Emily Morrison

December 2024: Jiminy cricket! Is it really the end of the year already? What a whirlwind! Last month went by as fast as a flash – or maybe we should say a splash, since our calendar featured some fun pool bars. We hung out at Afloat (where we got to meet Mr. Gordon Ramsay himself), and we also checked out a glamorous hotel's rooftop pool bar – now open to the public for the first time ever this summer. Other exciting events included the launch of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival 2025 program and an incredible lunch at the CBD's red-hot new French restaurant Maison Bâtard. Young spots like Reed House and Lucia also blew us away. But for now, we take a break for silly season. Until next year, dear readers! Here's your ultimate guide to Melbourne's most exciting recent restaurant and bar openings, updated monthly for your reading (and tasting) pleasure. With this list on hand, you'll be the first to know where to find the hottest brunch spot, vino bar or fine diner – all sussed out by our fastidious team of writers and critics. Note: we generally include venues that are only twelve months (give or take) young in this list.  Ready to make a booking somewhere spesh? Read on. Still hungry? These are the 50 best restaurants in Melbourne right now. Fancy a tipple? Check out the 50 best bars in Melbourne. Lauren Dinse is Time Out Melbourne’s Food and Drink Writer. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

One fell madly in love with a sumptuous sundae-style dessert at a new French restaurant, another just couldn't get enough of a pop-up's fried chicken burgers. But no matter what dishes sent the Time Out team into a scrumptious spin, one thing's for sure: it would be selfish to keep them a secret! So read on for a hit list of everything we tried in 2024 that had us swooning, so you can go and have a taste, too. Still hungry? Check out the 50 best restaurants in Melbourne right now. And if you're thirsty, these are the 50 best bars in Melbourne right now.

December 2024: Summer in Melbourne is the time to shimmy out of those trackpants, off the couch and into a shiny new world. There's been a ton of exciting new restaurant openings to celebrate, while plenty of old favourites are still merrily thrumming along – all ready to welcome you with open arms. So put on something cute, grab a date and check out the best eating and drinking the city has to offer.  The continually evolving and expanding dining scene in Melbourne is both a blessing and a curse: how do you choose between so many incredible restaurants? Well, that's where we come in. Stop endlessly scrolling, and commit to making your way through Time Out’s list of the best restaurants in the state right now. Our always-hungry local experts, including Time Out Melbourne's Food and Drink Writer, Lauren Dinse, have curated 2024's most delicious and divine, innovative and imaginative, comforting and familiar, memorable and magical dining experiences right here at your fingertips. From culinary institutions like Attica, Stokehouse and Flower Drum, to emerging standouts and instant icons such as Serai, Gimlet and Amaru, we've got it all covered here. And as for the brand new restaurant and bar openings catching our eye? Check out this guide instead. Get out, and get eating! You've got a lot to get through!  RECOMMENDED READ:  Don't want to break the bank? Check out Melbourne's best cheap eats.

December 2024: "It's the most wonderful time of the yeeear" goes that old classic Christmas croon. But let's be real: it certainly doesn't feel that way when you're staring at a rapidly dwindling bank balance. The festive period in Melbourne can quickly rack up unexpected expenses, which is where our handy cheap eats guide comes in – a monthly-updated list to help you fill your social calendar with more affordable dining out options. The late and great respected chef Anthony Bourdain once famously said: “I'd rather eat in Melbourne than Paris." It goes without saying that Melbourne has long been revered as one of Asia Pacific's most exciting food cities, but that status isn't just attributed to our fancy restaurants – special as many of those upper crust institutions may be. Our laneways and hidden alcoves are brimming with cheap street eats, smashable pub deals and dinner options you can enjoy for $20, $15 or even under $10, so you can stop counting your hard-earned pennies and start eating instead. Lauren Dinse is Time Out Melbourne’s Food and Drink Writer, and has spent an impressive time scouting for the city's tastiest cheap eats – from her early student days spent wandering around Carlton and the CBD in search of a pocket change lunch, to the present day covering fun new openings for Time Out.  For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. If you'd rather not spend any money at all right now, we've got you covered with our guide on the best things to do f

December 2024: Take a break from gift-shopping, meal-planning and your social calendar with a well-deserved drink at one of these top watering holes around town.  Melbourne has some of the best bars in the world, whether you're looking for the laser-like focus of 16-seater Above Board or the rock ‘n’ roll ‘she’ll be right’ of Heartbreaker. You can find temples heroing whisky and palaces dedicated to gin; you can sip naked wines or suited-and-booted cocktails, grab a craft beer and a parma or a late-night Gimlet and a Euro-leaning cheese platter. Or how about a prawn club sanga and a bottle of Champers from tiny charmer Apollo Inn?  If you're looking for a bar to head to, we've rounded up the top 50 bars that we're really loving right now – we're sure you will, too.

You know what makes food and wine taste better? An invigorating sea breeze, post-swim. Captivating sunset views also come to mind. If you're in the mood for a little romance or a celebration destination that's a bit more scenic, a great beachside restaurant always does the trick. That's why when the heat cranks up in Melbourne, coastal locals and those travelling from further afield love a seaside feast. The Time Out team know that beachside real estate is a precious commodity in a decidedly un-beachy city – so whenever a new restaurant opens along one of our shores, we race in as soon as we can get a table. We've kept an eye on what's hot over the years – from popular kiosk chippies that don't mind a bit of sand on your feet to swankier spots like Stokehouse and Totti's Lorne where you might want to wear a pair of good shoes. Just in time for summer, here are our top picks right now. St Kilda is one of Melbourne's most popular beachside suburb – if you find yourself in this 'hood, be sure to check out one of these top bars or restaurants.

Brunch is a beloved institution across Melbourne. It doesn't require an early wake-up call and is simultaneously on the right side of the day, so you can still have your avo on toast if you need it. But how do you improve on perfection? By adding bottomless drinks, of course. Bottomless brunches have taken our city by storm, and if you've done one, you've no doubt discussed tactics with friends: what to drink, how to pace yourself, the best way to grab the waiter's attention and if it's possible to surreptitiously double park. After all, bottomless brunches are all about getting the best value and a healthy buzz. And not dissimilar to the chicken and egg debate, are drinks or food more crucial when selecting your venue? We believe you can have the best of both. We've compiled a list of Melbourne's best bottomless brunches so that you can enjoy your chicken or eggs with a great selection of limitless bevs.  Only after a great coffee? Here are our fave spots in the CBD to get a fix. Planning a big day and night? Kick on at the best late-night bars in Melbourne.

Whoever coined the phrase "the best things come in small packages" had definitely just eaten a plate of dumplings. No other food compares when it comes to versatility; fried, steamed or boiled, they're all magic in your mouth. And with a myriad of variations and ingredients, they can happily feed vegetarians and carnivores alike. Now, a favourite dumplings joint can be a contentious topic. So to help you decide – or make a list to try them all – we've composed a list of Melbourne's most popular Chinese, Japanese, Nepalese (and even Polish) offerings so you can get your fix of these parcels of deliciousness. All you need to do is dunk 'em into your preferred condiment and enjoy! While we're on the topic... Check out our top picks for Melbourne's best Chinese restaurants. Looking for a refreshing drink? These are the top bubble tea spots in town.

Greek dining doesn't do fiddly. In both atmosphere and food, it's bold, lively and colourful. Mixed dips, slow-cooked lamb and fried cheese should all be consumed in an equally convivial environment. With the largest Greek population in the country, Melbourne has got you covered with spirited venues slinging Hellenic eats that will have you ready to smash some plates in glee.  Keen to explore more of Melbourne's best cuisines? Check out the best Italian restaurants, the best Chinese restaurants and the best Thai restaurants in Melbourne. 

There's a thrilling nature to BYO. Perhaps it stirs adolescent memories of trying to sneak drinks into venues? Or the indisputable value it adds? Regardless, it’s gratifying to waltz into a venue, your favourite drop in hand, and be greeted not with frowns and finger-wagging but with open arms. To save you the time of google searching BYO-positive locations, we’ve created a list of various cuisines and price points.  Looking for a scenic nightcap after dinner? Check out some of Melbourne's best rooftop bars.

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. 

Nicknamed the 'Coffee Capital of the World', Melbourne has no shortage of excellent coffee shops. Thanks to an influx of Greek and Italian immigrants who introduced espresso to our city after WWII, we now have more coffee shops per person than any other city in the world. This makes writing a list of the best coffee shops in the CBD almost redundant, as you'll be hard pressed to find an energising bean juice that doesn't put a pep in your step. However, as with everything we do, we aim to make your life easier, so we've compiled a list of our personal favourite CBD coffee joints to ensure your morning (or arvo) caffeine hit is the best it can be.  Recommended: Australia's best coffee shops.

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. On a Wednesday night, the Wesley Place precinct is anything but quiet. After dark, what should be a corporate ghost town transforms into one of the city's most coveted spots for a world-class cocktail. Caretakers Cottage, "probably" Victoria's smallest bar, has built a reputation that looms large. Being crowned the 21st best bar in the world on the 2024 World's 50 Best Bars list is just the tip of the highball iceberg when it comes to accolades under its belt. Once home to the caretaker of the nearby Wesley Church (it's in the name, people), the bar is the brainchild of cocktail heavyweights Rob Libecans, Ryan Noreiks, and Matt Stirling—the trio behind the beloved pop-up Fancy Free. Whether it's a school night or not, customers spill out of the petite bluestone onto the concrete steps and nearby grassy patches. Inside, the vibe shifts. Step through the doorway, and it's like stepping into a house party, complete with a DJ spinning vinyl, warm lighting and long sheer curtains. The space seats just 25, and that's part of the magic. If you're among those lucky 25, you're treated to an intimate cocktail theatre. The bar runs like a chef's pass, with bartenders churning out drinks at a pace that's impressive to watch but never rushed in experience. As I'm visiting in December, I'm lucky enough to try their "Best of"

When imagining the perfect restaurant location, the base of a high-rise office building isn't exactly top of the list. Arriving at Lucia, nestled on the ground floor of the Eleven Eastern in South Melbourne – just a stone's throw from the Princess Highway – sets off a few alarm bells. It's not a question of aesthetics; the space is undeniably stunning: spacious, plush, and breezy. Yet, the unmistakable "hotel restaurant" vibe raises the concern that this might be a case of style over substance. Luckily, Lucia proved me wrong in mere seconds. You see, the essence of Lucia is its exceptional staff and impeccable food.  ​​Take the "two-sip" Oyster Martini ($19) – a mix of Never Never Oyster Shell Gin, Cocchi Americano, and waxflower. As it's served, the waiter conspiratorially quips, "It's been a long day; better make it three sips," while adding an extra glug of the pre-made concoction. Consider me charmed. If the oyster shell gin weren't enough to live up to the Martini's name, the accompanying Coffin Bay oyster with basil oil and finger lime certainly seals the deal. Hospitality veterans Frank Ciorciari and Anthony Silvestre have reimagined fine dining with Lucia, bringing it back to its roots. Here, you can forget about degustations or hushed dining rooms where speaking above a whisper feels taboo. Instead, Lucia delivers all the flair and showmanship of upscale dining in an approachable and relaxed setting. Under chef Jordan Clavaron’s direction, any fears of flash without

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. Everyone has a dish that's always a must-order. One that makes your heart race and music swell whenever it appears on the menu. For me, that dish is the scotch egg. It's just so whimsical. An egg! In meat! That's crumbed! When I saw one doing the rounds on Instagram and learnt it holds a ramen egg, I knew I had to have it, so off I went to one of Melbourne's most celebrated openings of 2024: Reed House.  Situated in the manse building that once housed the minister of the nearby Wesley Church, Reed House is a nod to architect Joseph Reed, who designed the church in the 19th century.  After an internal nip and tuck, the space is cosy, with arched church windows that allow natural sunlight to permeate the room. It's casual sophistication but with a slight twist – the trancey sounds of desert rock humming throughout.  Pairing rock and roll in a refined setting won't be for everyone, but this irreverence is the hallmark of Reed House. The food is playful, and the service is friendly and laid-back. Toeing the line between tradition and invention, Reed House feels like the epitome of next-gen hospo. The cool kids have grown up, got real jobs and now run your favourite restaurant.  The brainchild of chef Mark Hannell and front-of-house extraordinaire Rebecca Baker, Reed House has curated a warm and inviting venue. Our f

Update October 2024: This review was originally written in 2022, so please be aware that some elements may have changed since. 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. Göz City has grown into a mini empire dedicated to the Turkish flatbread gözleme (pronounced gehrz-leh-meh), and it’s come a long way from its humble beginnings. What began as a hole-in-the-wall shop on Little Collins Street nearly ten years ago, followed by a larger store in Madame Brussels Lane, has now blossomed into a fully-fledged gözleme factory. Typically eaten as village or street food in Turkey, gözleme is often the most popular food stand at any given weekend market or festival. So why not cut out the market middleman? Göz City is making that possible. This is a family-run joint, with mother-son duo Nez and Taylan Gonullu at the forefront. The man behind the South Melbourne Market’s beloved gözleme stall, Taylan long had dreams of opening a “gözleme concept store” and their recently opened Port Melbourne location has actualised those dreams. The space is bright, airy and open, with seats available for eat-in diners. Behind the ornately mosaicked counter is a commercial-sized kitchen where you can view the masters at work diligently rolling dough and handmaking the goods. It’s abundantly clear that the rolling process is an artform, with sheets of dough being rolled out with old

Update October 2024: This review was originally written in 2022, so please be aware that some elements may have changed since. 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. France-Soir is truly a Melbourne institution. Established in 1986 by owner Jean-Paul Prunetti, the bistro was an instant success, and in the fickle world of hospitality, that success has endured. On a cool winter day, the restaurant is swarming – even at 4pm. This is not a venue for the claustrophobic. Tables are packed tightly, and seats are in high demand. Waiters expertly ferry plates from the kitchen behind the swinging doors at the back, manoeuvring among the lively tables. If you arrive early for your reservation, you may be seated at one of the three stools along the bar. You can order a drink while you wait, which is recommended as a way to ease the knowledge that you are definitely in the way. If you’ve been to Paris before, this ambience will not feel unfamiliar: high energy, a little bit brusque, but simultaneously fun and hedonistic. Unusually, there are no specials today – for which you might be grateful. The menu is composed of France's finest fare, so keeping it edited is welcome. Oysters are shucked fresh to order with a selection from NSW, SA and Tassie. Served on ice, with puckery mignonette dressing, the oysters vary in sweetness, brininess and size, but are parallelle

Update October 2024: This review was originally written in 2023, so please be aware that some elements may have changed since. 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. Swan Street has undergone a facelift in recent years, and let's face it, it was overdue. Reliably busy on weekends with convivial pub-goers, for those who prefer their lubrication with a side of bangin' food, it's historically been wiser to head further north or south in search of greener pastures. But there's a sea change in the air, and Richmond has a re-awakened sense of excitement because Swan Street is, well, she's looking good. One of the most gratifying spots to rise from the COVID-ashes is Clover, a casual but sleek wine bar from the team behind the Alps, Milton Wine Bar and the Moon.  Clover sits snuggled between shops on the east side of Church Street, with Future Future and Mathesons Wine Bar a stone's throw away. The double-glass shopfront creates a warm barrier between the restaurant and the bustling street outside, allowing us to relish the remaining sunlight. Although it's just gone 5pm on a chilly Tuesday evening, a buzzy sense of camaraderie permeates the intimate space. The fitout is straightforward and, dare I say, a bit monotone, but with the large communal table in the centre and tables seating larger groups flanking the sides, there's a disarming cosiness to the pla

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. In a city where many restaurants lean toward curated aesthetics and trendy branding, this lovely new restaurant serves hospo the old-fashioned way. Think homestyle Italian with large servings, zero pretences, and, of course, carbs on carbs on carbs.  Nestled in Prahran, but crucially, on Malvern Road instead of bustling Chapel Street, Officina Gastronomica Italiana (or simply Officina) exudes rustic charm and humility and screams of 'local fave'. Owner Claudio Casoni previously operated espresso bar Officine Zero in the space, but after commandeering the store next door, he opened Officina. Not only has it doubled in size, but it has also doubled in offerings. Where Officine Zero was a daytime café haunt, Officina is a triple threat, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.  After scouring the menus online to decide which meal would best showcase Officina's strengths, I decided on dinner (pasta is best enjoyed before bed). Although it's a sunny evening, the temperature hasn't clocked on, so it's still chilly. As a result, I'm grateful that we're seated inside, even though Officina boasts one of Melbourne's finest courtyards.  In the counter, I spy deli meats jostling shoulders with giant slabs of golden foccacia. There's also an extensive selection of wines, pantry goods and sandwiches — all available for takeaway. 

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. After a two-year hiatus, Richmond locals and broader Melbournites alike can rejoice – Anchovy is back.  Established nine years ago, Anchovy brought fresh and inspired Vietnamese flavours to an elevated casual dining setting, and it was a smash hit from the offset. But, after seven years and one pandemic, owners Jia-Yen Lee and Thi Le (who is also the chef) decided to hit pause on the beloved eatery and opened Jeow in its place. The Laotian-inspired restaurant was no shabby stepsister, and it earned a chef’s hat in its first year—come summer, it will reopen at night at Lee and Le's exemplar Bánh Mì spot Ca Com (conveniently located next door).  So, what refinements has Anchovy undergone during this brief intermission? The fit-out is much the same – dimly lit, intimate and slightly austere, but when bustling with patrons, with the thrum of unassuming R&B and blues, this austerity shifts to cosy and pacifying. With seats for just 26 diners, it has the ambience of a relaxed after-party or just chilling at a mates' house vibe.  And the food? Oh, be still my beating heart, the food. Le is emphatic that Anchovy is not a Vietnamese restaurant but rather an amalgamation of Australian and Vietnamese dining. Exploring the concept of "Viet Kieu" (the term for a Vietnamese person who lives outside of Vietnam), Anchovy simult

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. Nothing is worse than a cocktail bar that leaves you feeling foolish. Or a bartender that makes you ashamed that you don't know what makes a martini wet or dry and insinuates your preference for sweet over smoky is distinctly "uncool". Thankfully, that's not Bar Clara.  It's Saturday evening, and despite being a few minutes before opening, a group of (punctual) revellers is already outside their Little Bourke Street location. You get the feeling that this is a fave 'round these parts. And so my stomach drops when the staff ask if I have a reservation. But I needn't worry; I'm sitting pretty at the stylish communal table in no time. Dark lighting, plush velvet sofas, exposed pipes, and an impressive copper bar create relaxed and unpretentious surroundings—the perfect surroundings for enjoying a relaxed and unpretentious cocktail. A comfortable place with an evident speakeasy influence, it's a sweet find for this end of the CBD. The cocktail list is brief and rotates seasonally, with a focus on fresh ingredients and innovative mixology techniques. Though the staff are more than happy to whip you up a classic, I'd suggest ordering from the bespoke menu, as that's where Bar Clara's essence lies.  Being mid-August, I'm grateful to see a couple of their cocktails are served hot, and I decide to wet my whistle (or warm

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. Any epicure worth their dirty martini knows that an unassuming alley often holds the best treasures. One or Two is further proof of this.  Located down a backstreet in the heart of Chinatown, this cocktail bar delivers cool and contemporary without pretence.  Stepping through the understated black door will immediately transport you to Shimokitazawa in Tokyo. And I don't mean the flashy, neon-lighted, anime-character-ed interpretation that Melbourne hospo often attempts. I mean the real, effortless, and timeless version. This conveyance I experienced upon entering One Or Two is no coincidence. Owner Andy Chu designed the bar with the Japanese aesthetic of "Wabi Sabi" in mind. Celebrating transience and imperfection, Wabi Sabi aims to highlight the beauty in impermanence.  The small bar is intimate, with space for just 24 people. With dim lighting, dark wood finishes, and slate-tiled floors, it’s quietly romantic and makes for an excellent date spot. Although I see nothing "imperfect" about the space, it conveys the feeling of serenity synonymous with the philosophy.  However, the R and B tunes blaring from the sound system are less serene and more vibey, encapsulating the harmonious blend of tradition and modernity One or Two pervades.  The menu divides the cocktails into subsections under the headings' All Time

Some of the best meals of my life have been enjoyed in narrow alleyways or gobbled in cramped spaces. Forget the white linen tablecloths or awe-inspiring views; exceptional moments can be found on a street corner or drunk from a plastic cup.  This is where the intangible beauty of context comes in. A night market in Melbourne conjures images of endless lines and sold-out signs. A night market in Thailand? My idea of heaven. A food court in Melbourne? No thanks. But a food court in Singapore? You'll have to hold me back by the scruff of my neck like a manic dog.  Service, context, and environment are as crucial as food and drink. This is where we finally get to Byrdi, which while arguably one of our city's most decorated cocktail bars, is located inside a food court.  When you get to Byrdi, you'll no doubt check the address, like I did, to ensure you're at the correct location. Surrounded by polished kiosks, this food court is a cut above the school holiday food courts of your nightmares. But still. The bar is earth-toned and sleek, with a good mix of natural materials. If the number one bullet point in the design brief was "calming", then they've nailed it. It's ambient and peaceful, an oasis among the chaos of Melbourne Central.  The brainchild of owners Luke Whearty and Aki Nishikura, who together have over 20 years of experience and almost the same number of awards, Byrdi's ethos is about adaption, evolution and inspiration. Their menu rotates seasonally and changes day to

I knew I wanted Rue De Thanh to succeed from the moment I entered. Maybe it was the calm and inviting energy, the warm welcome from the host behind the bar or my spider-sense-like gluttonous intuition for greatness kicking in. But atmospheric intangibles had me rooting for them before my derrière hit its chair.  Rue De Thanh is situated on the quiet end of Brunswick Street, and on a particularly frigid Tuesday night, we're part of a mere sprinkling of diners. This can make you feel vulnerable and a bit awkward, but the venue is cleverly designed to have "malleability", so it adapts well to any energy that fills it, and I'm left feeling comfy and cosy. White-painted exposed brick walls and black details create a shrewd blend of sophistication and casualness, which aptly foreshadow the menu. Owner Thanh Tran has more than twenty years of restaurant experience, and he's paired with Head Chef Thi Hong Nguyen (who moved to Melbourne from Vietnam four years ago) to create a menu that celebrates Vietnamese food. The result is a familiar assortment of Vietnamese favourites with a contemporary flair and dash of French technique. Take, for example, the Bò tái Chanh ($25), which is a rare beef salad but instead comes in the form of Melbourne-y beef carpaccio – sumptuous pink beef fillet topped with shallots, herbs and crispy garlic. It's vibrant, fresh and has the well-rounded, sweet-salty-sour-profile that's the signature of Vietnamese cuisine. Oysters come grilled or fresh ($4.50ea),