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Bawa is a welcome addition to Hawthorn. It's light-filled space and thoughtfully curated menu make for a luxe cafe experience. There are a few star dishes on the menu, but the ricotta fritters that come with lavendar custard, strawberries and pecan praline are our clear favourite. 

Calling all pizza lovers! Pizza Farro in Thornbury serves up delicious, authentic Italian pizzas in its Melbourne restaurant five nights a week. The traditional venue is home to some of the best spelt-dough pizzas in the city, along with some awesome gluten free options. Of course, there's an epic wine list too, and enough home-made pasta to keep you topped up with Italian delights for days. A fantastic spot on the northside for a dinner date. 

Nord Cafe in St Kilda is one of the cutest new breakfast and lunch cafes in Melbourne to open in 2015. The Swedish-inspired interior and menu combines traditional cooking with modern styling to create a truly unique venue, and the petite space is the perfect relaxed spot for brunch on a weekend or a quick weekday coffee. Expect home-cooked biscuits and cinnamon scrolls, delicious prawn sandwiches, traditional Swedish breakfast plates and mouth-watering daily specials from top newcomer Nord Cafe.

The Quiet Man is a traditional Irish pub in Flemington that serves everything you'd expect—stews, Guinness and Magners cider are the order of the day. As well as showing Gaelic sports, the bar hosts live Irish trad music sessions, which make for a lively night out. A great low-key Irish bar in Melbourne that's as authentic as it gets.

White Rabbit Record Bar combines music with cocktails in a petite record store and drinks venue. With an outdoor courtyard, an awesome selection of records to pick up, and cocktails inspired by Alice In Wonderland, it's certainly a Melbourne bar that's doing it's own thing!

Sicilian restaurant Scoozi is a fantastic food find in Ascot Vale for loves of authentic Italian cuisine that's full of flavour. The traditional-style fare includes pastas, hand-stretched pizzas and a fabulous wine list, and the staff are as welcoming as you'd expect from any Italian gem. Book a table, invite every man and his nonna, and get ready for a feast, Italiano style!

The Latest Scoop (February 2024): Ichi Ni Izakaya is now permanently closed.

A perfect venue for shared plates, Hako is a neat little Japanese spot on Melbourne's iconic dining precinct, Flinders Lane. Diners can't go past the cuttlefish tempura in squid ink batter and green tea sea salt, or the eyefillet tataki, sliced pear and cucumber with sweet garlic soy dressing. Whatever your choice, Hako is sure to please.

Chic Japanese design meets gorgeous fusion flavours at Yuzu Cafe & Cuisine. Tucked up in the heart of the city on Collins street, the restaurant is perfect for groups or an intimate date spot. Both the lunch and dinner menus here are extensive, so you might be hard pressed for decision making but you won't be for making the right choice - the team here are committed to serving up their absolute finest. With dishes specifically catered towards pairing with your saké, to tantalising plates like butter fish marinated in sweet miso, we just can't get enough of Yuzu's flavours. 

If you're looking for Japanese eats in Melbourne's northside, Akita is here to deliver. While no fancy pants dining venue, Akita keep things classy but simple. Offering a selection of sushi and sashimi plates, hot pots, noodle and rice dishes and dessert, you'll be sure to have more than enough quality noms to choose from packed full of the familiar flavours we know and love from Japanese cuisine. 

One of our favourite frozen yogurt joints in Melbourne, there's always an excellent selection of flavours, from the old favourites such as classic and chocolate through to some quirkier combinations which rotate seasonally. There's a seemingly endless selection of toppings which you'll no doubt struggle to choose from. 

Captain Melville is the perfect inner city pub for drinks, bar snacks and catching up with mates in a relaxed, homely environment. The food (mostly bar-style classics) is hearty, with fish'n'chips, parmas, steak sandwiches and a host of sides on the menu, and the large dining area means there's space for all. Oh, and if you're feeling adventurous, you can always head upstairs to Loch & Key, Captain Melville's secret speakeasy.

You'll be so chuffed when you find Krimper Cafe. Tucked down Guildford Lane, it's found a home in a stunning warehouse space. Excellent coffee is the order of the day and we can guarantee that you'll find something both interesting and delicious on the menu - the truffle potato foam with spinach, fondant, poached duck egg, goat curd bruschetta, duck prosciutto and tomato confit is our pick!

Grandpa Joe is as a welcoming cafe in Ascot vale with a hearty and extensive menu. There's a great range of delicious breakfast dishes, but the wasabi cured salmon is our pick. The service is friendly and the coffee is excellent - more could you want?!

Wilfred Smith Food & Drink is a warm little cafe in Essendon. With wide awnenings and a wholesome menu, it's a local favourite. The menu is split in to 'breakfast' and 'not breakfast and the offerings are not cuisine specific. The lunch dishes vary hugely - the duck okonomiyaki is our pick. 

Moonee Ponds Japanese favourite, Yokoso dishes up one of the best bento boxes in the north west. The service is friendly and the bento is authentic. The maki rolls and Japanese tapas are also well worth a look in. 

Adding yet another foreign cuisine to Richmond's portfolio of restaurants, Latin American restaurant El Atino & Co serves some of the best Mexican food in Melbourne, as well as Argentinian and Peruvian style fare. You'll find some great fusion dishes too, such as dolce de leche jaffles (a sugar hit if there ever was one) and the El Atino special, Latin American French toast, as well as meats, veggies and, of course, tacos. A sure-fire winner for you Latin lovers. 

Little Byrd cafe is a quirky cafe in Ascot Vale. It has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere and it has a delicious all-day menu and plenty of sweet treats to keep you satisfied. 

Housed on the round level of a public housing tower in Kensington, Fifty-Six threads dishes up all day breakfasts and some excellent cofee. The menu changes seasonally, but you can always expect to find something hearty. It's a cafe witha difference, Fifty-Six Threads aims to provide employment opportunities in the hospitality sector for new migrants. Employment in the cafe allows new community members to improve their skills and work towards more extensive employment elsewhere. 

The latest addition to the St Jerome's family, The Unknown Union is a hidden bar in Melbourne CBD that you'll find situated above 1000£ Bend. The speakeasy-style venue specialises in cocktails, craft beers, delicious nibbles and low-key ambiance, with all the quirk and attitude of its sister venues. The perfect place fr a nightcap or an off-street afternoon drink. 

North & Eight is a welcome addition to Essendon's Buckley Street. Dishing up hearty breakfast and lunch dishes with in interesting mix of influences - you'll find some Italian and Korean inspired dishes. For the sweet tooth amongst us, there are chocolate-hazelnut milkshake topped with a Nutella-filled doughnuts and three types of brioche burgers on offer.

Sometimes, keeping it simple is for the best, and when it comes to Marion—Gertrude Street’s most beautiful, intimate wine bar—that certainly rings true. The petite space is owned by Andrew McConnell and has popped up right next to his Cutler & Co restaurant. Taking the guise of a slightly younger, more chill sister, Marion pairs light bites and larger plates with exquisite wines in a space that keeps things low-key but luxe.

Situated on Malvern Road, Cafe Latte is a stunning cafe-restaurant that combines southern Italian cooking with impeccable service. The cafe serves delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner options, as well as hosting live jazz evenings on Wednesdays, giving the intimate space a relaxing vibe that makes it perfect for dinner dates. One of our favourite Italian restaurants in Melbourne for an authentic taste of rustic Europe. 

Coin Laundry in Armadale is a beautiful cafe situated in a stunning corner building on Armadale Street. The cafe serves some of the best coffee in Melbourne thanks to Allpress Roastery, and the menu is packed full of savoury and sweet dishes that are great breakfast and lunchtime options. Drop this cute newcomer when you can!

Launched in October 2015, the Star Hotel in South Melbourne offers a relaxed beer-garden setting for mouth-watering meals, after-work drinks and weekend adventures. Head chef Danny Callen brings a fresh take on Australian pub grub, and the drinks offering features boutique wine, locally-brewed beers and expertly-mixed cocktails. Operating seven days a week, these guys will even keep the kitchen open until 3am, making it a great spot for a late-night feed in Melbourne's inner-south.

While a small in size, Coventry Bookstore deliver the goods on content and service. Whether looking for yourself, a friend or a loved one, owner Stephen Hepburn is always willing to talk tastes and offer recommendations. Although stocking a reasonable selection per genre, Coventry is a must for cooking and design-lovers. 

Melbourne's favourite gelato kings, Gelato Messina, are winning friends all over the place with the opening of their newest venue at the Windsor end of Chapel Street. They'll be dishing up all your favourite flavours and options - think Poached Figs in Marsala, Coconut and Lychee, Pannacotta with Fig Jam and Amaretti Biscuit and an absolute truck load of other delcious and interesting options. 

Created by the team behind 'The Block' and run by the amazing Picclo guys, new Melbourne cafe Mister Zen is thrilling South Yarra locals with its world-class 5 Senses coffee and exciting daytime menu to match. If you're feeling virtuous, the acai bowl is for you. Think raspberry smoothie, dehydrated banana, housemade granola, coconut flakes and raspberry jelly. For something more substantial, order the eggs Benedict with shredded ham hock, fermented sauerkraut and apple cider hollandaise. 

The Barber of Seville is a brilliant, traditional barber in South Melbourne Market. The good folks in there will trim, shape and shave until you look mighty schmick. They do a great cut-throat shave, too!

Avenue is located right in the heart of Albert Park Village and has become a local love for book fiends. Focusing on new title releases across all categories you can bet you’ll be able to get your hands on the best fresh reads from both Australian and international authors. Boasting an extensive selection of children's books and gifts, Avenue is also delight for the little ones.

Independent publishing love is what it's all about at Perimeter Books. The store focuses on small press titles, art and design books and zines. Boasting clean lines and loads of natural light, Perimeter is a dream for the book-lover meets minimalist meets design-enthusiast. 

From the artisan bakers at Rustica Sourdough comes Rustica Canteen, a cafe bringing together the talents of previous head chef at Ladro and Touchwood, Tristan White, and Tall Timber and Marquis of Lorne's Matt Vero. The cafe's fitout boasts a 'laneway feel' yet maintains a spacious interior and the menu is a true testament to its team, offering a range of healthy dishes without compromising on flavour. Get ready to dig in deep!

Featuring a range of in-house products, The Craft and Co. is a Melbourne restaurant with a difference. It’s all about keeping things in-house here! Occupying a mega warehouse at the north end of Smith Street, this Melbourne café will roast its own coffee, bake its own breads and pastries, smoke its own meat, make its own cheese and brew its own beer and spirits. These delectable housemade products will be featured across the breakfast, lunch and dinner menu and showcased in the upstairs cocktail bar. Something special is building here guys, stay tuned! 

The Brownie Bar we know and love from Prahran Market has expanded and can now be found in the CBD, with more than 20 different flavours of brownies on a rotating basis, as well as a range of brownie desserts, including shakes, gelato and sundaes. For your next chocolate hit, look no further than the "Brownie Mess", featuring layered chocolate brownie, meringue, choc hazelnut sauce and toasted hazelnuts. Um yum.

Southsiders, rejoice! Equipped with six state-of-the-art floatation tanks, the Water Temple wellness centre is a fantastic place to unwind, giving both the body and mind an opportunity to relax and rejuvenate.

Oakleigh residents, rejoice! Melbourne’s ultimate #burgerporn joint, Mick Adams Burger Bar, is just a stone’s throw away from Oakleigh Station. A tribute to the founder of Australia’s milk bars, Mick Adams, the restaurant focuses on no-fuss quality burgers, like the Cheeky Charlie, featuring soft-shell crab, coriander, pickled cucumber, chilli jam and aoli.

Located in the heart of Richmond, new Melbourne bar The Ugly Duckling is adding to the sophistication of Swan Street. The intimate wine and cocktail hot-spot offers an extensive wine list, a bespoke cocktail menu and both local and international beers, as well as classic bar food, including black truffle potato chips. They're also serving up a delicious cheese selection, featuring favourites like Manchego or Bleu d’Auvergne blue. Swing by on Sundays for a free cheese plate with any bottle of wine; our pick's the Debussy ‘Reverie’ Rose. 

Praise be to the pizza gods! A25, famously South Yarra’s most delicious pizza restaurant, has finally opened its CBD location serving morning coffees, lunch and dinner, and boy, is it blowing our foodie minds. With an all too convenient location situated on the corner of Lonsdale Street, right next to Hardware Lane, this epic day-to-night venue is all about serving fresh, innovative food that doesn’t scrimp on quality or flavour. From chilli prawn and truffle creations to rocky road dessert pizzas, as well as home-made gnocchi and wagyu lasagne, you’ll find so many drool-worthy menu options that you could happily visit A25 for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

If you're after some funky, wearable and stylish shoes, Lost In Seasons is well worth a visit. Stocking the full range of Rollie shoes, Lost In Seasons is in the SO:ME Space section of South Melbourne Market. There's a huge array of patterns and styles and if you're a sucker for metallics, you'll be in heaven.

Frankie's Story is a unique children's store with a strong focus on sustainable and organic materials. The designs and materials used are all top-notch and it's a fantastic place to find some stylish threads for the little one in your life.

Tea Drop is a beautiful tea shop that can be found in the South Melbourne Market. Stocking every kind of tea that you can imagine, you can sit down for a relaxing cuppa or, for something a bit different, they serve a micro, cold brewed nitrogen iced tea! You can shop for wholesale tea, smaller packages, or dine in for a single cup of the good stuff. 

Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant Tim Ho Wan has finally opened its Bourke Street doors, bringing Melbourne dumpling fans a chance to try the parcels of deliciousness that have won awards across Asia. Famed for their epic dim sum, this Hong Kong favourite has been hugely popular in Sydney since its launch in May. 

A stunning florist on the outer edge of South Melbourne Market, Azalea specialises in native and exotic blooms. Owner / operator Michael Pavlou is passionate about creating quality arrangements for any occasion. 

A bookshop that combines a love for the written word and a penchant for sharp design and beautiful homewares - there's nothing to be grumpy about here. Despite its small size, The Grumpy Swimmer customers return time and time again for the carefully curated range of titles and friendly staff. Having built a warm community of book-lovers through their book club, poetry readings and storytelling nights, the store is a delight for regulars and newcomers alike. 

It’s a funny thing, but all good nights in the CBD tend to end at The Mill House. Like Heartbreaker and The Carlton Club, this place has its own gravity—it calls to you at about 10:30pm, when your dinner’s worn off and you’re looking to kick on for a big one.

African food is hot on our culinary radar right now, and if you’re looking for a venue that’s packed full of mouth-watering plates and African vibes, you can’t go wrong with CBD restaurant—polēpolē. This daylight-filled Little Collins Street bar-restaurant is all about serving up incredible flavours, whether creative cocktails, game meat or vegetarian dishes are your bag.

If you're a fan of Japanese food in Melbourne, you'll love hidden gem, Wasshoi. The petite Japanese kitchen, which is based on the small kitchens found in many Japanese cities, is tucked inside Prahran Market and serves up some delicious rice bowls, skewers, pork buns, chicken soup and sweet treats. Do yourself a favour and pick up an express lunch from here sometime this week!

New Melbourne bar and restaurant Hunter & Barrel will open its doors in late October as part of the town square redevelopment at Eastland Shopping Centre in Ringwood. Celebrating world-class meats and produce, the menu features warm, hearty dishes such as slow-roasted beef rib and pork belly cooked expertly over a signature coal grill. To wash it down, guests can expect barrel-aged cocktails, fat-washed spirits along with refreshing craft beers and boutique wines on tap. We can't wait to celebrate the warmer months at Hunter & Barrel.

Sitting on a quiet suburban street in Glen Iris, Baba Sus is everything you’re looking for in a local café. Cosy yet spacious, with an interesting menu that still offers the regular favourites with a few twists, this Asian-inspired gem ticks all the boxes.

Agathé Pâtisserie is a pastry lover's dream. With a steady stream of freshly baked goods being served, you're guaranteed to always find something that takes your fancy. Specialising in the quirky, there are always some interesting options available - think turmeric and caraway, café au lait, brie and sour cherry and goat’s cheese, walnut and honey croissants. Yum!

Emerald Hill Deli stocks every type of small good, cheese and dips that you could dream of. There's also a great selection of macarons and other cakes and desserts, not to mention ready-made pizzas and breads. You'll be in antipasti heaven!

Opened in the 1920s, Hill of Content is Melbourne’s oldest bookstore. The ground floor is largely filled with new releases and fiction titles while upstairs delves into classic literature, art, philosophy and travel. Stocking a range of gifts and reading accessories, Hill of Content boasts as much charm as it does quality reads and is a Melbourne-must for book lovers. 

Whether you’re a culinary star in the making, or someone who doesn’t know their cumin from their chorizo, Meatsmith has you covered. The part-deli, part-butcher, part-kitchenwares supplier is a one-stop shop for organic and rare breed meats, and pre-cooked cuts (hold the phone because they sell the Cumulus 8-hour lamb shoulder to go!). 

As a welcome new addition to Melbourne's already vibrant food truck scene, Super Taco is here to bring some bite back into our Mexican food. Offering a range of tacos with crazy ingredients (including cactus), Super Taco is also serving up a range of tasty sides like charred corn, hand-fried corn chips and chipotle beans. Yes please!

It’s refreshing to find somewhere in the heart of Melbourne that oozes relaxed sophistication, but won’t empty your wallet. [Stoke] Bar + Kitchen— not to be confused with its big sister upstairs, Stokehouse City—is keeping patrons watered and entertained with its laidback vibe and excellent menu.

Miss Nail Bar is the perfect place to get an express mani. It's a fresh and funky space within the South Melbourne Market and the team is cheery, committed to delivering fantastic service to the whole family. They make their own scrubs, too! 

Sitting pretty on the main strip in Glen Waverley, YOMG has become a legitimate destination for serious burger and fries lovers, locals and non-locals alike.

Lucy Lockett in Brunswick is one of the cutest new cafes to hit Melbourne's breakfast scene. The single-room venue has a beautiful outdoor porch area and its incredible dishes—think smoothie bowls, chilli scrambled eggs, kingfish with beetroot, snowpeas and poached eggs, and a mouth-watering butter chicken and slaw burger—make it a favourite with locals, especially at the weekend. Open 7 days, including public holidays, and boasting an all day breakfast (the kitchen is open from 8am to 3pm), this adorable little cafe is our pick for a lazy north-side brunch. 

Sister to Giddiup, Wynyard is nestled on Wynyard Street in South Melbourne, and adjoined with Japanese homewares store Made In Japan - a perfect match with Wynyard's interiors and minimalist aesthetic. Some of the menu delights include a 5 & Dime bagel with either smoked ham and cheddar or smoked salmon, caper berry and cream cheese, lavendar pancakes, and a rosemary and bacon omelette. Ummm, salivating! Perfect for lovers of fine flavours and sharp design (and who isn't in Melbourne?), Wynyard is our new South Melbourne go-to. 

You know those days when all you need is a hug? If no one's around/able/willing to take part in a comforting embrace, pop into Melbourne's Jaffle Jaffle for a tasty, tasty toasted sandwich, i.e. bread's answer to the cuddle. You can start your day with a Wakey Wakey (egg, bacon, cheese, spinach, relish)  or if you're really down and out, The Mama has got your back (spaghetti bolognese, parmesan). For something on the side, try an order of chips, a shake, or one of Jaffle Jaffle's lipsmacking desserts. We couldn't go past Clay's apple pie for an extra dose of love.