine, or looking to try one of the many high-glam cocktails, Lexy has you covered. And when the drinks arrive, make sure your phones are ready—you don’t want to miss that obligatory Insta pic. The ‘Gram-worthiness doesn’t stop at just the drinks menu either, their asian-fusion menu offers share-style dishes that marks itself as a culinary destination in its own right.
With every detail screaming decadent, intimate and classy, with a hint of retro thrown in there, this is one you have to see for yourself. So whether you are heading there for after-work drinks, or a lunch with a friend, Lexy is your new go-to destination.
Lexy is open for lunch and dinner from Wednesday to Sunday at 377 Flinders Lane. For more of Melbourne's best cocktail bars, head over here.
Melbourne's Best Scrolls Have Found A Beachy Second Home
Image: Sebby's Scrolls | Supplied
The only thing better than Sebby's Scrolls is two Sebby's Scrolls. The crew are bringing their pillowy soft and extra delicious scrolls to St Kilda, moving in to 2C Acland Street.
You'll find all your regular, favourite offerings like their vegan and non-vegan options, plenty of coffee and best of all, they'll be bringing back an iconic flavour for their launch weekend. To get your mitts on a Buono scroll head on down 19 and 20 July.
For more of Melbourne's best cinnamon scrolls, head over here.
MECCA Drops Opening Date For One Of The World’s Biggest Beauty Stores Right In The CBD
Image: MECCA | Supplied
MECCA has officially dropped the opening date for its new Bourke Street flagship, and it’s not just big—it’s one of the largest standalone beauty destinations in the world.
Located at 299 Bourke Street (yep, the historic Cole’s Book Arcade site), this mega-store spans a jaw-dropping 4,000 square metres across three immersive levels. Inside, you’ll find over 200 of the world’s best beauty brands, 80+ exclusive services, and an atmosphere designed to bring pure joy to skincare obsessives and beauty lovers alike.
The store is part retail heaven, part beauty playground—with a reimagined service offering that includes everything from skin diagnostics to makeup refreshes, fragrance layering to custom-blending.
Set to open 8 August at 299 Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD, block out your calendar, you’ll want time to explore everything.
Malibu Barbie Is Rolling Into Chaddy With Her Very Own Cafe & Retro Roller Rink
Image: Malibu Barbie Cafe | The Mushroom Group
Melbourne is getting its very own taste of Barbiecore (is all pink everything back?!) with the U.S. cult Malibu Barbie Cafe.
This two-storey wonderland will be a casual affair at The Social Quarter in Chadstone, with all-day eats—we're talking picture perfect burgers, over-the-top desserts and soda floats served in tiny pink convertibles. Upstairs, there’s a retro-style roller rink set among palm trees, plus a rooftop bar serving Malibu-inspired cocktails.
You can also snap pics in a life-sized Barbie box or browse limited-edition merch. After a huge run in the States this is the cafe's first international stop—open for a limited time only from Friday, 27 June.
This follows on the launch of the epic CBD-based Hello Kitty Cafe earlier this year.
Check our listings here for Melbourne’s top-rated restaurants, or if you’re looking for some ‘near me’ options close to home, we have you covered with our interactive map.
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Image credit: Lucia | Arianna Leggiero