The Specials Board: These Are Melbourne's Must-Try Food and Drink Specials for May
New month, new flavours — these are the standout new dishes and deals to check out this month.
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Dining out in Melbourne is always a good idea, but May brings a few extra reasons to lock in that booking. Across the city, venues are rolling out limited-time specials and exclusive discounts — an ideal excuse to try somewhere new, or even revisit an old favourite.
That's where American Express delicious. Month Out comes in, spotlighting the restaurants, bars and cafes that keep Melbourne's world-class dining scene ticking. All month long, eligible Amex Card Members can unlock an exclusive offer at participating venues once they've saved it to their Amex Card*, with some also serving up limited-time dishes and menus. Many of these spots are also part of the Amex Shop Small program, which celebrates local businesses and encourages Melburnians to shop local, meaning every meal is a chance to support neighbourhood favourites.
In this month's Specials Board, we're highlighting some of our favourite ways to dine out as part of Amex delicious. Month Out. Get in while it's good.
Khanh Ong's playful snack collab at Hands Down
Fitzroy newcomer Hands Down is a vibey, come-as-you-are neighbourhood hangout just off Smith Street, equally suited to a quick aperitif or a long, late one. This May, chef and Amex dining ambassador Khanh Ong is bringing a playful, nostalgia-tinged snack menu into the mix — think a grown-up take on Vegemite on toast, caviar-topped fish and chips, and mortadella skewers inspired by 80s house parties — all designed to pair with the venue's sharp cocktail list which includes signatures like a garden salad martini. There are no bookings required — just walk in, grab a spot and settle in.
A refined bistro experience — with a little extra off — at Chancery Lane
Chancery Lane delivers a polished, produce-driven dining experience in Little Collins Street's historic Normanby Chambers. Pairing old-world charm with contemporary edge, the menu leans modern Australian with European influence, resulting in thoughtfully composed plates and an equally considered wine list. It's the kind of place that suits everything from a long lunch to a post-work dinner, especially if you redeem your Amex delicious. Month Out Offer and see that credit come back your way.
Bold Southeast Asian flavours worth lingering over at Longrain
Longrain has long been a go-to for vibrant Thai fare in Melbourne, serving up punchy, share-style dishes in a historic and high-energy CBD space. Come hungry and bring friends to get stuck into signature dishes like betel leaf-wrapped scallop with red chilli nahm jim, stir-fried Port Phillip Bay mussels with chilli jam and Thai basil, and caramelised pork hock with five spice and chilli vinegar. Pair your spread with a pick from the globetrotting wine list or creative cocktail menu, which spotlights classic southeast Asian flavours.
Nikki To
Modern Asian classics and cult favourites at Supernormal
An enduring favourite on Flinders Lane, Supernormal has long set the benchmark for modern Asian dining in Melbourne, blending influences from the dining cultures of Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Seoul with polished ease. The menu moves from delicate raw plates to flavour-packed mains, with dishes like whitebait and ginger prawn toast, slow-cooked Szechuan lamb shoulder with coriander and sesame flatbread, and the legendary New England lobster roll giving you every reason to book a table — especially with a little extra value added to the mix.
Sky-high cocktails and late-night bites at Beverly Rooftop
Rising high above South Yarra — 24 storeys high, to be exact — Beverly Rooftop brings a glossy, LA-style energy to Melbourne's bar scene, pairing sweeping skyline views with a polished, party-ready fitout. The menu keeps things light and luxe, featuring fresh seafood, creative share plates and larger dishes cooked over fire. Add a cocktail menu that moves from crisp classics to playful, dessert-leaning signatures, an impressive wine list with a solid selection by the glass, and a late-night dessert and cocktail pairing menu, and you've got all the makings of a spot where a sunset snack and sip can easily turn into a late one.
All-day dining in a soaring heritage space at Higher Ground
Set within a striking heritage-listed former power station, Higher Ground pairs its grand architecture with a polished all-day dining offering that's made the venue a modern Melbourne classic. The menu spans everything from brunch plates — think prawn toast benedict and roast pear, dark chocolate and cinnamon cream ricotta hotcakes — to more substantial mains, like a coffee-rubbed wagyu brisket served with wild mushrooms and potato dauphinoise. Backed by an equally strong coffee and drinks program, it's an ever-reliable option whether you're dropping in for a quick breakfast or a long brunch.
A limited-time pumpkin pie at Butter Days Bakery
Since opening in spring 2025, Malvern's Butter Days Bakery has built a loyal following for its ever-changing lineup of sweet and savoury delights, from delicate, flaky pastries and shatteringly crisp biscuits, to hearty sandwiches and pizza slices. For Amex delicious. Month Out, the Glenferrie Road spot is serving up a limited-edition pumpkin pie ($13.50) topped with candied walnuts, pepitas and a crunchy crown. It's a cosy, autumn-ready pick that pairs perfectly with a coffee on the side.
*Limits and exclusions apply — check here for the full details.
