Coming Soon: Here's a Sneak Peak at the Hot Spots Slated to Open in 2026

It seems that 2026 is already shaping up to be a significant one for the hospitality world. Towards the end of 2025, many important industry players announced plans for their next venues —  whether it's their second, third, fourth, or even in some cases, their tenth venture. 

In the coming months, we'll be treated to new openings that span the likes of European grills channelling the flavours and vibes of the Basque coast, casual eateries inspired by the pizzerias of Naples, late-night diners influenced by New York steak houses, and Japanese venues that have already found fame interstate. So if you need something to look forward to this year, read on with great anticipation of all the incredible food you'll be treated to in 2026.

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Bar Carnation

Carnation Canteen, the pink-pastel-hued, petite and charming neighbourhood bistro owned by Head Chef Audrey Shaw and her husband, Alexander Di Stefano, was met with an immediate warm welcome upon opening, owing to the team's hands-on hard work, perseverance, and an unwavering dedication to quality — both in terms of food and service. 

In 2026, Shaw is taking her strictly seasonal, intuitive and produce-led ethos to a second location, and one with a lot of legacy at that. Bar Carnation is set to open in the original Gerald's Bar venue, set to bring a refreshed energy and new focus to the space while paying due respect to what came before. While we don't know much yet about the plans yet, you can expect aperitivo-style snacks, pastas, and of course, ever-changing seasonal specials. 

Garfield

King & Godfree, the historical Carlton grocery shop, is to enter a new era with three fresh, new venues to make their home in the iconic corner building site in 2026. The first of the three venues will see the space previously occupied by Agostino transformed into a casual and fun pizzeria. That casual pizzeria, Garfield, set to open soon, is inspired by the pizzerias of Naples, Rome, and even Tokyo, which, if you haven't heard, is producing some of the best pizzas in the world. 

Named for an orange cat that wandered into the building site and helped himself to leftover pizza, Garfield is slated to be just as playful, reimagining classic techniques with bold flavour pairings. With celebrated chef Karen Martini leading the charge, inventive offerings are set to include blended Italian staples (such as a Margherita x Marinara number) and modern takes on old favourites, such as Garfield's Hawaiian, featuring house-roasted leg ham, fermented pineapple, and barbecue sauce on a white base. And with Pidapipo next door, it's no surprise that dessert will feature rotating Pidapipo soft serve.

Côte Basque

In late 2025, legendary restaurateur and chef Andrew McConnell and partner Jo McGann set tongues wagging when they announced plans to open their next restaurant in Melbourne in mid-2026. Côte Basque, located on Crossley Street, will offer a European grill that channels the flavours and vibes of the Basque coast. "The name references our love of Basque culture and the coastline that bridges the northern Basque region of Spain and the southwest of France. The raw beauty of the region and a bounty of benchmark produce have long been an inspiration for us," says McConnell. 

In collaboration with Vince Alafaci and Caroline Choker of ACME, McConnell has designed the interiors to respect the legacy of the Becco venue (previously home to Pellegrini's) and to reflect the building's mid-century features. New additions will include outdoor dining and a private room on the first floor, designed for leisurely lunches, lively dinners, and intimate gatherings. McConnell says, "We don't have many heritage restaurant spaces in Melbourne, and to have the opportunity to restore the original features in this room is a dream. To continue its lineage as a restaurant will contribute to the wonderful energy on Crossley Street, re-emerging as one of the great walk-through laneways in Melbourne's top end."

Yamagen

Already a popular Japanese dining destination at the QT Hotel on the Gold Coast, Yamagen will make its Melbourne debut in early 2026, with a stellar team leading the charge. Adam Lane, Culinary Director, has created a menu that is precise, refined, and dialled into the senses. His menu draws on traditional techniques, rich flavours and fresh ingredients to produce premium dishes such as scallop sashimi with citrus, tender wagyu, and spanner crab cooked over flame. 

"We are thrilled to bring the Yamagen experience to Melbourne after its incredible success on the Gold Coast. Yamagen has become synonymous with award-winning, modern Japanese Izakaya dining, providing the ultimate immersive experience. With its inventive cuisine, superior craftsmanship and quality local produce, Yamagen Melbourne will deliver new generation Japanese for the discerning diner," says Dominic Rose of EVT Group.

Frenchie

Melbourne is set to land a rebellious take on French dining in early 2026. Frenchie will bring classic French flavours, techniques and dishes, with one obvious difference — the price tag. Frenchie's big draw card is that everything on the menu will be priced at $14. Yes, you read that correctly. All the plates, as well as all cocktails, bubbles and beers, are all $14. Those plates will play into classic bistro dishes reimagined for a new generation. Share plates will be bold and flavourful, and tableside service and roaming trolleys will add a dramatic flair to the dining experience. 

The pair behind the new venue, Julian Diprose and Lucas Boucly, with many years of experience in the hospitality industry, were fed up with the dining experience often being overshadowed by formality. About Frenchie, Diprose says, "It's loud, social and a little chaotic. We wanted to create a space that takes the 'joie de vivre' of Paris without the price tag. A place where you can sip champagne in sneakers, maybe lose track of time and enjoy the night without having to worry too much about the rules."

The Frog Club

The team behind Melbourne perennial hotspot, the Gilson, is adding to the list of alluring hospo venues coming in 2026. James McBride and Marc Gurman are well-versed in the art of Melbourne drinking and dining. Their Domain Road cafe by day, restaurant by night, the Gilson, draws crowds from all hours, serving not only energetic vibes, but consistently high-quality food. Now, they are taking their many years of experience and channelling it into The Frog Club. Slated to open in August 2026, the new venue is set to be a hot new grill and late-night spot, taking up the former Morris Jones Site on Chapel Street in Windsor. 

"At The Frog Club, we are creating a venue we have really missed in Melbourne," says co-owner Jamie McBride, "where it is not just the food that is culturally exciting, but it is also the atmosphere, a place you don't really want to leave."The venue will take influence from New York City grills, while also focusing strongly on music with a high-flying vinyl collection. There will be burgers and dry-aged steaks, classic cocktails, and if the Gilson is anything to go by, it's likely the guest list will be as notable as the wine list.