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The latest edition to Prahran’s growing boutique-store scene, the recently opened Collaborate Store is home to colourful homewares, unique jewellery and bold prints. The range is a collaboration (get it?) that includes a range of emerging local brands, showcasing some of the best Melbourne designers in a bright, airy interior.

The number of quality, experienced men’s barbers in Melbourne is so small, it could almost be a club. Richmond’s newly opened The Club Barbering has very nearly solved the problem singlehandedly.

Adjacent to Parkville’s Royal Children’s Hospital, Smith + Singleton gives Melburnians an exciting reason to visit the area. Featuring an all day, international menu that doesn’t suck for once, Smith + Singleton's menu is seamless, flavoursome and ready for the eating.

Prahran’s newest beauty salon is unashamedly feminine. From pure white appointment rooms to chandeliers and sleek black lounge chairs, Missie Coco’s space is relaxing, elegant and upmarket – a hint of what might be in store for your next visit.

There will never be enough tacos in Melbourne, at least according to the newest expansion of the Trippy Taco empire. Opening on the south side in St Kida, the second Trippy Taco store brings all your favourite meat-free Mexican food to the beachfront.

Moonee Ponds is fast becoming one of our favourite suburbs for a brunch crawl, and one of the brightest venues on our breakfast trail is District North. The suburban cafe is much, much more than a spot for some avo on toast. Boasting a large daylight-filled space, a menu that's got enough variety without reading like a phonebook, and a range of boozy options for those of you who are hankering after a spritz to get the weekend started, the newcomer has been rocking our socks with its savoury and sweet dishes. 

Clean and simple, just like their bagels. Fitzroy’s Mile End Bagel’s light interior ticks the basics: high-quality, pale timber, dilapidated white-washed walls and an extensive pile of flour stacked neatly in one corner, undoubtedly for tomorrow morning’s bake.

Rest House Float in Hampton East is the latest Melbourne float centre to send customers in to a dreamy, deeply relaxed state.

Matcha Mylkbar – a completely vegan-friendly café that refuses to ditch the poached eggs, or the bacon. Promised to serve breakfast and lunch from plant-based products (so vegan bacon and eggs if you missed that), as you may have guessed, a good portion of the menu will be dedicated to matcha-related dishes.

Burgers, ribs, salads, fries and all the trimmings are to be found at Hawthorn's Ribs & Burgers, which is tucked away on Glenferrie Road. Whether it's take-away or a dine-in feast, you'll find them both here. Their tasty locally sourced burgers come topped with veggies, salad and an extra helping of bacon or cheese, all crammed inside organic flour buns, ready to be devoured by Melbourne's hungriest meat lovers. 

Taking over one of Fitzroy's most prominent corners, She's Bar & Cafe has popped up in the space that was previously the G & T Gin Garden. Refitting the space with a handful of more luxurious details, the streetside bar and restaurant specialises in sharing plates and some of the freshest cocktails on the strip, making the most of the covetable location. 

One of Melbourne's sweet treat pioneers, Eat A Scroll is a firm staple on any sweet-tooth's go-to for some 3pm slump sustenance. Specialising in hand-made scrolls that come in just about every flavour you can think of, the Collingwood cafe-bakery serves up scrolls, cruffins and coffee to dine-in patrons, as well as offering takeaway options.

Reminiscent of a high school canteen—only leaps and bounds better—Miss Ruben is making waves in Ripponlea for its homely, unpretentious lunches which are ready-made and oh-so-easy to snag on the go.

Cafe, bakery and home of the doughnut waffle, The Left-Handed Chef in South Melbourne is a fantastic little cafe for a strong coffee and a good feed that can be as healthy or as indulgent as you like, even if you're a gluten-free foodie.

As soon as we think we've got a hold on HuTong's growing dumpling empire, the Chinese restaurant gurus go and open yet another dumpling hotspot in Melbourne. From their chilli wontons that we could eat by the bucket-load, to juicy prawn dumplings, to the perfectly steamed xiao long bao, this is one eatery that caters to just about every dim sum desire there is!

If you’re looking for a bit of pampering this week, A Little Company has the works without without the weird ingredients. With a focus on a sustainability, A Little Company takes on an integrated approach so you’ll leave feeling rested and happy inside and out.

Not another coffee shop in the inner north you say? Wrong! With eight years experience under his belt at D.O.C Espresso, Leon Dalle Nogare has realised his dream of recreating a traditional Italian espresso bar with his new café, Arno. The locals are already hooked, with a steady stream lining up for their daily insalata or chicken cotoletta panino.

Austin's has popped up quietly next to the Mt Erica Hotel, slowly replacing $15 parmas and steak specials with a surprisingly sophisticated tapas offering that speaks strongly of head chef Sunny Gilbert's time at Movida Next Door. The influence is obvious: but thankfully this tapas bar come casual restaurant is no mere copycat.

It’s easy to spot Mr Wednesday: positioned in a quiet street along the Hurstbridge line, Mr Wednesday’s rustic, relaxed shopfront stays busy through the morning rush.

Hallejuah! It's a Korean BBQ miracle. Mrs Kim's Grill is positioned on the killer Koornang Road shopping strip and it's a serious contender for Carnegie's best Korean BBQ restaurant.

Kuwaii is iconically Melbourne: that perfect combination of alternative and effortless; its sleek sillhouettes and trademark colourways translate across borders via a strong aesthetic that is instantly recognisable. They may even be solely responsible for getting a few black-loving Melburnians into colour... maybe.

Nestled on the intersection of Williams and Malvern road, Toorak’s favourite wine bar has morphed into its favourite craft beer mecca. 505 Cellars (formerly 505 Wine Room) is split into two distinct, modern spaces designed by Australian interior designer Ricky Smith. It's the beer temple Toorak desperately deserves.

Melbourne has fallen hook, line and sinker for US-inspired dive bars and BBQ joints in recent years, but Miss Katie’s aside, we haven’t really been swimming in authentic Southern-style seafood. Until now. Throwing open its doors this month, House of Crabs has side-scuttled into the underbelly of St Kilda’s Newmarket to bring the good people of Melbourne what is quite possibly the worst first date meal ever: the crab boil.

Are you looking for the best chicken in Melbourne? Well, you're going to need to give Gami Chicken & Beer in Fitzroy a finger-licking try.

Taking the pimped out gelatos of today and turning them on their heads, this Glenferrie Rd gelateria is taking gelato back to basics. Dripping in authenticity, Piccolina Gelateria is the place to go for your true Italian gelato hit.

The brilliant mind who delivered 8Bit to our salivating mouths has struck gold again in Footscray with his new BBQ joint, Up In Smoke.

If you haven’t discovered this Middle Eastern delight, it’s time to make a pit stop at Prahran Market. Walk into Abla’s Patisserie and the first thing you’ll spot are the trays of freshly baked Baklava and miniature Greek pastries. When you have questions (because you will), ask one of Abla’s knowledgeable and patient staff.

As soon as you set foot in Darling Style Merchants, you'll feel a warmth and positivity that is the signature of this brilliant lifestyle store. Founded by four inspiring women, Darling popped into our lives in 2014 and it's been kicking goals ever since.

The Tradesman started off as a quick in-n-out takeaway store (yep, mostly for tradies), but it's morphed into a chic, industrial style café serving up some bangin’ breakfast and lunch meals.  

Answering the prayers of every Melbournian, Feast Of Merit’s rooftop bar is an extension of the restaurant we know and love.

New Port Melbourne fitness studio Bodhi & Ride specialises in keeping your mind and body fit. Taking a three-pronged approach to fitness and wellness, the stunning new studio combines unique Bodhi Flow yoga, spin classes and guided meditation in one two-level space.

The latest creation from Jerome Borazio, father of Laneway Festival and the driving force behind many of Melbourne's best bars, Back Alley Sally's brings laneway cool to Footscray. The first-level converted warehouse space is home to tap beers, a solid wine list and a cracking cocktail menu, as well as an indoor garden area that opens onto the street.

Masterminded by Clinton McIver, ex-Vue de Monde sous chef and one of Melbourne's brightest up-coming culinary stars, Amaru in Armadale is an incredible fine dining experience to be found in Melbourne's southside. With no attention to detail spared, the relaxed, resolved space is home to 33 seats at which diners can enjoy a mouth-watering 13-course degustation, or an abbreviated lunch menu, both of which promise to include some of the city's finest delicacies.

Wine-lovers: say hello to your new, unpretentious Bottle-O. The family-run Brunswick Wine Shop features affordable, quality wines from some of the best local and international wineries. This humble, pared-back timber shop is a hidden Brunswick gem for those who enjoy a good Pinot without the pompous ‘tude (aka every Melburnian drinker ever). 

“Not another burger joint,” said no Melburnian, ever. Dani (of Dandenong Pavilion, Easey’s, Grand Trailer Park Taverna and Truck Stop Deluxe renown), has drawn inspo for Royal Stacks from US hits Shake Shack and In-N-Out Burger, with a local twist. 

Melbourne’s first dedicated cold plate ice cream store has just opened its doors in Windsor, and boy are we happy to have headquarters around the corner. Bringing this strange and wonderful teppanyaki ice cream to Melbourne, Scroll Ice Cream uses the finest local milk and cream from Fitzroy’s St David Dairy to make some of Melbourne's best desserts.

What do you get when you take Casey Wall (Cutler & Co, Rockwell & Sons), the 2015 Sommelier of the Year, Banjo Harris Plane, and two of his ex-Attica alumni... and create a sleek but modest Fitzroy wine bar? Exciting, delicious brilliance, that's what.

Merricks Creek Cellar Door offer the perfect lunchtime spot for all grazing and wine-sipping lovers. This picturesque vineyard specialises in pinot noirs and chardonnays, all of which you can enjoy while admiring the stupendously beautiful view.

It's hard to imagine Smith St before Gontran Cherrier. It's the boulangerie that changed the foodie game in Collingwood, the sort of place (like Lune and Baker D. Chirico) that causes croissant-addicts to slip into misty-eyed memories and excuse themselves for a quiet lie down.

Expanding their ever-popular franchise, Mayday Coffee & Food located on Bridge Road, Richmond is the newest venture for the Axil Coffee Roasters family that we know and love.

It's pretty easy to say that The Parlor Milkbar & Kitchen is a shining star in the beautiful Bayside area. It's got bucket-loads of personality, heart, friendly staff and exceptional food to boot. That's probably why we keep finding ourselves there on a regular basis.

Looking for your next fitness fix? The team at KettleFit in Ascot Vale have tailored a results-driven blend of cardio, core and strength-focused exercises to deliver an awesome 30-minute and 60-minute workout. Using kettlebells, the workout classes encourage toning and improved general fitness, whether you're a 'jog once a week' type of athlete, or striving to turn your sports skills into a profession. Check out the website for class times.

Port Melbourne fitness studio KettleFit is serious when it comes to toning, strengthening and improving your general fitness. The new workout concept brings cardio and core strength training together with kettlebell weights techniques to develop awesome full-body 30 and 60 minute workouts. If your routine needs a revamp, get yourself to KettleFit and try out this epic results-driven Melbourne fitness studio.

Is your wardrobe in need of a little something special? Perhaps an 80's sports jacket, or a neon power suit? You'll love the incredible fashion and costume finds at The Aquarium in Northcote—a vintage and retro fashion store that also sells vinyl and homewares to a style-savvy crowd.

A little bit southern and a little bit western, White Oaks Saloon on Greville Street in Prahran is a US inspired haunt with killer cocktails and beverages that'll transport you across the globe. We don't mean they just have a cocktail or two: White Oaks' beverage menu is something to behold. We're talking pages and pages of the best whiskey, gin, wine, beer and of course... cocktails. We're just obsessed with the Barrel O'Rum which tingles more tastebuds than we thought we had.

When award-winning chef Ashley Davis returned to Melbourne, having spent the last few years munching and sipping his way around Europe, he wanted to create something a bit different. Something like the neighbourhood bodegas and trattorias you find in Spain and Italy: chameleon-like venues (usually with a couple of old guys out front playing chess) that can serve as casual eatery, post-work tapas bar or intimate evening meal, all at the same time.

What used to be delicious Essendon restaurant the Bricklayers Arms has transformed into our new favourite brunch spot in the 'burbs. Ten One Ate is a fantastic open-plan cafe that specialises in organic produce, tasty dishes to go or eat in, and a relaxed vibe that's ideal for kicking back with a vino or iced coffee.

We don’t mean to alarm you, but we think we’ve found Melbourne’s most relaxing fitness studio. Yoga XTC in South Yarra is a small, multi-service studio that offers complete health and fitness coaching.

Do you ever feel like you love food just a bit more than all your friends? Not just eating it... (Sorry Champ, I don’t think you’re alone there), but something a little more?

48h has answered our prayers: An amazing gnocchi joint that caters for our gluten-free buddies as well. Plus, this gnocchi is actually something to write home about - especially if that home just happens to be Italy.

The opening of Hampton Wine Co marks an exciting period for Hampton Street: once a strip with very few food options, this little part of sleepy Bayside is now blossoming.

Looking for a cocktail bar that has the cosy vibes of a living room, but the drinks are straight out of a top-shelf boutique bar? Jane Doe cocktail bar in Prahran is serving some of the tastiest drinks on Chapel Street. Think vintage furniture, retro glassware, and a bar that's stocked full of delicious spirits and infusions.

Welcome to the South Yarra haven that provides #fashun to the dog and cat communities of Melbourne: Hachi.

Looking for a slice of Japan in Melbourne? Kuu Cafe and Japanese Kitchen in South Melbourne serves incredible Japanese food, with everything from traditional breakfast platters to salmon salads, matcha treats to teriyaki and rice bowls.

St Kilda Mexican restaurant Blue Corn has been on the Melbourne food scene for a massive 15 years, treating the best of the southside to mouth-watering Mexican food and cocktails. With an outdoor courtyard and a menu that's packed full of spicy dishes to get your juices flowing, it's a top tip for a speedy dinner in the area. Grab a jug of sangria, kick back and tuck into some epic tacos, people. 

Tucked into sidestreet premises on Smith Street, Bebida cafe and bar serves up delicious tapas and drinks to a local crowd. The relaxed venue comes complete with tap beers, a handful of local and imported wines, and a cute outdoor courtyard that's hidden from view, making it the perfect pitstop for escaping the buzz of Fitzroy's main thoroughfare.

We say that when a bottle shop meets bar meets BYO food, it is an obvious winner. Windsor classic Chapel Street Cellars offer a curated selection of international beers, ciders, wines and spirits and encourage customers to enjoy their beverages on the spot.

Bottle shop and wine bar Toorak Cellars is here to bring you the best in local and international wine. The bar serves up a set of 20 rotating wines by the glass, and visitors are also welcome to open a bottle straight off the shelf. Hosting taster events throughout the year, Toorak Cellars is a wine lover's treat. 

One of the finest cake shops in St Kilda, Babka has been making some of the best pastries for nearly 20 years. Stop for a weekend bite and you’re more than likely to face a small crowd of patrons. The wait is worth it, for house-made pies, some of the best sandwiches in Fitzroy and perfectly done eggs. It’s worth grabbing some goodies to go, after all, you are in one of Melbourne’s best bakeries. 

Affordable coffees, lunches and snacks? The St Ali team sure know how to appeal to uni folk. Their latest venture, the Church of Secular Coffee, is set in the heart of Monash’s Clayton campus.