The Best New Restaurants in Melbourne in 2024

Whilst we're still tasting our way through 2023's bumper year of openings, 2024 has already seen some exciting restaurant news here in Melbourne. 

Prahran's buzzy Sri Lankan hot spot, Hopper Joint, is already on the scene and we've heard rumours the year is only going to get more exciting. Stay tuned. For now, scroll on for the best new restaurants opening in Melbourne right now. Trust us, they are absolutely worth a visit!

Ramen Ramen 

Step into Ramen Ramen, where every bowl tells a story of passion and innovation. Founded by Geoff San, a former automotive engineer turned ramen aficionado, this isn't just your average noodle joint. Get ready to embark on a tasty journey through meticulously crafted broths and signature offerings that blend traditional Japanese flavors with creative twists.

At Ramen Ramen, it's all about the broth! A 24-hour simmered bone broth that's been aged for three days to perfection, to be exact. Each sip will leave you craving for more, which is why it's one of our cosy picks for best new restaurants in Melbourne. 

The Glen Food Court, Shop G51/235 Springvale Road, Glen Waverley 

Lucia 

At newly minted Lucia, guests are invited on a journey of culinary delight and sensory indulgence. Head Chef Jordan Clavaron's masterfully simple Mediterranean menu pays homage to traditional flavours while incorporating modern twists, reflecting his extensive culinary expertise honed under a Michelin Star chef.

From share plates boasting Fremantle octopus skewers and scampi with garlic butter to tantalising mains like porcini risotto and crab linguine, each dish is a meticulously crafted, flavoursome symphony. 

Amidst the earthy tones and mood lighting of the light-filled dining room, guests are enveloped in an atmosphere of refined elegance and European charm. Banquette seating, marble tops with brass detailing, and floor-to-ceiling windows provide the perfect setting for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings alike. Plus, being served by personable staff dressed in custom crisp cream jackets makes you feel as if you've just stepped into a boujee Florentine bistro. 

The restaurant's commitment to excellence extends beyond the food menu, with Head Sommelier Simone Garro curating an expansive wine list featuring iconic wines from around the world. From rare vintages available for sampling to approachable selections from local and international producers, the wine list is a testament to Lucia's dedication to providing a complete dining experience. An excellent new restaurant in Melbourne and a new sensation that's transforming South Melbourne's culinary scene. 

11 Eastern Road, South Melbourne 

Norma 

A new flavour of French and Mediterranean cuisine has landed on Smith Street, and her name is Norma. 

Chef-owner Benjamin Tremblet's culinary journey is the stuff of legend, having worked with renowned French chefs like Paul Bocuse and Alain Ducasse. He's bringing a taste of his heritage to Fitzroy with this charming 36-seat bistro named after his Italian grandmother. Exuding a delicious blend of French and Italian influences, he's drawn inspiration from both childhood memories and family recipes to present a menu of approachable yet elevated dishes.

Think comforting pizzettas to larger plates like confit lamb shoulder and flounder pan-fried in butter. The impressive wine list, mirroring the restaurant's fusion of French and Italian alongside Australian varietals, is also worth noting, as is the eclectic décor of vintage light fixtures, art, and crockery helping to transport you to the warm embrace of Tremblet's Nonna's house. 

Sitchu Tip: Their seasonal autumn menu is perfect fare for your next cosy date night. 

197 Smith Street, Fitzroy 

Bansho 

Hello, Art-Deco-inspired interiors and French-Japanese-inspired dishes! Born out of a love for both dining and design, Bansho is Armadale's answer to fine dining fusion - and it's a new restaurant in Melbourne that's quickly risen in the ranks to become a must-try destination. 

Taking its name from a Japanese-Buddhist term meaning 'all-encompassing,' Bansho seamlessly marries the timeless elegance of French and Japanese cuisines. Led by Executive Chef Tomotaka Ishizuka, most known for his work at Ishizuka, Koko, and Kisume, the menu at this moody bistro is a celebration of traditional techniques and modern methods. Guests can indulge in a diverse array of offerings, from small bites to mains, expertly prepared to showcase the best of both culinary traditions.

Complemented by separate sushi and sashimi menus and a thoughtfully curated drinks list featuring local drops, French wines, and Japanese sakes, Bansho provides a warm and welcoming environment for diners to savour and unwind. We can't get enough!

Sitchu Tip: Their plant-based sushi offerings will blow you away. 

960 High Street, Armadale

Eat Pierogi Make Love 

Eat Pierogi Make Love is proof in the pudding (well, Eastern European dumpling) that cosy Polish food can be just as in demand as fine-dining Italian or Modern Australian. 

With a fresh take on Polish cuisine, this new restaurant aims to challenge stereotypes and captivate diners with the vibrant and often surprising flavours of Poland.

Highlights from the menu include traditional pierogi ruskie and innovative offerings like deep-fried vegan pierogis. For a must-try dish, indulge in the slow-cooked pork skewers coated in blueberry sauce atop a bed of bigos (a hunter's stew of sorts). 

The restaurant's interiors blend Polish aesthetics with modern touches, featuring plenty of concrete, retro-inspired light fixtures, and colourful Polish posters. It's inviting and fun, especially when cast alongside a tipple from the vodka-focused drinks list. 

161 Lygon Street, Brunswick East 

Doju

This new, sleek and moody restaurant in the CBD is a must-book for eminent Korean food. Doju puts seasonal produce and sophistication to the forefront, with an impressive chef leading the charge (Chef Mika Chae, ex-Sezar and Attica).

Settle in under a chandelier of fermenting meju (you have to see it to believe it) at the hottest new table in town, where trailblazing Korean barbecue meets high-brow fermentation. Savour the flavours of a heavily marbled rib-eye paired with six-month-aged kimchi, oysters shucked to order and topped with dongchimi granita, bite-sized tartare, a unique jeotgal-style calamari dish with seasoned rice and sorrel, and strong house Martinis.

It's essential to wrap things up with a round of Injeolmi ice cream, to truly experience the full Doju vibe.

For a cool date night, settle in at Doju's bar. It's decked out with high-backed chairs and solid marble - and has direct views of the open kitchen and the pass; which is a great way to see what you'd like to order next!

Sitchu Tip: You should always order a side of gochujang sourdough, and the makgeolli (traditional Korean rice wine), that's been flavoured with chestnuts.

9/530 Little Collins Street, Melbourne

Sachi

Sachi has made its way to the east side for the next 5-6 months, taking up digs in Shizuku Ramen in Hawthorn. After a brief hiatus, post its pop-up in acclaimed Carlton eatery, Leonie Upstairs, Sachi is back and ready to unleash its delicious menu of chirashi don and casual omakase to eager Melbournians once more.

Immerse yourself in the captivating neo-retro ambiance going on and feel comforted in the knowledge that at the helm of this exciting project is talented ex-Kisume Chef Reki alongside a team of seasoned sushi chefs, each who boast over a decade of experience in esteemed Japanese eateries.

Every dish, from the delectable dons to the exquisite sushi, showcases the finest Japanese Akitakomachi rice, expertly seasoned with aged red vinegar typically reserved for high-end sushi omakase experiences. Don't miss a chance to check it out - it's also incredibly good value!

64 Burwood Road, Hawthorn

Nina's Bar & Restaurant

This new neighbourhood restaurant and bar in Brunswick is a real beauty, with some weekly dining specials like pasta and glass of wine Mondays and steak, fries and salad Thursdays to match. 

Nina's is cosy, community-minded, and has a consistent hum of conviviality, nestled beside a sunny bike path near the Anstey train station. As locals pass by on a leisurely stroll or bike ride, settle in for a menu that boasts enticing options like chargrilled shishito peppers with lemon aioli and dry-aged pork cutlet with a pineapple and bacon glaze. It's elevated, approachable and fresh, with ingredients sourced from neighbouring establishments like Iris Bakery and Russel's Fruit & Vegetables. 

With a laid-back ambiance complemented by recycled furnishings and panoramic views of the vibrant surroundings, Nina's provides an inviting setting for patrons to unwind. The impressive wine selection of Rieslings, Chenins, and Chardonnays don't hurt proceedings, either. 

Sitchu Tip: The $55 set menu Sunday offer is hard to beat for a cute little lunch date with your partner. 

11 Florence Street, Brunswick 

Saint George

The Saint Hotel, a St Kilda icon, has undergone a sensational transformation into the Karen Martini-helmed Saint George - and believe us when we say, it's one of the must-try new restaurants in Melbourne for 2024 so far. 

Helmed by Martini and her partner Michael Sapountsis, the venue offers two distinct experiences: The Grill, serving up delectable Italian fare including pasta and antipasti, which is perfect for your next planned date, and The Tavern, a more casual front bar spot perfect for spontaneous outings.

If you're seated in The Tavern, dive into dishes like the revamped chicken schnitzel or share plates like gnocco fritto, for a taste of Italy. At The Grill, indulge in flavour-forward creations like beef tartare with pickled feferoni chili, a gorgeous little spanner crab and lemon brown butter bruschetta or the already highly acclaimed paccheri marinara pasta, featuring a tantalising seafood ragu made with braised octopus and a fresh burst of calamari, prawns, pipis, and crab.

With each dish, Martini's culinary expertise shines, offering a dining experience that's both comforting and exciting. The vibes within the restaurant are immaculate as well; buzzy and moody, with super friendly and super knowledgeable wait staff only to happy to help with your selections.

Sitchu Tip: Finish with a glass of their chilled Amaro - it's magic.

54 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda 

Askal

Experience the vibrant flavors of Filipino cuisine at Askal, where chef John River (co-owner Kariton Sorbetes) brings his finessed expertise to showcase diverse dishes from the Philippines. From doughnuts filled with oxtail kare-kare to sizzling pork jowl and abalone sisig, each plate offers a taste of authentic Filipino flavours with a refined twist. Don't miss the opportunity to indulge in dessert; the Tanduay rum caramel leche flan and a delightful canele version of pan de coco are sensational. All served in a warm and welcoming atmosphere in the heart of the city, this is one of the best new restaurants in Melbourne you don't want to miss. 

167 Exhibition Street, Melbourne 

Toddy Shop at Marthanden Hotel

This walk-in only spot tucked away behind Smith Street was one of the hottest new openings in the back end of 2023 - and it's not hard to see why it's still abuzz in 2024. 

Toddy Shop is everything you want in a fun neighbourhood restaurant; a laid-back diner offering a regular rotation of delicious specials. The vibrant aromas of home-style Keralan cooking wafting out of this 20-seat diner co-owned by Mischa Tropp and Michael Mabuti are near impossible to resist

Inspired by the toddy shops of South India, the menu features the likes of fiery fish nadan, okra pachadi, and rotating mains like dry pork or beef fry, all served on steel plates. Wash down the spicy dishes with Indian-inspired cocktails or crisp lagers, all within a warm and inviting atmosphere reminiscent of authentic South Indian hospitality.

Rear 191A Smith Street, Fitzroy

Token

This neon-lit 150-seat restaurant is infusing Asian decadence into the vibrant Toorak Road dining precinct. Inspired by the elemental duality of liquid and raw and charred and flamed, Head Chef Jun Sun (of Nobu and Ichi Ni Izakaya fame) is bringing his expertise to Token and serving up flame-kissed Asian-fusion dishes abundant in both flavour and modern sophistication. Diners are greeted with an enchanting open kitchen layout, where you can sneak a peek as the chefs produce a range of old favourites and new sensations.

We recommend coming later in the evening; the promise of DJs spinning tunes, signature cocktails, premium sakes and an opulent caviar service are surely too alluring to resist!

151 Toorak Road, South Yarra

Tokyo Motto

Embrace the buzz of Japan's casual dining scene at Tokyo Motto, a cool new eatery and late-night izakaya in the CBD. Renowned pastry chef and restaurateur Spring Chee brings her culinary discoveries to the table, including the delectable and highly Instagrammable combination of spicy ramen with vanilla soft serve and the perfect Japanese tornado omelettes known as omurice. At an affordable price point, no less. 

Indulge in slurp-worthy ramen bowls topped with diverse toppings, succulent sous-vide pork katsu, and signature Japanese curry infused with Chee's secret 'golden' sauce during the day. 

As the sun sets, Tokyo Motto transforms into a vibrant late-night eatery, offering crispy fried chicken, bar snacks, and a selection of Japanese-inspired cocktails and free-flowing sake to keep the night alive. Hungry? So are we!

Shop 23&23A, MidCity, 200 Bourke Street, Melbourne

Hopper Joint

Welcome to the Hopper party! One of the most anticipated restaurant openings in Melbourne right now has got to be Hopper Joint, a luxe new Sri Lankan diner in Prahran.

From the creative dream team of restaurateur Jason Jones and interior designer Braham Perera (who together own French favourite, Entrecote, just across the street), it's all in the name at this lively, bustling, and oh so beautiful spot. Hoppers take centre stage alongside traditional snacks like freshly shucked oysters, pan rolls (Sri Lanka's answer to the Chiko roll), and spanner crab paddu. The hoppers come in two variations - bowl-shaped pancakes and soft, disc-shaped string hoppers - served with an array of sambals and curries, from market fish and spicy prawn to okra and eggplant moju. 

Perera's thoughtful interiors encourage diners to embrace the tactile experience of eating with their hands, fostering a communal atmosphere with low-lying fans, greenery, and personal touches that evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia.

It's a bold statement of cultural pride and an invitation for one and all to partake in the rich tapestry of Sri Lankan life through its flavours, sounds, and stories. All paired perfectly with Pimm's jugs aplenty and a lush array of refreshing cocktails, this is truly the dining experience on everyone's lips right now.

157 Greville Street, Prahran

Brico

This new neighbourhood wine bar and restaurant in Melbourne's beautiful Carlton North is a must-try dining destination. Sitting pretty within an historic hospo site, Brico was born from the friendship of co-owners Josh Begbie and Phil Bracey, who met in London almost a decade ago. Drawing on Bracey's experience from establishing London hotspots like P Franco and Bright, Brico offers classic wine bar snacks alongside substantial plates such as panisse and grilled ox tongue. The focus here is on wine, with a curated list featuring producers with sustainable farming practices, all served in a cosy 30-seat wine bar evocative of our city's rich culinary history. 

Light-filled, airy and charming, we highly recommend pulling up a seat here for an afternoon vino that lingers into an evening of refined wining and dining. The outdoor courtyard is particularly inviting on sunny days. 

555 Nicholson Street, Carlton North 

3 Sisters Eatery

For homestyle Thai cooking worth its weight in gold, there's nowhere more on point right now than 3 Sisters Eatery. Here, every dish tells a story - from the housemade fish cakes and garlic chive dumplings with black bean sauce to the twice-cooked pork belly and prawns and tofu and fennel green curry. Flavour bombs left and right, with genuinely friendly hospitality to match; this new restaurant in Melbourne is a no-brainer for your next casual mid-week dinner date. 

Unit 1/41 Lygon Street, Brunswick East 

Onigiri Kitchen & Sake Bar 

Onigiri Kitchen and Sake Bar provides a truly authentic taste of onigiri. These convenient and delicious rice ball snacks come in seven varieties, ranging from classic options like cooked tuna with mayo to more adventurous fillings like pulled pork with honey, garlic, and ginger. Using a specialty machine imported from Japan, each onigiri is expertly prepared with a layer of plastic wrapping between the rice and nori to preserve the seaweed's crispness.

While perfect for take-away, Onigiri Kitchen and Sake Bar is also well and truly designed for a dining-in. Sleek albeit cosy interiors, a warm autumnal palette and a record player spinning jazz ensure the mood is just right for lingering awhile, over bento boxes, curries, cucumber salads and a boutique sake collection. 

15 Little Collins Street, Melbourne

Izakaya Hosaku

Get ready for a premium sushi and sashimi experience in the heart of Melbourne CBD. Izakaya Hosaku serves up the likes of fresh oysters from St Helens in Tasmania topped with a yuzu verjus, wagyu bone marrow fried rice and an endless supply of the freshest sashimi, all artfully crafted by talented chefs. One of our favourite under-the-radar new restaurants in Melbourne. 

Sitchu Tip: They also have an incredible value honey teriyaki chicken lunch set you need to try for yourself; and try the matchatini to really take things to new heights. 

9 Katherine Place, Melbourne 

Wang Wang BBQ

Char up your life at Malvern's latest dining destination, Wang Wang BBQ. This new Chinese charcoal BBQ restaurant is the only one of its kind in the area - and it's well worth booking into. 

Just one peek inside the restaurant's large glass windows will have your mouth drooling in anticipation!

Think cook your own Wagyu and Qiqihar-seasoned meats and veggies over a glowing hotplate alongside mixed rice and other ready-to-eat dishes like an egg and tomato soup. The perfect setting for your next group dinner date. 

267 Glenferrie Road, Malvern 

Pincho Disco

Embark on a culinary journey like no other at Pincho Disco, Collingwood's newest hotspot pulsating with modern Latin-American flair and irresistible energy. Helmed by Head Chef Diego Cardenas and Kickon Group's Culinary Director, Jake Furst, the menu traverses the continents of North and South America, offering a tantalising array of shared dishes, wood-fired specialties, and innovative cocktails.

From succulent octopus to vibrant ceviche and wood-fired provoleta (an Argentinean provolone-style cheese), each dish is a celebration of Latin American flavours, skillfully prepared to ensure you'll be coming back for more, with more friends tacked on each time. 

The cocktail list is must-try, crafted with spirits from across Latin America as well as Australia. The Smoko Disco is a standout, all mezcal, lapsang souchong, apricot and lime. The wine list alongside manages to balance classics alongside a selection of pet nats, skin contact, orange and natural wines.

The dynamic ambiance of Pincho Disco sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. With live music and performers adding to the festive atmosphere come weekend time, guests are invited to revel in the colors, eclectic textures, and playful design elements that define this spirited culinary destination. Pincho Disco promises not just a meal, but an immersive, new-age Latin fiesta! 

59 Cambridge Street, Collingwood

Puttanesca 

Guy Grossi's restaurant and aperitivo bar, Puttanesca brims brightly with Italian playfulness. Expect lively fare with classic dishes passed down through the generations and flirtatious cocktails to match.

Blending the Clifton Hotel’s colourful history and the Grossi family’s Italian heritage, this newly restored space once again shines as a pillar of the neighbourhood

Pop into the laidback dining room for a midweek bowl of pasta and glass of vino, or linger over pizza at an al fresco terrace table that will transport you directly to languid days under the Italian sunshine, no matter the treacherous Melbourne weather we're dealt with on the daily. Buon appetito!

99 High Street, Kew 

If you've loved our guide to the best new restaurants in Melbourne you'll need to check out these excellent new cafes and must-try CBD hot spots. Happy eating, Melbourne!