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.

Bar Taralli

Bar Taralli is North Melbourne’s newest Italian heartthrob—serving up serious southern charm and smoky, soul-warming plates. Helmed by Salvatore Giorgio (ex-Scopri, Bar Rosella), this beauty takes inspiration from the four regions of Southern Italy, with a menu that’s bold, nostalgic, and utterly divine.

Start with the Polpo alla Luciana—chargrilled octopus tangled in tomato, capers, olives and a fiery chilli-garlic salsa. Then dive into the Bombette Pugliesi—juicy pork parcels with a herby, decadent centre. Pure joy on a plate.

12 Errol Street, North Melbourne

Ministry of Crab

Melbourne’s seafood scene just got a serious glow-up. The globally renowned Ministry of Crab has opened its ninth outpost on Flinders Lane, bringing its signature Sri Lankan flair to town. Expect towering “Crabzillas” (up to two kilos), glossy garlic-chilli and black pepper crabs, and a crab liver pâté so rich it’s practically sinful.

Don’t skip the coconut sambol or the iconic crème brûlée served in a coconut shell. It’s a luxe, hands-on feast that’s equal parts spice, spectacle, and seafood worship. Bib up and dive in.

226 Flinders Lane, Melbourne 

Loku

Loku invites diners into the heart of Sri Lanka through the dishes of Lanka Imiyaarachchige, whose childhood memories shape the menu. Serving Sri Lankan classics like lamprais, pot biryani, and roast paan with turmeric butter, Loku offers a true taste of the island. Imiyaarachchige’s creative touch shines in dishes like her Sinhalese curry-inspired betel leaf “taco,” and indulgent desserts like watalappam and falooda. With a seasonal menu and a curated selection of Yarra Valley wines, Loku is an authentic, comforting homage to Sri Lankan flavours and family.

298 High Street, Northcote

Henrys

Henrys is where the European Riviera collides with ’70s Los Angeles—think handmade pasta, charcoal-grilled seafood, and a moody, stylish fit-out that spans two levels. Behind the scenes, a seasoned trio with serious Melbourne hospitality cred is dishing up a menu that’s both nostalgic and fresh. Add in a wine list that travels the globe and desserts that tip their hat to the classics, and you’ve got the kind of place locals and visitors are booking twice.

3 Well Street, Brighton

Loving Our Guide to the Best New Restaurants in Melbourne? You’re Sure to Enjoy…

Cafes

6 Japanese Cafes in Melbourne to Try This Month

We’ll take a strawberry matcha, please and thank you.

Read More

Restaurants

The Best Restaurants for Your Next Long Lunch in Melbourne

Gather a crew and settle in for an afternoon of leisurely lunching at these sophisticated venues.

Read More

Crab 89

A new heavy-hitter in Melbourne’s luxe dining scene, Crab 89 is a crustacean-lover’s dream. This opulent Japanese-style buffet is dedicated to the ocean’s finest—from freshly shucked oysters and mango sashimi to towering crab legs, scallops, mussels, and southern rock lobster. It’s a celebration of abundance and precision, with premium seafood plated like art and flavour turned up to eleven. Pile your plate high with spicy chilli crab, delicate sashimi, or giant prawns so sweet they barely need sauce. Melbourne hasn’t seen a seafood spread this lavish—until now.

Level 1/139 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne

Nora Thai CBD

Nora Thai has landed in the CBD, and it’s bringing the heat—literally. This fiery newcomer (with original outpost still in South Yarra) is all about the bold, herbaceous flavours of Southern Thailand, with punchy dishes like creamy crab curry, caramelised pork belly, and stir-fries starring “stink beans” (they’re better than they sound). The mango sticky rice cocktail alone is worth a visit. From rare regional recipes to vibrant cocktails, Nora Thai is the kind of spot that makes dinner in the city feel like an adventure.

111 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

Holy Guacamole

Holy Guacamole is far more than just another Mexican cantina – it’s an immersive, authentic celebration of Latin American culture. Co-founded by cousins Laurent Linares and Leidy Avila, this new Melbourne restaurant seamlessly fuses the bold flavours of Mexico and Colombia via Collingwood. From mouthwatering tacos and Arepa Nachos to slow-cooked Birria, the menu delights with its rich variety.

But it’s not just about the food; Holy Guacamole offers a cultural experience like no other, featuring handcrafted cocktails and El Mercadito, an in-house grocer brimming with imported Latin goods. The inviting, lively space pulses with energy, transporting you straight to the heart of Latin America.

Sitchu Tip: Sip a refreshing Paloma and indulge in Churros con Dulce de Leche for dessert.

320 Smith Street, Collingwood

Nuzza

Just an hour out of Melbourne, Nuzza Wine & Pasta Bar is a surprising little gem tucked away on Kilmore’s main drag. Low-key and effortlessly charming, it’s the kind of spot you stumble on and instantly want to come back to.

Handmade pasta steals the show—simple, silky, and packed with flavour—paired with thoughtful local wines and warm, welcoming vibes. It’s intimate without trying too hard, with timber, candlelight and that slow, unhurried energy you don’t find often. Just order a Negroni and some calamari fritti to start, and you’ve got yourself a lovely little weekend lunch.

36 Sydney Street, Kilmore 

Duke Lane

Windsor just got spicier with the arrival of Duke Lane, now open in the iconic Saigon Sally space. This Latin-inspired hotspot brings Melbourne flair, bold flavours, and serious fun. Expect candlelit chaos — shared plates, $10 margaritas every Wednesday, and tunes that keep the vibe alive. The menu? All hits: brisket-stuffed arepitas, Latin-style burrata, melt-in-your-mouth seared tuna, and a juicy 300g Porterhouse with chimichurri. Finish with a cheeky Dessert Shot — churro or jam doughnut, your call. Duke Lane is all about joy, flavour, and forgetting whatever plans you had tomorrow.

2 Duke Street, Windsor

Tiny Bar

Tiny Bar in Brunswick East is a hidden dreamboat of a restaurant, where big flavours come in small doses. With just 12 seats, it’s cosy and effortlessly cool. The menu features delicate dishes like raw scallops paired with fresh tomato, and abalone slow-cooked in the shell, finished with butter and white soy. Sip on house Martinis or the signature Pippo, an Italian twist on Scotch and cola. Longnecks of VB’s come served in an ice bucket, too. It’s a place that packs more punch than its size suggests, with each bite and sip leaving a lasting impression long after you’ve stepped out.

221D Blyth Street, Brunswick East 

Anelli

There’s something quietly magnetic about Anelli in St Kilda, a new, all-day neighbourhood Italian restaurant in St Kilda. It doesn’t shout—it seduces. Warm timber, buttery light, and the faint clink of glassware set the tone. The martini is a moment, the rosé cold and bright and made for sharing a bottle. The menu reads like a lesson in Italian restraint—simple things done perfectly. A plate of tuna crudo. Pappardelle tangled with just enough ragu. The perfect margherita. It’s the kind of place you linger in, long after the plates are cleared, basking in that rare, golden-hour hum. The best part? You can even drop by for breakfast.

1 Wellington Street, St Kilda

Malin

Malin in Carlton North has quickly earned its place as one of Melbourne’s best new dining spots. Set in a stunning 1880s building, this European-inspired restaurant delivers French dishes crafted with seasonal ingredients. The charming venue, complete with white tablecloths and bistro curtains, offers a sophisticated yet welcoming ambiance. Head chef Clement Pilatre’s inventive creations, like the exquisite chicken ballotine and delicate blue fin tuna with mustard ice cream and strawberry, highlight his fresh approach to French cuisine. Pair it with a thoughtfully curated wine list and classic cocktails, and you’ve found a truly exceptional spot in Rathdowne Village.

687 Rathdowne Street, Carlton North

Ramen Ako’s

Ramen Ako’s in Fitzroy is a sleek, minimalist ramen haven where quality triumphs over quantity. With just 31 seats and three thoughtfully curated ramen options each day, this spot is made for purists. Choose from delicate chintan or rich paitan broths, each crowned with torched pork chashu, seasoned egg, bamboo shoots, and fragrant chicken oil. A shiitake-laced vegan ramen ensures everyone’s included. Pair it with crisp karaage or prawn gyoza, but be quick—quantities are limited, and the love for AKO is anything but. A must for ramen aficionados.

368 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy

Love Letter

Love Letter’s name is fitting, because this restaurant has us in our feels. This new restaurant in Melbourne feels like a love letter to each individual that pushes open its heavy door, welcoming them into a space that radiates warmth, nostalgia, and culinary passion. The dim lighting, vintage decor, and carefully curated menu set the stage for an intimate dining experience where every dish feels like a heartfelt dedication. It also has us wanting to write a love letter right back to the restaurant, declaring our undying commitment to each and every dish that waltzes out of that kitchen and onto our table. The rotating chef’s butter? Divine! The scallops with roasted lemon and curry? Beautiful. The Scotch fillet steak with mushroom sauce? Incredible. We could go on and on, but we think the best course of action is you try Love Letter out for yourself (and soon).

144 Bridge Road, Richmond

Yamamoto Udon

Melbourne’s udon scene just got a serious upgrade, and it’s got the kind of soul that would make even the most seasoned noodle slurper weak at the knees. Yamamoto Udon, the latest brainchild from the Wagyu Ya and Yakikami crew, is bringing handcrafted, no-fuss, all-flavour bowls of goodness to Bourke Street—without the sky-high price tag.

The star? Freshly made Sanuki and Himokawa udon, aged for two days, free from additives, and silky enough to haunt your dreams. Choose from 18 bold variations, from the umami-packed dashi broth to a carbonara udon so luscious it should be illegal. Add crispy karaage or tempura, and you’re golden.

iPad ordering, lightning-fast service, and steaming bowls of pure, unadulterated joy—Yamamoto Udon is proof that the best things in life come in broth.

Shop 12/108 Bourke Street, Melbourne

Blue Diamond

Soaring above Queen Street, newly reinvented Blue Diamond is Melbourne’s ultimate fusion of fine Japanese dining and after-dark revelry. Head Chef Fung’s menu is a masterclass in decadence—think flame-seared wagyu, lobster carpaccio, and oysters with VOIR jelly. DJs, live performances, and panoramic city views set the scene for a night of indulgence. For an ultra-exclusive touch, the private dining room offers a secluded escape with top-tier sake and skyline vistas. Come for the food, stay for the spectacle.

Level 15, 123 Queen Street, Melbourne

Bang Bang St Kilda

Bang Bang has stormed into St Kilda, bringing bold Pan-Asian flavours, knockout cocktails, and a vibe that doesn’t quit. Already a cult favourite in Mordialloc and Hampton, this Fitzroy Street outpost dials up the energy with punchy Feed Me menus, weekend Yum Cha, and dangerously good weekly specials. Designed for long, boozy sessions that stretch from day to night, it’s just steps from the sand and across from Albert Park—prime territory for a flavour-packed feast. St Kilda, you’ve been warned. Bang Bang has arrived, and it’s bringing the heat.

2/157 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda

Barragunda Estate

On a thousand windswept acres between Bushrangers Bay and Green’s Bush, Barragunda Estate is an incredible ode to the land. Helmed by Simone Watts (ex-Momo), this 40-seat farm-to-table experience is as intimate as it gets. The daily changing set menu pulls straight from the estate’s market garden, paired with wines and produce from like-minded local growers. With Wiltipoll sheep and Black Angus cattle roaming the fields, the philosophy here is simple: food should be honest, bold, and unforgettable. A meal at Barragunda isn’t just dinner—it’s a pilgrimage.

2185 Boneo Road, Cape Schanck

Lulu

Hidden away in Malvern’s backstreets, this intimate Italian spot hums with warmth, its burgundy-hued interiors and soft lighting setting the stage for something special. The menu is pure indulgence—think creamy stracciatella with burnt fig and hazelnut, spanner crab linguine bathed in prawn bisque, and golden, oozing comté croquettes. The pizzas? Exceptional. Pair it all with a bold Italian red or a skin-contact Fiano from Heathcote, settle in at the sleek steel-top bar, and let the night unfold. Effortlessly charming and deeply comforting, this is the kind of neighbourhood spot that feels like home—only with better wine.

11 Station Street, Malvern

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 

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

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 

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.

Writer

Kelsey Harrington

24 April 2025

Kelsey Harrington is a Melbourne-based writer with a sharp eye for the city's ever-evolving food, wine, arts, and culture scene. Her journey into the creative industry took the scenic route—what started as a passion for capturing Melbourne’s energy through a camera lens led her to Sitchu, where she worked her way up to Melbourne Editor. With over four years in the industry, she’s all about uncovering the best places to eat, drink, and explore. Off the clock? You’ll find her diving into a platter of fresh oysters and crudo, gallery-hopping, or sipping an extra dirty martini while plotting her next adventure.