Directory Search

It’s your typical Melbourne story. Take a suburban cricket bat factory and turn it into a wine-shop-cum-cafe. Yep, the old Fisher Cricket Bats & Willows on Williamstown Rd no longer sells handcrafted bits of wood—it’s now dishing up burrata with beetroot relish and crazy good baked eggs, heavy on the goat’s cheese.

The Pickle & The Patty—formerly of The Ascot Lot—now calls The Market Hotel in South Melbourne home.

Abbotsford, it’s the underdog of Melbourne’s inner ‘burbs. The postcode’s understated charm is often trumped by its gruff exterior, however, there’s a growing quiver of cafes, bars and restaurants trying to change that—enter Volume 2.

If you’ve ever been knocking about in Newtown with a 2042 local, there’s a fair chance they’ll have dragged you through an ominous steel door into Sydney institution known as Mary’s. The Black Sabbath right-hooking you in the jaw as you walk in should jog your memory of the experience, as should their filthy-delicious burgers. 

Masterchef alum Kha Nguyen has been hard at work since his departure from the show back in 2015. First came Jamu Dining, and now, we see Kha open the doors to his second restaurant, Tian38.

Bridge Road is making its way back to our hearts thanks to cafes like OTTO, who’s bridging the gap between Swan Street’s reign over Richmond and the brunch mecca that is the inner-northern burbs.

Eka, which means ‘one’ in Sanskrit, has the conscious types covered out in Melbourne’s west with their bulk organic wholefoods, vegan-friendly cafe fare and a swag of workshops and events. 

After setting up shop in the CBD, Pretzel has opened its doors to a second Melbourne location on the top end of Chapel Street. 

Patient Wolf Distilling Co. has been a staple of the excellent Brunswick food and drink scene, and its expansion into Southbank will give Patient Wolf’s 200L Müller copper still a new home, with a state-of-the-art 1000L still due to arrive from Germany in early 2020.

This serene cafe, full of lush Australiana themed decor is the newest addition to Prahran’s buzzing cafe scene. Escape the crazy hustle and bustle of Chapel St and retreat into Kookaburra Kanteen, a hotspot for good quality coffee and a menu that covers all bases. 

Republic Tavern, or the “Revolution of the North,” is a spacious bar, restaurant and brewery in Epping, capturing both a modern taste of beer, as well as a classic Aussie pub atmosphere. A sizeable venue, exposing an impressive array of craft beer and cider taps, from fellow brewpubs to their very own Beer Republic small-batch brews, there’s a welcoming and warm vibe, with an open fire and wall of chopped logs to top it off. Republic Tavern attracts a community of mateship and good times to be had. 

It's been two years in the making, but Panda Hot Pot is now open in Melbourne.

Beaumaris is a suburb that unless you grew up there, you’d rarely go to unless it’s for a swim at Rickett’s Point. Now, there’s another reason to head bayside, with the opening of new café, Gatekeeper.

So you think you’re pretty good when you belt out a few tunes in the shower. And the karaoke stage doesn’t frighten you when you get up to do your best “Shallow” or Jack Riewoldt impression doing The Killers. But have you ever thought of doing karaoke with an actual live band?

Melbourne-based not-for-profit streetwear label HoMie celebrates it’s fourth birthday this year and is celebrating some impressive milestones they have knocked up along the way.

When it comes to chocolate shops, there may not be two more exciting words than “flagship store”, and Koko Black has opened theirs right in the heart of South Yarra.

Brunswick is definitely not lacking in the excellent-spots-to-get-a-feed department, but in case you’ve tried every single one, you’ll be happy to know there’s a new name in town.

THE VERDICT

The northern suburbs have an array of amazing pizza shops, but there's one in Fitzroy North called Piccolino that's doing things a little differently.

Transport yourself back to the 1970’s in this lavish, mossy green-walled bar nestled at the end of a laneway near Federation square. Sister restaurant to the middle Eastern eatery Souk, Handsome Bar gives off the vibe off a 70’s mansion with velvety couches, bronzy metallic tables and dim lighting. Closed Mondays and Sundays, the venue is open from the afternoon until late Tuesday to Saturday, perfect for a knock-off drink after work or a cheeky cocktail before the clock strikes midnight. 

A warehouse in Abbotsford has left room for Bodriggy Brewing Company to move in, renovate the space and change it forever, and we’re very excited about it. Opened very recently, Bodriggy Brewing Co is fast becoming a favourite amongst locals who just cannot get enough of this place. Much more than a typical brewery, Bodriggy Brewing Co is a brew-pub and bottleshop with a dining area, aka the perfect location for your next drink out.

Scott Pickett has just opened the doors to his latest venture, Pastore at Hotel Chadstone. The new dining venue will focus on Italian-inspired all-day dining, with a contemporary Australian feel and a variety of dishes from small plates to full tasting experiences. 

If you’ve ever caught Puffing Billy (if you haven’t, why not?) you’ve probably noticed a sign near Clematis Station that points to the Paradise Valley Hotel, an isolated pub in the Dandenongs.

When you hear that Marameo is from the minds behind Bar Carolina, and Il Bacaro, you know you're going to be in for a good time.

Just when you thought burger joints might be past their prime, along comes 300 Grams, Northcote’s newest burger oasis for vegans, vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. 

Located in the heart of Flinders Lane lies a 2-storey modern fine dining restaurant with an East-meets-West interpretation of Japanese cuisine. The name ‘Akaiito’ derives from the meaning ‘red thread of fate’ which refers to the red thread which connects people to kindred spirits and reflects the way we are all tied to each other. 

Patagonia has unveiled its new flagship store in Melbourne, reviving a heritage building from 1884.

Australians love a cold beer during the warmer months, and residents of Melbourne are definitely no stranger to a big, cold beer. But how does one served at -2.2 degrees sound?

If you’ve ever ventured west for a Perth sojourn, you’ve no doubt come across the aptly named Pretzel.

Rustica is not a new name in the Melbourne café scene, having established itself as a destination in Fitzroy back in 2012.

Conveniently located in the heart of the city, State of Grace is back as you once knew and loved. The new State of Grace residency offers a bustling restaurant on street level with a little European flavour, hidden cellar bar Fall From Grace and rooftop.

Murrumbeena is a suburb that doesn’t pop up too often on the new café openings list, but that has changed this month with the opening of Levi on Railway Parade.

Iconic Federation Square eatery Chocolate Buddha has finally re-opened after a major renovation by the epic collaboration between Maddison Architects and Angela Mathioudakis.

Curly Whiskers just got a massive revamp, so you might want to head down to Brighton to see what all the fuss is about.

Nestled in Seaford, 38 South Bar and Café is a vibrant fresh of air for the beach-side suburb.

Following the closing of The Press Club in March, the Flinders Street space underwent a speedy renovation before opening its doors as Elektra Dining Room in July this year. Whether you’re after a quick bite after work or before a show, a long lingering dinner or a late night date, this dimly lit intimate restaurant will go above and beyond to meet your needs. Led by former Executive Chef of The Press Club and current chef at Gazi, the small menu comprises of about ten dishes that are constantly changing each week. 

A cheeky new wine bar slinging out delicious dishes has just arrived on Sydney Road in a 70-seat venue. Former chef at hatted restaurants Sepia and Flying Fish, Elliott Pinn is a wizard in the kitchen, using his creativity and impressive skill to turn simple ingredients into extraordinary plates of food. The Brunswick venue is located in a 150-year-old building, with interiors designed by co-owners John Ryan, Simon Henderson and Harrison Peace who also own Fitzroy club Glamorama and The Vale in Ascot Vale.

You might be familiar with Melbourne-based luggage brand July, we wrote about them earlier this year. Well, now less than a year since the brand launched, they’ve opened their first retail store in Emporium.

You’ll find much-anticipated cocktail bar, Byrdi at Melbourne Central’s newest cultural haven, ELLA. And you’ll find ELLA where Elizabeth Street meets La Trobe Street in the CBD.

The Reymond's are synonymous with Melbourne's food scene, so when we heard that third-generation restaurateurs Nathalie, Edouard and Antoine Reymond were opening a new restaurant and bar in up-and-coming foodie suburb Cremorne we were definitely keen to hear more.

Next time you’re up north, you might want to check out The Fancy Parrot; Ascot Vale’s newest boutique wine and cocktail bar. Don’t be scared by the bright turquoise sign and fluorescent wall designs, if you venture inside you’ll find an extensive wine list, some quality share plates and local craft beers on tap. 

Vegans, say goodbye to going hungry after a night out while your meat-loving friends gorge on a juicy kebab because Brunswick has got a special treat for you: Melbourne’s (and Australia's) first and only vegan kebab shop.

We think it’s high time Carlton got its first Mexican restaurant, and Taquito definitely delivers on that account. Meaning "little taco" in Spanish, Taquito is gaining popularity in Melbourne's food scene as the new place for authentic, market-fresh Mexican cuisine with a modern twist.

Under a month ago, couple Lauren and Maxime Croiset opened up a takeaway rotisserie serving up indulgent French cuisine using a blend of classic and modern recipes. Located close to the Yarra Valley, their French-inspired meats are locally sourced and fresh produce is the foundation of their meals. 

In the past eight years, FilmNeverDie has changed locations five times. And now they’re finally ready to settle down at their latest location in the CBD.

Located on Main Street in Upwey, couple Josh O’Brien and Omar Viramontes, who have created a menu combining Aussie brunch and traditional Mexican dishes have recently opened up the doors to Maria cafe. Maria is named after Omar’s grandmother who has a Mexican background and so the food is a spin-off of many of her recipes. The cafe is sister to Lorna Cafe, which has been successfully running for two years in Ferntree Gully. 

Trunk just got a major upgrade and we’re not mad about it.

Located down the Windsor end of High Street sits a little pizza restaurant with a big story to tell. Small Print refers to small eco-footprint, the philosophy the team behind the restaurant are wanting to instil into their production of delicious pizzas. 

Located within a secret warehouse in Preston, Moon Dog World is a beer garden wonderland with a bar featuring 72 taps, a hidden tiki bar, a lagoon and waterfall and a food menu that will have you coming back for seconds. With a tropical feel to it, the location is filled with palm trees and indoor-outdoor zones so whether you’re a shade or sun lover, there’s a spot reserved for you. 

There’s no better time than now to reacquaint yourself with the colourful beach huts of Brighton, and the newest bad kid on the block Coal Blooded Griller will be on-site to treat you to the most delectable smoky grills and cocktails by the beach.

The Docklands just got a little more interesting with the opening of SPQR wood-fired pizzeria at The District. If the name rings a bell, it's probably because this is the team's second eatery after the launch of their CBD location back in late 2017.

Too many of us complain about getting home from work after sitting in the office at a desk all day, having done absolutely no exercise and feeling stiff like your grandma. That's why couple Danny Walker and Jess Hatzis have opened up a new personal training studio in the backstreets of Cremorne called Frame.

Located in the heart of the city on Collins Street is MetaScent perfume studio and retail store run by Janelle Donnelly and Huynh Hai Yen who met studying professional perfumery.

Don’t get us wrong, there’s nothing like perfectly poached eggs and getting the right amount of froth in your latte. But sometimes you’re after something a little different, a little spin on the classics.

The team behind Neighbourhood Pizza (Kael, Matt and Elias Sahely) have a world of experience behind them when it comes to Melbourne’s food scene. Their food empire includes brunch institutions like Square and Compass, Vacation, Pillar of Salt, Barry, Touchwood and the more recently opened, Lobbs. And now, they’re serving up their take on classic Italian food.

Do you want to get inked, but find walking into tattoo shops a little too intimidating? If so, Heart & Soul Tattoo should be your next port of call.

If classical music is your scene or if you just want to spend the start of your weekend supporting a good cause, Tempo Rubato could be your newest Friday night hangout. 

Australia’s first-ever ice cream shop run completely by robots is launching at Fed Square.

If you’re looking to unwind in an urban sanctuary, complete with a vintage glass front, overhanging plants and retractable roof, Bourke Street Green has you covered.

Want to save money off your final bill at Iki-Jime? Feast your eyes on Urban Feast, the ultimate card for foodies. For just $100 you'll get $500 worth of value and will see you heading to some of the finest eating establishments in town. Find out more about Urban Feast here.