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Melbourne Food & Drink News for the Foodies
Here's everything you need to know that's happening across the Melbourne food scene.
Melbourne is the king of the foodie scene. Every week there’s a cool new restaurant, bar or hidden gem popping up around the city just waiting to be discovered. And while it’s great for our taste buds (our wallets not so much), it can be hard to keep up with everything that’s brand-spanking-new, or all of the events that roll around quicker than the blink of an eye.
Need a hub to find all your Melbourne food news? That’s exactly what this is! Keep reading to find out the latest on our city’s food and drink scene.
Thanksgiving at From Here By Mike, 1 Hotel Melbourne
From Here By Mike at 1 Hotel Melbourne is celebrating more than Thanksgiving this year — it’s celebrating a brand-new Good Food Hat. Recently awarded 15/20 and praised by reviewer Dani Valent as one of the “openings of the year,” the restaurant brings soulful, produce-led cooking to its Thanksgiving feast. Expect signature starters like a silky chicken liver pâté and a twice-baked Meredith goat’s cheese soufflé, a wood-roasted Aurum slow-grown chicken with chard and pomme purée, and a spiced pumpkin pie crowned with vanilla-bean cream. A conscious, elegant feast worth gathering for.
Thursday 27th November, 5:30pm to 10pm
$100 per person
From Here By Mike, 1 Hotel, 9 Maritime Place, Docklands
Andrew McConnell Reveals Côte Basque for Winter 2026
Andrew McConnell and Jo McGann have announced Côte Basque, a European grill shaped by the coastal traditions of the Basque region, set to open on Crossley Street in winter 2026. The menu will centre on wood-fired craft and exceptional produce, bringing a fresh culinary lens to the former Becco site. ACME is redesigning the room with mid-century cues, restored terrazzo and a street-level bar, with an upstairs private space returning to service. Côte Basque is poised to reintroduce depth, clarity and momentum to this storied laneway.
Coming winter 2026
11/25 Crossley Street, Melbourne
Ten Minutes by Tractor Ushers In A Bold New Era
Mornington Peninsula’s Ten Minutes by Tractor has entered a tasty new era with chef Craig Lunn steering the kitchen, bringing Michelin-polished skill shaped by years in Europe and the Middle East. His opening menu leans into the estate’s farm, nearby waters and the region’s cool-climate charm. Think garden herb custard, tortellini with Moreton Bay bug and a deeply indulgent Black Opal Wagyu with fermented lettuce and date. But the dish we’re quietly eyeing off is the tuna tart with nori and fingerlime. It sounds bright, clever and very summer.
New head sommelier Noah Rozenfeld ties it all together with cellar-door pairings that roam from fresh releases to cherished back vintages. A very promising chapter indeed.
1333 Mornington-Flinders Road, Main Ridge
Gram Pancakes Just Landed at Chadstone, So Get Ready to Queue
Japan’s cult-favourite soufflé pancakes have officially touched down at Chadstone, with Gram Cafe & Pancakes opening its doors today, Thursday 20th November. Expect the brand’s signature ultra-fluffy stacks — three tiers of wobbling, cloud-soft pancakes made fresh to order — alongside matcha creations, brûléed French toast, and creamy tiramisu layers that have earned Gram an international following.
The fit-out leans bright and playful, which is highly suited to a mid-shop sugar hit or a weekend treat with friends. If past openings are anything to go by, queues will form — and honestly, the wobble alone is worth it!
Chadstone Shopping Centre,, Shop G-115 Chadstone Road, Malvern East
Ellie Bouhadana Is Bringing Summer Magic to the St Kilda Foreshore
St Kilda’s shoreline is about to level up its snacking game. Stokehouse will hand over its Beach Box kiosk to the ever-brilliant Ellie Bouhadana for a summer residency that feels tailor-made for warm evenings and salt-sprayed afternoons. Ellie’s cooking has always carried a sunny kind of generosity, shaped by Moroccan heritage, Mediterranean wanderings and an instinct for food that tastes best a few steps from the water.
The menu leans into crisp, clever plates, unfussy cocktails and bottles that shine in the heat, all suited to foreshore feasting or a wander down to the pier as the sky softens.
Open from Thursday to Sunday all summer, Ellie’s Kiosk is set to become the little beachside gem everyone rushes to claim as their secret.
30 Jacka Boulevard, St Kilda
Crittenden Restaurant Returns with a Bold New Chapter
Crittenden Restaurant has returned, not as a revival, but as a confident new chapter for one of the Peninsula’s most storied families. After two decades, the Crittendens have taken back the keys and rebuilt the experience from the ground up: a design-led dining room anchored by a fireplace, a sun-lit Deck overlooking the vines, and a lakeside Terrace made for languid afternoons.
Head Chef Brunno Melo leans into coastal produce and Mediterranean brightness, with Josper-fired signatures — a dry-aged tomahawk pork chop and a half-barrel swordfish — giving the menu its heartbeat.
Open now for lunch daily and dinner on Friday and Saturday, it’s a polished, heartfelt return to form for one of the Peninsula’s most admired names.
25 Harrisons Road, Dromana
Punt Road Wines Unveils Its New Yarra Valley Cellar Door
Punt Road Wines has opened a sparkling new cellar door beside Meletos, placing tastings, long lunches and orchard-lined wanderings in one very pretty pocket of the Yarra Valley. The purpose-built space sits among vines and apple trees, giving guests front-row views of the region that shaped the estate’s history. Inside, curated flights, museum pours and barrel-hall sessions spotlight the vineyard’s cool-climate character, while the wider precinct tempts with dining, day spa time and elegant stays.
It’s a rustic, handsome cellar door that turns a spring or summer weekend into one of gentle indulgence, rooted in place and rich with that easy Yarra Valley charm.
12 St Huberts Road, Coldstream
Tokyo Takes the Rooftop: Melbourne’s Disco-Era Revival is Here in the Form of Disuko
Move over, martini bars — Disuko has entered the chat. Once home to the iconic Madame Brussels, Bourke Street’s rooftop is spinning back to life as a Japanese restaurant and cocktail bar from the MAMAS Dining Group (Hochi Mama, Kiss & Tell). Channelling the pulse of 1980s Tokyo, it’s all lacquered timber, mirror-ball gleam and vinyl on the decks. Behind the glowing glass-block bar, highballs, sakes, and house signatures set the pace; in the kitchen, udon carbonara, hibachi-grilled chicken, and sashimi take centre stage. There’s even an eight-seat omakase glowing like sundown.
With skyline views and late-night energy to match, Disuko promises Melbourne’s most glamorous comeback yet, where Tokyo’s golden age meets the city’s modern beat.
Opens Tuesday 18th November
Level 3/59-63 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Daphne, Brunswick East: Hannah Green’s Next Act Opens Today
Melbourne’s most intuitive host swaps fine-dining finesse for pub grit — and the result is pure electricity. Daphne, opening today in Brunswick East, is Hannah Green’s next-gen public house: less parma, more panache. Chef Diana Desensi (Montalto, Pt Leo Estate) turns out plates that feel like pleasure personified — LP’s pig’s-head hot dog, beef tartare with a twist, mussel flatbread, ricotta tortellini in milk sauce, and half chook with blistered grapes.
There’s even a sunshine-bright Cobb salad — an early contender for dish of the summer.
Behind the bar, Sam Peasnell (Etta, Dom’s Social Club) shakes up a 10-strong cocktail list that’s equal parts clever and classic: a velvety Olive Oil Sour cracked with black pepper, a white-balsamic Rhubarb Spritz, and a chocolatey Guinness Americano. Dom Valentine supplies the on-tap pours ($10 a glass, $50 a carafe), Hop Nation brews the house Daphne Draught, and Ashley Boburka curates a texture-driven wine list with access to Etta’s 450-bottle cellar.
What else can you expect? Martini Club Mondays ($15 martinis), steak, pasta and pie specials through the week, and for the night owls, tinned fish, midnight spaghetti and ice cream topped with salty fries. The room — all walnut, marble, crimson textiles and that irresistible house-party pulse — feels like the spot Melbourne’s been waiting for: grown-up, playful, and perfectly undone.
Opens 10th November, 2025
52-54 Lygon Street, Brunswick East
Coming Soon: A Dream Pop-Up With Mont Blancs, Matcha Clouds & More
Melbourne’s coffee scene is getting a delicious pop-up moment this December that you do not want to miss. For five days only, a pop-up blending café culture with a touch of tech magic will take over Fed Square, and the drinks lineup is seriously worth the detour. Think cloud-light matcha foam, creamy pistachio iced lattes, zesty espresso tonics, and velvety cold brews crowned with cold foam — all brewed, pressed and poured using this game-changing new coffee machine (that we’ve already bookmarked for Christmas).
Drop in for coffees from $1.47 (the cost of making them at home), taste your way through limited-edition drinks created by some of Australia’s most-loved roasters, and catch live demos showing how to recreate it all in your kitchen. It’s café culture you can take home with you, literally… they’re giving away a Luxe Café machine to one lucky guest each day!
Editor’s Note: We previously stated that all coffees on the menu were $1.47, this is unfortunately incorrect. Coffees will be starting from $1.47, with some of the fancier styles costing a little extra. Don’t worry, it’ll still come in way cheaper than your usual!
3–7 December, 8am–6pm
Federation Square, Melbourne
Chicken, Caviar & Champagne at Circl
When a venue crowned with Australia’s Best Wine List 2025 and Best Champagne List (twice) adds something new to the menu, you pay attention — preferably with a flute in hand. Circl’s Chicken, Caviar & Champagne is head chef Elias Salomonsson’s indulgent twist on comfort food: buttermilk and seaweed–marinated chicken oysters, fried until golden and topped with Yarra Valley salmon roe or Kaviari caviar.
It’s rich, playful, and best enjoyed alongside something sparkling from Circl’s award-winning list.
Sitchu Tip: Treat yourself — the Kaviari upgrade is a game-changer.
22 Punch Lane, Melbourne
Melbourne’s Jack Simpson Crowned 2025 World Barista Champion
Australia’s coffee crown just got shinier — Jack Simpson of Melbourne’s Axil Coffee Roasters, has taken out the title of 2025 World Barista Champion in Milan.
After two years on the podium — runner-up in 2024 and third in 2023 — Simpson finally claimed the top spot, impressing judges with a performance that balanced technical precision with pure storytelling. His routine championed transparency and origin, spotlighting producers like Jonathan Gasca and celebrating the intricate journey from farm to cup.
It’s Simpson’s third consecutive Australian title, turned world triumph — and a testament to the country’s unmatched coffee culture. Consider this another win for the flat-white faithful.
Yiaga: Hugh Allen’s Long-Awaited Fitzroy Gardens Debut Opens Today
After years of quiet anticipation, Hugh Allen — one of Australia’s brightest culinary minds — finally lifts the curtain on Yiaga, his ambitious first restaurant, opening today amid the elm-lined serenity of Fitzroy Gardens. Designed in poetic tandem with architect John Wardle, the intimate 44-seat pavilion is a study in Australian craft — 13,000 handmade tiles, terracotta walls, and timber that glows like honey in the afternoon light.
The menu is audacious yet deeply grounded: retired David Blackmore Wagyu, dive-foraged wakame in dessert, Gippsland dairy, and coral trout from Queensland’s warm waters. Every element hums with intention — from Dorian Guillon’s bespoke pairings to Studio Ongarato’s botanical branding. For Allen, it’s the culmination of a lifelong dream — a restaurant that celebrates place, craft, and the slow art of mastery.
Melbourne has waited patiently. Tonight, the wait is over.
Reservations are now open for the remainder of 2025, with January and February 2026 bookings set to release on 1st November via website
Fitzroy Gardens, East Melbourne
A Complimentary Wine Flight Awaits at Marvel Stadium’s The Wine Room: AKA Date Night, Decanted
A good night starts with a pour — and The Wine Room at Marvel Stadium makes it memorable. Located beside Friends of Fire, this elegant, wine-led dining space pairs low light with high flavour. The menu oozes indulgence: grilled baby octopus with nduja and pickled fennel, burrata with roasted hazelnuts, lamb merguez with fried mint, and a smoked chocolate torta with lemon cream to finish. Book a table and you’ll also be handed a complimentary wine flight, handpicked from the cellar — the kind of detail Melbourne drinks up beautifully.
Stadium Square Gate 3 Level 1 Marvel Stadium, 740 Bourke Street, Docklands
Melbourne’s Tiniest Pub, Global Heavyweight: Caretaker’s Cracks Top 20 in World’s 50 Best Bars
A church-side shoebox with cathedral-level clout, Caretaker’s Cottage has vaulted into the World’s 50 Best Bars top 20, landing at No.19 — proof that Melbourne’s beloved tiny titan still roars on the world stage. Swing by at golden hour and you’ll spot the faithful with a pint of the black stuff, while insiders order the city’s smartest “boilermaker”: a freezer-cold signature martini beside that Guinness, anchored by a bespoke house gin. Low-lit. High craft. Zero fuss. A pilgrimage for travellers; a proud local habit for the rest of us.
139-141 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
Vansetter Goes Bold: Two New Vodkas, One Triple Sec
Ballarat’s Itinerant Spirits is turning up the heat with Vansetter’s first signature distilled flavours: Habanero & Lime and Cucumber & Mint — plus a handcrafted Vansetter Triple Sec. Think supercritical CO₂ for clean spice, vacuum distillation for bright fruit, and volcanic spring water proofing: precision over perfume. Habanero & Lime delivers fruity heat and a zesty snap, while Cucumber & Mint is crisp, green and gloriously refreshing.
Limited bottles ($65/700ml, 40% ABV) land at the distillery and select retailers before a wider roll-out. Consider it chapter one in Vansetter’s refined-exploration era: flavour with substance, not sugar.
We know what we’ll be sipping this spring.
Purchase here
200 Lydiard Street North, Soldiers Hill
Meet Zoncello: The Yarra Valley’s Italo-Disco Fever Dream
Zonzo Estate’s exuberant new sibling has arrived, and she’s dressed for a good time. Having opened officially on Thursday, 2nd October, in the former Innocent Bystander space, Zoncello Yarra Valley is where Italian verve meets a touch of disco decadence — all colour, charisma and clinking spritzes. Director Rod Micallef and designer Claire Larrit Evans have conjured a sprawling Healesville playground that feels equal parts Riviera nightclub and contemporary osteria: booths for gossip, long tables for celebrations, and a bar that hums from midday till late. Executive Chef David Petrilli brings the energy with salumeria spreads, wood-charred arrosticini and a tiramisu ice-cream sandwich worth the drive alone. Naturally, the full Zonzo spritz suite stars — Zoncello, Bellina and Cicchio — each as effervescent as the interiors. For those who take their prosecco with a side of playfulness, this is your new pilgrimage point.
316–334 Maroondah Highway, Healesville
Bar Merenda Returns: Beloved Daylesford Wine & Tapas Bar Reopens on Vincent Street
Daylesford’s appetite for good wine and great food has found a sparkling new stage, with the much-loved Bar Merenda reopening in fresh Vincent Street digs. Long the darling of local foodies, this wine and tapas bar returns with renewed swagger — bottles that beg to be shared, plates that punch above their size, and a room buzzing with convivial charm. For now, it’s walk-ins only — Friday evenings from 4pm and midday sittings all weekend — but the sequel is already in the works, with Bistro Merenda set to open upstairs soon.
117 Vincent Street, Daylesford
Death & Co: The Cocktail Institution Touches Down in Melbourne
The holy grail of cocktail bars is finally landing on Australian shores. This November, New York’s fabled Death & Co — the name that rewrote the rules of modern drinking — will open on Flinders Lane, its first international outpost and a landmark moment for Melbourne’s bar scene. Expect the full theatre: the cult classics (hello Naked & Famous, Oaxacan Old Fashioned) alongside locally tuned creations. A decade-defining arrival, and proof that Melbourne still sets the pace when it comes to the art of the drink.
Opens November 2025
Death & Co Melbourne, 87 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
7 Alfred Lands with Single-Minded Steak-Frites Swagger
Opening Wednesday 22nd October, Melbourne’s newest study in restraint will do one thing and do it gloriously: $48 steak frites. O’Connor’s Black Angus scotch (220g, MB2+) will hit the grill, rest, be sliced, and land beside beef-tallow fries with your pick of chimichurri, peppercorn, veal jus or umami butter. A crisp green salad and a classic New York cheesecake with vanilla ice cream round things out.
Two levels, checkerboard tiles and burgundy accents will set the pace for swift lunches and unrushed nights. Likewise, the sound menu of classic cocktails, approachable wines, and a daily 4–6pm happy hour.
7 Alfred Place, Melbourne
Karen Martini’s New Era at Bar Carolina
South Yarra’s beloved Italian institution turns the page as Karen Martini takes ownership — her first independent venture since 2020 — bringing a confident, cucina-led refresh without losing the room’s timeless poise. The menu moves with Italian rhythm: cicchetti (stuffed olives; pizza fritta with vinegar salt and whipped cod roe), Harry’s Bar–style eye fillet carpaccio, housemade pastas like tagliarini with blue swimmer crab, then larger plates from the Josper, including bone-on veal costoletta. A robust, regionally focused Italian wine list (with a soft spot for Barolo) underpins it all.
The best part? Rooftop sibling Tetto di Carolina will be returning in time for summer.
44 Toorak Road, South Yarra
Circl Crowned Australia’s Wine List of the Year
Punch Lane newcomer Circl has just pulled off the impossible — crowned Australia’s Wine List of the Year 2025 barely a year after opening. The wine-led restaurant claimed the top gong plus seven category wins, from Best Champagne List to Best List of Wines by the Glass. Sommelier Xavier Vigier also scooped the prestigious Judy Hirst Award for curating the list, praised for its “eye-watering depth” and rare accessibility.
With 150+ pours by the glass, paired to a seasonal, Scandinavian-inspired menu, Circl is Melbourne’s newest must-book for wine lovers.
22 Punch Lane, Melbourne
Sunday Service at Johnny’s Green Room
Carlton’s rooftop darling, Johnny’s Green Room, is turning Sundays into a standing date with its new Sunday Service series — a monthly mash-up of Melbourne’s sharpest chefs, cult wine drops and Hope St Radio-spun soundtracks. First up was Mischa Tropp (Kolkata Cricket Club) on 14th September, followed by Audrey Shaw (Carnation Canteen) on Sunday 12th October, with Stavros Konis (Kafeneion, Salona) closing the series on Sunday 9th November.
On Sunday 12th October, Audrey Shaw will serve spiced lamb with cumin yoghurt, parsley and raw red onion, alongside buffalo ricotta and grilled greens with black olives and burnt chilli — paired with George McCullough of GUM debuting his 2025 Rosé. A DJ set from Ewan Sutardy rounds out the warm-weather energy. Then on 9 November, Stavros Konis brings his Mediterranean flair, matched with a 2024 Sangiovese from Alessandro Stefani of Stefani Wines.
Natural wines pour, Campari stirs the spritz, DJs set the mood. No bookings — arrive early to secure a spot.
Dates & Chefs: 9th November – Stavros Konis (Kafeneion, Salona)
Reserve table here
Level 2/293-297 Lygon Street, Carlton
Taquería Sin Nombre: The Laneway Taco Bar Pop-Up with No Name
Slip down Celestial Avenue in Chinatown and follow the glow of a neon dingo — that’s your cue you’ve stumbled upon Taquería Sin Nombre, the unmarked spot from the cult crew behind Dingo Ate My Taco. Open Fridays and Saturdays only, this laneway bolthole is equal parts fiesta and secret society. From the counter come scratch-made tacos — brisket, birria, even huitlacoche — while Saturdays add burritos slung straight from the window from 11am. Inside, it’s grungy-Mexicana chic: orange neon, graffiti walls, papel picado, DJs spinning reggaeton. Outside, late-night wanderers discover tacos that taste like pure street-party magic. Casual, chaotic, and magically delicious, this fleeting weekend delight won’t stay hidden for long.
Open until 10pm, Fridays and Saturdays
Tacos only for now, with tequila and margaritas arriving in October (we’ll keep you in the loop)
Celestial Avenue, Melbourne CBD
Baker Bleu Brings Its Buttery Magic to South Yarra This September
Melbourne’s carb crush, Baker Bleu, adds another notch to its breadboard with a brand-new spot on Domain Road this September. Smaller in footprint but big on charm, the takeaway-only store will dish up its award-winning sourdough, hand-rolled bagels, flaky pastries, pantry staples and sandwiches — all steps from the Royal Botanic Gardens. The clincher? Their debut soft serve: Backyard Honey, laced with olive oil, croissant crumbs and sea salt. Picnic fuel, sorted.
Opening late September; keep your eyes peeled for updates here
183 Domain Road, South Yarra
Anita Gelato’s First Melbourne Scoop
Sydney, Brisbane and Canberra have already fallen hard — and now Melbourne is about to get its taste. Beloved for its creamy, decadent flavours, Anita Gelato is finally making its Victorian debut, opening on one of the city’s most iconic CBD streets. Think 150 flavours swirling with wild imagination: from tart fruit sorbets and velvety vegan options to chocolate creations studded with surprises.
The exact date is still under wraps (they’re teasing it on socials), but one thing’s certain: Melbourne’s gelato game is about to hit dizzying new heights.
Opens this weekend, Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th September
273 Little Collins Street, Melbourne
SHOP225 Crowned Australia’s Best Pizza at Global Awards
Global accolades, local heart — Pascoe Vale’s humble SHOP225 has just been crowned the best pizzeria in Australia at the prestigious 50 Top Pizza World Awards in Naples, securing its place among the world’s greats. Yet behind the headlines, it remains the same neighbourhood hole-in-the-wall where locals gather, families squeeze into booths, and gluten-free and vegan diners break bread alongside traditionalists. Founder Lorenzo Tron’s ethos is simple but powerful: everyone deserves a seat at the table, whatever their dietary needs. Right now, he’s en route to Naples to accept the award for Australia’s best pizza — and to discover the restaurant’s global ranking.
With a loyal following and sister venue Il Caminetto in Moonee Ponds, SHOP225 proves that authenticity, inclusivity, and a wood-fired crust can win over judges in Italy — and keep Melbourne locals coming back week after week.
225 Melville Road, Pascoe Vale South
Ligurian Nights at Bar Bianco with Guy Grossi
Southside favourite Bar Bianco has joined forces with culinary heavyweight Guy Grossi for a menu that transports Hawksburn Village to the sun-drenched coast of Liguria. This takeover is Grossi’s first project south of the river in over two decades, and it’s one that feels both celebratory and deeply personal.
The new menu pays homage to the produce-driven traditions of Liguria — a region famed for pesto Genovese, fresh seafood and olive oil–kissed breads. Think half-shell scallops in an almond crust, cured kingfish lifted with bay leaf oil and pine nuts, slow-cooked lamb ragu tangled through rigatoni, and a Ligurian-style cannoli threaded with amaretti, ricotta and olive oil. A sharp wine list and Bar Bianco’s signature cocktails complete the experience.
Designed to feel like a true neighbourhood haunt, the collaboration strikes a balance between refined and familiar — equally suited to a quick glass of wine midweek or a long Saturday lunch with friends.
Bar Bianco, 523 Malvern Road, Toorak
An Athenian Fever Dream: The Team Behind Marameo to Open Bar Sophia in Glen Iris
Come November 2025, Melbourne’s leafy Central Park village will welcome Bar Sophia — a sultry, Athens-inspired wine bar from the team behind Marameo. Designed for easy drop-ins and long, lingering evenings, it will pair walnut and velvet interiors with a produce-forward menu by Nicholas Deligiannis (Audrey’s, Mid Air), cooked over a glowing woodfire hearth. Expect flatbreads torn through whipped cod roe, orzo jewelled with Moreton Bay bugs, and Cretan-style lamb.
With Steve Kimonides curating a 100-bottle Greek-led wine list — Assyrtiko, Xinomavro, ouzo cocktails — Bar Sophia is set to bring the spirit of modern Athens to Glen Iris.
Opens this November
Central Park Village, 161 Burke Road, Glen Iris
Melbourne Crowned Australia’s Most Food-Curious City in 2025 Forks & Searches Report
Melbourne has officially claimed the title of Australia’s most food-curious city, according to CupoNation’s inaugural Forks & Searches report. Drawing on over 9,400 Google search terms and 23,706 TripAdvisor restaurant listings across six major cities, the study uncovers how Australians are navigating a year marked by rising living costs with curiosity, appetite, and flair. Melbourne clocks 26.3 cuisine-related searches per 1,000 residents each month, narrowly beating Adelaide, which takes second place, with Sydney a close third.
Korean cuisine dominates Melbourne’s searches, while Hunan and Xiang dishes are surging—up 238% YoY—revealing a city eager to explore heat, texture, and regional nuance. Nationally, Ethiopian cuisine has skyrocketed 2,767%, proving Australians are increasingly seeking communal, spice-forward dining adventures. Japanese cuisine remains the most searched for but underrepresented in actual venue availability, highlighting a delicious gap between desire and supply.
The study also uncovers quirky insights: cafes now outnumber pizza joints and bars, chicken tops menus as the most served dish, and salads even outpace beef, pork, and desserts. South Australia surprises with North Indian food leading searches, and Mediterranean cuisine surging 878% YoY.
Melbourne, it seems, isn’t just eating — it’s exploring.
Vanilla Dessert Bar – Do It Your Way
Oakleigh’s new Vanilla Dessert Bar takes indulgence to lavish new heights. A Mediterranean-inspired sweet haven from the team behind the iconic Vanilla Lounge, it’s part bakery, part custom-cake atelier, and entirely devoted to the art of the DIY dessert. Here, you can build your own creation from buttery gnocchi or flaky croissants, swirl it with soft serve, then crown it from a line-up of over 60 toppings — think sauce fountains, shards of chocolate, jewel-bright fruit, and layers of cream. Architect Rodney Eggleston has wrapped it all in a sleek, sunlit space that feels like summer in full swing.
For celebrations, late-night sugar cravings or just the joy of creating something that’s entirely yours, Vanilla Dessert Bar is the sweetest new arrival.
17–21 Eaton Mall, Oakleigh
Tom Sarafian’s ZAREH Opens Next Week
Hummus legend Tom Sarafian opens ZAREH, his first solo restaurant, next Wednesday. It is a bold tribute to his grandfather’s self-taught French-Armenian kitchen and the vibrant overlap of Lebanese and Armenian flavours. Central to the space is an open charcoal barbecue and wood-fired oven, where seasonal Victorian produce is kissed by ancient spices — sumac, za’atar, pomegranate molasses — that carry stories through every bite.
Beyond the kitchen, Matt Linklater’s bar pours standout cocktails like a properly dirty martini and an Arak Negroni, alongside a handpicked selection of Armenian brandies. The dining room channels Beirut’s warmth with pink-hued limestone, soft green banquettes, and vinyl spinning rich, soulful tunes.
ZAREH is where heritage meets heat — an intimate celebration of family, flavour, and fire that stays with you. Melbourne, brace yourself—this one’s destined to be unforgettable.
Opens Wednesday 20th August
368 Smith Street, Collingwood
Raw Elegance: Yugen’s New Sushi Offering
Sashimi, but elevated. South Yarra’s subterranean stunner Yugen Dining has unveiled a new sushi menu, where precision meets decadence across a curated line-up of nigiri, gunkan and sashimi platters. Expect Manjimup truffle draped over tuna with egg yolk, black garlic-kissed kingfish, and deluxe spreads of scampi, sea urchin and Osciétra caviar — a glossy crescendo of 38 pieces for those who don’t do things by halves.
Wednesday to Sunday, from 6pm
605 Chapel Street, South Yarra
Chris Lucas Goes Big to Celebrate 30 Years of Hospitality -— And He’s Basically Shouting the Cocktails!
Three decades after opening One Fitzroy Street, Chris Lucas — the godfather of high-gloss, high-energy Australian dining — is celebrating 30 years in hospitality the only way he knows how: generously and with style. From August 5th to September 4th, every Lucas Restaurants venue, including Chin Chin, Grill Americano, Society, Baby Pizza, Yakimono, Kisumé and Maison Bâtard, will join the party with $19.95 cocktails flowing daily, a $30 two-course lunch menu showcasing greatest hits, and a 19.95% rebate on your lunch bill to use next time. There’s even a daily prize wheel with up to $1000 vouchers up for grabs.
Go for the tiramisù, stay for the rewards!
From August 5th to September 4th
Ballarat Has Crowned Its Best Pie — And It’s a Raspberry Cookie Dream
The pie to beat in 2025? Mrs Browne Bakes’ raspberry goldfields cookie pie, served at the ever-charming Naomi & i, has officially taken top honours at Ballarat’s Best Pie Awards. Judged by a heavyweight panel including Tim Bone, Richard Cornish, Kara Monssen and Alejandro Saravia, this year’s event dished out accolades to both sweet and savoury stunners. Our advice? Bring your appetite and try them all.
Here are the winners worth chasing down:
Ballarat’s Best Pie (Grand Prize): Raspberry goldfields cookie pie – Mrs Browne Bakes at Naomi & i
2nd Place: Peach and Portuguese custard pie – Lydiard General
3rd Place: Apple sty pie – Mondegreen Cafe
Best Savoury Pie: Lechon paksiw pie – Stables Cafe & Bar at Hotel Canberra
Best Sweet Pie: Raspberry goldfields cookie pie – Mrs Browne Bakes at Naomi & i
Best Bakery Pie: Beef rendang pie – Turret Bakehouse
Brilliantly Unexpected Pie: Lechon paksiw pie – Stables Cafe & Bar at Hotel Canberra
Pie with Purpose: Feral Pie – The Shared Table
Throughout August, you can sample the winning pies — and all 36 entries — at bakeries, cafes, restaurants and bars across Ballarat. Your winter pie crawl awaits.
Afloat Turns 10 — and This Season, She’s Serving Rio Realness
Melbourne’s favourite floating bar is back — and this year, she’s bringing the rhythm, colour and chaos of Rio de Janeiro. Launching Friday 29th August, Afloat returns to the Yarra for its tenth season with samba-sized swagger: new interiors soaked in tropical hues, a fruit-forward cocktail list (Mango Batidas, yes please), and a menu bursting with Brazilian flavour: chargrilled meats, salty snacks and beachside classics with flair.
You can look forward to weeknight salsa, late-night dancing, and summer parties worthy of Copacabana. From Carnival vibes to açai daiquiris, this season’s shaping up to be a full-blown Brazilian affair.
Tables, banquets and beach club packages are now live — book here to get in early
Launches Friday 29th August
2 Flinders Walk, Melbourne
These Chic Mini Duos at Cordelia Might Just Be Perfect
From Wednesdays to Fridays, 2pm to 5pm, Carlton’s newest neighbourhood spot is serving Little Hours — mini cocktails paired with snackable bites for just $20. Pick a Negroni or a martini with buttery fries or a slick mini wine and shellfish combo (oyster or scallop). It’s perfectly pitched: chic enough to feel special, casual enough to swing by solo or with friends. The ultimate happy hour in Melbourne. Tiny drinks, bold bites, and no fuss. Walk-ins welcome — this might just become your new mid-afternoon ritual.
180 Rathdowne Street, Carlton
Tokyo Nights, Melbourne Heights: MAMAS Dining Group to Open Disco-Soaked Rooftop Izakaya
There’s a new Tokyo-style rooftop landing soon, and she’s swapping G&Ts for sake, oysters for chargrilled yakitori, and daylight for a moody disco glow. MAMAS Dining Group — the minds behind Hochi Mama, Kiss & Tell and Suzie Q — are reviving the iconic Madame Brussels site with their most electric venue yet: a 150-seat izakaya dream pulsing with 1980s Tokyo energy. Expect skyline views, spinning vinyl, low lighting and master Japanese chefs serving smoky, share-style plates alongside craft beer, sake and theatrical cocktails.
With a retro-modern fit-out by Directitude and the promise of late-night revelry under the city lights, this is shaping up to be spring’s most exciting opening.
Opens spring 2025
Level 3, 59-63 Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD
Curious Matter is the New Menu to Know
Beneath W Melbourne, down the hush of descending stairs, where soft light pools around velvet booths and the bass trembles just so, something strange and sensual is happening. Curious Matter, the new menu from award-winning bartender Matt Whiley, is not simply cocktails: it’s chemistry, memory, sensation. There’s a fizz of peach blossoms as the helium balloon lifts the Wizz Fizz skyward. A lime leaf crackles on the tongue before Quantum Silk unspools into bok choy-lime syrup and coriander oil. Fog drifts over Surface Tension like mist after rain, each sip sharp with nostalgia. You don’t drink the On Cloud Nine, you spoon it across your tongue. Here, beneath the city, matter becomes memory and flavour becomes story.
408 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
North vs South: How Melbourne Really Dines Now
Melbourne’s north/south divide just got a whole new flavour, thanks to fresh data from Aussie fintech Zeller. Their latest hospitality report dishes up some spicy intel on how — and where — Melburnians are dining out.
Southsiders? They’re Melbourne’s undisputed breakfast royalty, dropping 30% more per morning meal and ordering like it’s a sport. They’re also spending more across bars, cafes and takeaway — suggesting a taste for elevated, on-the-go luxury (think: oat flat white with a side of designer croissant).
Northsiders, on the other hand, own dinner. They’re filling more tables at night and spending the big bucks when it comes to sit-down, restaurant dining — averaging over $100 per meal. Plus, they’re tipping more often and more generously (+60% by dollar value), reinforcing their reputation as Melbourne’s laidback-but-loyal locals.
Lunch? A city-wide afterthought. But if you’re grabbing a midday bite, the data shows you’re more likely to do it — and spend more — north of the Yarra.
It’s a tale of two cities on one map, and whether you’re splashing out in South Yarra or tipping big in Thornbury, one thing is clear: Melbourne’s hospitality game is thriving, no matter the postcode.
Shannon Bennett Returns with a Star-Studded Bistro Pop-Up at The StandardX
Shannon Bennett is back on the pass, baby — and he’s brought the dream team with him. For three glorious months, the legendary Vue de Monde chef will take over The StandardX Melbourne in Fitzroy, slinging modern bistro fare alongside heavy-hitters Cory Campbell, Ryan Henley and Master Sommelier Carlos Simoes Santos. Think handmade pasta, weekly rotating steaks, and wines poured with swagger. It’s elevated, yes — but also vibey, hyper-local and built for repeat visits. Expect warmth, flair and serious chef energy. Starts 23rd July. Go now, brag later.
Tuesday to Saturday, 5pm to 10pm
From 23rd July to 15th October
The StandardX, 127 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
Victoria Cleans Up at the 2025 Melbourne Royal Spirits Awards
Victoria’s distilling scene is on fire — and the proof is in the (award-winning) pour. At this year’s Melbourne Royal Australian International Spirits Awards, local legends walked away with some of the night’s top honours. Bright’s trailblazing Reed & Co Distillery took home a double win: Champion Victorian Gin for their NEO New World Dry Gin, and Best Ready to Serve Cocktail for their citrusy Yuzu Chu-Hai — a nod to both precision and play. If you visit, you must dine at their onsite restaurant, it’s one of the best meals you’ll have all year.
Meanwhile, Top Shelf International was named Champion Victorian Distiller, while Snowgum Distillery charmed the judges with their Williams Pear Schnapps, earning Best Alternative Spirit. And whisky lovers, rejoice: Backwoods Distilling Co, the Yackandah-based distillery, snagged Best Australian Single Malt Whisky with a standout chardonnay barrel-aged release — further proof that Victoria’s High Country is fast becoming one to watch for distilling the goods. Cheers to that.
Tarts Anon 2.0: Richmond’s Sweetest New Era Has Arrived
Melbourne’s cult-favourite dessert slinger Tarts Anon is back — and she’s glowing. After the unexpected loss of their Cremorne HQ, pastry power couple Gareth Whitton and Catherine Way have launched a luminous new flagship in Richmond, complete with open kitchen, dine-in space, and the same unapologetic obsession with tarts. You’ll find signature flavours like chocolate caramel and smoked pecan, rotating specials, and an exclusive new pistachio Saint Honoré tart for launch week.
Designed with Melbourne hospitality icon Nathan Toleman, the space brings fine-dining finesse to your local bakery run. Launch week perks include scratch cards with guaranteed prizes, from free slices to limited-edition merch. Consider this your official excuse to dessert first… and second.
10/658 Church Street, Richmond
Malibu Barbie Cafe Makes Its International Debut in Melbourne
Get your pink fits pressed and your sunnies ready — Malibu Barbie Cafe is officially making waves in Australia. The first of its kind outside of the USA, this dreamy, nostalgia-drenched pop-up is pure Barbiecore brilliance, serving up sun-soaked vibes, all-day brunch, and photo ops so iconic even Ken would lose his cool. Expect retro glam, California dreamin’ flavours, and a menu curated by MasterChef semi-finalist Becky Brown (because Barbie doesn’t half-bake anything). Think: brunch classics with a West Coast twist, playful cocktails, dessert boats, and picture-perfect plating made for the ’Gram.
Brought to life by Mushroom Group’s MG Live in partnership with Mattel, Bucket Listers and Chadstone, the cafe will take over two glittering storeys at Chadstone’s Social Quarter from June 27th, with its world dipped in pink set to stay through Summer 2026.
There’s a roller rink. There’s exclusive merch. There’s a “History of Beach” installation and more selfie moments than your camera roll can handle. It’s giving glitter. It’s giving groove. It’s giving Malibu Barbie IRL.
Big hair, bold attitude — this is a Barbie world, and we’re just living in it.
From June 27th until Summer 2026
The Social Quarter, Chadstone
Greek Renaissance: The Pontian Club Finds a Brick & Mortar Home
A beloved pop-up turned permanent, The Pontian Club has landed on Smith Street with ex-Gimlet chef Oscar Tan at the helm and a laid-back Greek spirit at its core. What began as Sunday lunches of grilled meats and moussaka in a Brunswick East hall is now a charming, chalkboard-menu eatery serving protein-packed classics and olive oil cake in a patchwork space of repurposed furniture, brick walls, and football memorabilia.
With a liquor licence on the way, expect ouzo, under-$10 Greek beers, and late-night feeds that feel more like a warm hug than a restaurant.
Friday to Sunday, 12.30pm to 5pm
8 Smith Street, Collingwood
The Alps is Back – With Even More Cosy Energy and Combined Talent
Tucked along Commercial Road, The Alps has emerged from its cocoon — still your laid-back neighbourhood wine bar, but now with a sultrier sparkle. The team behind hatted gem Clover has brought in Head Chef Miller “Mimmo” Cowie, joining forces with Charley Snadden-Wilson to dish up Romana-style pizzas and thoughtful comfort fare that pairs effortlessly with the venue’s stellar wine list. The reimagined courtyard is a vibe in every season, thanks to heaters, a retractable awning and lush greenery. Inside, the fire crackles, the mood’s mellow, and the wine? Always pouring. Think of it as Prahran’s very own alpine rifugio.
64 Commercial Road, Prahran
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Junda Khoo Kicks Off Trio of Melbourne Restaurants With Ho Liao
Junda Khoo’s introduction to the hospitality world wasn’t traditional. The former investment banker didn’t undergo culinary training; instead, he opened his first Sydney restaurant, Ho Jiak, with the vision of sharing the dishes from Penang he enjoyed throughout his childhood with Sydneysiders. Eleven years later, and Junda has opened a series of restaurants in the state, and is finally making his way to Melbourne. Ho Liao is the first of a trio of Melbourne venues from Junda Khoo, bringing his signature modern Malaysian flavours to Victoria. And the best part? The prices are capped at $15.
Designed to be approachable yet bold, Ho Liao channels the vibrant street food energy of Penang while introducing a fresh, elevated dining experience. The space itself is lively, with an exposed brick wall proudly showing off Ho Liao signage, and a casual, comfy atmosphere.
Ho Liao marks the start of a trio of new venues Junda Khoo will be opening in Melbourne, with a ground floor takeaway spot with a heavy focus on street food, Da Bao, and Junda Khoo’s famous Ho Jiak, which will be a formal dining venue slinging contemporary Malaysian delights.
Da Bao and Ho Jiak to open by the end of June
235 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Slowpoke’s New Kitchen Serves Up Nostalgic Flavours with a Twist
Collingwood’s whimsical rooftop lounge, Slowpoke, just got even better with the launch of its kitchen on Wednesday, 28th May. Helmed by Head Chef Felix Joseph Gailey, the menu reimagines classic American diner favourites through a nostalgic yet inventive lens. Think slowed-down cheeseburgers so delicious and nostalgic they’re unmissable, hash brown fries with a cheeky twist (no really, these are another must), and a savoury churro pancake paired with Slowpoke’s secret sauce. This isn’t your typical small-plate scene — it’s a playful, indulgent nod to childhood comfort food elevated with flair. Perfect for sharing, sipping, and soaking up those panoramic Collingwood views.
Level 4/50 Gipps Street, Collingwood
Victoria Shines Bright: Four of Top Five Wineries Crowned in 2025 Rankings
Victoria has once again dominated Australia’s wine scene, claiming four of the top five spots in The Real Review’s 2025 Top Wineries rankings. Geelong’s Wine by Farr took the coveted Winery of the Year title, marking a remarkable second win and continuing Victoria’s impressive five-year streak at the top. Close behind are Yarra Valley powerhouses Yarra Yering (#2), Levantine Hill (#3), and Giant Steps (#4), showcasing the region’s exceptional strength in producing world-class wines.
South Australia rounds out the top five with Wynns Coonawarra Estate securing fifth place, highlighting its significant rise this year. This Victorian dominance is echoed across the top 20, with nine Victorian wineries featured, underlining the state’s reputation for premium, cool-climate styles.
From elegant Pinots to bold Chardonnays, Victoria’s winemakers continue to craft wines that captivate critics and enthusiasts alike, reinforcing the region as a cornerstone of Australia’s vibrant and evolving wine industry.
Melbourne’s Longest Sushi Train Just Opened at The Glen
Sushi Jiro has officially opened its 30th and largest store at The Glen Shopping Centre, and it’s set to redefine your sushi experience. The showstopper? Melbourne’s longest sushi train—67 metres of robot-delivered sushi gliding directly to your table. Alongside this, Sushi Jiro introduces its first-ever Japanese soft serve station, offering all-you-can-eat soft serve with rotating flavours (vanilla, matcha) and 30 toppings. The restaurant’s design, inspired by traditional izakayas, seats over 100 guests and serves signature dishes like the Soft Shell Crab Noritaco and Himalaya Signature Roll. Sushi has never been this exciting.
Dining Precinct Entrance, Ground Level, The Glen, Glen Waverley
Victoria’s Top Wines Steal the Show at Dan Murphy’s Best in Glass Awards 2025…and They’re All Under $50!
Victoria is turning heads at the inaugural Dan Murphy’s Best in Glass Wine Awards, picking up eight prestigious titles across multiple categories and ranking as the second-best performing state overall.
The Yarra Valley emerged as a standout, showcasing its cool-climate finesse. Little Yering Pinot Noir ($21.99) was crowned Best Value Pinot Noir, delivering a bright, fresh expression of the region’s signature style. In the white category, Tahblik Marsanne ($17.29) from Nagambie Lakes took out Best Value Other Varietal White, proving top quality doesn’t have to break the bank. Meanwhile, the Oakridge Valley Series Chardonnay ($29.99) claimed Best Chardonnay, further cementing the Yarra’s rep for elegant whites.
From the King Valley, Pizzini Pietra Rossa Sangiovese ($30.29) was named Best Other Varietal Red, Dal Zotto’s Pucino Prosecco ($22.29) the Best Prosecco, and in the sweet wine stakes, Brown Brothers Moscato Strawberries & Cream Limited Edition ($14.99) from North East Victoria took the top spot. Naturally, everyone’s favourite spritz, Zoncello ($21.95), won Best Sweet Spritz.
To round out Victoria’s impressive run, Dominique Portet Fontaine Rosé ($28.29) was awarded Best Rosé, making it official: Victoria is home to some of the country’s most exciting and accessible wines. Happy sipping!
CHANDON Unveils a Stunning Events & Tastings Space
CHANDON Australia has unveiled its reimagined Homestead, an intimate, design-led space within its Yarra Valley estate. A century-old farmhouse turned luxurious gathering place, the Homestead blends heritage with modern Australian artistry—think soft pinks, earthy hues, and bespoke works by local designers. Here, guests can savour oyster bars, tableside cooking, and CHANDON’s rare Étoile wines while overlooking rolling vineyards. With curated interiors by Melanie Beynon and a focus on craft and storytelling, the Homestead is an exquisite stage for indulgence—where méthode traditionnelle meets contemporary elegance.
Now open for events, tastings, and private celebrations
Hector’s Bakery Opens in Richmond
Everyone who’s ever fallen hard for a Hector’s Deli sandwich—get ready to fall even harder. Hector’s Bakery is here to steal your mornings, your money, and maybe even your heart. This buzzy new venture serves up freshly baked perfection alongside their cult-favourite sandwiches. Think cinnamon buns, morning buns, pain au chocolat, apple fritters, and a cheese and pepperonata croissant that’s already the stuff of legend.
Designed by Quinten and Josh Powell, the space is sleek, warm, and made for carb-fuelled daydreaming.
Open 7am to 3pm daily—see you in line.
Opens Thursday March 27th
33 Stewart Street, Richmond
Melbourne Has Just Been Ranked the #1 Hottest Food Destination in the World for 2025
Melbourne, take a bow—you’ve just been crowned the world’s hottest food destination for 2025. A new study from the British luxury holiday brand Travelbag ranks our fair city as numero uno for food-obsessed travellers, and honestly, was there ever any doubt? With over 100 cuisines, a globally revered dining scene, and millions of food posts lighting up Instagram, Melbourne is a true culinary juggernaut. Beating out heavyweights like Tokyo, New York, and Bangkok, we’ve officially got the world’s best eats—so grab a fork, loosen your belt, and celebrate the only way we know how: by eating. Melbourne, we feast.
Can’t get enough Melbourne food and drink news and want to be in the know of more delicious restaurants, cafes and bars to book? Be sure to take a look at the best dining deals happening this week, or these fancy degustations if you want to dine out in style.
