When there's so much world-class hospitality choice in Melbourne, it can be easy to stick to your go-to restaurants and cafes. But sometimes, the best part of dining out is discovering something that's off the regular menu — if you know, you know. That's the idea behind Amex Secret Dishes, a new dining initiative created in partnership with Concrete Playground, bringing together participating Amex-accepting venues across Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Each restaurant involved has created a dish specifically for the campaign, offering diners a fresh way to experience its menu and the people and ideas behind it. Running from Friday, October 23, 2026 through to Wednesday, December 23, 2026, the initiative shines a light on the creativity of Australia's dining scene while encouraging diners to explore somewhere new or see a familiar favourite in a different light. The first burst runs from Friday, October 23 to Monday, November 23, 2026 with a second burst of venues to follow for summer, so keep your eyes on Concrete Playground for more. In Melbourne, the line-up spans everything from a Thai-inspired beef bao to Tonka's unconventional take on an Indian curry. Read on to discover Melbourne's Amex Secret Dishes and make a booking before they're gone for good. [caption id="attachment_1156402" align="alignleft" width="1920"] The Glass Den, Arianna Leggiero[/caption] The Glass Den: Saffron Chilli Crab Linguine Housed within Coburg's historic Pentridge precinct, The Glass Den is known for giving brunch a colourful, Australian modern twist with a touch of Asian influence — the kind of independent neighbourhood spot worth seeking out and backing. As an Amex Shop Small venue, The Glass Den brings that same local spirit to Amex Secret Dishes, taking its approach in a more seafood-forward direction with its Saffron Chilli Crab Linguine. The dish pairs Australian spanner crab with linguine, a lemon and saffron butter sauce, Yarra Valley caviar and sea herbs. Adding another layer of flavour is the house-made chilli crisp, inspired by the chef's Asian background and bringing a little heat to the rich, buttery sauce. Presentation is a big part of the experience, but the kitchen is just as focused on making every element count on the plate. As the team puts it, "We always say people eat with their eyes first, but the flavour is what brings them back. We wanted this dish to capture both sides of The Glass Den." If you're keen to try it, don't leave it too late: the Saffron Chilli Crab Linguine is available until sold out. Book your table here. [caption id="attachment_1155428" align="alignleft" width="1920"] The Glass Den, Arianna Leggiero[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1156403" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Tonka, Arianna Leggiero[/caption] Tonka: Skull Island Prawn Besara Curry & Goolwa Pipis On Duckboard Place, just off Flinders Lane, Tonka has spent almost 14 years taking an unconventional approach to modern Indian dining. The restaurant is known for bringing regional Indian flavours together with local produce and unexpected techniques. For Amex Secret Dishes, the kitchen has created its own take on Besara curry, a mustard-based dish from Odisha, a region of India that's rarely represented on Australian menus. The creation combines Skull Island prawns and Goolwa pipis, served with luchi, a light, fried bread from Bengal. The result is a seafood-led dish that showcases the restaurant's approach to modern Indian cooking, with quality local ingredients and lesser-known regional traditions informing a fresh interpretation of familiar techniques. It's a considered restaurant dish that offers diners the chance to explore flavours and culinary traditions they may not often encounter on local menus. Book your table here. [caption id="attachment_1156404" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Hochi Mama, Arianna Leggiero[/caption] Hochi Mama: Bao Wow! For Hochi Mama's Amex Secret Dish, the team revisits a dish that takes the chef back to their childhood in Bangkok. Bao Wow! transforms Neua Pad Prik, a spicy Thai beef stir-fry, into a steamed bao. The filling combines sliced beef, capsicum, bamboo shoots, lime leaves, chilli paste, shrimp paste and Thai basil, all tucked into a soft, pillowy bao bun. Neua Pad Prik was a familiar presence at the chef's family dinner table, where their mother cooked the fiery Thai beef stir-fry. Bao Wow! reworks this nostalgic favourite into something distinctly Hochi Mama, bringing a taste of the chef's childhood and Thai roots to the Melbourne restaurant's playful approach to the cuisine. Book your table here. [caption id="attachment_1156405" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Higher Ground, Arianna Leggiero[/caption] Higher Ground: The Avocado Pretzel Few dishes have the staying power of a signature brunch order. At Higher Ground, an Amex Shop Small merchant, the Avocado Pretzel has been on the menu since the venue opened in 2016, with around 700 served every week. For Amex Secret Dishes, the much-loved dish is getting its first refresh in a decade. The pretzel is served with whipped labne, white cucumber kimchi, green shiso and coriander, then finished with a burnt honey and yuzu kosho dressing, nori sesame crumb, powdered kimchi and a poached egg. The result is a brighter, more seasonal take on a familiar favourite, with Japanese and Korean-inspired flavours bringing a new direction to the beloved brunch dish. Book your table here. [caption id="attachment_1156406" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Maha, Arianna Leggiero[/caption] Maha: Prawn Ravioli, Ras El Hanout Burnt Butter, Roast Tomatoes, Asparagus & Almonds At Maha, one of the CBD's premier restaurants, the Amex Secret Dishes spotlight features prawn ravioli paired with ras el hanout burnt butter, roasted tomatoes, asparagus, and almonds. The dish combines seafood and warm spice with fresh, seasonal accompaniments, bringing together the richness of burnt butter with the fresh, seasonal vegetables. The ravioli rounds out Melbourne's first burst of the Amex Secret Dishes line-up with a seafood-led option for diners looking to try a rich, elevated take on a city dining go-to. Book your table here. Where Else Can You Discover Amex Secret Dishes? The Melbourne line-up is part of Amex Secret Dishes, which asked restaurants across Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane to create unique and inspiring dishes not available on the regular menu. Whether you're keen to try a new take on a brunch classic or discover a dish inspired by Melbourne's top chefs, there's plenty to explore across the participating venues. Discover Amex Secret Dishes and keep an eye out for what's being served next. And as an Amex Card Member, explore ways you can access more across travel, dining and entertainment. Prices and availability are subject to confirmation by participating venues.