Freshies: Exciting and Vibrant New Melbourne Openings to Add to Your Must-Visit List
Discover you next favourite dish or drink at one of these fresh Melbourne haunts.
Everyone has a favourite restaurant and a go-to bar. They're the types of places you'll revisit again and again, and you always know you're in for a good time. But Melbourne's busy hospitality scene is always welcoming new venues — and new spots vying to rank among your personal pick of trusty faves. And despite all of last year's lockdowns and restrictions, 2022 has well and truly delivered when it comes to all things boozy and delicious. The city is abuzz with new fire-driven eateries, sprawling brewpubs, rooftop hangouts and bars to while away the night in. Yes, the list goes on. So start plotting that next dinner date, or hop in the group chat and plan future drinks with your mates, because these newbies are all worth visiting.
Image: Freyja, by Parker Blain.
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BarThe Gertrude Hotel
148 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy
The Fitzroy corner site has been reborn once again — this time as a Med-inspired bar and bistro.
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RestaurantMoonhouse
282 Carlisle Street, Balaclava
A modern Chinese diner from the Hanoi Hannah crew, housed in a two-level, heritage-listed art deco building.
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BarYarra Falls
381 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
A 25-seat boozer guided by locality, steered by the seasons and named after the Yarra River's one-time waterfall.
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BarNaught Cocktail Bar
32 Peel Street, Eltham
This cocktail den by award-winning distillery Naught will entice you out of the city with its elegant sense of drama and menu of crafty gin sips.
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BarPearl Chablis & Oyster Bar
200 Bourke Street, Melbourne
This sophisticated speakeasy has two great loves, pairing primo Aussie oysters with a dizzying collection of chablis.
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RestaurantBotswana Butchery Melbourne
66 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
A longtime Kiwi favourite has delivered its first Melbourne restaurant, headlined by a signature luxe meat- and seafood-focused offering.
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RestaurantConnie's Italian Diner & Pizza - CLOSED
234B Russell Street, Melbourne
Connie's has been reborn in the space above its former home, now taking the form of a modern Italian trattoria and leafy rooftop terrace.
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BarBarlow at The Continental Sorrento
1 Ocean Beach Road, Sorrento
This luxe speakeasy pairs a sumptuous live entertainment program with clever cocktails and late-night snacks by Scott Pickett.
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RestaurantFreyja
477 Collins Street, Melbourne
A sophisticated exploration of 'new Nordic' cuisine boasting Michelin cred, where traditional techniques are cleverly fused with modern Scandi flair.
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RestaurantGrill Americano
112 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Chris Lucas' dapper steakhouse celebrates Northern Italian flavours and old-school hospitality with a generous side of modern elegance.
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BarTrinity St Kilda
2 Brighton Road, St Kilda
This bar, beer garden and food truck park makes its home in a historic former church hall.
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BarUrban Alley Brewery Knox
425 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South
Urban Alley's 750-capacity brewpub boasts its own onsite distillery, a stacked entertainment program and a standout menu of modern pub fare.
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RestaurantParco Ramen
17A Hall Street, Moonee Ponds
A tiny ramen bar from the minds behind a beloved lockdown pop-up.
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RestaurantUntitled Richmond
236 Swan Street, Cremorne
A former Young Chef of the Year guides the contemporary Euro food offering at this multi-level restaurant and bar from the Ugly Duckling team.
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CafeLa Fantaisie
297 Victoria Street, Abbotsford
A café, patisserie, florist and event venue, all rolled into one drop-dead-gorgeous package.
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BarYarra Botanica
Southbank Promenade, Southbank
The Yarra River's permanent two-storey pontoon bar and eatery is celebrating local produce, native ingredients and an all-Victorian drinks offering.
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RestaurantBKK
270 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
HER's smoky Thai barbecue canteen is heating things up with its flame-cooked skewers, punchy laab variations and tropical cocktails.
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BarMusic Room
270 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
Melbourne's first dedicated 'listening bar' boasts a 3000-strong vinyl collection and DJ Jnett in the role of Music Director.
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RestaurantNomad Melbourne
187 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Sydney's much-loved Mediterranean restaurant Nomad has landed on Flinders Lane with its first Melbourne outpost, celebrating local produce and wine.
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PubHotel Collingwood
376 Smith Street, Collingwood
This classic corner pub has gotten a refresh with breezy interiors, elevated pub grub and a drinks list filled with local names.
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BarPearl Diver Cocktails and Oysters
56 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne
Creatively-charged cocktails and primo Aussie oysters headline the offering at this glam CBD watering hole.
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BarKewpie — CLOSED
376 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
This pub's breathing new life into a Brunswick Street classic, with cheap pizza, DJ nights and a secluded rooftop terrace.
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BarFable Melbourne
168 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
Melbourne's highest rooftop bar is slinging clever cocktails and Mediterranean bites 14 storeys above Lonsdale Street.
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RestaurantEntrecôte Greville Street
142-144 Greville Street, Prahran
This famed French restaurant's latest iteration features chic pops of bold colour, throughout an elegant space that pays equal respect for the classic and the contemporary.
