Meatworks

The Verdict

If you're a lover of casual dining with great food to boot, Meatworks is the place for you. The industrial fitout feels breezy and fresh, adapted from a turn-of-the-century mechanic shopfront in the back streets of South Melbourne - but if anything, it seems like this old building has finally found its groove after all these years.

Long sharing tables suit the ethos of an easygoing canteen experience - although this is far from your usual fare. The smoked meat platter is the centrepiece here: 10 hour smoked brisket and pulled pork lies beside sticky ribs and super-soft baked potato. The accompanying chili sauce is a firm winner in my books.

Try the sweet smoked salmon and pomegranate salad, or the slow braised sticky beef shin in a powerful broth that packs a punch. This place is all about flavour - with a bit of laid back fun on the side.

Image credit: Provided