David Allegretti

Melburnians are almost as passionate about their cocktails as they are about their coffee. What's the proper way to make a Martini? Gin or Vodka Gimlet? And should a cocky ever be on tap?  We've sipped our way around this great city to find the bars with the best atmosphere, the most creative bartenders and of course, the best drinks. If firewater is more your thing, Melbourne's got some of the best whisky bars around. Or if you're keen on a glass of vino, head to Melbourne's best wine bars. 

In the pho-saturated jungle of Victoria Street, I Love Pho stands proudly as a beacon of soupy salvation. This unassuming family-owned eatery might look like just another pho joint, but don't be fooled — this is the spot for quality pho in Richmond that won't have your wallet weeping. This is a family-run affair, and the warmth shines through in the friendly welcome and in the photo-adorned walls. The decor is simple and unfussy — here, the food takes centre stage. The menu is straightforward: pho, and lots of it. Beef, chicken, or vego, take your pick. The star of the show is their beef pho — a bowl of silky rice noodles, tender slices of beef, fresh herbs, and bean sprouts swimming in a rich broth. Chuck in some chilli if you're feeling spicy, or keep it mild and let the complex flavours do their thing. While pho is the star, don't overlook the other offerings. The spring rolls are crispy and flavourful, while the rice paper rolls offer a lighter option, packed with fresh vegetables and your choice of protein. Be prepared for a potential short wait during peak hours, as the place's popularity often leads to queues. However, the line moves quickly, and the efficient service ensures you're seated and served promptly. I Love Pho is open seven days a week, 9am–10pm. No bookings, just rock up and join the queue. Looking for more un-pho-gettable Vietnamese restaurants in Melbourne? Eat your way around these top spots.

It's simply impossible to walk by one of the Hot Star Large Fried Chicken locations in the city and not find yourself staring longingly with envy at some stranger devouring a truly magnificent (and giant) piece of fried chicken. And by giant, we truly mean giant — these things are as big as your face. Hot Star Large Fried Chicken has been serving up its signature oversized chicken cutlets since 2014, quickly becoming a cult favourite. The restaurant's concept originated in Taiwan in 1992 and has since expanded internationally, bringing a taste of Taipei's famous Shilin Night Market street food to Australia. At the core of Hot Star's menu is, of course, their iconic large fried chicken made from 100% chicken breast — this ain't no giant processed chicken nugget. Each piece is marinated for a full 24 hours in a closely guarded blend of spices, then dredged in tapioca flour for extra crispiness.  Then, it's deep-fried in cottonseed oil, resulting in a golden-brown exterior that gives way to juicy, flavourful meat inside. Priced at $11.90, the large chicken comes in several flavour options, including cheese, spicy, seaweed, salt and pepper, chicken salt, cajun, and even plum. Hot Star's menu boasts a small supporting cast of other tempting options. Crispy chicken wings ($8.50 for six pieces) and chicken pops ($8.50) offer a smaller but equally satisfying crunch. Not feeling chicken? Grab the salt and pepper squid ($5.90), the sweet potato fries ($5.50), or regular fries ($3.50).

Have a stroll down the library and station end of Edwardes Street and you're bound to come across one of Reservoir's best-kept secrets — depending on who you ask. To people who know bánh mì, Luke's won't be a new name, but if you've never heard the name before, then do yourself a favour next time you're in the mid-north of Melbourne. Step inside, and you're greeted by a large menu board showcasing all the options — with pictures, which is always nice. In case all the images of bánh mì didn't alert you that you were in a Good Place, there's even a couple of murals dedicated to the sandwich.  The extensive bánh mì line-up caters to carnivores and plant-based devotees alike. Sink your teeth into the crackling pork for a textural joyride, or go rogue with the vegan 'pork' that'll fool many a meat-eater. In fact, vegans are eatin' good here, with vegan 'chicken' and vegan 'Peking duck' also on the menu. Or try some of the many other options they have on the board. With 19 bánh mì varieties in total, you could come for lunch every day for two weeks and still not have tried them all. Oh, and the best part? They all sit in the $7.50 to $10 price range. Lovely stuff. But don't let the bánh mì hype blind you to Luke's other delights. You can grab Luke's special fried rice, which is fried with egg, pea, carrot, corn, char siu pork, chicken and shallots, then topped with lettuce, carrot, cucumber and tomato for an easy $13. This also comes in a vegan option. There's also a variety of noo

Forget your standard Chinese restaurant — Panda Hot Pot is a full-blown sensory assault (in a good way). The former Dracula's site has been transformed into an epic homage to Sichuan cuisine and martial arts fantasy, complete with an enormous 16-metre, 1.5-tonne dragon suspended from the ceiling and an LED sky backdrop. It's that kind of place. This is hot pot on steroids. Choose your broth (ranging from 'mild' to 'oh my God'), then go to town on over 80 ingredients to dunk in the bubbling cauldron at your table. We're talking everything from classic sliced beef and plump prawns to more adventurous options like duck intestine. Don't fret if you're a hot pot newbie — the staff are on hand to guide you through the process. For drinks, there's a solid range, including plum juice, coconut milk, and cocktails with a lychee twist, alongside beers and wines. Here’s the best part — free nightly performances that include face-changing shows, traditional music and dance, and even family-friendly 'panda' appearances. Whether you're here for the Sichuan flavours, the entertainment, or simply the Instagram-worthy dragon, Panda Hot Pot delivers on both spectacle and substance. Panda Hot Pot is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. Bookings are recommended, especially on weekends. Chinese food is one of the most varied, complex and delicious cuisines in the world. Here's where you can taste the best takes around Melbourne.

Originally from Hobart, Fox Friday has made its way to Melbourne with a 200-person taproom, just blocks from local heavyweights like Mountain Goat and Burnley Brewing. And while it may be in the company of giants, it manages to hold its own with an emphasis on rotating small-batch brews. The focus is on hop-forward hazy IPAs, crisp lagers, and a constantly changing tap list that keeps things interesting for craft beer stans. Behind the bar, there’s a 15-hectolitre (that’s 1500 litres to save you the Google) brewhouse in full view, so you can literally see where your drink’s coming from – always a nice touch, that. With 20 taps on offer, expect both core favourites and limited-edition drops. Fox Friday is known for pushing boundaries with its experimental releases, meaning no two visits will feel quite the same. You can also grab cans to go from their takeaway fridge if you're keen to continue the experience at home. The food menu keeps things in line with the beers – hearty, Southern American-inspired fare that’s designed to pair well with a pint. Think smoked beef cheeks, Cajun shrimp skewers, and proper burgers that don’t mess about. The venue itself feels open and airy, thanks to a retractable roof and natural light flooding in. This is where you want to be on warm, sunny afternoons. But don’t fret if it’s cold out – the central fireplace will have you sorted. Fox Friday isn’t just for a quick drink either. There’s an upstairs space for events, and the taproom often hosts

Imagine a place where you can sip Domaine de la Romanée-Conti without having to sell a kidney. No, you're not dreaming – you've just stumbled into Circl, Melbourne's new wine house that's determined to democratise fancy wine for the masses. A middle finger to wine snobbery, if you will. Here, even the most clueless cork dorks can feel like sommeliers. Tucked away in a double-storey building on Punch Lane, Circl is the brainchild of a bunch of mates with a shared grape obsession. Award-winning head sommelier and venue manager Xavier Vigier, formerly of Ten Minutes by Tractor, has curated an impressive 150+ by-the-glass list (gotta catch ‘em all), and a 1,500-bottle selection that reads like War and Peace – if Tolstoy was really into niche wines. "We want to bring our guests wines they've never heard of before. There's a new market and audience in wine that we're very much conscious of,” says Vigier. “We will challenge the status quo by offering rare and allocated wines by the glass to allow anyone the chance to try wines they otherwise wouldn't be able to reach. It also provides the chance to have a glass rather than committing to the full bottle.”  This ethos extends to their weekly release of an "extremely rare bottle" spanning Australian and international vineyards, limited to 75ml per person. If you’ve ever wanted to sip on the likes of Coche Dury, Roulot, or DRC, but on a Fruity Lexia budget, your prayers have been answered. Okay look, that’s a bit of an exaggeration; the

Tucked between the historic facades of Queen Street, Ruby Dining brings a fresh energy to Melbourne's legal district. This new(ish) early-morn-to-late-night spot is the latest venture from Operator venues' Valerie Fong and Randy Dhamanhuri, with ex-Cumulus head chef James Cornwall leading the kitchen. It offers a welcoming and classy retreat from the buzz of the CBD, catering to all from dawn till well after dusk. Drawing inspiration from London and New York's theatre district eateries, Ruby offers a space where patrons can unwind after work, friends can grab a pre-show dinner, and couples can linger over dessert and aperitifs. The all-day menu shines brightest after sunset, setting Ruby apart from its Operator siblings. Cornwall's menu focuses on showcasing both technique and quality Australian produce without pretension. Standout dishes include the Chicken Oyster – a clever one-bite Caesar salad that’s thrown back oyster-style, and house-made rye flatbread with seaweed, olive oil, and aged soy sauce, as Cornwell is a firm believer that chefs should still practise the ancient craft of making a damn good loaf of bread. For those after heartier fare, the grill section features prime Angus and Wagyu cuts with classic sauces, while the Margaret River Wagyu Bacon skewer, priced at a reasonable $8, exemplifies the kitchen's approach to accessible quality. Dessert lovers (or anyone with working tastebuds) would be wise not to miss the brown butter madeleines, baked fresh to order a

Melbourne's CBD has a new kid on the pub block. Enter Springrock Public Bar, occupying the former Grand Trailer Park Taverna at 87 Bourke Street, promising a fresh take on the classic pub experience. The brainchild of Mike Patrick and the team behind barbecue restaurant Fancy Hank's and rooftop bar Good Heavens, Springrock completes a trifecta of venues all housed in the one building.  As Patrick puts it, "We see all three venues as like one big pub, with a restaurant, rooftop and front bar on offer." A bar-hop without leaving the building? Perfect. But there's more to Springrock than its famous friends and well-appointed digs. "We wanted to create the kind of pub we would want to go to," Patrick explains, "which is something we were yet to find in the CBD." The result? A space that's "casual but elegant," equally suited for a mid-week lunch with colleagues or a weekend football viewing session. Head Chef Jarrod Di Blasi, formerly of Izakaya Den and Ezard, has crafted a menu that hits that delicate balance between nostalgia and innovation. Standout dishes include braised lamb shoulder nuggets served with jalapeño mint jelly – a modern spin on Di Blasi's mother's classic recipe.  The kitchen is also bringing back Kilpatrick-style Smoky Bay Pacific oysters, sourced from South Australia. Even the 'Surf & Turf' gets a contemporary makeover, aiming to convert a new generation of diners while satisfying those with a penchant for the good old days. The drinks menu doesn't shy away

Flinders Lane is the latest beneficiary of Melbourne’s bistro boom with the arrival of Elio's Place. The latest venture from brother and sister duo Adam and Elisa Mariani (of Greta and Maverick fame) is an all-day-to-late-night bistro that channels old-world charm with a contemporary twist. Named after their late father, Elio's Place is a 90-seat homage to Italian hospitality and European energy, nestled in the historic Flinders House. From early-morning espressos to late-night suppers, Elio’s aims to be a versatile spot for CBD dwellers and visitors alike. "Elio's Place will be a bistro that transitions seamlessly from early morning through to late night," says Elisa Mariani. "By day, stop in for coffee and breakfast or an a la carte lunch. By night, we're your go-to for a pre-show dinner or late-night supper. Everyone is welcome." The menu, crafted by group executive chef Gareth Flood and Florence-born head chef Matilde Razzoli, offers a greatest hits of European cuisine. Expect a rotating menu of house-made pasta, grill-driven plates, and a selection of Euro-inspired snacks, starters, and mains.  Standouts include a cabbage skewer with butter emulsion and espelette; beef carpaccio with aged parmesan; peperonata with smoked pecorino cream and thyme; and a whole flounder with burnt lemon and bottarga.  In true Italian fashion, Elio's embraces the holy hour of aperitivo from 3–5pm daily (so two holy hours, to be precise). Channelling the spirit of lazy European afternoons, sl

Time Out Melbourne never writes starred reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills for reviews so that readers can trust our critique. Having opened late last year under the stewardship of an experienced team, Torino Aperitivo has been around long enough now to have found its groove. Brought to you by the team behind Beneath Driver Lane, this CBD spot aims to to infuse Melbourne’s bar scene with a drop of Italian aperitivo culture. Right off the bat, the space is great. Torino Aperitivo has taken over the spot once occupied by Penny Blue, and in the transition from craft beer specialist to Italian aperitivo bar, the venue has undergone a significant (and impressive) transformation. Its renovation brings a fresh coat of paint and some Italian flair, with stylish green booths, green tones and brass accents throughout. The centrepiece is an expansive bar topped with green quartz, complete with a small Tuscan-inspired fountain with a face that dispenses Negroni from its mouth. Visually, Torino Aperitivo is undeniably appealing. But as we know, in hospo, looking good is only part of the battle. We visit twice — once on a Tuesday and again on a Friday night — and the atmosphere on both occasions is a little hushed. Torino Aperitivo seats 75 inside and around 20 in the laneway outside, so there’s plenty more room for the after work crowd if they learn it’s there. Essential parts of real Italian aperitivo culture are the people, the noise, the sense t

Time Out Melbourne never writes starred reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills for reviews so that readers can trust our critique. Goldy's Tavern is the Benjamin Button of pubs. At over 150 years old, it should be creaking towards retirement. Instead, it’s cooler than ever. Once the haunt of Chopper Read back when it was known as Leinster Arms Hotel, it now acts as a little oasis from the chaos in Fitzroy’s backstreets. At first, finding a spot to perch up is like a labyrinth — a fun one, with each corner bringing a new discovery. There are so many different nooks and crannies and rooms and vibes that it feels as though Goldy’s is ten pubs in one. There’s room for big groups, small intimate dates, catch-ups with mates, after-work drinks, games of pool, a break from the kids, a break with the kids, a nice solo meal taking in the ever-changing mosaic of Fitzroy's most interesting characters, a nice sit-down dinner, a Sunday roast that rescues you from the depths of your hangover, a big family birthday… you get the point. The decor is a mishmash of dark wood panelling, kitsch lounge seating, and various bits and bobs that all seem out of place and yet expertly put together — the chaos all somehow works, it stands in defiance to modern minimalism and thank god it does because it has true character. And don’t worry if you have a furry mate along — dogs are not just welcome; they're practically revered. One room feels like a literal shrine to our

Time Out Melbourne never writes starred reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills for reviews so that readers can trust our critique. Kew, long known for its leafy streets and let's just say well-to-do residents, has been crying out for a proper cocktail bar. Chef Joseph Vargetto, the mastermind behind Mister Bianco, has finally answered that call with Bianchetto. It's moody, it’s intimate, and it feels like it was plucked from a Fellini film. Stepping through the gold curtain that separates Bianchetto from its older sibling is like entering a different world. The room is dark. Very dark. So dark, in fact, that you might begin to ever so slightly panic that this will be one of those hold-your-phone-torch-to-the-menu situations. Thankfully, once seated, it becomes very clear that Bianchetto knows what it's doing. The lamps on each table are not only aesthetically pleasing without stealing the show, but the light they provide is perfect.  The space is smaller than Mister Bianco, as is to be expected given Bianchetto literally translates to “little Bianco” in Italian. Olive-green walls, industrial-vibe ceilings and cozy leather booths clash tastefully. On one end of the room, classic Italian films from the 1960s are projected silently on the wall, providing a hypnotic backdrop that's equal parts nostalgia and cool.  On Wednesday and Thursday nights, the films take centre stage as Bianchetto hosts movie nights featuring Italian classics or films i