Dine Out: The Best New Restaurants in Melbourne in 2025

Melbourne’s dining scene never rests—it reinvents, surprises, and sets the bar ever higher. In 2025, a new wave of restaurants is redefining how we eat, blending global flavours with hyper-local ingredients, pushing boundaries while embracing comfort. From moody laneway bistros serving impeccable small plates to bold, culture-blurring kitchens rewriting the city’s culinary map, this year’s newcomers are already shaping the future of food. Expect menus that challenge and delight, chefs who cook with fire (both literally and figuratively), and dining rooms where every detail is considered. These are the best new restaurants in Melbourne—each one worth booking now.

Kolkata Cricket Club

Step into the world of Kolkata Cricket Club, where India’s rich heritage meets bold culinary innovation. Chef-owner Mischa Tropp’s latest venture captures the heart of Bengali and pan-Indian cuisine, served across a sports bar brimming with old-world charm and a refined white-tablecloth dining room. The space is gorgeous, where you can indulge in dishes like marinated lamb tomahawk and the butter chicken Tropp hails as the “best you’ve ever eaten.”

Our money is one the spicy, fragrant goat curry though. The naan is also unreal. With every bite, you’re transported to a vibrant, flavourful tableau that lingers long after the last morsel.

Casino, Crown Melbourne, Level 1/8 Whiteman Street, Southbank

Marmont

Grant Smilie’s (he brought Ponyfish Island to Melbourne) latest venture brings a touch of Californian glamour to Crown, with an airy, effortlessly cool space and a menu that’s indulgent in all the right ways. The must-try pink margarita—a signature from LA’s famed Chateau Marmont—sets the tone, while the food is a tight, confident lineup of bold flavours. Expect a stellar raw fish selection with crispy capers, zesty scallop tostadas, and ultra-crunchy fried chicken draped in capsicum and coriander sauce. But the real sleeper hit? The cornbread, drenched in peach butter. Pro tip: save it for dessert—you won’t regret it.

Ground Level, River Walk/8 Whiteman Street, Southbank 

Taverna

Step inside this new restaurant in Melbourne and find a loving ode to Greece, stripped of pretension and bursting with soul. At Taverna, co-owner Angie Giannakodakis channels the Blue Zone’s philosophy of eating well and living long, dishing up honest, whole-food cooking that whispers of Athens alleyways and sun-drenched islands. Olive oil bread begs to be dragged through fava dip, revithokeftedes are crisp perfection, and moussaka—her mother’s recipe—carries generations of wisdom. Dessert? Maybe bougatsa, maybe just a slice of watermelon, because sometimes that’s all you need. Soon, a 300-bottle wine room will flow with Greek vintages. Until then, pull up a chair. Eat. Stay awhile.

434 Lygon Street, Brunswick East

Astoria Bar Ke Grill

A chic Greek wine bar and grill has opened its doors in South Yarra, creating a could-be-by-the-coast buzz in the neighbourhood. Astoria Bar Ke Grill masterfully combines modern flair with timeless Greek flavours. Start with pickled WA octopus or flash-fried calamari with herb mayo, tarama, and flatbread, or tuck into golden zucchini fritters. Heartier options include pan-seared snapper with mussels and avgolemono, vegetarian moussaka, and meltingly tender lamb shoulder. For a comforting finish, the cinnamon-laced rice pudding is like a warm hug in a bowl. Astoria’s vibrant atmosphere, paired with its curated wines, makes every meal a celebration. This is Greek dining, done right.

302 Toorak Road, South Yarra

Ramen Shouyuya

At Ramen Shouyuya, chef Fujio Tamura distills a lifetime of expertise into just three bowls of shoyu ramen—chicken, vegetable, and slow-cooked duck inspired by kamo nanban. The broth, built on niboshi dashi, is rich yet refined, while house-made noodles—crafted with a Yamato machine from Japan—offer the perfect bite. The minimalist Brunswick space mirrors its menu: no excess, just precision. Sides like soy-glazed chicken wings and ganmo nimono round out the offering, while mitarashi dango provides a sweet, smoky finish. This is ramen, stripped back to its essence, and it’s a beautiful thing.

692 Sydney Road, Brunswick

Edita’s

Say hello to Edita’s, a love letter to Pacific Island tradition, wrapped in golden batter and served with hand-cut, triple-cooked chips. Siblings Tima and Stan Tausinga honour their Tongan-Samoan roots with prawn tacos, sapasui spring rolls, and a Filet-o-Fish tribute that puts the original to shame. Freshness reigns—fish caught that morning, cooked that afternoon, just like their grandmother Edita’s island kitchen. This is more than nostalgia; it’s culture on a plate, served with a side of warmth and familiarity.

382 Rathdowne Street, Carlton North

Nora’s Pizza House

Nora’s is where city vibes meet Mornington Peninsula charm—think dim lighting, olive-green walls, and terracotta tiles instead of surfboards. Here, you can sip spritzes (Campari or Aperol, your choice) while indulging in spicy rigatoni in vodka sauce or a cheeky Ode to Roberta’s pizza—topped with soppressata, honey, and stracciatella, no less. Another crowd-pleaser in the making is the Morno Greens white-base pizza, topped with fior di latte, sautéed greens, garlic oil, and nduja.

The menu is a playful tribute to Italy, with fresh, seasonal twists. For dessert? A decadent tiramisu. A perfect spot for locals and wanderers alike, this pizza joint is exactly what the Peninsula didn’t know it needed—casual, fun, and downright delicious!

2113 Point Nepean Road, Rye

Liyin

Liyin Rice Roll Master is Melbourne’s gateway to the kind of cheung fun you’d find steaming on the streets of Guangzhou. Here, rice isn’t just an ingredient—it’s an art form, stone-milled in-house and transformed into impossibly silky, translucent rolls made to order. The fillings range from classic char siu to black truffle prawn, each bite a masterclass in texture and flavour. Beyond rice rolls, there’s rich congee inspired by river-fishing traditions and wok-kissed beef hor fun. It’s comfort food elevated, nostalgia made tangible—proof that Melbourne’s Cantonese scene is only getting better.

Shop C2/550 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

Hotel Paradiso

Want summer to last forever? A little bit Miami, a little bit Melbourne, Hotel Paradiso brings a neon-lit, disco-fuelled energy to Frankston’s industrial backstreets. Here, the pizza dough is hand-stretched, the beer taps seem endless, and the cocktails come with a wink. It’s the kind of place where a long lunch effortlessly turns into a late-night party, fuelled by DJs spinning vinyl and the clink of spritzes in the balmy air. Whether you’re here for a slice, a sip, or the scene, Hotel Paradiso is pure, unfiltered good times, and one of the best new restaurants in Melbourne.

10 Kookaburra Street, Frankston 

ISME 

Hidden in Thornbury’s heart, Isme 2.0 (previously in Fitzroy) is where the charm of old-school Beirut meets modern Melbourne. The sand-hued bricks and roaring open fire pit set a captivating stage for a menu alive with flame-licked Lebanese and Middle Eastern flavours. Think warm mountain bread baked to order, fatteh crowned with chargrilled prawns, and tawook-marinated half-chicken that lingers on your palate like a favourite memory. With every dish, Joseph Rahme honours his roots while embracing creative flair. Come hungry—here, generosity is tradition. 

752 High Street, Thornbury

JUNI

JUNI, the much-anticipated return of chef Michael Lambie, is the CBD’s newest flavour-packed hotspot. Inspired by Southeast Asia’s fiery spices and bold textures, the 120-seater dazzles with dishes like seared tuna tataki, sizzling tom yum scallops, and dry-aged Chinese duck with all the trimmings.

Designed by Techne, JUNI’s bold reds and lush maroons cocoon you in modern glamour, while playful cocktails and curated wines flow from the stylish bar.

Named after Lambie’s late mother, the restaurant exudes heartfelt finesse, making it the go-to for pre-theatre bites, intimate dinners, and post-show revelry. 

Opening 28th November 

136 Exhibition Street, Melbourne

Marmelo & Mr Mills

Sophisticated, expansive, and utterly stunning, Marmelo is where wood and charcoal unite with the coastal flavours of Portugal and Spain under the vision of acclaimed chef Ross Lusted. Every dish bursts with precision and bold flavour—think pastel de natas crowned with spanner crab, a refined take on classic Portuguese roasted cockerel (don’t miss pairing it with the potatoes with whipped garlic and the beautifully fragrant tomato rice), and whole charred calamari bathed in buttery perfection. Also, it’s essential to get the croquettes; they’re a whole moment. 

Afterwards, descend the chartreuse staircase into Mr Mills, a moody, late-night basement bar with intimate booths, DJ grooves, and a sharp drinks menu. The clarified margarita is as refined as the space itself, perfect alongside late-night bites. Together, Marmelo and Mr Mills deliver a sleek, unforgettable experience for dining, sipping, and vibing into the night.

130 Russell Street, Melbourne 

Maison Batard 

Maison Batard is Melbourne’s chic new ode to French decadence, brought to life by Chris Lucas, the mastermind behind Chin Chin and Society. This four-storey marvel is where Parisian glamour meets modern dining. On the ground and first floors, Restaurant Batard dazzles with its oyster bar, rotisserie delights, and reimagined French classics—lighter, fresher, yet utterly indulgent. Ascend to Le Terrace, the rooftop retreat buzzing with atrium views and DJ sets.

With 2600 wines, including rare Burgundy pours and exclusive French gems, the wine list is as impressive as the art-filled interiors. Maison Batard is Melbourne’s new pinnacle of luxe dining, and it’s set to enthrall diners all summer long!

23 Bourke Street, Melbourne 

Vinesmith

Vinesmith Wine Group has unveiled its city cellar door, an exquisite wine tasting room, late-night bar, and French bistro on the iconic corner of Spring Street and Flinders Lane. Overlooking Treasury Gardens, this sophisticated destination blends a traditional cellar door experience with French-inspired dining led by executive chef Richard Hayes.

Think kangaroo tartare, rolled lamb shoulder, and Basque cheesecake paired with award-winning wines from Vinesmith’s celebrated portfolio. A true fusion of elegance and flavour, Vinesmith is redefining Melbourne’s dining scene with unmatched charm and indulgence.

1 Flinders Lane, Melbourne

Mid-Air

Perched 12 storeys above Russell Street, Mid-Air is Melbourne’s newest dining hotspot, blending nostalgic Mediterranean flavours with a playful French twist. Led by hatted chef Nick Deligiannis, this terracotta-hued rooftop gem delivers everything from spanner crab rösti to smoky lamb skewers and a honey-joy sundae. Sip tropical cocktails with cheeky twists (hello, gyros-spiced rims!) while soaking in dazzling city views. Attached to boutique hotel Melbourne Place, Mid Air offers a vibe shift from breezy breakfasts to glam nightcaps. It’s where sun-kissed flavours and sky-high vibes collide. Ready to take off?! 

130 Russell Street, Melbourne

From boundary-pushing fine dining to neighbourhood gems redefining comfort food, the best new restaurants in Melbourne are setting the pace for 2025. Book a table, bring your appetite, and taste the future of the city’s dining scene. For more of essential dining experiences in our city, check out these bayside restaurants and Italian hot spots.