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Tradition is important at Tempura Hajime, in South Melbourne's Park Street, and this cosy restaurant only seats twelve in the fashion of Japanese tempura restaurants. Proud owners of a Good Food Guide chef's hat since 2008, the lunch and dinner menus at Tempura Hajime are short in length but big on flavours and variety. Take a group and enjoy the hospitality.

Melbourne’s lucky enough to be blessed with a handful of the best seafood restaurants in Australia, but no where does fresh fish, perfectly seasoned scallops and to-die-for oysters quite like southbank institution, The Atlantic, and its Oyster Bar & Grill.

With a US-meets-Aussie approach to baked goods, Candied Bakery in Spotswood offers doughy delights that will have you seeing stars and stripes - all it will take is one sip of an Apple Pie milkshake. The duo from Brunswick favourite, Sugardough, are behind this baked brilliance, and they are dishing up cakes, doughnuts, flaky pies, nutella-stuffed croissants and even soft serve icecream, with flavours that rotate weekly. Candied does far more than the basic bakery items and is well worth the trip across town.

With kooky colour schemes, a tropical rooftop bar and stuffed animals at every turn, The Carlton is a favourite of city slickers and suburbanites alike. Grab a beer, wine, or cocktail and munch on bar snacks, or opt for a full blooded meal in a cosy booth. If you're more of an outdoors type, there's a huge wooden deck that overlooks the city streets, where you can smoke, drink and mingle. The Carlton is absolutely overflowing on a Friday and Saturday night, so if you're not a fan of the crowds, come on a fairweather night and climb on up to the Palmz rooftop.

People forget that North Melbourne is actually really cool - Prudence Bar defines this statement. Prudence rocks the well-worn aesthetic, including lots of trinkets, dim lighting and friendly smiles from behind the bar. Most of the drinks are under ten bucks (including cocktails) and they also serve tea, coffee and hot chocolate. If you didn't already want to visit this cosy nook, there's a record player spinning your Dad's favourites, a whole heap of sink-into-me chairs and some great little nibbles on offer. Stumbling across (or out of) this bar makes you feel at home.

The Beautfort is a nautical themed bar residing on Rathdowne Street, Carlton. Specialising in craft booze, as well as old favourites, the real winner here is the huge range of specialty burgers ranging from the conventional (meat, cheese and sauce) to the heart attack worthy (Philly Cheese Steak burger) and the exotic (the NYC Banh Mi). Grab a pint and a bun and enjoy the boaty interior. Aye Aye me hearties!

Fifty Acres in Richmond is a quintessential Melbourne cafe - sleek interior design, great brunch menu and speciality coffee. Focusing on locally sourced ingredients and brewing Dukes coffee, Fifty Acres is the perfect place to stop by for some balsamic mushrooms on brioche or a bircher muesli, whilst you're navigating the many shops of Bridge Road. 

Tucked away in an alley in South Melbourne, Chez Dré is a bustling hub of rustic breads and baked delights. Open for all-day breakfast and lunch, Chez Dré's freshly baked goods are delicious and come pared with their housemade jams and chutneys, which are now available for take-away pucchase too. They're also using beans from acclaimed boutique roastery, The Maling Room, on the espresso machines. And if it's decadent cakes you're looking for, just head to Bibelot, their patisserie counterpart, next-door. 

Coffee obsessed is the only way to describe South Melbourne Market espresso connoisseurs, Clement Coffee Roasters. Offering special daily blends sourced from all over the world, their knowledge and passion for coffee will astound you, as well as tantalise your tastebuds. Whether you want to take home their beans and a sweet treat from Matt Forbes, or just grab a quick latte, make sure you pop over to their stall when you're at the South Melbourne Market next - you can't miss their cute little wooden alcove lined with pot plants. 

Visit Coffeehead in Camberwell and be wrapped up in their world of reclaimed furniture, foosball tables and in-house roasters. Coffeehead stocks a wide variety of freshly roasted coffee beans from highly respected roasting houses around Australia  – ready for you to purchase and brew at home. They also serve a rotation of five of these coffee varieties for you to taste in store. With great brekkie and lunch menu, you won't leave hungry. 

Feeding hungry Melburnians for over 15 years, award-winning Donovans in St Kilda is one of Melbourne's most iconic restaurants. Famous for the beautiful food, relaxed vibe and beachside location, best enjoyed via the floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor terrace. Owners Kevin and Gail Donovan, along with Head chefs, Adam Draper and Emma D'Alessandro, clearly have the recipe for success. The menu is extensive with a modern mix of favourite dishes, emphasising the best local produce. Donovans also offers an extensive wine list of Australian and imported wines and an eclectic mix of cocktails. A winner for any occasion.

Hidden behind a crimson door on Flinders Lane, Christine is the go-to shopping destination for Melbourne's well-heeled. Oozing sophistication and sex appeal, this underground boudoir is renowned for it's hand-picked selection of extravagant accessories sourced from around the globe. Also featuring an impressive selection of designer shoes and 'it' bags from the very best, you're sure to find something that tickles your fancy.  

Located in Manchester Lane, Claude Maus is a Melbourne institution that has been dressing the city's über-stylish since 2000. Rob Maniscalco's label is based on a slim, dark silhouette—think layered jersey, stretch denim, perforated leather and glossy furs. The result is a grungy elegance that is effortlessly cool and very, very Melbourne. 

Hidden down Rankins Lane, Comeback Kid is a boutique that should be on every Melbourne lad's hit-list. The store specialises in designer menswear, stocking the latest lines from Does Not Equal, Limedrop and Romance Was Born (just to name a few) along with their own in-house label Comeback Kid. The impressive range will definitely have you coming back for more!    

Pay a visit to Crumpler's Little Bourke Street store and see for yourself why their colourful, durable bags are so popular. Originally designed to carry a slab of beer while cycling, these bags are guaranteed to keep all of your precious cargo (not just beer) safe while you go about your day. Each one comes with a 'Til Death Do Us Part' warranty so you're destined to love your Crumpler for a lifetime! 

Stepping into Design Dispensary on Gertrude Street you'll swear you'll have died and gone to homewares heaven. This shop sources it's products from boutique companies around the world, ensuring you have the most weird and wonderful homewares at your fingertips. It's a great place to pick up quirky gifts, or a little something to brighten up your own place! 

Housing an eclectic range of books and gifts, Eltham Bookshop is said to be one of the best independent bookstores Melbourne has to offer. Having nurtured hundreds of writers, poets and illustrators throughout the years, this store's popularity is largely due to its community involvement; its weekly author events, three annual literary festivals, and book clubs drawing a large crowd of locals and visitors alike. A must-go for all bookworms.   

Whoever said the bookshop was dead certainly hasn't been to Embiggen Books. Located on Little Lonsdale Street, this independent bookshop boasts the largest collection of popular science titles under the sun, as well as a huge selection of literature, art and design, poetry, DVD documentaries and fun science gifts. Also hosting lectures and signings from visiting and local stars of literature, science and the arts, there's no logical reason why you wouldn't want to head to Embiggen Books. 

Melbourne homewares label Mozi is known for its colourful designs and whimsical touches. Their Fitzroy store doesn't disappoint, selling everything from printed tea towels to deliciously scented body products. Caution: Mozi products may make you do a Martha Stewart and match your mugs to your apron. Don't say we didn't warn you!

Head to Brunswick Street in Fitzroy to watch the N2 mad scientists use liquid nitrogen to freeze flavours on the spot. If you can dream it, they can make it (seriously, they take suggestions) and with new flavours concocted each week there will never be a dull scoop!   

Tucked away in Howey Place, Nevenka is a boutique that celebrates all things feminine and beautiful. Designer Rosemary Masic draws inspiration from embroideries and embellishments of her Eastern European background. The result? A luxe bohemian style made for the modern dreamer. Expect ready-to-wear women's fashion, plus bespoke tailoring and A-Grade bridal wear. 

The Understudy sits with 1806 on Exhibition Street, patiently shining bright in its own way and waiting for its fifteen minutes of fame. If you stumble across The Understudy, you won't be disappointed with a unique cocktail list and degustation menu that is not for the faint hearted. Sure, they stock the regular beverages too, but when exceptional effort has been made to create a menu fit for a star, why would you party with the extras?

Known for its stellar range of Australian and international designers, Oscar & Wild is a firm favourite of the eastern suburbs' most fashionable. Their Camberwell store does not disappoint, stocking cult brands as well as unique, harder-to-find labels. With such beautiful clothing, Oscar & Wild will turn the tamest of women a little bit loco.

Looking for something beautifully unique or perhaps something to help add to the atmosphere of the home? Pan After is a boutique in Collingwood is a go-to spot that can help add some serious aesthetic to any space. Walking into their shop come showroom on Cambridge street just off Victoria Parade, you’re met with a light-filled space with an immaculate collection of goods that celebrate various cultures from all over the world.  

Foxes Den in Elwood has reinvented the takeaway chicken concept, with a menu that boasts free-range chickens, scrumptious salads and a selection of gourmet rolls. Wholesome fun for the whole family, these smart chooks have the recipe just right.

Don't you wish that when you wanted to get some takeaway chicken, there was something better than those greasy fry joints? Well, that's what the crew behind Foxes Den thought too. Their menu has a healthy focus, with oven roasted free range chicken, lots of delicious salads, homemade drinks and sweet treats. You can even get a hot chicken roll or a chicken curry - yum! So if you're craving some chicken, avoid the line at the grocery store and treat yourself to Foxes Den at Port Melbourne.

Inspired by the trattorias of Italy, the homely dining space at Franco Choo's is the perfect backdrop to the honest food and attentive service that's on offer. The cuisine reflects simple and traditional flavours, recalling the Mediterranean cultures from which the dishes are derived, yet with a few twists inspired by seasonal variety. Since its opening in 2011, the restaurant has gained a loyal following from people who enjoy creative, ever-changing menus and an interesting wine list of locally grown, food-friendly varietals - which happens to be everyone.

Nestled into the heart of Richmond′s Bridge Road precinct, lies The Collection Bar, an institution held close to the hearts of those who know of it and a memorable detour for passersby. Southern nosh accompanies their classically inspired cocktail list using fresh and homemade ingredients and their local and imported wines. Get amongst their $15 smoked steak night, it's Richmond famous. 

We would typically shy away from grabbing a kebab when we're sober, but George Calombaris has put paid to that by opening up his souvlaki bar, Jimmy Grants, in the heart of Fitzroy. Calombaris puts a gourmet spin on souvas - think prawns, honey, mayo, mint and coriander - in the beautiful Aegean-inspired space, splashed with street artist Dan Wenns' wall features.

In an era where everyone is buying a kindle, the Brunswick Street Bookstore continues to provide the best of the printed matter. Established 25 years ago, the traditional bookstore upgraded their premises as Brunswick Street got busier and now services the locals with new and past fiction, an extensive non fiction section and a completely stress free browsing environment. 

Unassuming from the outset, A-Esque's Chapel Street South Yarra store is inviting and classy, with clean, modern appeal. Designed for practicality and luxury, A-Esque bags make a sleek and modern style statement. Ex-Mimco designer Amanda Briskin-Rettig knows her stuff, and you'll be proud to carry one of her simply stunning leather bags.

If you're looking for a luxury bag or accessories on Collins Street, but don't want a big name brand stamped all over it, then Melbourne made label A-Esque is sure to tempt. Made from Italian leather and designed by ex-Mimco designer, Amanda Briskin-Rettig, A-Esque bags are both beautiful and elegant.

If sweet smelling things are important to you, The Lab Organics on Rathdowne Street in North Carlton will be heaven to your nose. A bright and airy perfumery and gift store stocking luscious fragrances, homewares, skin and hair care, The Lab Organics is an ideal place to stock up on gifts for him, her and home. Stock up on goodies from the likes of Sans Ceuticals, Jacqueline Evans, Cowshed and Be Genki.

Right up the top end of Bourke street, The Paperback Bookshop has been trading since the early 1960s. Originally specialising in rare paperbacks, today the still-independent bookshop carries hardbacks, paperbacks, speciality topics and journals, both Australian and International. Stocking books on all manner of subjects, the staff will be more than happy to help you track down hard to find titles at this Melbourne instituton. 

If the shoe fits, buy it in every colour at Zomp boutique on Flinders Lane, a Melbourne shopping institution. A sophisticated set up welcomes you, with minimalist colours and lines making the shoes the highlight. Stocking a range of fashion forward shoe brands and accessories, Zomp is the go-to destination for any special occasion.

When Cinderella needs to go to the ball, she visits Green with Envy in the CBD for gorgeous designer threads. Acne, McQueen, Dion Lee, Ellery, Nicholas and Alexander Wang are just a few of the names you'll find here, in garments of all shapes and sizes. Don't forget shoes and accessories too. 

Australian based fashion retailer Green With Envy has a flagship store in Chapel Street South Yarra, hosting designer labels from all over the world. For the perfect outfit sure to impress, Green With Envy stocks leading brands, exclusive lines and one off creations for their stylish clientele.

Housed in newly opened Emporium Melbourne centre, the Gorman store takes organic to a whole new level with wood grain throughout and an easy-going nature. The label, founded in 1999, produces quirky knitwear, vintage-inspired pieces and adheres to a strict philosophy of sustainability. Every Melbourne woman's go to.

The eco-friendly Gorman, on Chapel Street Prahran, is a quirky and colourful store in a crowded fashion space. Founded in 1999, Lisa Gorman created her label for the Melbourne woman, with knitwear, accessories, shoes and garments that add a touch of life to any outfit.