Queen Vee's — PERMANENTLY CLOSED

The good times continue to roll at the High Street space once home to Hanoi Hannah, now with lively Caribbean bar and eatery Queen Vee's taking the reins.

Against a vibrant backdrop of rattan, bold wallpapers and hanging greenery, the kitchen's dishing up a Melbourne-accented take on island fare, bringing those holiday vibes day in, day out. Revamped classics headline a menu made for feasting — think salt cod fritters, grilled corn doused in toasted coconut, sticky miso tamarind glazed short ribs and a rich ox-tail stew. Fish, jackfruit and even a smoked chicken jaffle get the traditional jerk flavour treatment, while bites like a rum and raisin ice cream sandwich make a strong argument for ordering dessert.

Meat-free diners are in especially good hands, too, with a solid selection of vegan and vegetarian plates on offer through the week, and an all-vegan menu overhaul happening each Tuesday.

The fun continues in full force behind the bar, with sangria jugs, buckets of Jamaica's famed Red Stripe beer and rum aplenty setting the tone. See also the lineup of Caribbean-style cocktails, including the Pain Killer — a tropical infusion of rum, coconut cream, pineapple and cinnamon that'll surely soothe any post-holiday blues.