Holy moly, it’s been a busy six months, Listers! The Melbourne hospo scene has been procreating like a bunch of randy rabbits, with a new opening dropping on the daily. From white tablecloth affairs to dirty-but-delish burger joints and retro barcades, there’s a new Melbourne venue to suit every taste and budget.
So behold, dear Listers, our epic round up of Melbourne’s best new restaurants, cafes and bars, opened during the first six months of 2015.
5 Points Deli and Longhorn Saloon: More US goodness from the inimitable Balleau brothers.
Aloha Sailor in Collingwood: A hidden tiki bar in the basement of The Noble Experiment. Expect ‘smoking’ rum based cocktails served in treasure chests.
Anchovy in Richmond: Well played Bridge Road. This new Vietnamese meets Modern Australian joint is worth the hype.
Arbory in Melbourne CBD: Melbourne’s longest restaurant and bar. The perfect spot for after work drinks or lazy Sunday sessions by the river.
Archie’s All Day in Fitzroy: Our favourite new Fitzroy breakfast spot keeps the good times rolling into the night.
Bahari in Richmond: Some of the best Greek food in Melbourne, from an ex-Masterchef contestant. Good, honest cooking and no pretension.
Bar Clarine in Fitzroy: Belle’s Hot Chicken got a more saintly sister in the small but perfectly formed Bar Clarine. Expect more delicate eats, and an extensive selection of natural wines.
Bar Exuberante in Richmond: Matt Bax has done it again with this incredible hidden bar, housed within Bar Economico. As always, no attention to detail has been spared.
Beach Burrito in Fitzroy: Burritos, margaritas, sick beats and a skate bowl… a Melbourne Mexican joint that stands out from the pack.
Bibelot in South Melbourne: Dessert manna from the gods at Chez Dré.
Boilermaker House in Melbourne CBD: A stunning whisky bar with nattily-clad bar staff and epic charcuterie. Sister venue to killer Melbourne cocktail bar, Eau de Vie.
BOY & Co in Malvern: Loaded fries and killer shakes. Boom.
Botherambo in Richmond: With a cool fit-out from Techne, and delish South East Asian fare, this Swan Street hotspot is definitely worth the bother.
Brother Burger in South Yarra: More deliciousness from the Melbourne burger pros.
Chow City in Melbourne CBD: Seriously good Asian fusion and the prettiest cocktails around. Giving that other CBD joint with the same initials a run for its money.
Crompton Coffee in Richmond: The infamous toast cafe. Why mess with a brekkie classic?
Denis the Menace in Cremorne: This converted warehouse in Cremorne is now a charming 100-seater cafe, with a focus on sustainability and clean eating. Grab some herbs on your way out!
Delhi Streets in Melbourne CBD: The Archway’s answer to tasty, affordable Indian food.
Din Tai Fung in Melbourne CBD: The famous dumpling joint has wok and rolled into Melbourne.
Easey's in Collingwood: Some of Melbourne’s best burgers, served in a rooftop train carriage. Yes, really.
Entrecôte in South Yarra: Basically, heaven on earth for meat-lovers. Head to this gorgeous all-day eatery for steak-frites, with bottomless frites. A second outpost in the CBD is imminent.
Estelle Bistro in Northcote: A new, more low-key flavour is the order of the day for this Melbourne foodie favourite.
Fancy Nance in South Yarra: A fancy spot for high tea and bubbles, from the macaron maestro himself.
Fonda in Hawthorn: Why should the eastern suburbs miss out on some of Melbourne’s best Mexican?
G&Tea Gin Garden in Fitzroy: All of the gin.
Gelato Messina in Richmond: Oh yeah they did!
Glamp Cocktail Bar in Melbourne CBD: A quirky new Melbourne CBD bar decked out in safari-chic, with a great selection of African beers and innovative cocktails.
Glovers Station in Elsternwick: Stunning interior design meets exceptional food and coffee in this new Melbourne cafe, housed in a heritage building in Elsternwick.
Hello José in West Melbourne: A bright and cheery taqueria with a fun vibe and fresh flavours.
Huxtaburger in Hawthorn: The best beef and buns in the East.
Jack Horner in Brunswick East: From Pope Joan’s Matt Wilkinson, comes Jack Horner—a canteen meets grocer-deli-corner store in Brunswick East.
Kustom Burgers in Thornbury: Does Melbourne really need another burger joint? When it comes to Kustom Burgers, the answer is “Hell, yes!”
Lost Heaven in Melbourne CBD: New Sichuan eatery from the HuTong clan.
Lulie St Tavern in Abbotsford: A super-chilled Abbotsford bar for those who like their froffies without fuss. Food trucks roll up outside on Friday and Sat nights, too.
Magic Mountain Saloon in Melbourne CBD: An all-day eatery and bar serving delicious Asian-fusion breakfast. From the Cookie crew so you know it’s gonna be gooood.
Miss Katie’s Crab Shack at The Rochester in Fitzroy: Miss Katie’s moved into the reopened Rochey, and she’s never looked so good.
Mörk Chocolate Brew House in North Melbourne: stunning Scando design and the best hot chocolate you’ll ever taste. Order the Campfire Chocolate!
Mr Huang Jin in Melbourne CBD: Another tasty new offering in The Archway, it’s time to acquaint yourself with this Mr and his Taiwanese eats.
Pixel Alley in Fitzroy: Melbourne’s cool new barcade. It’s on like Donkey Kong.
Port of Call Saloon Bar & Grill in Melbourne CBD: A Caribbean-inspired bar and eatery from the folks behind Richmond’s Collection Bar.
Pressed Juices Cafe in Elsternwick: The Pressed Juices empire keeps expanding, with the recent addition of a cafe with fresh and clean design, and clean and lean eat-in options.
Prosciutto Bros. Craft Bar in Eltham: Meats and beers. Winning in the ‘burbs.
Rosa’s Canteen in Melbourne CBD: Northern Italian fare from Melbourne Italian icon, Rosa Mitchell.
Rudimentary in Footscray: Dine in refurbed shipping containers in this cute new Melbourne cafe with a sustainable focus.
Rupert in Collingwood: A great new Collingwood bar and eatery with a cruise-worthy selection of local craft beers and ciders.
Sagra in Malvern: A classy new Italian eatery, bar and art gallery. Drop in for the art, stay for the sagra.
Serotonin Eatery in Burnley: It's all about eating for health and happiness at this wellbeing hub. Go for the acai and good feels.
Sir Charles in Fitzroy: A light and airy new Fitzroy cafe we’re loving.
Smith & Deli in Fitzroy: A vegan NY-style deli from the foxy ladies at Smuth & Daughters. Vegan, but not as you know it.
Square & Compass in East Melbourne: Barry’s sister cafe should be on your breakfast radar.
St Kilda Burger Bar in St Kilda: Drive-through gourmet burgers at The Grosvenor? Yes, please.
[Stoke] Bar & Kitchen in Melbourne CBD: The downstairs area of Stokehouse City has a brand spanking, sexy new look and menu.
The Roving Marrow at The Astor in Carlton: The Astor has a brand new look, including a new dining room, where the refined, modern menu is served on trolleys, yum cha style.
The Stone Hotel in Fitzroy: The Brunswick Street corner behemoth you’ve been eyeing for months is now open. With two stories, function space, outdoor terrace and more, we’re tipping this new Fitzroy bar and eatery to be your fave.
Tokyo Tina in Windsor: A funky new Japanese-fusion sister to Hanoi Hannah and Saigon Sally. Best short rib bao in town.
Union Electric in Melbourne CBD: A great new cocktail bar in Melbourne CBD, with affordable drinks, a relaxed vibe and Bill Murray as their patron saint.
Woody P in Melbourne CBD: A great new Italian-inspired spot on Flinders Lane. Take some mates and order the feasting menu. You’re gonna want to try it all.
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Image credit: Glover's Station, Simon Shiff for The Urban List