Food
From high-flying fine-diners in the CBD to tried-and-true neighbourhood haunts — these are the Melbourne restaurants we'd recommend to a friend (you, dear reader).
Carlton Wine Room
Home to a food menu that changes just as frequently as the 100strong wine list.
Flower Drum
Elegance and attention to detail at one of Melbourne's oldest Chinese restaurants.
Nomad Melbourne
Sydney's much-loved Mediterranean restaurant Nomad has landed on Flinders Lane with its first Melbourne outpost, celebrating local produce and wine.
Grossi Florentino
Littered with Italian murals and quintessentially traditional food, this Italian institution has been pumping since '28.
Soi 38
With an atmosphere that perfectly mirrors the vibrant hustle and bustle of a Bangkok market.
Stokehouse
After a devastating fire, St Kilda's Stokehouse has made its comeback — and it's here to stay.
Ronin
Like an ancient ronin samurai, Chef Patrick Kwong has no master. He's breaking the rules and doing omakase his own way.
Bar Liberty
This Fitzroy wine bar has quite the sense of adventure.
Lagoon Dining
You'll find popcorn chicken and umeshu spritzes at this sleek Lygon Street spot.
Freyja
A sophisticated exploration of 'new Nordic' cuisine boasting Michelin cred, where traditional techniques are cleverly fused with modern Scandi flair.
Victoria by Farmer's Daughters
A love letter to the people and produce of Victoria's diverse regions, featuring a 3000-bottle wine library and a rotating 'region in residence' menu.
Hazel
From the minds behind Liminal and Common Ground Project comes this after-work go-to for cocktails and clever contemporary bites.
Kenzan
Several of Melbourne's best Japanese chefs owe a debt of a gratitude to Kenzan.
Robata
The San Telmo Group's playful take on modern Japanese barbecue heroes skewers cooked over charcoal and cleverly reworked classic cocktails.
Etta
The team has collectively worked at Attica, Cutler & Co, The Roving Marrow and Rosetta.
Aru Restaurant
This considered offering heroes cooking techniques from eras past and a surprising fusion of flavours.
Attica
With Ben Shewry at the helm, this legendary fine diner is one of Australia's best restaurants.
France-Soir
Melbourne's quintessential French bistro with over three decades under its belt.
Minamishima
Down a narrow street just off Bridge Road, there is a quiet oasis of calm — and an incredible omakase journey to be taken.
Gimlet at Cavendish House
Andrew McConnell's elegant cocktail bar and European bistro serves up caviar, champagne and truffles aplenty.
Navi
An innovative 25-seat fine diner from an acclaimed chef, nestled in the heart of Yarraville.
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