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Taking its name from French author Jean Savarin, known as the godfather of modern gastronomy; Bar Savarin is the latest diner and wine bar to hit the southeastern suburbs.

With a cult-like following in New South Wales, you’ll find Chargrill Charlie's all over Sydney and beyond. The family-run charcoal chicken specialists have just opened the doors to their second Melbourne-based operation on Glenferrie Road, Malvern. Whilst it’s not the first Victorian store, the all-new Malvern chicken HQ will likely follow suit to its Camberwell counterpart building a devoted fan base to the surrounding area.

Few grocery shopping experiences stack up to the sense-filled journey of selecting meats from Victor Churchill. The famed Sydney butcher has finally opened up its Melbourne store; situated on High Street Armadale its elegant and high-end offering is right at home.

Globally renowned fried chicken specialists, Bonchon, have just landed in Melbourne.

Port Melbourne’s Yaki Tori Bar is a modern-casual eatery established by Motomu Kumano. Head here for smoky, juicy yakitori skewers straight from their Binchōtan grill—we recommend their dry-aged squid and miso black cod. 

The Verdict

A standout on St. Kilda, Machi serves Japanese fare with a modern twist that is not to be missed. Head here for crunchy wagyu croquettes with yuzu ricotta, tempura prawn sushi tacos drizzled in jalapeño mayo and ballin’ chirashizushi bento boxes. With top-notch presentation and boasting impressive sake offering, you’re going to want to book a table at Machi, stat. 

The Verdict 

Bringing authentic Japanese Omakase experience direct to your doorstep, AOI. TSUKI is a must on your next night in. In meticulously presented black boxes, you’ll find expertly chosen pieces of Sashimi, Nigiri, Maki, Chirashi and even desserts to end your feasting on a sweet note. Whether you’re after a sprawling spread or just dinner for two, be sure to place your orders of their exquisite offering by 9:30 pm the day prior. 

The Verdict

Chiba, a Japanese restaurant in Moonee Ponds, is always ready to serve the hungriest stomachs. With a menu divided into entrees, mains, sushi, rice and noodle dishes, sides and desserts, Chiba also has options for the vegetarian and gluten free humans among us. The star of the show has to be the jam-packed sushi boat platters filled to the brim with sashimi, nigiri and nori rolls, perfect for sharing.

The Verdict

Sable is tucked away in Cremorne just a few steps away from Swan Street, it’s a long shop front that looks out onto the railway and is easily missed unless you know where to find it. With a completely plant-based menu, Sable is setting a new standard for vegan cafes in Melbourne—specialising in the core food groups of bagels, cookies, and cake. 

Some cuisines in Melbourne have been known to fluctuate in popularity, others hold their position in the culinary pecking order year in year out, and that can certainly be said for warm and rich flavours of Indonesian. One family-run restaurant that’s nailing the formula is Yoi, nestled in the top-end of the CBD.

Hyping up the Toorak area, Dan’s Deli has recently opened and is bringing locals together to celebrate good, tasty sangas. Inspired by New York-style eateries— Dan’s Deli is focused on creating an environment that provides the highest quality sandwiches and a sense of community. “We are spicing up the area and both the young and old are loving it,” owner Daniel Espinosa explains. 

If you’re a Melbourne foodie, chances are you have heard of Brunetti’s. Known for their authentic gelato, espresso and decadent cakes, the original Lygon Street store first opened in 1974 by Pierro Brunetti. It didn’t take long for Melburnians to grow attached to the sweet delicacies, which saw the business outgrowing their original store. So, in 1985 Brunetti’s moved to Lygon street where in 1991 it was purchased by the Angelé family.

Making noise from their Footscray stronghold, Ollie's Deli is bringing a bite of Melbourne's heaving deli-sandwich scene to the Western suburbs. Pronounced 'Foot-A-Scraaay' by local legend and furniture kingpin, Franco Cozzo, Ollie's Deli calls the suburb home with a laid backspace on Barkly street. 

 Launching Woods Yard back in 2020—owners and brothers Kris and Aaron Woods have recently re-opened the doors open to their swanky pizza bar in South Melbourne. 

By now you’ll be aware that we’ve always got a soft spot for a good sandwich. The newly minted Milhouse Canteen in the backstreets of Mordialloc ticks plenty of the boxes—a mouth-watering menu of sangas, pies, tasty coffee, and most importantly good vibes. 

Recently opening just off Greville Street in Prahran, Uminono is a boutique six-seat diner specialising in Japanese-style sushi and Omakase (chef’s selection). The new concept sushi operation comes from the mind of French-trained chef Arnaud Laidebeur, who has worked alongside Japanese and speciality sushi for several years. After two years of private dinners, Arnaud's inspiration for a permanent Ominono fixture was to share his focus on high quality and fresh ocean ingredients. 

You may already be familiar with the aesthetic leading BENCH COFFEE CO. or perhaps their equally elegant sister store Saint Dreux. The CBD based cafes are focused on speciality coffee, which they roast themselves off-premises. Just like Saint Dreux, Bench is adorned in the collective’s now-signature colour palette of white, black, and metallics and ‘Guided By Design’ philosophy. 

Inspired by the bakeries of Japan and Korea, Bakemono’s magical wooden storefront on Drewery Lane in the city is a refuge for quality bread and pastries. Alongside its sister store and cafe, Little Rogue, the pair offer the lane some serious charm.

Housed in the former State Savings Bank of Victoria which dates back to 1918, Teller, on Lygon Street in Brunswick East has been beautifully transformed into a sleek new all-day bar and dining spot. This stunning old building with plenty of history has been fitted with an upstairs function room, an airy beer garden, an open-design dining layout and a seriously impressive bar stocking 11 independently brewed beers on tap. 

Taking over the space from beloved wine bar Saint.Urban, this laidback Cave à Manger in Richmond combines the best of both worlds, a relaxed dining experience paired with a seasonal menu, along with a cellar wall filled with 80-changing wines that you’re free to select a bottle from. 

What can you expect at Bissel B? You guessed it, bagels. Sitting right on on the cusp of Punt Road in Richmond this quaint little shopfront has rafts of local devotees lining up daily to get their fill of the spherical handheld wonders. 

When Johnny Di Francesco decided to drop out of university and pursue his passion for pizza and Italian food, he probably didn’t think he would own one of the greatest Pizzerias in the world—let alone several. Johnny’s ambition has led him to open eleven Gradi locations around Australia and abroad, making him a household name and scoring him multiple award-winning moments on the global stage. 

The Saul’s family continues to grow, after the opening of their Hawthorn operation owners Leor Haimes and Elliot Koren have turned their hands to their cafe Time & Place, re-branding the former brunch spot into a dedicated Saul’s sandwich space.

Operating out of a former garage—or glorified storage shed—is the very recently opened Bala Sanga, and it's an absolute blessing to the Balaclava region. They're providing top-notch sandwiches from their small brick shop front on a laneway just off the back of Carlisle Street. 

Just 15-minutes east of the CBD you’ll find one of the city’s most mouth-watering newcomers—Butcher & Vine in Hawthorn.

Casa Nata is the undisputed home of the Portuguese tart in Melbourne. Since opening their Thornbury-based operation they’ve curated a devoted base of tart enthusiasts from all over Melbourne who make the pilgrimage to High Street to sample the top-pedigree creamy custard and crispy tarts.

Brunswick locals are in for a treat, as the Sarah Sands Hotel on Sydney Road has re-opened. This hotel, led by Australia Venue Co and award-winning architects from Y studio, has had a two million dollar facelift designed to return this local landmark to its former glory.

Felix Restaurant brings the romance of the big city to Geelong. Drawing on the cobblestone laneways of Melbourne and the effortless style of French dining, this tucked-away bistro celebrates good food, good wine, and good company. 

***Deeds Tap Room will close its doors on 22 March, 2025 after four years in the game.***

Ditch the table manners along with the cutlery and get ready to rip in at the recently opened Kickin’Inn in Port Melbourne. Transforming the heritage-listed Rose Hotel on Bay Street, this new spiced seafood destination is bringing plenty of Southern Cajun down under.

Andrew McConnell’s speciality butcher has graced several regions of Melbourne and its selection of high-grade cuts, cured meats, prepared meals, and speciality condiments have set a new standard for the local meat shop. Alongside top tier butcher Troy Wheeler this is the fourth Meatsmith operation that the McConnell organisation has opened alongside their Fitzroy, Brighton, and St Kilda outposts. 

After ten years in the business, Melbourne-born Industry Beans has opened their sixth venue—a brand new all-day dining flagship at Chadstone Shopping Centre. The venue will be a multi-faceted restaurant, cafe, roastery, coffee house and retail store all in one with something for everyone. 

Situated right in the thick of South Melbourne, Park Street Pasta & Wine is a favourite among locals for its intimate and ambient dining atmosphere. Paired with its Italian-based cuisine it's the ultimate spot for slowing things down with a glass of red and soul-restoring pasta.

Right in the middle of Prahran's St Edmonds Street sits Wildflour Matilda Bakery. The unassuming garage door that’s been taken to by nighttime vandals reveals a deep and delicious hole in the wall bakery and cafe.

Chef Mattia Aloisio and hospitality expert Alessio Davidde are decade-long friends who dreamt of opening up a restaurant together and sharing their love of food with the world (or with all of High Street, at the very least). Both Italian natives have had successful careers in the industry, with Mattia working in Melbourne institutions like Grossi Florentino, and Alessio managing the prolific Circa. When they found each other in Melbourne, they decided to team up and forge their own culinary path. 

When westside locals Jayden Costello and Matthew Defina realised their neighbourhood lacked a good Euro-style Deli, they got to work. From this dream arose Matteo’s Delicatessen, a deli sandwich and Cannoleria shop smack bang in the heart of Altona, on Pier street 

Le Shoppe is the latest addition to restaurateur Scott Pickett’s quiver, serving takeaway delights, quality produce, pantry staples, and house-made food by Chef Rob Kabboord.

The southside of Melbourne just continues to blossom with exciting new spots, Vesper Bistro & Bar is one such addition. Residing in South Yarra, Vesper is bringing its unique flavour of southern European based dishes. Its cuisine is heavily inspired by the Mediterranean islands within the Aegean sea, think the coastline and islands that stretches across Greece to the Cote D'Azur, and Balearic Islands.

There’s always a raft of new health trends but one that’s really getting some serious love is Infrared Saunas, (they’re quite literally so hot right now). Vastly different to their steam counterpart the Infrared Sauna emits heat directly onto your body via electromagnetic light as opposed to the stifling amount of steam from traditional saunas that engulf the entire room.

New York Pizza hits different, the result of the mass migrations of Italians into the city in the early 20th century the city’s pizza has carved its very own distinct shape and flavour departing from its traditional origins.

The Grand Dining Room has an esteemed reputation for being one of the most refined fine-dining pubs in Melbourne. Located in Burnley, The Grand has a long history of culinary award nominations and accolades since opening back in 2003. 

Chinatown is getting a run for its money over on Collins Street with the latest culinary arrival serving up a smorgasbord of Shanghainese cuisine. New Shanghai may already be familiar to you—their Xiao Long Bao is famous across Australia and you might have tried it at Emporium or Chadstone—but this new concept restaurant isn’t just another link in the chain. They’re taking things up a notch with a sophisticated dining space, a large bar complete with a generous cocktail list, an outdoor dining area and a new Chinese tapas-style menu. 

Down in the leafy streets of Camberwell, there’s a sleepy little cafe that’s been making some noise in the suburban precinct. Old Garage Cafe which launched back in mid-2020 has made its home out of a former mechanic's garage, the industrial feel of the space with the raw brick interior brings back some of that repair shop charm. Tucked down a side street just off the main drag Old Garage has a very casual feel, a doggo friendly policy also adds to the welcome atmosphere.

We appreciate puns more than most that’s why when Va Penne’s clever reinterpretation of the Italian colloquialism Va Bene (alright/all good) came across our eyes we just couldn’t resist exploring what other homages to the boot-shaped country might be happening.

Following in line with their nordic theme, the name ‘Valhalla’ is derived from Norse mythology which loosely translates a spiritual place or afterworld for warriors slain in battle. While the name has heavy connotations, there’s nothing quite as existential going on inside this classicly fitted subterranean bar, with deep rich greens, hardwood floors and furniture, and exposed lights creating a gentle atmosphere over booth seating. 

As the name would suggest, there’s a fair bit of affection for coffee going on with these folk.

Tea. It’s a daily ritual for many of us. We define ourselves by our choice of brew—are you an English breakfast fiend? Or an earl grey loyalist? Maybe you prefer a fruity or a herbal variety. There are far too many teas out there for us to list them all, but thankfully we don’t have to. Flag & Spear Tea Hunters are here to teach us all about this ancient beverage and its many varieties.  

Marko is the newest plant-based kid on the block, setting up shop a stone's throw away from the South Melbourne market.

The iconic Ormond Road and St Kilda Street corner site in Elwood has been taken over by Repeat Offender, a breezy, loosely Latin haunt bringing an entirely gluten-free menu to the bayside locale.

If you’re lucky enough to stumble across Melbourne’s latest lunchtime destination, you’ll be treated to Italian-inspired porchetta sandwiches and French-style petit dejeuner. 

Abbotsford has developed majorly in the last decade with bars, restaurants and cafes popping up all over the place. Joining the ranks in the area, tucked away above Bodriggy Brewing Co., is the new bar Stingrays Upstairs. Sprucing a 70s Australian disco vibe, Stingrays is the new party destination in the area taking its name from resident brewer Stingray. 

Just a stone’s throw from Queen Victoria Market, this gorgeous little Japanese cafe and bakery in West Melbourne is here to fulfil all your cheesecake and panko crumb cravings. 

Don’t you hate it when you buy a burger but all the toppings cost extra? Since when does a slice of tomato or some lettuce cost more than a gold coin? We’re not having it, and neither is Meat Frankie, AKA, your new favourite burger joint in Brunswick East. 

If you’ve swung by the absolute vibe-fest that is Coe & Coe Cremorne, then you’ll love their new digs in Yarraville. Expect the same delicious made-to-order coffee, juice and paninis and infectious enthusiasm as their other venues.

Bottomless brunches, viral insta-worthy desserts, smoking rainbow cocktails—Zero Mode has it all. This suburban cafe and bar has had a rapid rise to fame thanks to their cream cakes which literally ooze creamy goodness. 

South Yarra’s newest two-level brunch spot is speckled with greenery and goes by the name of Norman. From Vegemite avo toast to zucchini and corn waffles with red capsicum curd, Norman South Yarra prides itself on serving up classic cafe dishes with a twist.