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With lockdown in place, thousands of Melbourne’s culinary community have been stood down and are unable to work. The Lucas Group, the team behind some of Melbourne’s most iconic restaurants, Chin Chin, Kisumé, Baby Pizza, And Hawker Hall is lending a hand to the community by offering free meals to all hospitality workers.

If COVID-19 has got us embracing anything, it’s more interstate travel. So, luckily for us, it’s just gotten a whole lot better thanks to DFO and their brand new digital tourist passport which enables access to exclusive offers across Australian outlet retailers. 

In case you haven’t quite got your fill of animal-based livestream activity from all the Melbourne Zoo action, SEA LIFE Melbourne’s Aquarium is making your dreams of dwelling under the sea come true. Catch all the action from above and below sea levels with a live stream straight the maritime domain.

It only took the gang at Gertrude Street’s already-iconic Poodle to knock up a takeaway solution when lockdown round one hit. It was called Rocco’s Bologna Discoteca, a concept that head chef Josh Fry had been toying with for a while which would be best described as Italian Maccas. And now, coming into a lockdown we don’t need to assign a number to, Fry and the gang are bringing it back for this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, once again operating from the Poodle kitchen.

Nothing beats a classic three-cheese toastie—it’s one of the world’s greatest sandwiches. Oozing with a melange of gooey cheese, it’s usually a combo of hard and soft cheeses like cheddar, gouda, and mozzarella.

You read that right. 1000 FREE pitas. Iconic falafel joint Just Falafs will be handing out these pitas on a first come, first served basis on Monday 14 June. It’s the Queen’s Birthday public holiday that day, but the occasion they’re celebrating is International Falafel Day (June 12)—we know which one we’d rather celebrate. No shade to the Queen, but these falafels are just too good to pass on. 

From the team that gave you the creeps at the Federation Square’s mind-bending SEANCE shipping containers experience comes Darkfield Radio Knot, a completely immersive and lockdown friendly audio event.

If it’s a more full-bodied experience you’re after, here’s how you can pair the Brown Brothers Origin Series with local adventures to recreate an overseas holiday without leaving the country (or even leaving your house).

Their gluten-free high tea was a huge vibe, so much so that the Elsternwick patisserie was booked out for weekends on end. Like most social outings, however, heading to Glazed’s high tea isn’t an option at the moment—but that doesn’t mean you can’t bring it into your home. 

Running out of beer is never cool, especially when it occurs after already sinking a couple rendering the run to the bottle a no go. Lucky for us the kind folks at Moon Dog have thought long and hard about this very issue and are saving the day with their very own beer club. 

Tune in as we sit down with climate change activist and Bank Australia customer, Emma Roberts, to chat about how her passion for the Daintree Rainforest and virtual reality installations.

There are plenty of niche ‘festivals’ happening around the country; some come and go, but one that Victoria has always been in full support of is the Rocky Road Festival. 

Stay home, keep rugged up in your favourite sweater and trackie-dacks, and enjoy what this city still has to offer, despite being confined to lockdown restrictions. Here are 9 things to do this weekend. 

Saul’s has been thriving in Melbourne’s booming deli sandwich scene since early 2020.

We've all got a bit of spare time on our hands. And there's no better way to spend that time than expanding your knowledge.

Ever wanted to shout someone a coffee, wine, burger, or beer, but haven’t been able to because you’re too busy, or they’re too far away? What about sending someone a gift—not a pricey bottle of bubbles or an extravagant bouquet, just something small to show you care?

Whether you’ve seen the show or not, we all know the sound of that iconic organ intro. It incites so many emotions all at once, from dread to excitement and everything in between. Finally, that organ and the show it belongs to, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera, are returning to Melbourne. 

This app will actually change your life.

If you’ve been wishing for more cheese options at a classy setting, look no further. 

Here at Urban List, we're passionate about putting our best foot forward, dedicated to being as conscious as possible when it comes to sustainability.

Ever find yourself frantically rummaging through the kitchen, too tired to think of what to make for dinner? Yep, us too. 

Community radio has been at the grassroots of Melbourne’s music scene for decades, launching homegrown talent and showcasing some of the best tunes from around the globe.

Melbourne, it’s time to get excited—because we’ve just scored a brand new rooftop dining precinct at Westfield Doncaster, loaded with unbelievable eats. 

El Camino, TexMex hotspot on Brunswick Street Fitzroy, is renowned for its Margarita game. Home of the instant classic the Nerds Margarita, this cantina offers a fresh range of exciting margarita flavours each month. This June, El Camino is bringing more nostalgic flavours to spice up the night, inspired this time by our favourite childhood (and adult) soft drinks. 

The temperature gauge is starting to dip and Melbourne’s doing its icy tundra thing again.

May movie mayhem is here. 

Melbourne is quickly becoming a ‘bottomless’ arms race and 14 Days of Cheese’s Bottomless Fondue party is jumping right into the mix. Fondue, the melted cheese sensation that kicked off in Switzerland in the 1930s and then rose to fame through the ’60s and ’70s at dinner and swingers parties is a combination of cheeses melted to gooey perfection.

If you’ve ever made your way through Central Victoria, you would have likely spotted the towering silos adorned with massive-scale murals. There’s also a fair chance those who made it deep into the lesser-seen regions of our state would have stopped by the photogenic lake Tyrell. 

The latest comes as a four-part dining series at his recently(ish) opened haunt, Maha Bar, where the country’s shining Middle Eastern chefs are set to take on the kitchen and showcase the evolution of their cuisine.

Not since Priscilla has Australia seen something as bloody fabulous as RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under. Coming this September the absolute dazzling line-up will descend upon Australia for a spanking live tour featuring all ten of the Queens from season one of the show.

The 90s were a simpler time. A playlist was limited to just one CD inside your discman, television was made up of just several channels and the booze of choice was either Smirnoff, Passion Pop or that beer you saw your dad drink once—and now, like a sort of time-warp akin to what you’d see in 1995 smash series Sliders—The Boatbuilders Yard is letting you revisit everyone’s favourite era with the 90s Mixtape Bottomless Brunch each and every Saturday.

It’s here, the event that finally stamps out any last chance of warm weather and ushers in Melbourne’s frosty period, Arbory Afloat is packing it up and hibernating for the winter. 

Almost as iconic as the venue it’s housed within, The Brooklyn Block Party is returning for a fifth year for a thumper 13-hour party at Section 8 and the cherished—often beer-soaked—Tattersalls Lane.

Sure to put plenty of tails in a spin, The Dog Lovers Show is returning for 2021.

This week got you feeling less zen than usual? This joyous celebration of Buddha’s birthday at Federation Square is sure to brighten your weekend up.

A productivity coach, a recruiter, two beanies and some big thinking are just a few reasons why Funny Business podcast is cracking the charts week in, week out. Over the course of the last year, hosts Robbie Hicks and Lachlan Bradford have been on a mission to make career advice cool again—and the best part? It’s actually pretty funny, but you probably would have picked up on that from the name.

Only two-and-a-half hours from Sydney and a quick drive from the Newcastle Airport, Port Stephens is easy to get to and even easier to enjoy. Expect stunning landscapes, next-level experiences, and luxe relaxation hubs.

Found yourself tempted to embrace the wonders of Whiskey? What better time to pour yourself a drop than World Whiskey Day. 

Whether you consider yourself a footy fanatic or not, there's no denying Melburnians love to come together for a good contest—especially when it involves an iconic rivalry. 

Move over mini-golf, the forgotten art of curling is coming in hot—or ice cold if we’re going with the theme—to the city of Melbourne in just a few month’s time.

Since arriving on the scene, Four Pillars have set the standard for gin in the modern age of Australia. Their distillery set amongst the leafy surroundings of Healesville is home to some of the best botanically infused drops that we’ve ever seen. 

Keep your eyes peeled for a giant cocktail shaker on wheels. 

That Instagram feed of yours looking a little tired? Light it up with the Glow Pop-Up Series which has just landed at Prahran Square

Whether you’re doing the good deed in staying in on a Friday night or looking to spice up your weeknight dinners, this PERi-PERi burger with homemade pickles is sure to up the ante on your usual cooking regime.

The Melbourne CBD is packed with places to go and things to see, all within a stone’s throw of your office.

Pasta is one of the greatest gifts of the culinary world, its variety of shape and diverse adaptability to a range of different sauces, stuffings, and bakes have cemented the Italian creation as a cornerstone of the modern diet. 

The Triennial may have just wrapped up, but the NGV’s stacked winter season has only just begun across the two renowned galleries. Their Winter Masterpieces exhibition is, no doubt, slated to be the blockbuster of the year, but there are several others that should be on every culture vulture’s radar coming into the cooler months, like the just-opened We Change The World at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia.

RISING has already put out plenty onto the table in terms of things to do and see over the winter festival timetable but their latest announcement is stacked with the level of culinary class that you’d only expect from Melbourne.

Taste the finer things in life at Poodle with Head Chef Josh Fry’s newly announced Bottomless Brunch. You’ll be treated to unlimited bubbles, wine, peach bellinis and blood orange vodka seltzers as you graze your way through Fry’s menu which brings modern sensibilities to some of your—and probably your folks'—favourite dishes. 

Up in the Macedon Ranges in Woodend just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne’s CBD lies some of the most fertile ground, each year as Victoria’s temperature dips and the rain starts to fall a special kind of season begins. Mushrooms, one of earth’s greatest and most delicious bounty’s start to spring up all over the hills and pine forests. Fan favourites like the Slippery Jack and Golden Tops make their way onto tables across Restaurants and homes in the state. 

Let’s make the most of 2021 and our lockdown-free Winter, pack your bags and set your sights on these four sweet regional escapes. 

If you totally forgot that Mother’s Day is this Sunday 9 May then don’t worry, you’re not alone. But curb the stress because we’ve got all the last-minute ideas sorted so you can retain that sweet angelic reputation in your Mum’s eyes. Whether you’re buying for Mum or a carer or special guardian, there’s plenty here to make their day special. 

It’s back once again, the month-long celebration of Melbourne’s culinary community is on its way for this June with an absolutely stacked lineup of events from some of the biggest names in the business. After the difficulty and hardship that Melbourne’s hospitality industry has been through, it's more important than ever to get out there and eat and experience what our city has on the menu. 

There are plenty of reasons to visit the New South Wales capital, like the upcoming Van Gogh alive exhibition, a ridiculously large 24-hour party celebrating the end of lockdown and marginally better weather. And now, Virgin is making the decision to pull the trigger that much easier with $39 flights.

If you’ve got Instagram and live within the city’s inner burbs, you’ve likely scrolled past the magic of Miss Trixie and Bloom Boy. Creative prodigies in their own rights, and both doubling down on their niches—which are cakes and flowers respectively—via a flair that’s quintessentially Melbourne. And now, the pair who first met via Instagram are putting on a Mother’s Day pop up that’s far, far cooler than that corner-store florist you stop past on the way to Mum’s at around this time each year (do better).

Up in the northern end of Coburg, the Inglewood Coffee Roastery and HQ is a white brick stronghold for some of Melbourne’s finest single-origin and espresso blend coffee. Their love of the sacred bean extends well beyond their own pleasure and fortune as they’ve just announced one hell of a free sample with coffees on the house for seven days to any punter who swings past. 

On the busy stretch of Swan Street, right on the corner of Lennox Street, sits New Quarter.

The colder months of Melbourne just seem to be getting better and better this year as we’ve just heard the news that the Juniperlooza Gin Festival is coming to town.

Our love of beer, golf and Daft Punk tribute bands runs deep, and the legends over at Colonial Brewing Co are delivering all of this and more on Saturday, 15 May. 

If you dive deep enough into the internet, there’s an international day, week or month for anything. Some are more trivial than others, but one that should be taken very seriously is Parmesan Wheel Week which kicks off on Monday 26 April through to Wednesday 8 May. 

Here’s a heap of beauty and wellness gift ideas for someone in your life who could use some ‘me time.'

The Mornington Peninsula is one of Victoria’s most prized possessions sitting just an hour away from Melbourne’s CBD the affectionately dubbed ‘Ninch’ by locals has sprawling bushland, dreamy coastlines, and a dizzying amount of amazing producers and makers to experience. 

City Of Melbourne and Lord Mayor Sally Cap has just announced their plans to extend some leafy love to the north end of Southbank with plans to develop a full riverside garden and cultural precinct as part of the Greenline project.

So successful they put on a second festival in the same year, the Ascot Lot’s Gnocchi Festival is returning this May after a 2021 hiatus because of reasons we don’t need to go into again.

It's been a real jump to light-speed between events but #MayThe4thBeWithYou is back for 2021, and the celebrations for the Star Wars universe are about to begin. With the iconic date landing on a weekday this year, the galactic conference will be happening on Sunday 2 May at the rebel base stronghold of Federation Square.

Once upon a time, the humble town of Nagambie consisted of a lake, a couple of bakeries and a pub. Nowadays, the rural suburb about an hour and a half out of town is on the top of the list for anyone looking for a romantic weekend runaway that isn’t too far from the city centre. There are several reasons for that, like the spate of luxe accommodation popping up in the area, and of course the lakeside Nagambie brewery—but the crown jewel that simply can’t be overlooked is Mitchelton Estate, a winery and cellar door, hotel and fine-diner that sits at the intersection of opulence and bucolic charm.

You’ve really just got to appreciate the impeccable food vision that Pinchy’s has, starting off as the city-based headquarters for lobster rolls and ‘Made By The Sea’ fare they were an immediate success and now their pink and pastel-coloured dining haunt are trying their hand at the plant-based persuasion. 

There are few venues that’ve triumphed the ever-changing landscape of Chapel Street, but like several of its iconic dishes, Tokyo Tina has stood the test of time and came out on top. One such number on the menu is the vegan-friendly miso baked cauliflower, and now, head chef Sushil Aryal is bringing the dish direct to your kitchen. 

Frantically trying to find the perfect Mother’s Day gift for your mum, aunt, gran, or any other special women in your life? Take a deep breath and forget the frenzy—we’ve got you covered this year. From fancy lamington cakes and jewellery to one-of-a-kind finds you’ll only pick up in Melbourne, browse our top picks that will make mum feel special.

This is not a drill, everyone's fave wine fest—Pinot Palooza—is officially returning to the thirsty city of Melbourne after a years' hiatus.

Marble Yakiniku is one of the truest definitions of hidden gems in Melbourne. Taking design inspiration from traditional Japanese tea houses and foodie inspo from bento boxes, this culinary marvel in the city’s south-east should be on the hitlist of anyone who has a penchant for Japanese cuisine.

Undoubtedly a northside favourite after less than a year of opening, Nico’s Sandwich Deli is opening up a second shop in the CBD.

We’re here to help you treat your mum, aunty, or whoever the special woman is in your life, to something she’ll actually love this Mother’s Day. 

Melbourne is home to some of the best falafel joints around, there are plenty of options to convert that one friend of yours that isn’t a fan. But if they’re still resistant, why not reel off these fun fala-facts: they’re delicious, low in calories, high in fibre, rich in protein and you can mix and match them with all kinds of dips, breads and salads. Check out our picks for where to find the best falafel in Melbourne. 

The southside of Melbourne is having a real moment, the steady stream of new venues and sister stores to northside originals continues with Andrew McConnell's Morning Market hitting the strip of High Street in Prahran.

With a thriving underground nightlife scene, some of the best restaurants and wineries in Australia, and arts and culture to boot— you best believe our capital city is on the up and up.

So successful they put on a second festival in the same year, the Ascot Lot’s Gnocchi Festival is returning this May after a 2021 hiatus because of reasons we don’t need to go into again.

Hotel Animal Dive Bar and Grill is the new dive bar in Melbourne’s CBD serving up killer burgers and the newly released Doss Blockos D Draft on tap. The bar is a new collaboration between hospo veteran Damian Little (Bar Humbug) and East 9th Brewing’s Doss Blockos beer brand. 

We’ve teamed up with Melbourne Storm to serve up all the best things to eat, see and do in Richmond (along with a few establishments from their little sister suburb Cremorne).

The stupidly popular Night Noodle Markets are back, though 2021’s format for the annual slurp-fest will look a little different to previous years.

If you and your mates like to keep your plates full and drinks flowing, then we’ve found the ultimate feast perfect for your next gathering. The legendary team at The Bavarian has done it again, this time bringing us Bavarian Fest. A value-packed three course menu with two hours of bottomless beers and cocktails for only $69 per person, a total steal for your crew.

Melbourne is home to several dishes iconic as the venues and chefs they come from. There’s the seminal lobster roll from Supernormal, the build-your-own beef rib bao over at Windsor’s Tokyo Tina, and that vodka pasta—more affectionately known as Rigatoncini—coming out of Capitano’s kitchen each and every night, warming diners’ hearts en masse. And now, Capitano co-owner and Executive Chef Casey Wall is offering up an at-home recipe for the cherished dish so you can have it whenever you please.

Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie and the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie are back to their impressive chocolate-slinging antics with the month-long Rocky Road Festival of Flavours. And while you’re probably still getting your cavities filled from the seemingly endless supply of easter eggs in the pantry buckle up because this one’s a biggie.

With footy season fast approaching, games nights with the crew are firmly back on the agenda.

Lobster rolls are so yesterday, it’s the time for the Moreton Bay Bug to shine. 

The indian restaurant with roots within the CBD longer than we’ve been ticking about has departed from its infamous 35 year residency on Tattersalls Lane. As the city flourished through its cultural and culinary renaissance Gaylord stood as a pinnacle of Indian dining and played host to a raft of different diners that cruised one of the most happening lanes of the city. 

If you, like us, have rewatched all your favourite sitcoms from back to front during the city’s very lengthy lockdown twice over (and taken a trip to Central Park more than you’d like to admit), then you’re probably craving some new content. Well, fortunately for you, and us, Friends! The Musical Parody is finally coming to Melbourne.

It seems Melburnians can’t get enough of the meat sweats, so Bluebonnet are ditching the limited-time bottomless barbecue format and opting for a permanent fixture. You can now gauge yourself on ribs, brisket and beef-cheek every Tuesday and Wednesday for the foreseeable future. Ron Swanson would be proud. 

Sitting right on the crest of Abbotsford at the tail end of Victoria Street sits V Wine Salon.

The humble sanga has come a long, long way in the past half-decade. No longer are Melburnians limited to ham, cheese and tomato slapped between two pieces of Tip Top; instead, a cohort of the city’s culinary elite are stepping out of their fine-diners and into more casual locales which specialise in one thing, the sandwich. The latest is Warkop from Barry Susanto (ex-Navi and Hellenic Republic) and Erwin Chandra, who’s best known for his time with Dukes Coffee.

Melbourne winters are underrated in the frost department, as the temperature dives and wind chill factor becomes a thing again we’ve finally got a reason to embrace our nippy season with the Winter Village.

This year, Melburnians have said goodbye to White Night and welcomed the new RISING Festival, but two lucky regional towns are still in the spotlight for the OG festival of lights. White Night will be lighting up Bendigo on Saturday 2 October, and Geelong on Saturday 6 November this year. 

We sit down with Linda Marigliano to dissect the ultimate dinner party.

While the temperature might be starting to drop, it doesn’t mean your outdoor exploration has to. In fact, we think that the cooler months present no better time to explore the many stunning landscapes at our fingertips.

While galleries around the world are keeping their doors shut, Melbourne’s much-loved NGV International is staying open. They’ve just announced the program for the rest of 2021 and it is epic. We’ve had a chat with Senior Curator Miranda Wallace and got the scoop on everything you need to see at the gallery this year. 

Following recent events, if you have found yourself re-prioritising your self-care and wellness, we feel you. To ensure the opportunity to pause, reflect and re-assess isn’t put to waste, we’ve teamed up with Vital to try five emerging wellness trends, so you can leverage our newfound motivation. 

If you’ve been missing those sweaty crowds and the feeling of bass thumping in your chest, then we’ve got a treat for you. Electronic music hub Xe54 is branching out from their weekly sessions and throwing an all-day, one-off party to get your blood pumping and your feet moving again. It’s all going down on Saturday 1 May at the 6000sqm Timber Yard in Port Melbourne. 

We know you well enough to know that when crappy weather comes, Melburnians don’t simply go into hibernation. We don the layers, pack a handbag-sized umbrella and keep the good times rolling. But when the wet weather does dampen your alfresco plans, we’ve got you covered for alternatives. Here are 50 things to do inside in Melbourne for days when the weather sucks.

Ascot Lot, a northern destination for all for food trucks is getting slippery with an entire day dedicated to noodles and bubble tea. Ingeniously titled ‘Send Noods’ this celebration of the two fundamental food groups will be engulfing the Ascot Vale backlot on Saturday 24 April. 

With its doors shut since the first Victorian lockdown almost a year ago, one of the city staples for modern italian cuisine Massi has swung back into action and opened back up to diners this week.

You’ve probably heard the name Pizza Pony around the traps. They were once a shop before becoming a truck, then a pre-packed pizza purveyor for those in lockdown. Now, taking to the road again, the name is best looked upon as a roaming institution serving up one of the best Neapolitan-style pizzas north of the river.

Australia’s acclaimed barbecue festival, Meatstock, is returning to Melbourne on Saturday 23 October and Sunday 24 October with a smoking lineup of legends, meats and music.

Over in the US of A, the humble deli dates right back to the 1880’s but for whatever reason, we’ve had to wait until 2020 for the streetside sandwich purveyors to take off in Melbourne. Now, the hype for a good sandwich is palpable down under, and the delis we’re seeing on our corners come with some serious culinary clout. The latest, Stan’s Deli in Malvern, comes from Guy Bentley, Todd Vanneste, Aaron Trotman and Alex Gavioli—some of the names may ring bells from the likes of Leonardo’s Pizza Palace, Leonard’s House of Love and Frankie’s Tortas & Tacos.

Pizza, pasta and wine—the Italians certainly know how to live. Join the party and eat like an Italian this Sunday in the heart of Melbourne’s Italian foodie neighbourhood. The Segmento Melbourne Italian Festa will be taking over Argyle Square in Carlton from 10am and you can bet there will be plenty of live music, classic Italian cars, fun attractions and gelati. 

Once upon a time, a little animated mouse on a steamboat stole the hearts of many, and now almost one hundred years later, that mouse is the face of one of the biggest and most-loved animation studios in the world. From humble beginnings, Disney has become synonymous with magic, childhood and all things animation. And now for the first time, the Disney: The Magic of Animation exhibition is travelling south of the equator and coming exclusively to ACMI in Melbourne. 

It’s that wonderful time of the year again as lagers, stouts, sours, pilsners and pale ales descend upon Melbourne for Good Beer Week 2021. Celebrating its tenth trip around the sun Good Beer Week kicked off back in 2011 and this anniversary is one hell of a sud soaked festival of amber ales. 

We can’t bloody hide our excitement about the Hot Sauce and Chilli festival hitting Welcome To Brunswick this weekend. If you push your tastebuds to the extreme, sink scorpion death chillies on the regular, and can’t eat a regular meal without some form of additional heat, then this is the event for you.

Most Melburnians will already be familiar with Shannon Martinez and her indulgent vegan empire. Even if you haven’t tried one of her famous Smith and Deli loaded sandwiches or dined at the Smith and Daughters vegan restaurant, you’ve probably seen her ‘Eat Vegan’ bumper stickers on cars across the city or seen her cookbooks in all the major bookstores. But if you’re new to the Martinez cult, you’re in luck because Shannon is expanding her reach and opening up a new vegan bar and restaurant on the south side of the river at Ovolo hotel — from the world’s first entirely plant-based hotel group. 

Winter is coming and there’s been plenty brewing north of the wall, it’s been over ten years since we first waded our way through the world of Westeros and watched as crowd favourites fell to the sword (sorry Ned) and our very expectations were dashed episode after episode.

We’re halfway through April, but there’s about a month’s worth of itinerary items to tick off between now and the beginning of May. You can scope out everything happening in Melbourne via our Things To Do section, but there are several non-negotiables you’ll need to pop in your calendar right now.

After seven years on the now-iconic South Yarra corner, French fine-diner Entrecôte is making a move one suburb south to Prahran.

Though Wikipedia will tell you that Ballarat is arguably the most significant gold rush era Victorian boomtown in Australia, most 15–35 year olds will tell you that Ballarat is home to the most significant raspberry drops in the modern era. But, as it turns out, Ballarat is much more than just a fruit-flavoured hard candy oasis. It’s a slowly budding effigy of our very own Melbourne, but with cheaper parking and shorter wait times for lunch.

To celebrate the ten years since it opened its doors Chin Chin is throwing one hell of a party, stretching over a whole month the restaurant will play host to a range of different dining experiences and events that celebrate the signature Chin Chin approach to South-East Asian cuisine.

Melbourne Cocktail Festival has begun, and with around 20 events happening over the next week, there are more than a few drops to try. You could go in blind (figuratively, of course), or, you could take a few pointers from one of the best in the biz—quite literally—as to how to navigate the mammoth drinks list.

Here are the best regional cafes in Victoria.

It’s been a bit dry out there on the festival front for the last 12 months, we all know the story of COVID et cetera. But Victorians have stuck through it and now it’s time to party—safely, of course. There are plenty of local festivals to hit up over the next couple of months, so get in the car, get the glitter out, have a boogie and live your best festival life. 

Implementing positive action to help make the world a better place takes courage, strength and tenacity. But to encourage and help others to do the same, well... that’s worth celebrating. 

There’s no better way to treat someone than with any sort of Nobu experience. Pre-lockdown, you’d take the individual in question for an audacious dinner, while during lockdown, you could order in. And now, with Mother’s Day just around the corner, the Japanese fine-diner is offering up a high tea at home for the special day.

The AFLW finals are nearly upon us, and some of Melbourne’s favourite pubs are putting on a helluva boozy brunch to coincide with the big game.

We sit down with Australian singer-songwriter Thandi Phoenix to uncover what makes a luxe long lunch.

Dust off your birthday suit, because the Fantastic Film Festival is hosting a nude screening of the film Patrick.

Didn’t score a travel voucher? Well here’s your second chance. City of Melbourne is dishing out a one night stay at some of the swankiest of hotels in Melbourne’s CBD including Hotel Windsor, Sebel, and the Lancemore. Simply book one night at any of the available hotels to score the second night on the house.

Fact: Schnitzel is a staple part of our diet and life without this iconic, golden, crispy pub meal would be truly ordinary. Here to remind us all of the true glory and potential of the humble schnitty is The Bavarian and a brand-new 10-week-long festival dedicated to all things schnitzel. 

Masti, the Fitzroy local that dishes up some of Melbourne’s most authentic Indian food is bringing a bottomless Kebab and beer bonanza to Brunswick Street.

¡Ay caramba! Loosen your belts and round up the crew, because we have the scoop on not one but two epic foodie happenings and they are not to be missed.

We’ve rounded up 10 of the best board games around, whether you’re playing with two or six, amateurs or pros.

Tapas first started when the King of Spain made it law for bars to serve food alongside drinks. It was an effort to curb public drunkenness and was usually just a piece of bread with a simple topping which was served on the rim of your wine glass—hence the word ‘tapa’ which means ‘to cover’ in Spanish. Fast forward a few centuries and tapas is now a cuisine in its own right, celebrating small plates which can be mixed and matched. Eat as much or as little as you want with our guide to the best tapas in Melbourne for 2021. 

Yes, the bottle shops are still open, but you can have booze delivered straight to your door without all the hassle. Whether you need the ingredients for a cocktail or want to hand over your tipple choice to the experts, we’ve got the best alcohol delivery options for you. 

Since food is the best way to someone’s heart, we asked cook and food stylist Sian Redgrave for her words of wisdom when it comes to navigating the dating game. 

If recent events have taught us anything, it’s that the art of entertaining at home is not to be underestimated. And now that epic nights in are the new norm, there’s no better time to get your house in order to ensure your next shindig is your best one yet. 

Stop the press, we’ve got some breaking hot cross bun news: Bentleigh-based Good Times Milk Bar is teaming up with bakers extraordinaire Bread Club to bring us our fave Easter treats with a dedicated hot cross bun pop up window. 

The Welcome To Thornbury crew has decided that slinging good times doesn’t have to stop at brews and food, so they’ve just transformed their warehouse space into an indoor cinema.

Welcome to Culture Curve—your go-to guide to what’s on the rise and slide in culture in April 2021. 

We sit down with Touch Sensitive to chat about the perfect movie night set-up.

As of today, VB is turning beams into beer via a new program that enables beer lovers to trade their excess solar energy for slabs of Victoria Bitter. 

At Urban List, we believe it’s important to recognise trailblazers who align their values with actions, which is why we’ve teamed up with Bank Australia to share the inspiring stories of Australians who have joined the clean money movement and aligned their bank with their values.

The Yarra Valley’s Four Pillars has teamed up with riverside darlings Arbory Afloat to deliver the pink gin our summer days have been missing. They’ll be pouring the exclusive new collab at Afloat from February, with a limited number of bottles up for grabs to take home. 

To celebrate fifteen years of booze and banter, Section 8 is putting on a whopper long weekend party starting this Thursday 1 April. They’re going to have live painting, projection mapping, laneway markets and sets from over 55 Melbourne-based artists. It’ll be four days and nights of festivities for this iconic bar that’s fifteen years young. 

You might have already seen some of the announcements for RISING trickling through your feed, like the Melbourne Art Trams, the Patricia Piccinini’s showstopper exhibition and our initial announcement way back in May 2020, but today is the big day when we announce EVERYTHING. We’re not normally ones for crunching numbers, but with 133 events, including 36 world premieres, featuring 750 Victorian artists over 12 epic nights, these figures speak for themselves. 

If you’re looking to shake up your weekend plans with daring adventures, loads of earthly treasures and marvelous heritage, look no further than Ballarat.

It’s been some 40 years since the Flinders Street Station Ballroom opened its doors to the public. And it’s been about 20 years since renowned Melbourne artist Patricia Piccinini held a major exhibition in her hometown. But with the first programming announcement from RISING—Victoria’s newest major cultural event—we can reveal that both will be breaking their drought when Patricia takes over the entire top floor of the iconic Flinders Street Station for her show; A Miracle Constantly Repeated. 

This Sunday, 28 March, the crew at The Emerson Rooftop & Bar in South Yarra will be blessing us with a taste of Italy’s signature sparkling.

It’s no secret we love design in Melbourne. We’re city people who love sleek interiors and we’re obsessed with that old-meets-new, industrial-chic aesthetic—give us some exposed brick and a vertical garden any day. So with that in mind, it’s no surprise that Melbourne Design Week is packed with over 300 events and exhibitions in the program. It all kicks off this Friday 26 March, but don’t stress if you haven’t had time to comb through the program because we’ve done it for you. These are the highlights for you to check out this Melbourne Design Week.

The west is really having a moment, and the vibe is only going to continue with the opening of Grazeland, a 10,000sqm food haven by the Yarra River’s entrance to the bay.

If you’re tired of the same old tipple, we hear you. Falling into a predictable cocktail routine or repeat order at the bar is easy to do. But if you’re like us and wanting to shake things up a little this season, why not make a start by venturing into the world of whiskey with a contemporary twist?  

The Ascot Lot never fails to deliver on themed day festivals (who remembers Pooches and Prosecco?), and the latest to return after Melbourne’s lengthy lockdown is Espresso Yourself—no prizes for guessing what’s being celebrated at this one.

The trend for tiny living has been growing in a big way over the last decade, with YouTube channels like Living Big in a Tiny House amassing almost 4 million subscribers and tiny house shows popping up on Netflix. It’s fair to say tiny houses are making a big impression at the moment, and they’re not going away any time soon. Regulations are still a bit tricky in Victoria when it comes to living in one permanently, so weekend getaways and short-term stays are the way to go.

After a successful inaugural festival last year just prior to lockdown, the Melbourne Cocktail Festival is back on the radar this April. 

‘Cause we’re all about that OTT confidence and feeling our best selves, we're giving away five $500 vouchers to go towards fresh new lewks. 

Summer might be over but that doesn’t mean the rooftop bar vibes have to stop. That’s why several hospitality heavyweights—aka food wizards—are joining forces this April at Johnny’s Green Room to bring you the ultimate Tex-Mex rooftop party.

The Pickle & The Patty’s Bikini Bottom event is anything but childish—this cultural mashup of seafood styles features a take on The Pickle & The Patty’s love for unusual pickles and house ferments, so expect some pretty delicious combos.

Remote work is the perfect excuse to hit the road and explore the great outdoors, and for one lucky Aussie, Jeep is here to help make it happen.  

One of the trickiest things about personal finance is that everyone has a point of view. I’m not an expert, but I am turning 40 this year; and with that milestone approaching, I’ve spent a chunk of time trying to sort through what’s working, what’s not, and what feels right for me.

Newcomer to the Gertrude Street strip, Poodle, has quickly cemented itself as a northside mainstay since the doors swung open pre-lockdown, between lockdown and then again after. You’ve got head chef Josh Fry (ex-Cumulus) leaning into a playful Euro-inspired, seafood-leaning menu, and a considered yet extensive wine and drinks list to match—earlier this year they threw a full-venue party to celebrate the opening of their upstairs cocktail haunt, and this Sunday 28 March they’re throwing another all in support of a good time. 

You all probably know about Burwood Brickworks—the super sustainable shopping centre in Melbourne’s east, complete with a rooftop farm and garden—we’ve mentioned them a few times before. But we’re mentioning them again because their new Eat Street and outdoor plaza have just opened. 

Assistance Dogs Australia is asking for a favour in looking after their gorgeous eight week old pups, and we have no doubt that you, like us, are wondering if it’s really them doing us the favour—look.at.that.face.

Din Tai Fung Australia is hopping into the Easter spirit with the release of a Hot Cross Bun Bao.

South-East Asian eatery Longrain will be serving up a banquet lunch every weekend at Central Victoria’s Sutton Grange Winery. Situated on the edge of the Bendigo region and a mere 90 minute drive from the Melbourne CBD, this winery’s vast vineyard is the picture-perfect setting for weekend wining and dining. 

The warm nights might be coming to an end but Queen Victoria Market won’t be shutting up shop any time soon. They’ve just announced a new lineup over four weeks in April, the event is called Spaced Out and it’ll be featuring food trucks, a pop-up bar, live music and entertainment all with a galactic theme. 

Pixar Putt is returning to Melbourne after its hugely popular season—with the big kids and little kids alike—a year or so back.

There’s a certain hype that comes with whenever a new LUCAS venue opens, and it’s already coming in hot for restaurateur Chris Lucas’ just-announced Japanese haunt, Yakimono.

It has just been announced that Flight Facilities and Mallrat will be joining For The Love’s epic line-up at URBNSURF, so grab your mates and get ready for some seriously good surfing and sounds.  

Visit Victoria is bringing back the Wine Down Pop Up luxury hotels in some of Victoria’s most beautiful wineries. You can sip the night away before retreating to the comfort of your very own luxury pod right on the edge of the vines. 

Ever wanted to embark on meat-free Mondays? Well, it just got way easier. Everyone’s favourite northside burger joint, B.East, are expanding their horizons and bringing in an Americana-inspired vegan feast every Monday. Across the Brunswick, CBD and Fitzroy venues, the vegan feast is everything you’d expect from a flavour-packed American menu—minus the meat. 

Melbourne Fashion Festival kicked off this month with fashion taking over our streets, Insta feeds and even one of our favourite restaurants.

Sealife Melbourne has teamed up with Cork and Canvas to bring you a unique creative experience in the depths of the aquarium with painting sessions inside the 2.2 million litre Oceanarium.

Valentine’s Day is about to get very hot—and very steamy—with the Peninsula Hot Springs Bathe In Cinema kicking off this Friday night.

Aptly named SPOOKHOUSE, Mysterious AI's new experience will have you climb aboard a rickety cart and lead you through a twisting labyrinth of animated characters, paintings, projections and special effects.

This year, it’s all about celebrating the little wins, like cheap oyster nights, only having to wear masks in high-risk locations, and long weekends. And St Kilda’s Stokehouse is right there with you on the latter with a bottomless Bollinger Champagne deal bookending Easter.

We’ll cut to the chase because Arbory Afloat needs no introduction. Everyone’s favourite rivertop bar has just announced a new Detroit-style pizza pop-up. These deep-dish cheesy, gooey slices of pie are just in time for those cooler autumnal evenings.

On-the-move eatery NAMA is taking over Leonardo’s Pizza Palace for an all-day dining party on Sunday 21 March.

There’s more to love about the Macedon Ranges than a picnic at Hanging Rock. There are beautiful national parks, sprawling country gardens, rolling hills, and we haven’t even started on the culinary options yet. It’s all within a short drive from Melbourne so you can stay for a day or make a weekend of it. You bring the playlist, we’ve got the rest covered. 

You’ve of course heard about the Victorian Regional Travel Voucher Scheme, but have you heard of the Melbourne Travel Voucher Scheme? No prizes for those who worked out it’s essentially the same thing, but for use in Metropolitan Melbourne.

The folks at Four Pillars Gin were at it again over summer, and this time they’ve brought the heat. 

Today, Urban List launched a new partnership with one of Australia’s brightest fintechs—a personal investing platform called Pearler. 

We get it. Investing can seem overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the game, which is probably why only 1 in 5 Australians invest, with only a mere 23% aged below 40 years of age. But, if you’re curious about investing, we’re here to let you know it’s not all pointy graphs and incessant stressful phone calls (à la The Wolf of Wall Street).

But rather than simply sauntering along to your local park, why not venture slightly further afield (but not too far!), to some absolute primo picnic spots hiding away right here in our own backyards. Looking for inspo? Not to worry, we’ve enlisted the help of our favourite cider, Mr Finch (which has a flavour for every occasion) to round up a list of the most picturesque places to party al fresco. 

Have you noticed a flurry of sunflowers popping up on your insta feed lately? It’s probably because over 150,000 of them have just bloomed, creating a golden field in Melbourne’s Aintree region and surrounding Rockbank Area.

Whether you dig on granola or the greasy fry-up, these are 12 of the best new cafes in Melbourne (in no particular order) you have to check out—consider it your 2021 to-do list.

Everyone knows that Easter is a religious holiday, but we’d be kidding if we said we didn’t come for the food, too. Hot Cross Buns are a tradition in their own right these days, they’re sticky and fluffy and all the things you’d want from a warm bun come Easter morning—or any morning for that matter. 

If you’ve been walking through Collins Quarter in the CBD recently, you might have noticed the 60s and 70s music spilling onto the street and the tantalising aromas wafting through the air. If so, you were walking past the entrance to INDU Melbourne, the new Sri Lankan and South Indian restaurant that’s calling the precinct home. Launched by restaurateur Dr Sam Prince and Melbourne businessman Ian Hicks from the Sam Prince Hospitality Group (Mejico and Kid Kyoto), INDU Melbourne is inspired by Prince’s Sri Lankan heritage and follows on from the success of the Sydney venue. 

Spruce up your digs, thanks to The Revealed Market, a digital art emporium housing original, ethical artworks from more than 25 regional and remote WA Aboriginal art centres and emerging independent artists. 

International Women’s Day is this Monday 8 March, but that doesn’t mean you only have one day to celebrate. There are plenty of events around Melbourne and online spanning over a week, as well as several female-led initiatives and activities that continue well into the year.

There are more than 100 to choose from. 

There are endless ways to celebrate International Women's Day and get behind all the epic women in your life and beyond, but here’s just a slice to get you started. If you’re not able to hit up any socially-distanced live events, then we’ve got you sorted with everything from books to documentaries and films to binge at home. 

After a few false starts for theatre in Melbourne over the past year for reasons we don’t need to discuss, Disney’s Frozen, The Hit Broadway Musical is set to open this June at the magnificent Her Majesty's Theatre.

The team who brought you the Peninsula Hot Springs are about to open a second location, this time, in East Gippsland’s Metung.

The Melbourne Cocktail Festival is back for 2021 with Melbourne’s own Grainshaker Vodka as the presenting partner. Together they’re shaking things up—stirring things up? We’re not sure of their martini preference—for the big return on Monday 12 April to Sunday 18 April. There will be a number of special events happening across the city, and a festival kit for you to order from home. 

Astrid Dispensary is leading the way in plant-based medicine and medicinal cannabis. Located on South Yarra’s Chapel Street, the boutique speciality pharmacy is the first of its kind in Australia—and is entirely run by women. 

To celebrate Moomba Festival and bring people back into the CBD, the City of Melbourne is offering up free parking in and around the city between midday Friday 5 March 2021 to 11.59pm Monday 8 March 2021.

Whether it be a dish, a drink or bar, Melbourne’s hype machine has a peculiar way of attaching itself to something and propelling it into popularity, which is exactly what’s happened with Brunswick East’s wine haunt and vinyl temple, Waxflower.

It’s back, baby. Rice Paper Scissors are resurrecting their popular monthly Vegan degustations after taking a hiatus due to lockdown. Starting back in 2018, the degustations have proven popular with punters, so now that events are back on the table, so are all their vegan delights. 

It may officially be Autumn in Melbourne, but that doesn’t mean the summer vibes need to end. Gelati geniuses Piccolina Gelateria have teamed up with Four Pillars Gin for the ultimate granita range to keep your summer going. 

This is not a drill, everyone's fave wine fest—Pinot Palooza—is officially returning to the thirsty city of Melbourne after a years' hiatus.

It’s been a few months since gin stalwart Four Pillars released a limited collab bottle, and almost like clockwork, they’ve gone and done it again—this time with boutique hotel QT.

Artist RONE needs very little introduction.

The coastal cool artworks by Mitch Revs are, in a word, gorgeous. Best known for his kaleidoscopic, cartoon-style depicting surfers doing handstands, blokes fishing, sweeping beaches and other quintessential Aussie scenes, Mitch has always reflected his Newcastle roots in his work. It’s this trademark style that’s won the hearts of many and secured his name in the art world. 

In the last 130 years, Melbourne has seen countless businesses come and go, but there is one in particular that has stood the test of time. Through wars, recessions, and now COVID, Melbourne’s oldest bottle shop is still standing and they’ve just announced the latest addition to the business—their brand new speakeasy bar, The Wigs Tasting Studio. 

It’s not every day you find a neighbour who’ll let you open a bar on their roof, but Embla Wine Bar hit the jackpot. Melbourne’s newest rooftop cinema and bar is opening this weekend on the roof of the Melbourne Theosophical Society thanks to the efforts of Embla owners Christian McCabe and Dave Verheul. The pop up will be a fitting farewell to the historical building before it starts a new life as a boutique hotel. 

Remember seeing the Melbourne International Comedy Festival posters on the sides of trams and bus stops last year? Remember how it all got cancelled? Yeah, it was a rough time. We all need a laugh after the year we’ve just had, so we’re super excited to spill the tea on the lineup for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival in 2021—it’s actually happening people. 

Last year was a write-off for most of us, but for some, routines stayed the same. We’re talking about those popular Little Penguins at St Kilda Pier who kept their daily parade going while the rest of us stayed home. Sure, we could stream the penguin parade online, but it’s not quite the same. 

Melbourne-based artist Troy Emery is showcasing his latest solo exhibition, Sonder, at Linden New Art gallery—and just as much as it’s an aesthetic delight, the show intends to unpack so much more. 

We already know Fitzroy is the place to go for some of Melbourne’s best nightlife, restaurants and bars, but now we’ve got another massive reason to hit the northside—we’re talking three storeys massive. Hotel Fitzroy is opening up this Wednesday with the first instalment in the culinary complex, Cappo Sociale. 

If you thought bottomless brunch was just for cocktail lovers then think again. The Port Melbourne Colonial Brewing Co. are throwing their very own version of the renowned boozy brunch, and they’re shaking things up with afternoon sessions. It’s still brunch if you don’t get out of bed til midday right?

Brunswick Music Festival is back with an impressive line-up of local talent spanning over ten huge days. From Friday 5 March to Monday 16 March, beloved Brunswick venues will play host to a plethora of live music, with all tickets $10 or free. That’s right, ten bucks or free.

As part of PHOTO 2021 International Festival of Photography, Fed Square will be covered with over 300 faces of Victorians for the next three days.

Melbourne’s beloved Royal Botanic Gardens are transforming into an exhibition space for the inaugural PHOTO 2021 International Festival of Photography. As both the subject matter and the setting for the work, there’s no denying the (horti)cultural significance of the gardens. 

​If there’s one thing we’ve learned over the past 12 months, it’s that prioritising your mental health and wellbeing is paramount. While many people claim meditation as the holy grail of mindfulness, it begs the question—what if you struggle to meditate or don’t enjoy it?

Facebook announced that it would officially be removing all news content, local and international, from its feed in Australia. If you’ve been wondering what it all means, where you’ll read the news online, don’t worry—you’re not alone there. Here's how you can stay connected with Urban List now and into the future. 

Melbourne’s city skyline is going to look a little greener, with Beulah announcing that it’s $2 billion skyscraper, Southbank by Beulah, is on track to be the world’s tallest vertical garden. The skyscraper is set to be 365 metres high and the external vertical garden will reach a total of 5.5 kilometers. That’s as long as running a full lap around The Tan, then running a little more. 

For the last twelve months, Victorians have been ticking off the calendar days with a daily update from Dan Andrews. We’ve grown accustomed to his pandemic updates and matching attire for good and bad news—we’re looking at you, North Face jacket. While the press conferences never miss a day, we don’t always get much notice on the time. That’s where @WhatTimeDan comes in. 

It’s true, our love for hip hop runs deep. We’re big fans of the genre’s boundary-breaking, rebellious attitude (perhaps a love that’s been magnified after living through the insanity that was 2020) and it’s the leading part in the revival of '90s streetwear fashion. 

Gone are the days when a night out for dinner meant travelling into the CBD. Nowadays, you don’t have to travel far to find some of Melbourne’s best-kept culinary secrets. Some of Melbourne’s best restaurants could be just around the corner from you, offering authentic cuisines from around the world. With such a strong migrant culture and ever-expanding suburban sprawl, Melbourne’s best suburban restaurants are popping up on the reg, from Reservoir to Moonee Ponds and Carnegie. Dig in Melbourne, these are the cream of the crop. 

What’s drinking wine got to do with cleaning up the oceans? We’re glad you asked. The answer is The Hidden Sea Wine. These legends take ten plastic bottles out of the ocean for every bottle of their wine sold. Lucky for you, they’ve just teamed up with The Emerson for the ultimate feel-good boozy brunch. 

After a long, cold year full of almost no stimulation, Melbourne is coming back alive with a plethora of events, performances and exhibitions being announced on the daily. The latest is Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge! stage show, and first-round tickets are on sale now.

With the hope of shifting the tipple dial from average to expert, we asked leading Australian bartender Chelsea Catherine for her hot tips on creating the perfect at-home cocktail.

Chin Chin, Hawker Hall, Baby Pizza and for the first time ever, Kisumé, are taking delivery in-house to keep you fed each and every night of the week. 

In the past decade or so, the humble dessert we know as gelato has departed from its over-frozen reputation in the back of your freezer to somewhat of a fine-dining experience. In part, you can thank the likes of Piccolina for not just championing the dish, but for pushing the boundaries, too. And over the next eight weeks, owner Sandra Foti and Australia’s culinary elite are about to take it up yet another notch. 

After the year we’ve had, it’s safe to say more than a few of us Melburnian’s are reaching into the bottoms of our pockets once we reach the bar. Fortunately, the city is stacked with bottomless booze, bottomless pizza and various other gloriously excessive happy hour at the moment. And next up is Horn Please with bottomless vegan curry.

Ready to go ham? Here are the best places to get hot dogs in Melbourne.

Pooches and Prosseco is back at the Ascot Lot on Saturday 27 February from 12pm to 10pm, so bring along your four-legged friends while you sip on some sparkling. The Story Wines and Zilzie Wines will be serving up Australia’s best prosecco, which you can enjoy in the Ascot Lot’s huge beer garden where there’s plenty of room for your pooch to play. 

​When it comes to bars and eateries, it’s safe to say we can never have enough. So when we heard of the brand new bar gracing the Ozone outdoor dining and entertainment precinct at Westfield Knox, we were all ears.

Bottomless pizza, endless gin and enough happy hours to fill out every damn day, Melbourne is making a good time very easy. The most recent to fill a spot on your calendar is Howler and sibling garden bar Howlerwood who are offering up $10 margaritas every Friday throughout February between 6pm and 7pm.

It’s always a vibe when one of Melbourne’s cultural hubs puts on an after-dark, adults-only, boozy session, and the latest to do so is none other than the Scienceworks Planetarium.

There are plenty of ways to show some tender love and care this Valentine’s Day, but if a bouquet of fried, steamy chicken doesn’t say “I love you” then is it really worth putting a wing on it?

After a year hiatus, Melbourne Food & Wine Festival returns like a (slow-cooked, 12-hour brined) phoenix from the ashes with a monumental-sized program spanning from March, right through until spring—first beginning with a series of key events in March, followed by core programing in winter, then, exploring regional Victoria later in the year.

A few months on from Melbourne’s arduous lockdown and the silver linings continue to reveal themselves. The latest is 14 Days of Cheese, once a cheese delivery service for Melburnians couped up at home, and now a charming wine and cheese temple nestled in Port Melbourne’s piers. 

​If you’ve never been into colouring books, puzzles seem far too mundane, you could ever stay consistent with journaling, we think we may have just found your favourite new mindfulness hobby.

Black Star Pastry is giving you another reason to fall in love with “the world’s most Instagrammed cake” by serving up a Valentine’s Day edition of the exceptionally photogenic dessert.

On one hand, the capacity limits at NGV can be seen as a sort of silver lining in that you can wander through the Triennial with at least a few square metres around you, though on the other hand, it means tickets are somewhat of a scarcity—that’s why the NGV is bringing back its evening sessions for an entire month beginning on Friday 15 January.

It’s hard to ignore the pressure when it comes to planning out a ripper Valentine’s Day date that’ll tick all the boxes and knock your better half’s socks off. Nothing says ‘I love you’ like planning ahead, so to help avoid the disappointment we’ve rounded up the most romantic restaurants Melbourne has on offer.  

After what was almost a year of no fun, no leaving the home and certainly no celebrating, Melbourne is taking every damned opportunity it can get to throw around the confetti. Next up is World Pizza Day, and pizza veterans 400 Gradi are taking charge of the party with bottomless pizza for one day only.

Just before, during and after Melbourne’s 2020 hiatus, several new bars and restaurants braved the city’s lengthy lockdown and opened their doors in various capacities. And as it turns out, the juice was worth the squeeze for those who persevered—including Hemingway’s Wine Room in East Melbourne.

The CBD has come up with plenty of initiatives to coax people back in between the hours of 9am and 5pm, but if anything’s going to bring the suits back, it’s free coffee, and Federal Coffee has exactly that for the entirety of February.

As part of MPavilion’s comprehensive season, the long-running cultural festival is resurrecting Melbourne’s much-loved Rooftop Cinema for a very limited season.

Mitchelton will have seven Airstreams on offer, all year round. The full-sized Airstream caravans are just a short stroll to Mitchelton Hotel, and feature their own deck area with furniture, along with a barbecue.

14km south-east of Melbourne’s CBD you’ll find the lively suburb of Oakleigh. Boasting a strong Greek cultural influence, this suburb is loaded with hidden gems and iconic eateries that have to be seen (and tasted) to be believed. 

There are no shortage of watering holes in Collingwood and surrounds for you to satiate that craving for a frothy, though even in the before time, nabbing a seat at one’s desired watering hole wasn’t easy. And with restrictions, that hasn’t eased up. Fortunately, the Lame Duck’s new sibling bar, aptly named the Lame Deck, is here to ease the load and keep you quenched.

Prahran Market’s Sizzlefest—the multi-day celebration of the sausage and barbecue—returns this March over three days of grilling, smoking and barbecuing.