Half Acre
RestaurantThis multifaceted space couples the drop-in spirit of a pub with the food of a more polished eatery.
112 Munro Street, South Melbourne
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Flower Drum
RestaurantOne of the true icons of Melbourne dining, Flower Drum’s low-lit, seductive ambience and consistently impeccable service are reasons to visit alone. But if you’re after the gold standard for Cantonese cuisine in the city, look no further. This place has been serving it since 1975.
17 Market Lane, Melbourne
Grill Americano
RestaurantVenetian elegance, New York energy and a kick of Melbourne nostalgia collide at restaurateur Chris Lucas' lavish brasserie and grill. Take a seat in the grand dining room for charcoal-fired bistecca, a show stopping tiramisu, quintessentially Italian cocktails and plenty of tableside theatrics.
112 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Fitzroy Town Hall Hotel
RestaurantThe Townie’s cosy dining room feels part vintage hunting lodge, and part classic European brasserie, with food to match. Elsewhere, there are plenty of beautiful spaces to get lost in – including a luxurious private dining room set within the old wine cellar.
166 Johnston Street, Fitzroy
320 Rathdowne Street, Carlton North
New Quarter
RestaurantEnter this warmly lit space – by the owners of Tokyo Tina, Hanoi Hannah and Firebird – for playful takes on classic Vietnamese dishes and drinks.
Di Stasio Citta
RestaurantThe CBD sequel to restaurateur Rinaldo Di Stasio's St Kilda institution goes just as heavy on the hand-made pastas. But it also throws high art into the mix, with video installations and dramatic artworks lining the walls of the restaurant’s brutalist, contemporary interior.
45 Spring Street, Melbourne
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Tippy Tay
RestaurantThe Garden State Hotel’s good-time Italian eatery takes its cues from the Amalfi coast. Pop in for cacio e pepe arancini, a retro dessert cart and – when you ring the doorbell – Negroni fountains delivered to your table.
101 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Ichi Ni Nana Izakaya
RestaurantA large, colourful restaurant with a menu that touches on nearly every aspect of Japanese cuisine. Here you'll find sushi, gyoza, tempura, plus hearty bowls of ramen and don. Plus a fun drinks list that includes sakes, Japanese-influenced cocktails and craft beers from Tokyo.
Ground Floor 127 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
Carlton Wine Room
BarThe pretty Victorian building in the heart of Carlton is a modern eatery with a European-influenced menu and wine list.
172-174 Faraday Street, Carlton
Chin Chin
RestaurantThe fiery Thai diner Melburnians and tourists have been queuing for since 2011.
125 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Union House
BarAt this big, relaxed pub by the team behind The Marquis of Lorne, there are a lot of spaces to choose from. There's the downstairs front bar, with 10 taps serving crafts and classics. Upstairs, a dining room with a pub and bistro menu. And on the roof, a terrace bar with views out over Richmond.
270 Swan Street, Richmond
Ototo
BarInside Japanese fine diner Akaiito, follow the luminous red thread downstairs to find this subterranean bar serving pan-Asian snacks and low-waste cocktails.
349-351 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Mount Erica Hotel
RestaurantA classic corner hotel revamped by the Marquis of Lorne team. The interior has a little Wes Anderson energy, with brooding timber panels and a roaring period fireplace. But if you look past the lofty menu and exceptional wine list, Mount Erica is a rowdy Melbourne footy pub at heart.
Marquis of Lorne
BarThis classic pub – which has stood on its corner for over 150 years – is one of Melbourne's best. The three-level hotel is the ideal place for a good feed or a knock-off pint in the sun, whether you're downstairs in the front bar, upstairs in the dining room, or soaking in rays on the rooftop.
411 George street, Fitzroy
Feast of Merit
CafeThis Richmond diner serves hearty Middle Eastern fare, including massive salads and big roasts. Upstairs, it's all about the lush rooftop, which serves vegetarian-friendly snacks and cocktails.
Restaurant 117 Swan Street, Richmond
Bodega Underground
RestaurantThis dim, characterful basement serves a wide range of proper tacos until 3am every night of the week. Do you even need to know more? Okay: there are over 70 mezcals and 20 tequilas on the back bar.
55 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne
Garden State Hotel
BarA massive pub with enough space for 800 punters across four leafy levels. The front bar is a place of parmas and pints; the Rose Garden is a sparkly, basement-level cocktail bar; and Tippy Tay is the place to go for fun Italian vibes and signature Negronis. You can’t go wrong in any direction.
101 Flinders Lane, Melbourne