Urban List Guide To Melbourne

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

Trending

News

See All
News

First Look: Mondo Gelateria Brings Artisanal Gelato And DJ Nights To Melbourne CBD

YoYou’re about to start finding excuses to “accidentally” wander down Elizabeth Street more often. That’s because Mondo Gelateria, Melbourne’s newest dessert daydream, is opening on Friday, 23 January—bringing with it gelato flights laced with limoncello, pastries pretty enough to live behind gallery glass and flavours that sound like they’ve been backpacking through Europe.

Features

See All

Best Of Melbourne

See All
Wellness

Your Guide To Melbourne’s Best Day Spas In 2026

We live in spa country. We’ve got some of the best day spas in Melbourne and beyond with Daylesford and Sorrento bringing the goods. Breathe in, breathe out, relax your shoulders, and get booking. Here is Urban List's guide to the best days spas Melbourne and Victoria have to offer.

Things To Do

See All
Things To Do

The Best Go Karting In Melbourne 2026

Go karting is a timeless activity. The almost child-like pursuit of speed and reckless endangerment is a thrill that you can’t (and shouldn’t) get driving to coles. With many tracks and karts around town, all with their own different bends and different levels of engine CC’s, it can be a little difficult to know where exactly you should burn rubber. 

Food + Drink

See All
Three people doing Karaoke next to a red curtain.
Bars & Pubs

The Best Karaoke In Melbourne For 2026

Whether you're a self-proclaimed shower superstar or a fearless performer who can hit every note of Alicia Keys' "Girl on Fire," we all have that one go-to karaoke song that turns an ordinary night into an extraordinary experience. So, step out to a Melbourne Karaoke bar and belt out every lyric of Britney Spears' "Toxic" or Eminem's "Without Me" while the crowd cheers you on
Restaurants

The Best Burgers In Melbourne (2026 Edition)

There was a time when the best burgers in Melbourne came from your local fish and chip place, usually with a slice of beetroot and a couple of extra dim sims. Actually, now we think about it, those are still pretty bloody good, but we've pulled together our top picks so you can eat easy.

Local Escapes

See All
Local Escapes

18 Of The Best Melbourne Airbnbs Made For An Epic 2026 Escape

Ah, Melbourne. The city of a million suburbs, each with its own distinctive personality. Everyone should treat themselves to a little staycation once in a while, to rediscover this city we adore so much. Start packing your overnight bag and take a look at some of the best Airbnbs in Melbourne for 2026.

Urban List Guides

Rest Of The Best

Restaurants

These Are The Best Richmond Restaurants For 2026

From little bistros that will transport you to the streets of Rome to meticulously made nigiri at hatted omakase restaurants, you could easily (and happily) get lost in Richmond's food scene. These are the best restaurants for every types of occassion. 

Laura At Pt. Leo Estate

Sitting proudly on the coastline of the Mornington Peninsula, Laura is the jewel in Pt. Leo Estate’s crown—a two‑hatted fine‑dining destination where art, wine and food collide in perfect harmony. 

Daphne

Midnight spaghetti and a martini club? Say less. From the team behind Etta, Daphne is the newest addition to Brunswick East’s buzzing scene.

Bakeries & Delis

T6 Patisserie

You can find possibly the world’s best curry puff at a tiny Eurasian bakery in Carnegie. The delicately spiced potato, wrapped in a perfectly laminated pain suisse pastry, is just the start of their offering.

Food & Drink

Melbourne’s Best Bottomless Brunches For When You’re Really Thirsty

Some mornings are meant for sleep-ins and some are meant for indulging in the best bottomless brunch in Melbourne. Are you after endless mimosas, too many proseccos, more margaritas than you can poke a stick at? Well, if you've woken up on that side of the bed, get your Sunday (or Saturday) best on, and get ready to party. Check out our list of the best bottomless brunches in Melbourne for 2026.
Food & Drink

Molli

With a new chef at the helm and girl dinners to boot, Molli is back baby. The funky diner, heavy on the smoky grill and local produce has flipped their own script after feedback from locals that it wasn’t quite what they were after.
Restaurants

La Tortillería

Step into the heart of warm Mexican food culture at La Tortillería, a traditional yet casual eatery where soulful, bona fide flavours take centre stage. From hand-pressed tortillas to housemade salsas, every dish is a humble homage to Mexico’s rich culinary heritage.

Food & Drink

Breadcetera

From the team behind beloved suburban gems Riserva, Baia Di Vino and Lucia comes Breadcetera—a fresh neighbourhood concept where daily essentials meet delightful discoveries.

Restaurants

O’Connell’s

South Melbourne institution O’Connell’s—slinging pints since 1873, has scored the esteemed head chef Aaron Brodie (ex-Oakridge) and his signature woodfire cooking, produce-first approach.

Food & Drink

Rumble Coffee Roasters

Rumble Coffee Roasters has officially opened the doors to its new espresso bar in the heart of Kensington, marking an exciting new chapter for the Melbourne-based specialty roaster.

Food & Drink

Castlerose

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

Food & Drink

LKF Bar

Inspired by Lan Kwai Fong in Hong Kong, LKF Bar radiates everything the world-famous nightlife district is known for: food, booze, music and a big, big energy. Think private karaoke bar meets delicious dining experience.

Entertainment

OnAir

If you've been watching the ever-growing trend of coffee shop DJ sets with eager eyes, you'd better get down to Cremorne's newest venue OnAir. 

Cafes

Yugen Tea Bar (YTB)

Adorable fish-shaped waffles, Matilda-inspired chocolate cake, and an Oriental Bloody Mary... If the perfect Asian-inspired brunch exists, it's got to be this. 

Food & Drink

Chapati & Daaru

Chapati's new Crossley Street home continues its reign as one of the city's most vibrant modern Indian kitchens, but it's the daring upstairs addition—Daaru cocktail bar—that's really setting tongues wagging (and burning). This dynamic duo delivers a complete spice experience, from street food to cocktails, under one roof.

Cafes

Como Lane

Como Lane might be the most South Yarra opening South Yarra has seen in a good long time. Oozing European class, the 60-seater indoor outdoor cafe sits flush with Como House, an historic mansion owned by the National Trust, dating back to 1847. 

Restaurants on Lygon Street
Restaurants

Your Ultimate Guide To Lygon Street’s Best Restaurants For 2026

Like the precinct’s spruikers, the choice really is overwhelming when it comes to Lygon Street restaurants. One will tell you they have the freshest carbonara in the southern hemisphere while the other will stake claim to a 400 cheese pizza. Both worthy options, but dig deeper and you’ll find a diverse culinary offering ranging from fiery ramen at one end and modern Australian at the other.
Food & Drink

Woolstore

Nestled in the heart of Geelong's Newtown, Woolstore offers a unique and inviting dining experience within a century-old woolstore building. This exciting venue brings together the talents of the team behind the Federal Mills precinct and the culinary brilliance of award-winning head chef Eli Grubb.

Cafes

Agathé Pâtisserie Petite

The city's smallest bakery (well, distributor of baked goods at least) Agathé Pâtisserie Petite has grown into a bigger space, but still in Royal Arcade.

Cafes

Osoi

In a “love letter” to the two places that Duy and Shy cherish most, the quaint Japanese cafe Osoi, is a celebration of Melbourne’s specialty coffee scene and Japan’s rich tea culture.

Gifts

The Best Flower Delivery Melbourne Has To Offer In 2026

You know those scenes in the movies when someone gets a huge bouquet delivered to their office? And all the co-workers gather and gush about what a sweetie the sender must be? Well, you can be that sender in 2026, thanks to Urban List finding the best flower delivery Melbourne has to offer.
Restaurants

Bang Bang St Kilda

Bang Bang is a certified banger. The bustling hawker-style Pan Asian restaurant is bold, fun, and not pretentious in any sense of the world. The crew have done such a good job with their vibrant dishes that they've gone and done it again, opening a third location. 

U:L Recommends

Suupaa

Suupaa is where convenience meets culinary creativity—consider Japanese konbini vibes with a Melbournian twist. The latest venture from the visionaries behind Future Future, this quirky little spot is redefining the “grab-and-go” experience.

Food

Miss Amelie’s Gourmet Pies

Get 'em while they’re hot! Miss Amelie Gourmet Pies has expanded its Melbourne presence with a new location at the historic Queen Victoria Market, offering pie lovers a taste of their award-winning creations.

Gimlet's main bar adorned by two white pillars and filled with natural light.
U:L By You

Turn Up The Heat This Valentine’s Day At Melbourne’s Most Romantic Restaurants

Here’s how to do a romantic dinner in Melbourne. First step: book early. Especially around the dreaded V-Day. Most of the city’s swankier eateries fill up weeks in advance, and if you leave it too late the maître d’ will just laugh at you down the phone. Second: pick somewhere, small, cosy, intimate. Candlelight if you can get it. Avoid the trendy but frantic CBD hotspots where it’s too loud to deploy all that witty and seductive banter (that means you, sorry Chin Chin). 
Food & Drink

Mill Place Merchants

Finally, somewhere that serves a Dirty Martini as it should be—on a silver platter. This speakeasy bar will transport you back into another century, the hardest part is just finding it. 

Restaurants

Barragunda Dining

This farm to table restaurant set in the rugged, wild beauty of Cape Schanck on the Mornington Peninsula is bringing a whole new dimension to destination dining.

Food & Drink

Saul’s Sandwiches | Elsternwick

We said it once but we’ll say it again—we’re not sure when Saul’s will stop opening new stores, but we’re absolutely not complaining if we saw that iconic logo on a corner of every Melbourne suburb.

Bakeries & Delis

Baker Bleu

Is Baker Bleu the return of the neighbourhood bakery? With their third location in Cremorne, we might just be feeling that little bit extra European here in Melbourne.

Cafes

Brewsmith

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

Food & Drink

Marmont

This new everything venue on the Crown River Walk is the perfect spot for just that: everything. Marmont, heavily inspired by Los Angeles in both decor and menu is a little slice of SoCal on Southbank.

Restaurants

Kolkata Cricket Club

The latest venue by Toddy Shop’s Mischa Tropp is modelled after old school Bengali cricket clubs and members bars in India and is serving up up astutely spiced curries and a moody atmosphere that’s perfect for everything from dates to catch-ups or family feasts.

Food & Drink

Miss Gunn’s

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

Restaurants

Mr L’s

This little New York-coded diner on Toorak Road giving big Great Gatsby vibes is the spot for a cheeky mid-week meal out or a terrace cocktail.

Restaurants

Ishizuka

Melbourne’s finest Japanese diner, Ishizuka is an intimate spectacle, serving up elaborate, thoughtful and tantalising banquets, tucked away on a basement level down a lane off Bourke Street.
Food & Drink

Plern

Whip out your notes app, because you’ll want to try the slurp-worthy noodles and mouth-watering curries at your new go-to Thai-slinging eating house, Plern.

Cafes

Milkbar

True to its name, Milkbar is serving up your favourite café classics but reimagined: think old-school Aussie milk bar with a touch of Melbourne flair. The option to add a side of yellowfin tuna tartar to your morning eggs on toast, if you will.

Pipis North: Albert Park’s Seafood Stars Launch Summer Pop-Up In Fitzroy

Pipis Kiosk—the Albert Park institution that’s had us hooked on its pristine seafood since day one—is crossing the Yarra with a summer pop-up that’s equal parts sun-kissed escape and northside cool. Meet Pipis North, a strictly limited takeover of the old Alta Trattoria space on Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, where the team’s spinning their coastal magic until the end of February.

Little Black Pig & Sons Wine Dinner Series: Full 2026 Lineup

Heidelberg’s beloved Little Black Pig & Sons is serving up something special for early 2026: a wine dinner series that marries chef-owner David Lakhi’s produce-driven Cucina Povera plates with drops from Australia’s top producers. Running February to May, these Thursday-night events—hosted by David and his wife Emilia Lakhi—transform the 48 Burgundy Street gem into an electric playground of flavour, stories and surprise pours.​

Kokoras Brings Charcoal-Grilled Greek Chicken Glory To Yarraville

The chicken shop is Melbourne’s next big thing, and the new Yarraville opening proves why—nostalgia, affordability and finger-licking succulence. Kokoras comes from Alex Xinis (Hellenic Republic, The Press Club) and the team behind highly acclaimed Tsaki, the Athenian vibe wine bar just two doors down. Ideally, lunch would be Kokoras and dinner Tsaki (if only I lived in Yarraville).

Piper’s Playhouse Brings Parisian Cabaret Glamour To Crown Melbourne This Summer

Prepare to fall headfirst into a world of velvet and Champagne because Melbourne’s nightlife is about to get sultry. Opening 22 January, Piper’s Playhouse will unveil its first limited-season immersive cabaret experience at Crown Melbourne, blending Parisian theatre, live music and modern mischief into one unforgettable after-dark spectacle.

First Look: Kingpin Melbourne’s $13M Collins Arcade Playground Brings Bowling, Batting And More

Kingpin has opened the doors to its $13 million flagship entertainment precinct inside Collins Arcade, signalling the brand’s next chapter as a premium social destination. The new 3,500-square-metre venue blends dining, drinks and next-level entertainment—a place that practically glows from within, dripping neon light and humming with energy, reimagining how Melburnians come together to play.