Andrew Zuccala

Andrew Zuccala is the Melbourne Editor for Concrete Playground, writing about all the best things to do in the city. This includes sharing the most exciting new bars and restaurants you need to check out, the coolest events taking place each week, and just about anything else that’ll help you explore Melbourne to the fullest.

Andrew has a heap of experience as a lifestyle writer — focusing on food and travel — having worked for several publications in Australia and the UK. He’s always eating and drinking about town, hitting up exhibitions, dancing at live gigs and going on day trips around Victoria. Concrete Playground is where he’s sharing all these adventures.

Favourite restaurant in Melbourne: I love Amiconi Restaurant in West Melbourne. It’s an old-school Italian joint that’s been around for over 60 years, serving up authentic Sicilian eats with a BYO wine license. If you're going with a group, make sure you order the banquet feast — there's no way you'll be leaving hungry.

News
Now Open: Nobu's Former Head Sushi Chef Is Championing the Humble Handroll at His New Fine-Diner Nori Maki

This new omakase-style diner in the CBD is serving up handrolls with a twist.

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Event
Melbourne Marriott Docklands Rooftop Infinity Pool Pass

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 - Mon, 31 Mar 2025
Melbourne Marriott Hotel Docklands, Docklands

Spend your summer days sipping spritzes and paddling around this rooftop infinity pool.

Buy Tickets

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Event
Baby's Summer of Spritz

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 - Fri, 28 Feb 2025
Baby Pizza, Richmond

Baby's summertime happy hour deal includes a bunch of $9.50 spritzes, $6.5 Peroni Rossas and a $7.50 house wine.

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News
Now Open: Keeper Is the New Brunswick Brewery and Bar Focusing on Perfecting the Pilsner

Drop by this independent brewery for a damn good pilsner, plus a regularly rotating selection of local beer and wine.

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News
The Hyper-Exclusive SAINT Private Members' Club Has Just Opened Its First Outpost in St Kilda

SAINT St Kilda is the younger and more social version of Saint Haven's luxury private wellness clubs.

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Guide
The 14 Best French Restaurants in Melbourne Right Now

Live out your Parisian dreams with escargot, caviar, steak frites and lobster thermidor at these exceptional French diners in Melbourne.

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News
Now Open: Ross and Sunny Lusted Have Set Up Two Standout Hospo Venues in the New Melbourne Place Hotel — Marmelo and Mr Mills

International restaurateurs Ross and Sunny Lusted are behind the new restaurant and basement bar, which are both championing Portuguese cuisine.

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Event
Santas Eat Free at Mr Miyagi

Tue, 17 Dec, 2024
Mr. Miyagi, Prahran

Dress up as Santa for an evening and get a free set menu and unlimited drinks for 90 minutes.

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News
Arts Centre Melbourne Will Be Hosting Wild Parties in Its Pop-Up Nightclub as Part of Asia TOPA 2025

Club 8 brings together both contemporary performance art and club culture — giving space to radical forms of self-expression.

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Guide
The 50 Best Bars in Sydney Right Now — Ranked

Whether you're on the hunt for an extensive mezcal collection, an intimate date-night spot or the best bar snacks around, these are our picks for the best bars in Sydney.

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News
Ten of the Best Grown-Up Christmas Treats to Try in Melbourne for 2024

This Christmas in Melbourne, you can take home gelato-filled cakes, eggnog cruffins and decadent trifles, or go out for festive high teas and gingerbread house workshops.

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News
First Look: Hotel Sorrento Is Finally Opening Its Rooftop Restaurant and Bar Inspired By the French Riviera

The 320-person rooftop boasts uninterrupted views across the bay.

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News
Coming Soon: Bakery Legends To be Frank Are Opening Their Third Outpost in Brunswick East in Early 2025

The new bakery and cafe will feature an open patisserie, giving customers the chance to watch its pastry chefs hard at work.

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Guide
The 14 Best Omakase in Melbourne

This multi-course Japanese dining experience has surged in popularity over the past few years — with sushi lovers fighting to get a reservation at the exclusive chef's tables.

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News
Coming Soon: 1 Hotels Is Opening Its First Australian Outpost in Melbourne's Revitalised Northbank Precinct in May 2025

The Melbourne hotel will feature a luxury day spa, several drinking and dining destinations, a resident-only rooftop, and over 270 plant-filled rooms overlooking the Yarra.

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Event
Section 8 x Welcome Merchant's Pop-Up Market

Sat, 14 Dec, 2024
Section 8, Melbourne

Section 8 is hosting a one-off pop-up Christmas market supporting businesses run by refugees and asylum seekers.

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Event
East Brunswick Village Christmas Night Market

Thu, 12 Dec, 2024
East Brunswick Village, Brunswick East

The Christmas market will feature over 70 shopping stalls, free animated short films, carrollers, a complimentary gift-wrapping station, and heaps of one-off dishes and drinks from local traders.

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Event
Johnston Street Shopping Tour

Thu, 5 Dec, 2024
Various Johnston Street Venues, Fitzroy

Three Johnston Street traders have joined forces to run a mini shopping trail with free styling sessions and a ramen workshop.

Book Now

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News
Craft Beer and Whisky Bar Boilermaker House Is Closing for Good at the End of December

You've got a few more weeks to have a final taste of this CBD gem, before it call last drinks on December 30.

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Event
Kisume and Society's Summer Cocktail Hour

Tue, 3 Dec 2024 - Thu, 27 Feb 2025
Kisumé, Melbourne

Head to Kisume's Chablis Bar and Society's The Lounge for $15 cocktails and discounted snacks throughout summer.

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