The A-List

Welcome to our shiny new series, Budget Ballin’—a curated collection of Melbourne’s best eats and drinks that will have you living the good life without the hefty price tag. We’ll be covering all bases from midweek bites and fancy chef menus to call-in-sick-worthy happy hours.

One of the most important food groups to Melburnians, pizza is held in a treasured category of its own. Boasting some of the finest pizzerias outside of Italy, the level of craft here is world-class from classic leopard spotted Neapolitan-style to thick-cut deep dish. 

If you're heading out for that morning coffee in the sunshine leaving the dog behind can feel like one of the biggest betrayals. Luckily there are a raft of cafes around town that cater to our four-legged friends, from a beachside pavilion to converted warehouses, serving puppy cinos, dog treats and more. 

Arriving at the local watering hole with your best mate by your side is unmatched. You’ll take a swig of a pint and your furry companion dives into the communal watering bowl. You both look up at each other—it doesn't get much better than this. For those seeking dog-friendly pubs in Melbourne, here are the top recommendations for 2024:

Cult-favourite psychological thriller, Nine Perfect Strangers, is finally back for a second spine-tingling season—and it deserves top spot on your watchlist.

Remember The Crafty Squire on the corner of Russell and Little Collins? The iconic venue has had a bangin' renovation and is now serving up a stunning city-view rooftop and boozy slushies. 

Melbourne has some of the best sushi going around and we’re not talking about a food court hand roll here. The city’s esteemed restaurants and takeaway storefronts are here to remind us that sushi is not only a traditional Japanese cuisine but also an honoured art form.

Camberwell is not just for the avid thrifters who go trawling through the Sunday Market each week — it’s a foodie haven. Consider her the quieter older sister of the neighbouring Hawthorn; a bit less of a nightlife buzz, but a bit more urbanity.

Brunswick East is having its main character moment. Over the past few years, more wine bars, specialty cafes and trendy restaurants have popped up than you could poke a bottle of lo-fi wine at. This ‘burb is the spot to be. 

From breathtaking islands and sugar white sand beaches to sun-baked landscapes and jaw-dropping natural wonders, Australia is a land of unique and diverse beauty.

Brunswick, where the vibes are strong and the coffee’s stronger. It’s a suburb forged in history, and now radiates with a diverse cultural energy that's truly one-of-a-kind. This is your express ticket to the best eats, drinks, and good times this legendary 'burb has to offer.

The best audiobooks to please every ear, from romantasy best sellers to literary classics. 

From anti-milk coffee cellar doors (yes, it exists) to Japanese cafes that will send you flying back to Tokyo, there are some true charmers proud to call this humble 'burb home. 

There’s something deeply fulfilling about breaking into a bar of the Viral Dubai chocolate—the crisp snap of a perfectly tempered block, the slow melt of velvety chocolate on your tongue. If you’ve seen Kourtney Kardashian breaking apart her Kit Kats in that oddly satisfying way, you’ll love the Viral Dubai chocolate for the same reason. 

Forget what you thought you knew about a regional escape, Daylesford has everything you could want in a getaway and then some. From next-level foodie experiences to wine bars slinging seriously good sips, you'll be planning your relocation before the sun has set on day one of your trip. 

From cosy homewares and winter fashion to affordable beauty products, these dupes prove you can live like a baller on a budget. 

The Lelit Bianca V3 is a stunner, no doubt about it. But visual appeal aside, this is definitely the coffee machine you buy when you’re ready to go beast-mode on your home coffee. That being said, it’s also not for everyone, and I’ll tell you why.

Tiramisu —literally “pick me up” in Italian—more than lives up to its name, with a mood-boosting trifecta of coffee, sugar, and creamy decadence. While its traditional recipe (and origin) are hotly contested we do know one thing, Melbourne has some bangin' iterations.

Melbourne’s culinary scene is about to get smoky and seductive with the arrival of II.II.VI (Two-Two-Six), a 115-seat modern Australian restaurant from the crew who brought us Ministry of Crab.

Not just for meandering strolls along the Yarra or a quick pit stop before hitting the Arts Centre, Southbank is a goldmine for your tastebuds and foodie destination in its own right. 

From mind-bending installations to boundary-pushing performances, here’s your guide to the standout events you won’t want to miss.

No need for bowling shoes or chalked hands, axe throwing is the come-as-you-are pastime bringing infectiously good times to anyone who picks up a handle. 

Want to watch Sydney and Queensland battle it out for the State of Origin without having everyone crowd around the TV in the living room like a packet of sardines? You’re in luck, because some of Melb’s finest pubs and bars are screening the game, plus, you’ll even be able to grab a parma and a pint whilst you watch!

Pickleball is a cocktail of racket sports. It uses a rubber paddle similar to table tennis, played on courts just like badminton, and has major squash vibes. You can play it indoors or outdoors, with two or four players, and if you did a double take passing by a game, you might almost mistaken it for tennis. In 2026, Pickleball in Melbourne is popping off, so we did some digging.

If a getaway on your own makes you feel a little nervous, rest easy, because we've found five solo trips that are safe, affordable and brimming with bucket list experiences.  

With no magical frozen lakes to skate on in Melbourne this winter (though it’s damn cold enough, am I right?), the closest thing we’re going to come to a winter wonderland is an ice skating rink. 

It's not easy to land on a single choice for the best restaurants in Fitzroy, and that's because there are simply too many. The previously working-class inner-city suburb has blossomed through the renaissance of Melbourne’s cultural boom and is now home to some of the highest-rated diners in the entire city. So, read on, and tick off the best Fitzroy restaurants for 2026.

The Commons is rewriting the work-life balance playbook with a luxe Richmond wellness hub repping 200+ weekly classes and a next-level bathhouse—complete with magnesium pools, ice plunges, and even a wellness concierge.

Carvery has taken us right back to the 90s with their supreme offering of roast meats, fresh salads and takeaway rolls. Expect Victorian proteins by weight, a daily salad bar, fresh house-made rolls dripping in gravy and a grocery section at this Toorak soon-to-be-staple.

Just a short flight from Australia's Eastern Seaboard, Auckland is close enough for a quick escape, but far enough to reset your rhythm—this is how to make the most of it in 72 hours.

Planning your winter escape? Swap your snowboard for the steering wheel with an unforgettable road trip around New Zealand’s North Island.

What was created on a kitchen bench has become one of Melbourne’s most heartfelt jewellery brands. Now, they’re bringing their sentimental, custom pieces—and Lebanese hospitality—to one of the city’s most premier addresses.

Looking for Melbourne's best mini golf? Whether you're after a glow-in-the-dark party, coastal views with your putts or the ultimate obstacle courses, we've teed up the city's top spots for unforgettable rounds. 

At the north end of the city in Healeys Lane (where Paik’s BBQ is, IYKYK) has officially been turned into the city’s Koreatown, marked with Australia’s first traditionally crafted Korean totem poles. 

You've seen that mouth-watering cheese pull on socials, now you want to try it for yourself. What do you do? Hit up Urban List of course.

A good pub does exactly what it promises on the tin: a spot to catch up with mates, knock back a few pints and naturally, tuck into a parma.

From casual Friday to Sunday lunch with the gals, good denim works for every occasion.

Netflix is bringing Squid Game to life with a spine-tingling activation at Federation Square this month. 

Sandy McIntyre is the actor, writer, producer and model making waves across Australia’s creative scene. We picked their brains on the best of what to do in Sydney this winter season. 

Just when you thought Melbourne’s bakery scene couldn’t get any better, To Be Frank go ahead and open a shiny new venue with even more carb-loaded varieties coming fresh out of the oven. 

Love K-BBQ? It’s time for J-BBQ. Yakiniku, meaning ‘grilled meat’, is at the heart of Japanese BBQ experience, and there's no shortage of places to find it in Melbourne. 

Melbourne’s CBD just got a delicious chunk of Taipei with the arrival of AhMa Taiwanese Streetfood—the latest venture by acclaimed chef Spring Chee who has creds from Big Comma and Tokyo Motto. 

We all love a holiday, but so do our pets. So next time you book a Victorian getaway, why not save yourself the hassle of a sitter and find somewhere that’ll welcome the two of you at a pet-friendly accommodation, say a dog-friendly hotel?

From a worker’s cottage with floor to ceiling windows to a mega manor with a huge, private pool, check out these luxury Airbnbs in Victoria.

We’re all for a rooftop, especially one that opens out onto Melbourne’s brand new Sky Park, suspended over Collins Street. Quarterhouse in Docklands, just near Southern Cross station is bringing us just that—with three levels of after-work or pre-game goodness, the mega-venue is set to be your go-to spot when you’re in that part of town.

If there’s one person who knows how to make the most of a weekend in Sydney, it’s the powerhouse NRLW player, sharp-witted commentator, and podcast co-host Millie Elliott. 

Hold onto your hearts, Melbourne—the world’s most adorable gang is about to make its grand entrance! The long-awaited Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe, after much speculation, has finally swung open its doors, bringing the whimsical world of Sanrio to life in an Australian first-of-its-kind immersive dining experience. And yes, it’s as adorable as it sounds.

From rainforests to art deco terrace homes, treat yourself to a retreat among picturesque surroundings this Easter. 

Matcha, what's not to like? It's the drink of the year and if you've been to Japan and you're chasing those memories from the trip, or want to live vicariously, we've got the 10 best spots in Melbourne for you to check out.

Bastille Day means different things to different people. If you’re French it probably represents throwing off the shackles of an oppressive monarchy. For the rest of us, it’s an excuse to order massive plates of steak & pomme frites, or drink Burgundy by the bottle while toasting “liberty, equality, fraternity and reasonably priced booze!” That’s the good thing about Bastille Day. There’s something for everyone.

Find the perfect Mother's Day gift for the most important woman in your life. Our hand-picked selection of unique and thoughtful gifts is sure to make her day.

If New York is the city that never sleeps, Melbourne’s the city that never stops eating, and there are a myriad of excellent spots waiting to welcome you for a Monday wine-and-dine.

Finding that perfect combination of crackling puff pastry, rich stewy filling, and buttery shortcrust is practically a spiritual quest. Lucky for us, you don't need to make the pilgrimage out of Melbourne to satisfy your pie cravings anymore.

It’s Mother’s Day every day at Brunetti Classico for sous-chef Alexandra Di Biaise. She and her two children Davide and Nicole are all chefs in the kitchen at the Lygon Street institution—which turns 40 this year.

South Melbourne's new pizza spot Pizzateca Lupa is an ode to Roma, with two different (but equally delicious) styles of pizza on offer.

From smoky mezcal cocktails to slow-braised birria tacos dripping with consommé, Melbourne's Mexican food scene is hotter than a habanero right now. We've scoured the city to bring you the must-try taquerias, cantinas and modern Mexican kitchens that'll transport your taste buds straight to Mexico City.

Want an unfettered farmstay experience? Bluestone Ridge is the real deal, this 800 acre cattle farm is tucked away in Victoria's High Country and is the serene escape you're after.

Here's your ultimate Eat, Play, Stay guide to the Barossa Valley with Andy Allen.

There's nothing quite like the music scene in Melbourne. Any night of the week in pretty much any stretch of the town, you can catch live tunes—be it howling, foot-stomping rock 'n roll in sticky-floored pubs, sultry jazz in booth-seated lounges, or dirty techno at one of the many dens and d-floors in town.

No matter the season, it’s always prime time to pack the car and escape into Victoria’s wild backyard. From lush riverfront bushland to windswept coastal dunes (yes, you might spot a whale), the state is dotted with incredible free camping spots - some within just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne.