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Circa, at The Prince of Wales Hotel, is considered one of St Kilda's best restaurants. The NYC-chic monochromatic interior is sexy and luxurious, with a variety of seating options including communal tables spread amongst the timbered floors, couches and armchairs in the black tiled bar, and romantic little lovebird booths.  But what is really impressive is the encyclopaedia of wine on offer and the Modern Australian and Japanese inspired cuisine to match. Circa, The Prince is the embodiment of chilled out luxury dining.

With their own tailored blend of Seven Seeds brewing, a fresh and hip layout, and food fit for a king, Dead Man Espresso is a sure-fire hit amongst South Melbourne residents. Like most cafes, there's a selection of communal tables or cute two seaters, but the piece de resistance of Dead Man is their big, open balcony, from where you can indulge in a good old fashioned people watch. Menu items are classic brunch-style with a fresh twist, like smashed avocado with grapefruit, goats cheese, almonds and radish (yum!). Dead Man Espresso will brighten up your breakfast any day of the week.

HuTong Dumpling Bar is famous for dishing up some of the best dumplings in Melbourne's CBD. Go for the dumpling banquet if you're in the mood to chow down, or opt for the peking duck or drunken chicken they're renowned for. Like any good Chinese restaurant, it's less about the décor and the service, and more about the food – so come hungry but also prepared to wait a while for your meal.

Saigon Sally is a popular Melbourne restaurant and bar dishing up modern Vietnamese food to the people of Windsor.

Situated in a giant warehouse off Brunswick's Sydney Road, Code Black is a cafe serving serious coffee and great food. The interior is chic and monochromatic, with exposed iron racks, cement floors and a giant marbled bar that shows off an open kitchen and the selection of tasty takeaways on offer. A great spot for lunch or brunch, there's an all-day breakfast menu, plus salads and sandwiches. Code Black doubles as a roastery, so expect daily changing blends and single origins. You can pick and choose your beans should you need to take some home (and why wouldn't you?!).

Markov is, at its essence, a gastro-pub in Carlton, with all your favourites like wagyu burgers and schnitzels, accompanied by a huge selection of craft and local beers, wines and cocktails. Embodying a sort of rundown, warehouse vibe with its high ceilings, stools and crumbly brick walls, it's a sweet little spot to get a beer and share some plates with mates while you're waiting for a movie at the Cinema Nova up the road, or just to stop by for drinks after work on a Friday.

Right in the middle of the otherwise pho-ridden strip of Victoria Street in Abbotsford is Little Big Sugar Salt, a cafe whose quirk is a breath of fresh air. LBSS is super pretty, with design that kind of speaks Japanese - built in the wall benches, clean lines, cool crockery and under your feet bookshelves where you can find something to read. 

When you enter the unassuming brick building on Barkly Street you're all but blown away by the smell of their freshly roasted house blend, and the mouth watering aroma of all the deliciousness within. There's something about the second venture from the boys who opened A Minor Place that keeps you coming back – spearmint walls, copper piping, communal tables, cosy booths and great big terrariums add to the appeal.

The Grace Darling Hotel is Melbourne's oldest pub and a Smith Street, Collingwood institution. Even though she's old, The Grace Darling behaves like a lady in her prime, with her kooky nautical themed interior, bistro quality menu (she does a famous Sunday roast) and undying dedication to housing great local music. While The Grace Darling has been many a Collingwood local's go-to for a delicious dinner, they do a great lunch special too – for only $15, you get to pick from five different mains (there's a juicy burger, steak, pasta and more) and then wash it down with a Coopers beer.

Husk are collectors. They go far and beyond to source the most beautiful, bespoke creations that will have you flashing your credit card before you can say 'fur coat' (they sell stunning ones if you're so inclined). Embodying a unique air of sophistication tinged with earthy bohemia, Husk has the lot. From clothes, to jewellery, handcrafted homewares and little knick knacks, you'll always find the perfect gift, or a little something for yourself.

You’d totally miss Hell of the North if you weren’t looking for it. If you’re stuck, try hunting for the canary yellow door. Once you get inside, you’re greeted with a cozy wine bistro—all bluestone walls and exposed wood beams—as well as some of the best Australian-French food in Melbourne.

One of Melbourne's trendier pubs and an incredibly established music venue, the Worker's Club has been a Fitzroy institution for many years. Classic, woody interiors make up the the front bar, dining room and band room, which has seen some of Australia's best bands play to sell out crowds. Like any pub worth it's parma there are specials on most weeknights, and they are open for lunch Friday through Sunday, with a huge gastro-pub style menu - Matt Preston rates the shredded pork cigars.

Named for the mythical creature said to live in the Yarra, Ponyfish Island definitely has one of the coolest locations in the city, and is probably the subject of much confusion for Google maps. In the middle of the river, under the pedestrian bridge, Ponyfish dishes out cocktails and bar snacks to the people who can actually find it. Not only is the location a major selling point – big city lights, cool breezes and the like – but the décor is industrial chic, with exposed iron, nautical bits and bobs, and little hanging plants. They're open for brekky too, so you can get a slice of raisin toast while the sun comes up.

The modern Italian cuisine at Richmond's award-winning Church St Enoteca is so good you'll never want to leave. And, with a host of incredible food and drink offerings, you won't have to—Mondays are BYO wine night (including pairing tips from head chef Thiago Miranda), and the menu's latest re-working includes specific recommendations for fructose-free, gluten-free, lactose-free and meat-free diners. Where do we sign up?!  

Burch & Purchese Sweet Studio operates down the South Yarra end of Chapel Street, producing an amazing selection of cakes, desserts, chocolate and ice cream. Owner/Chef Darren Purchese is a confectioner extraordinaire; his finished body of sweet art perfectly balances flavours and textures with all the mouth–watering sugar–inspired elements you can think of. As well as the 'pret-a-manger' delights (the meringues are the business), B&P specialises in special occasion cakes and one-off commissioned pieces. If you can't make it to the store, you can also get your sweet fix online. Heaven sent.

Caffé e Cucina has been dishing up a slice of Italy on Chapel Street in South Yarra for over 25 years. You'll find a cosy and intimate space, charmingly accented waiters, honest and delicious Italian fare, and a generous selection of imported wines, beers and soft drinks. Our pick? The famous spaghetti marinara served in a paper bag. You'll leave Caffé e Cuccina with a full belly, rosy glow and many a 'ciao bella'.

There’s a lot of bars in Windsor, but there’s only one Woods. Nowhere else around here has genuine charm factor—that laid back, leather club chair vibe that looks like it’s been time-warped straight out of the 1930s.  

Fusing food truck and fine dining, Radio Mexico is the Mexican highlight of the St Kilda dining scene. With tacos, quesadillas, ceviche and deep fried tortilla chips, the well priced menu full of traditional fare will not only satisfy, but have you hanging around enjoying many a tequila with your mates. Pop into their bayside bar location and watch a St Kilda sunset as you sip a Mexican draught beer amongst the cacti and graffiti walls.

Rainbow stools, huge prints of happy kids and a treat selection fit for a king are the first impressions from Malvern coffee house, The Pour Kids. Brewing Axil's award winning blends and offering brunch with a twist, The Pour Kids is a treat amongst the standard formulas followed by many Melbourne cafes. Expect to be treated like a local in this suburban cafe and put it on your list for your next coffee date with friends (or your kids). 

Shanghai-born David Zhou opened his flagship Prahran restaurant, David's, in 1999, and has been delighting locals ever since. Inspired by countryside Shanghai, David's offers traditional dishes with a contemporary twist – make sure you check out the weekend yum cha; it's considered one of the best and a steal at $38 on Saturday and $40 on Sunday. David's is licensed, but you can also BYO (with $10 corkage) every night but Friday & Saturday and Sunday Lunch.  

The Parisian sister of Gin Palace and kitschy-cute Madame Brussels, Bar Ampere is a small but quirky CBD bar on Russell Place offering an impressive selection of beverages, including many aperitifs and digestives, plus imported wines and local drops. Serving meals and bar snacks until the wee hours, Bar Ampere has a unique style that will have you transfixed - a huge outdoor alcove, a wall of lights, and graffitied concrete walls. Bar Ampere is a sure fire hit on the CBD bar list. 

Housed in a terrace on Gertrude Street in Fitzroy, Basta Osteria (ex Casa Ciuccio) is the brainchild of Fabio Candolo, a Sicilian restaurateur turned avid Melburnian.

An extension of St Kilda's much loved Cafe Di Stasio, Bar Di Stasio is a fine dining and bar experience that is relaxed and sophisticated. With an industrial edge to the decor and an extensive wine list, Bar Di Stasio offers lunch, dinner and exclusive private dining packages that highlight the creativity of Italian cuisine. Whether you wish to enjoy a cocktail and some antipasto streetside, or book a private nook to mingle with a dinner date over some spaghettini, the finesse of a Di Stasio experience will have you itching for more.

Bellota Wine Bar is the much welcomed extension of the Prince Wine Store, whose collection of over 3000 bottles are no longer just available to take home, but to enjoy whilst you bask in Bellota's ambience. The decor is intimate fused with Euro bite, and though the focus may be on the wine, one can enjoy a bite to eat from the fresh seafood bar, or nibble some antipasti whilst sitting at the inside tables, in the courtyard, or chatting away with the bartender. There's also a predominantly French-inspired menu for those needing something a little more hearty.

Our favourite homewares and accessories store has revamped itself with the re-launch of its store across the road from its old premises in Greville Street - basically at our doorstep! The new space has been thoughtfully designed with the help of Like Butter, Billie Justie and Weekday Designs and is more charming than ever before. Expect loads of new brands, as well as the old staples including Bridget Bodenham’s ceramic vessels, oil burners from Page Thirty Three and Emily Green’s colourful jewellery.

Located on Carlisle Street in St Kilda East, Beautyologist is a Parisian-inspired beauty salon offering waxing, facials, nails, massages and more. Owner Sia Psicharis leads a team of expert therapists that pride themselves on offering only the best in skincare and treatments. Beautyologist also has an extensive range of gifts, skincare and candles available from leading brands such as Aspect, Aesop, Voluspa and Glasshouse.

Signed & Numbered is a true gemstone on Greville Street in Prahran, and cannot be passed by without something catching your eye from the vivacious shop window. It feels like a record store, but in reality is a limited-edition art gallery with very appealing price tags attached. There is a wonderful assortment of art to be admired and explored, in the form of prints, etchings, giclee and goccos, among other hand-embellished prints for sale. Spend an afternoon 'print digging' at S&N because you may just stumble across the last vestige of a Miso or Vexta.

Waxed, located on Centre Road in Bentleigh, are Melbourne's waxing specialists delivering only the best results for both women and men. There's a full range of services on offer - everything from face, legs and arm waxing, to brow, body and Brazilian waxing. Waxed are experts in their field and are dedicated to making the waxing experience as easy as possible with nothing less than excellent results - smooth and fuzz-free, just the way we like it!