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Just a decade ago, you’d find most hospitality venues that are worth visiting within the CBD and inner suburbs. Fast forward a few years and several culinary hotspots have popped up in relatively unassuming suburbs—just take Moonee Ponds and Glen Waverley for example—and now, it’s Greensborough’s turn. The suburb’s latest addition is Dulce Gelateria, offering up 80 primo flavours a week, with many of them vegan.

The residents of Fitzroy’s Gertrude Street and surrounds quickly became accustomed to picking up their baked goods from the temporary Marion Grocer. Realising it had quickly become a fixture of the cherished culinary strip, restaurateur Andrew McConnell has decided to relocate his grocery, now known as Morning Market, to a permanent locale two doors down.

The people of Melbourne’s hospitality scene have been busy during lockdown. We’ve seen some wild creations come out of the woodwork, like an entire mudcrab wrapped in pastry, a bacon and egg donut and a 3kg cookie dough cake. Sometimes, however, you can’t beat a classic, and that’s where Pav Queen comes in.

After a long, cold winter, Melbourne is finally scoring some good news. Public gatherings of up to five, forecasts exceeding well above the 10° mark and daylight savings arriving—those lucky enough to live within 5km of the St Kilda foreshore can tie all of the above together with a feed from the just-reopend Paper Fish.

Smashing down a bowl, or tin tray of pasta, from Good Gnocchi is sort of like a rite of passage if you live in Melbourne’s North. And now, they’re inching ever so slightly towards Melbourne’s centre with a second takeaway-only location in Abbotsford, letting Collingwood, Richmond and surrounds into the club.

The self-proclaimed “morning-artisans”, Beggs & Acon in Prahan is the latest limited-run culinary venture to come out of COVID. As you’ve probably worked out, their focus is bacon & eggs, of which they do four—and only four—iterations of the classic breakfast meal.

It's fair to say Robert and Irene Magdziarz know a thing or two about good wine. After hand-planting their first vineyard in the Macedon Ranges, they moved to Coldstream and took over the old Warramunda Station in 2007, turning it into one of the Yarra Valley’s finest biodynamic wineries, Warramunda Estate.

Melbourne's independent beer scene has shown little signs of slowing down over the past decade. New breweries continue to pop up all over town, and we're very much into that.

Mile End Bagels quickly reached institute status when it opened its doors to the warehouse locale in Fitzroy back in 2016, and now, they’re making tracks further north with a second location in Brunswick, down an industrial side-street, behind a roller door. 

Given the calibre of offerings at Melbourne Central’s new foodie precinct, ELLA, we can only assume there’s a fairly comprehensive vetting process in being able to open up shop. One such newcomer to this culinary hub, NUTTEA, has clearly passed with flying colours, slinging their unique range of 100% vegan, nut-based bubble teas.

Thanks to lockdown, Melbourne has been treated to an influx of delivery-only, niche ghost kitchens who do just several things really bloody well. The latest is Toma, an Asian-style bakery delivering sweet and savoury treats.

We've seen an array of amazing International cuisine hit the already stacked streets of Melbourne during 2020, and tamales is another that you need to get acquainted with.

Can a business be a pillar of the community? If so, there's no better example than Edithvale General Store.

Carlton North lost one of the good one when hole-in-the-wall cafe Bü shut up shop at 2019’s end. Ever since locals have been waiting for something to fill the void, and after nine months, Canning Street and surrounds welcomes Monforte Viennoiserie to the charming corner store locale.

If you’re planning to win over Melbourne’s discerning tea fans, you’re going to need a brew that looks as beautiful as it tastes. Malaysia’s Instea has nailed that formula, and are coming in hot—or ice-cold—with a brick and mortar store opening on Swanston Street.

No, Tom Selleck is not making these pastry-encrusted beauties, but the chef behind Magnum Pi, Jason Kubasek, would undoubtedly do a better job when you consider his cheffing credentials—Pillar of Salt, Good Times Milk Bar and High Society to name a few.

Sometimes, the simple act of gifting others—or yourself—a bouquet of flowers is all that’s needed to brighten one’s day. There is a little more to it than just bunching a couple of flowers together, however, and that’s where Prairies comes in.

It’s time to put your money where your mouth is and bag yourself some of the best cookies found in Australia. After causing a little hysteria when opening along Chapel Street earlier this year, Cookie Box is coming in hot with a second store in Hawthorn.

Riviera Rd in Avondale Heights is an entirely unremarkable street, except for one tiny thing. It’s home to Melbourne’s only dedicated cannoli bar.

At least once and a while, a good coffee paired with some classically refined cafe fare is the cure that ails you, and if you’re in Albert Park or surrounds, that’s what you’ll get from Dundas & Faussett.

In every Melbourne suburb, you’ll find at least one cult burger joint that all the locals will point to. If bayside suburb, Sandringham, was ever lacking in that department, it certainly isn’t now. 3191ers have Burger Bae to thank for that—a burger joint with an impeccable name and even better patties.

With the pubs closed right now, it's fair to say there are a lot of Melburnians craving a good old-fashioned parma.

Like most Melbourne businesses, Penny For Pound has had to pivot due to the pandemic. And pivot they have with a range of baked delights for you to enjoy at home. Pick up a box of their bake-at-home croissants and you'll be a happy camper.

There are several ways to make yourself known in Melbourne’s hospo industry. Some basic marketing is the first step, a decent menu will help word-of-mouth spread naturally, and a ballsy business name will certainly put you ahead of the pack. Say g’day to A Dingo Ate My Taco.

Opening a restaurant during a pandemic is less than ideal, but for The Hot Bird team, they've made the best of a bad situation.

Good things come in small packages at Pie Thief. We’re referring to both the tiny, golden bundles of joy—pies—and the fact that Pie Thief venue is quite small. 

It’s hard not to love cookies, but some love them so much that their passion for baking those sweet, round treats has turned into a full-time gig. Case and point, The Cookie Dough Co.

Laantaan is an online bakery that had only been around for six months when the pandemic hit. But while some businesses have struggled understandably, Laantaan has gone from strength to strength since they opened themselves up to online ordering.

Sometimes, you just want a no-frills number one shave on your dome-piece. Other times, you want a detached quiff to skin-fade. With a strict “everyone welcome” policy, a trim with the barbers at Yours Truly should be considered.

Carlton has always been a great place to escape the bustling noise of the CBD, and MOFO Burgers has arrived to give you another reason to visit the 3053 (post lockdown, of course). The new cheat meal destination was launched last May 2020 and is located strategically at 100 Leicester Street, Kwong Lee building of The University of Melbourne. 

East Melbourne is a haven for historic and beautiful buildings, and new in the neighbourhood is Hemingway’s Wine Room. Inspired by the 1920s New York and Paris brasseries, their concept certainly adds another touch to the busy street of Wellington Parade. 

A small chunk of Chapel Street’s soul was taken away when the Prahran HJs served its final whopper to whoever it was that stumbled out of Revs at 4am. But now, after four years of emptiness, the heritage-listed locale will be home to a new burger joint called Burgertory. 

Little Bourke Street dining institution, Longrain, will get a new lease on life with Scott Pickett recently announced to be taking over the restaurant.

North Melbourne. It’s that top pocket of the city that’s full of hidden gems, and the latest that’s been unearthed is Palette, a (loosely) Korean cafe that also does an exceptional Swiss roll. 

After flirting with us during a summer pop-up in late-2019, Black Star Pastry reopened its doors in St Kilda, and this time it's permanent.

While you’ve been isolating, Melbourne CBD has had some serious work done. Take a stroll up to the Parliament end of Collins Street and you’ll find a luxe new precinct called 80 Collins that’s dotted with top-shelf diners, eateries and premium retailers. Many are still in the works, but the charming coffee hub + brunch spot, Maverick, has already opened its doors to the city centre.

Moorabbin is an area that has changed a lot over the past few years. Its industrial area has become home to breweries and eateries dotted between auto repair joints, cabinet makers, and manufacturing businesses.

Mordialloc, the formerly sleepy beach-side suburb, is having a bit of a moment when it comes to new places to eat at.

If you’re a true Melbourian you’ve most definitely heard of Hanoi Hannah, and if you’re a fan of Asian-fusion style eating, you more than likely eat there religiously. Joining the Hanoi Hannah family is Firebird, and it brings plenty of flames and flavour to its prime Windsor location. 

Following the popularity of their pop-up store in Queen Victoria Markets, Ruben Bertolo and Nelson Coutinho of Casa Nata are set to open their official storefront in a heritage-listed building on Thornbury’s High Street next month. With both founders being of Portuguese descent and having grown up eating traditional Pasteis de Nata, their vision is to bring this delicious piece of Portugal to Melbourne. 

If there’s one thing we’ll never tire of, it’s a grazing table. In fact, we’re expecting each spread to out-do the last; that’s essentially what Instagram was made for, right? Lucky for us, the good folk at Daylesford Grazing don’t mess around when it comes to delivering decadent platters and desserts.

LA steeze powerhouse, JOYRICH, has arrived in Melbourne, and they’ve set up their first location in the backblocks of Cremorne. 

Old Palm Liquor might be relatively new on the scene, but once you step inside you’ll be well convinced that it’s been there for what seems like a lifetime.

You’re always looking for excuses to host parties so you can showcase one hell of a cheeseboard, and now you have the perfect excuse. Located in Prahran Market’s great food hall, Maker & Monger have taken the cheese industry to new heights.

From the team behind Cheltenham's Drip cafe, comes a new Mentone cafe that is certainly dishing up some excellent food.

Residents of Brunswick East have a new neighbour and they’re here to spice things up. Bringing their Turkish and Middle Eastern goodies from Carlton North, Babajan has opened up a second location on Lygon Street with a no-frills, no-fuss pop-up.

Swan Street native, Beer and Burger Bar, is back with a brand new fit-out and a burger challenge to end all burger challenges.

Meet Mr Robertson—the new kid on the block in Nunawading’s industrial estate brought to you by the creative team behind Mister and Miss Cafe in Surrey Hills. This trendy space features a monochromatic colour scheme with timber floors and tables and sleek white marble benchtops. If you are coming alone to study or punch out a few boring work emails, there are private booths. Otherwise, there are both outdoor and indoor seating for all weather conditions catering for small or large groups. 

In excellent news for Melbourne's film photography enthusiasts, online film seller Walkens House Of Film has developed into a bricks and mortar operation in Fitzroy.

Windsor, meet Punk Carla, the cocktail bar that combines grunge with hedonism and high-end design on Chapel Street. Taking its name and inspiration from a mysterious woman they met one European summer, the owners keep Punk Carla in mind with their decor, food and cocktail curation. 

Institute-status burger joint, The B.East, is set to open a sister restaurant called The B.East Of Brunswick St. in the heart of Fitzroy.

Ganzo, or ‘cool’ in Tuscan, is bringing exactly that to Bridge Road with a breezy diner serving up pizza, pasta along with classic Italian sides and a charming drinks list.

Located in the heart of Moorabbin you’ll find Farro Nourishing Eatery, a bayside cafe serving nutritious food that tastes as good as it looks.  After mastering the art of turning good-for-you ingredients into delectable raw desserts, owner Tia used her background in nutritional science to open Farro with the mission to heal with good food.  

Looming casually over Hardware Lane is The Hardware Club, a cosy 65-seat Italian eatery from Nicola Dusi (D.O.C Pizzeria, Baby Pizza, Chin Chin) and Andrea Ceriani (+39 Pizzeria). Here, you’ll find a menu at least as cheeky, but far more charming, than the opposing restaurant spruikers of the iconic street.

Not five years ago, venturing north up the far end of High Street in search of a cold one would yield little to no results. Fortunately, the northside frothy offering is in abundance these days, making for a beer-rich itinerary any day of the week. Adding some space on the list for beer garden and bar, Surly’s, is recommended.

Nestled within the heart of Camberwell, True Dermal Skin Clinic prides themselves on delivering to their clients the most advanced, cosmetic, medical-grade, non-invasive treatments. With nurses, clinicians and therapists to guide you on your skin journey, the team offer tailor-made treatment plans after in-depth consultations. 

Melbourne's bayside suburbs are booming. And as people flock to buy houses a little further south than usual, amazing cafes, restaurants, and bars are following them.

Occupying the space formerly known as Sneak, The Blacksmith couldn't be more different a venue than its predecessor.

When Uncle closed up its St Kilda East eatery last year, most knew it wouldn’t take long for the two-storey space—complete with rooftop bar—to be snapped up, refitted and reopened with a new lease on life. Upstairs, you’ll find diner The Land of Plenty, and on the ground floor, Billy T’s cafe. 

Carlisle Street took a hit to its hospo offerings when Uncle shut their St Kilda East eatery. Fortunately, the southside hood didn’t have to wait long until the location was snapped up and transformed into a breezy rooftop bar and diner that’s primed for summer.