Lauren Dinse

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.

October 2024: Spring calls for more time outdoors, doing fun activities like these ones and soaking up some of those (slowly) emerging rays. All that sudden outdoor action calls for dining out, too! With this list on hand, you'll never be short on ideas.  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 and editors 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 old favourites and culinary institutions such as 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!  Prefer a tipple-focused adventure? These are the best bars in Melbourne. Looking for a knock-out dining experience that won't break the bank? Look no further than our list of Melbourne's best cheap eats. And for hot new openings, check out our best newcomers guide.

A good burger is easily one of life’s greatest pleasures. Australia is teeming with top-notch options, most of which fall comfortably into that hits-the-spot territory. A burger’s simplicity – take a pillowy bun, place a juicy patty inside it, maybe add cheese or salad, drizzle over a sauce or two, then apply to face – makes it hard to stuff up. The flip side, however, is that it also makes finding the ultimate burger a bit of a challenge. Time Out’s hungry team of local Aussie writers have bravely put their jaws and stomachs on the line (in the name of Exceedingly Difficult Research, you understand) to compile this list of venues that are elevating time-honoured burger basics, one delicious mouthful at a time. Now it’s up to you to crown the true buns of glory.  🥧 Australia's best pies🌭 15 mouthwatering sausage rolls in Australia🍕 The best pizzas in Australia

Off the back of Taylor Swift's euphoria-inducing tour Down Under earlier this year, fans might have been wondering where she chose to wine and dine. While room service was probably the ticket here in Melbs, we do know where she visited in Sydney. But that got us wondering: when superstars touch down at Tullamarine after a long flight, where are they opting to spend their dosh on food and drinks? There have been a few sightings over the years, so we've rounded them all up here. Keen to check out a new place to eat? Here's our round-up of Melbourne's recent hot openings. For more music, here are the gigs happening in Melbourne this month.

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.

November 2024: The heat's cranking up and so are our appetites! But with the cozzie livs crisis, holiday plans and festive expenses looming ahead, let's be real: it can be a challenge to keep dining out friendly on the ol' hip pocket. This is where our handy guide comes in – a monthly-updated list brimming with ideas on where you can eat out, eat lots and support small hospo businesses without straining your budget.  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 laneaways 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. Looking for a drink to wash it all down? These are the best happy hour deals right now. Curious about other yummy specials? Here's how to get a cheap meal in Melbourne every night of the week.

With the weather warming up, it's time to bring on the season of the barbecue. All that's missing is a shrimp or some other form of seafood to layer on top and grill away.  We're lucky in Melbourne as some of the city's finest fishmongers are willing to deliver their goods straight to your door. This means freshly shucked oysters, filleted fish, sashimi, uni and more at your beck and call. Check out our guide to eleven of Melbourne's most loved fish shops and happy ordering. Want to host a party? Here are the best public barbecue spots in Melbourne.

November 2024: Now that the sun's making more of an appearance, beer gardens are popping off, frothies are flowing fast through ice-cold taps and the prospect of a happy hour sesh never looked so bright. Grab a mate and have a yarn – you deserve it after a long day. From historic boozers to gastropubs and rocking live music venues, we believe that Melbourne boasts some of the finest pub culture in the world outside the British Isles, and we’ll gladly pass out on that hill. Our pub traditions are diverse and many – the weeknight chicken parma special, boisterous trivia nights, open mic gigs, friendly (read: competitive) pool games and that ever-wholesome Sunday roast. But every liquored-up local has its own unique set of drawcards and that's what makes this scene so fun and diverse. Looking for somewhere you can bring your doggo? We know the pubs that'll greet your pooch with a smile. Want a pub where you can drink outside and soak up the rays? Our beer gardens are some of Melbourne's loveliest drinking playgrounds. And if you're looking for a pint with a side of history, we've got the intel on this town's oldest pubs. So how did we come up with this list of the very top 50 in Melbourne? Well, we've spent years drinking our way around the city, of course. We've fostered a connection with the great local watering holes since the very beginning, firm in the knowledge that they're some of our most beloved – and accessible – neighbourhood venues. In former times, Time Out Melbour

November 2024: In celebration of the small and local businesses that make Melbourne so much fun, we spent most of October revisiting old favourites to deliver our verdict on this city's very first Time Out Recommends list. But we sure made time to visit some new spots, too, such as Flour Child's sultry new Richmond location (seriously, you have to try their special pinsa romana) and a Thai-inspired restaurant at Fitzroy's gorgeous new hotel. We also checked out a new bistro in Abbotsford and a Chinatown oyster bar that's getting rave reviews. 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.

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.

Compiling a list of the best Indian restaurants in a city, let alone a country, is no easy task. Every region, city and family have their own specialties, offering a diverse line-up of comforting curries, crunchy pakoras, fluffy naan bread, tangy pickles and cooling lassis. Time Out Australia has enlisted its team of well-travelled editors and writers to bring you this list of must-try Indian restaurants in every capital city. In Melbourne, a tiny at-home restaurant presents one of Melbourne’s most singular degustations, taking diners on a journey through different regions and seasons. In Sydney, a vibrant late-night eatery serves up colourful curry plates and roti wraps until 2am on the weekends. Meanwhile, a beloved Adelaide institution has been dishing up crowd-favourite butter chicken and beef vindaloo curries for almost 50 years. Wherever you are, your next spice fix awaits. 🍽 All the best restaurants in Australia🍱 The best Japanese joints in Australia🍕Where to find the best pizza in Australia

November 2024: Where does the time go? With the end of the year comes sunnier weather, sunnier vibes and, for many, a busier social calendar. If you're cleverly planning a brunch date in advance of the hectic festive season, we recommend checking out one of these gems. There's a lot to love about Melbourne's world-class café scene. Wickedly good coffee. Creative brunch dishes that taste as good as they look, fresh from the minds of some of the city's top talent. And of course, the vibes. Discovering hot new cafés is almost a competitive sport in a city with AM dining of this calibre, so we've scoured Melbourne to bring you a guide to the finest of the lot. Looking for dessert that masquerades as breakfast? Check out the best doughnuts in Melbourne. Prefer a healthier feed? Try our pick of the best healthy lunch eats in the CBD.

When friends visit from out of town, one of the first areas I take them treasure hunting is Fitzroy. From cute retro secondhand shops and buzzing cafés to vibey artist markets, pubs and bars (midday pint at Black Cat, anyone?), the array of things to see and do in this vibrant suburb just screams Melbourne. And it’s only getting better thanks to the recent re-opening of iconic gig destination Punters Club and fun newcomers to the bar scene like Lola Belle and Enoteca Zingara – perfect reasons why global hotel brand the Standard couldn’t have picked a more energetic neighbourhood for its very first Aussie concept.  Beyond having the best of Fitzroy and the CBD on its doorstep, the StandardX also boasts plenty to love within its walls. As soon as you enter, you’re led through a bright red cocoon-like revolving door (one of the more interesting hotel entrances you’ll have the pleasure to walk through), and into a plant-filled foyer that playfully straddles the line between boho and industrial-chic.  It’s bougie, for sure, but still artsy enough to feel like it belongs to the Northside. The designers have taken inspiration from Fitzroy’s post-punk 'Little Band' scene of the late 1970s and early 1980s, paying homage to its music venues, street art and café culture – historic pulse points of this vibrant ’hood.  Onsite Thai restaurant Bang is a highlight, offering a relaxed share-style tasting menu of Thai-leaning fusion eats from breakfast to dinnertime. Think blue swimmer crab pa

For anyone who follows dining trends in Melbourne, it’s old news that wine bars are having a long, delicious moment. Less formal than a by-the-book restaurant but carrying a greater sense of occasion than a small eatery or café, the wine bar is where you can dip your toes into a snack 'n' sip sesh instead of diving headlong into the commitment of a full meal.  In any case, it’s vino-paired lunch my partner and I seek one fine Sunday afternoon and so off we trot. We already know we’ll be in good hands at Marama; the bar is run by cousins and business partners Grace Dowell (Proud Mary) and Tom Gunn (Capitano, Proud Mary), who are both no strangers to providing winning neighbourhood hospitality. They focus on local producers here, networking with Victorian farms and small suppliers within a five-kilometre radius to deliver their seasonally adaptive menu. All the bar’s beers, too, are Victorian, while even the cocktails on offer stick to Aussie-made spirits and liqueurs.  When we take our seats at around midday, soft jazzy piano fills the air and nicely dressed families and locals are lunching along with us. There’s a set market lunch menu at just $45 a head on Sundays, which we’ve booked for in advance. Legendary winemaker Owen Latta seems like the perfect kick-off point and I decide to try his What-A-Melon rosé. Far from the flirty, un-serious drink its name indicates (and let’s be real, I didn’t mind if I received), this drop is a funky, somewhat savoury blend of pinot noir, s

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. It’s almost as if a bunch of jaded publicans recently got together at a committee meeting and unanimously agreed: the old-school Aussie pub experience needs to come back. Such is the revival of the vintage pub (pubcore?) experience in Melbourne right now, one can’t help but muse at the irony of something built on reversing trends… well, becoming somewhat of a trend.  But hey, we’re not complaining. It’s about time you could once again get a proper VB or Carlton Draught on tap (‘cause mate, all that craft shite’s hoppier than a cane toad infestation) and get stuck into a gravy-drenched schnitty at your inner-city local. G’day mate, indeed. Last year, the Albion Hotel in Collingwood reopened to embrace its OG ‘70s design and a dedication to serving only schooners. Next, Fitzroy’s Punters Club was reborn, willingly paying homage to its legendary ‘90s era with a gig program, banana splits and even juicy dim sims on the menu. Brunswick’s recently refurbished Hotel Railway also feels like a nod to the not-too-distant past, with its packs of mates watching the footy over a round of frothies and youngsters huddled outside to roll cigs and talk politics – mullets, flannies and all. And now adding to the northside wave of true-blue Aussie pub revivals, we have the North Fitzroy Arms. On previous visits, I thought of it as

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. It’s easy to scrunch your nose up when you hear the name ‘Greasy Zoe’s’. It sounds like an American diner, the type of highway-side joint famed for Sloppy Joe sandwiches and sunny side-up eggs rather than sophisticated and inventive produce-driven cuisine. But the latter is exactly what Greasy Zoe’s is, an unexpectedly thrilling dining experience curated on the outskirts of Melbourne. It’s spearheaded by the wildly creative chef Zoe Birch (ex-Courthouse Hotel and Healesville Hotel) and her intelligent hosting partner and sommelier, Lachlan Gardner.  We’re in the centre of Nillumbik Shire, as far as you can get to the edge of Melbourne before entering regional territory. Birch and Gardner stick to the hyperlocal brief by championing small Victorian producers, described on the menu as Our Family. Even the gorgeous ceramic plateware has been hand-built by local creators. Meanwhile, the menu consists only of the current season’s bounty as well as last season’s ferments, pickles and preserves, all made in-house. There’s a clear ethos of sustainability at Greasy Zoe’s; any green waste the restaurant produces is turned into compost. In addition, the only seafood served is green listed by Good Fish Project. When we wander in on a Friday night, it feels more like a friendly elf’s cottage than an acclaimed eight-seater re

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. An ol’ disco classic once preached to us that ‘young hearts run free’, and at this eclectic Windsor establishment, it seems they certainly do. So it’s quite fitting that the bar’s moniker quotes a lyric from soul singer Candi Staton’s 1976 record.  But is that what it takes to make a great bar? A feeling of letting your hair down? Freedom from the nine--five grind? If escapism into the glory days is central to the average Southside watering hole’s recipe for success, then yes, Young Hearts – a boozy enclave hidden upstairs from High Street – gets it right.  We’ve chosen a Saturday night to experience the bar in peak pre-drinks mode, and we’re not disappointed. Upon ascending the staircase, we’re warmly enveloped by its moody warehouse-like interiors. Hello, NYC apartment. Colourful wall-to-wall artworks showcase the latest exhibitor and a loft-style mezzanine floor looks cosy and chic upstairs. I almost feel like I could be in an episode of Sex and the City’s earlier seasons. Time to channel my inner Carrie. My Mr Big? Well, I’ve brought along the boyfriend and luckily, he’s no flake when it comes to these sorts of missions. We’re here on business – to eat, drink and kick back. The centrepiece of the entire operation is a circular stage-in-the-round DJ station, where an expert music curator mans the decks. It’s

Budburst is the annual celebration of the Macedon Ranges’ best family-owned and small-batch wineries, giving festival-goers the chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes on in Australia’s coolest wine region. Budburst kicks off on Saturday, November 16 with an exciting program of local tastings and events. The rest of the weekend features local food, art shows, sculptor walks and live music, happening from across Saturday and Sunday, featuring over 20 Macedon Ranges winemakers across 16 Budburst sites. It'll be a maze of fun, frivolity and lush lubations.   From pizzas and tapas to organic sausages and BBQ beef sliders, there'll be plenty to line your stomach for those rivers of vino (so no need to pack a picnic). More information about what wineries will have to offer over the weekend can be found at the website.  Budburst festival tickets start from $39, including a bougie tasting glass to remember your experience, a festival passport featuring information about the wineries and program, plus endless tasting opportunities at Budburst wineries across the entire weekend.  To grab your ticket for the festival, head to the budburst website now.  Searching for a tipple closer to home? Here are Melbourne's best wine bars. For more fun things to do in November, check out our guide.

Formerly known as the local coffee haunt DOC Espresso, this famous Lygon Street venue from Melbourne's respected DOC Gastronomia crew has recently transformed into a northern Italy-inspired osteria. Now for lunch and dinner only (arrivaderci, brekky panini!), the changes bring a more 'restaurant' feel to the operation, as well as a polished new look and an extensive refresh of the food and drink offerings. Longtime fans of the Italian empire (which also includes DOC Pizza & Mozzarella Bar and DOC St Kilda) will be pleased to know that DOC's signature tiramisu hasn't gone anywhere, though the rest of the menu has been given a contemporary Italian-style glow-up, which took six months to develop. Highlights include fresh pasta, hearty secondi, along with enticing options like focaccia with nduja and a summery panzanella salad. Walking into the newly renovated venue, anticipate northern Italian aesthetics, with cosy banquette seating, elegant arches, and tasteful burgundy and creamy hues adorning the space. An emphasis on footpath dining remains, continuing to contribute to the vibrant street life that the Lygon strip is known for – perfect for a Spritz and a spot of people-watching. Director Michael Costanzo expressed his commitment to the local community, stating, “It’s time to give back to the street that has given us so much.”   Adding to the list of refurbishments, the kitchen’s expansion enables the team more flexibility to innovate, while a focus on seasonal ingredients

Pipi's is a contemporary kiosk and bistro in Albert Park, backed up by some serious hospo pedigree. Chef Jordan Clay has worked in Paris' Le Chateaubriand), and the co-owner and sommelier is wine whiz Tom Hunter.  The venue champions sustainable and locally sourced seafood, done simply and done well. Sit in for a luxe four-course chef's selection menu at $110 a head, or check it out for a casual a la carte experience, where you can twirl your fork around beautifully prepared dishes like the Goolwa pipis pasta with smoked tomato and Pernod. A cured rainbow trout comes with Meyer lemon and horseradish yoghurt, and sumptuous Japanese-style eggplant is prepared with onion cream sauce and fragrant oil. Pipi's is also known to host world-class dining events. Most recently, the bistro hosted a series of chef's dinners, culminating in a visit from award-winning international chef Johnson Wong. Nestled against a picturesque pier, not only is Pipi's a destination for delicious seafood, it's also the perfect spot to take in lovely seaside views. Be sure to pack a camera; the white sandy beach that runs towards St Kilda has sunset photo opp all over it. If you've spent a day on the beach, you can wander over to the kiosk window to grab a quick drink or snack – an idyllic way to spend a Saturday afternoon this summer. Grab a friend, order a glass of something cool and sparkly, and watch the boats in the distance. Ready to hit the beach this summer? Here are some of our favourite coastal 

October 2024 update: The below review was written by Jess Ho in November 2018 and some details may have altered since then. A new Mr Lee's Foods outpost has also just opened in the CBD at 1/535 Little Lonsdale St, open for both lunch and dinner daily. When a 20-seater restaurant in the heart of suburbia that only offers three dishes, with no bookings, no website and no advertising is never with an empty seat, you know it has to be good. Mr Lee’s Foods is well worth the trip to Ringwood if you’re a fan of pork; all dishes are derived from this glorious animal, offering a delicious insight into the economical traditions of Korean dining, utilising an unconscious, innately cultural nose-to-tail philosophy. Needless to say, this is a vegetarian no-go zone. A house-made soondae (Korean blood sausage), steamed pork belly and dwaeji guk bap (pork soup with rice) are the only things on offer at Mr Lee’s. Soondae, for the uninitiated, is nothing like the European versions of dense, sweetly spiced and irony black pudding. Soondae may be a sausage made using the blood of the pig, but that is where the similarities end. The version served at Mr Lee’s is a South Korean variety where glass noodles act as the binding agent (unlike flour, rice or oats in Europe) for the garlic and ginger-spiked blood, steamed in its natural pig intestine casing. The result is a swollen, glossy, mild-flavoured, bouncy sausage that arrives sliced, alongside steamed slivers of liver and fatty intestine ready to

Housed in an ornate building with beautiful leadlights and floor-to-ceiling windows, Cookshop Rotisserie doesn’t look like your average chicken shop, and it isn’t – former Mamasita head chef Andrew Logan is its passionate founder. Nominate if you want leg or breast meat and be rewarded by your choice of La Ionica or Bannockburn free-range chicken that falls off the bone. Cookshop has ample bench seating inside as well as outside if you feel like enjoying your chicken in the sun. But the likelihood is that you'll be tempted by a whole lot more than just chicken. Think whole corn on the cob served with smoked paprika butter, gravy and chips, tasty stuffing and perfectly fluffy roast potatoes, with veggies cooked over the Japanese hibachi grill. There are also salads and rotating soup specials, so you can head in for an all-out feast if you please. Alongside a refreshing range of drinks (think housemade lemonades and iced tea), there's also a solid selection of pre-packed meals and desserts to take home with you – so if you're after more of a takeaway moment than a full sitdown affair, you're spoilt for choice. Oh, and great news: their house fermented pineapple and mixed chilli hot sauce is back, so you'd better get your hands on a bottle for the pantry. It's made from an assortment of chilli peppers from the owner's backyard (stocks are limited). We're jealous of Clifton Hill locals for living so close to a such a gem, but you know what? We'd happily rack up the kilometres to

There's no shortage of exceptional Vietnamese eats in Footscray thanks to its vibrant Vietnamese population. So when it comes down to finding the best bowl of phở, you'll have a hard time settling for just the one spot. With that being said, Pho Hung Vuong Saigon is considered one of the true OG greats amongst those in the know. It attracts hordes of locals looking to get a quick and decent bowl of soup noodles. Waiters dart around with bowls bigger than your face, sloshing around with soup, spring rolls are equipped with crisp layers of lettuce, and fresh tea is always at the ready. What more could you want? As is the case with most casual Vietnamese eateries, the atmosphere is fun, busy and very much focused on the food. There's both an English and a Vietnamese menu (generally a good sign for any pho joint), and a solid line-up of traditional refreshing beverages. Try an avocado smoothie or longan drink. But there's more to be found at Pho Hung Vuong than just pho, of course. This bustling Vietnamese eatery is also dishing up other classics such as broken rice, crispy grilled chicken and vermicelli salads. There can be a line at peak hours, but with service that's generally fast and efficient (and friendly, too!) and fresh Vietnamese flavours in store, who's caring? Just remember not to wear white – these soups are splashy!  Looking for more Vietnamese restaurants? Here's our round-up of Melbourne's best right now. 

October 2024 update: The below review was written by Jess Ho in 2017. We have edited pricing refernces to reflect the current costs on the restaurant's menu (still very reasonable!) We've since attended on an unofficial visit in February 2024 and can attest – Japanese Teppanyaki Inn is still just as good as it always has been. 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. You’ve probably walked past the inn a hundred times and never clocked the signage. Wedged between the Regent Theatre and a retail store on the Paris end of Collins Street is Melbourne’s first teppanyaki-style restaurant. Established in 1975, Japanese Teppanyaki Inn is still going strong even after Facebook, Zomato, Yelp, Instagram, Snapchat FOMO have shifted the limelight. But who exactly is going to Japanese Teppanyaki Inn? The answer is everyone. After finding the entrance, you are greeted at the front desk by a kimono-clad host and led into a lounged waiting area for refreshments while your other guests arrive. Here, you’ll see young couples on first dates, families, corporate-dressers and groups of bros ready to chow down. It’s a dark, soft room – they’re bucking against the bright lights, neon signs, banging tunes and party vibes of today’s restaurants and they’re proud of it. It feels like a restaurant stuck in time, and thankfully, so are their prices.  House cocktails will set you

Cozzie livs hitting you hard? We totally get it – it's becoming increasingly harder to find a cheap meal in Melbourne, especially if you don't know where to look. Lucky for you, we've done the hard work to bring you loads of amazing spots that are serving up tasty dishes spanning a range of cuisines.  From old-school institutions to exciting newcomers, if you're after a frugal feed check out these Time Out Melbourne Recommended Cheap Eats for 2024. (Time Out Recommends 2024 is presented in partnership with Tyro.) A1 Bakery Andrew’s Hamburgers Banh Mi Stand Ca Com Banh Mi Bar Café Sunshine and Salamatea Candied Bakery Cookshop Rotisserie Dodee Paidang El Columpio Good Times Göz City Half Moon Café Hank’s Café and Bagelry Hanna’s Kebab Hot Star Large Fried Chicken I Love Pho Khao Man Gai Malaymas Mr Lee’s Foods Northern Soul Pho Hung Vuong Saigon Pizza Pizza Pizza Ras Dashen Soi 38 Vola Foods Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDS: The 50 best things to do in Melbourne for 2024 The 49 best restaurants and bars in Melbourne for 2024 The 15 best regional venues in Victoria for 2024

Forget what anyone (*cough* Sydneysiders *cough*) try to tell you: Melbourne really is the culinary capital of Australia. The city is home to a growing smorgasbord of excellent drinking and dining options, with spots that are innovative, creative, exciting and downright delicious. And while it's hard to narrow it down, here are a solid mix of the restaurants and bars that tick all our boxes right now. So if you're looking for a tasty recommendation, check out these Time Out Melbourne Recommended Restaurants and Bars for 2024. (Time Out Recommends 2024 is presented in partnership with Tyro.) 48h Pizza e Gnocchi Above Board Al Dente Enoteca Anchovy Babaji’s Kerala Kitche Bansho Bar Josephine Bianchetto Black Kite Commune Black Pearl Brico Caretaker’s Cottage Clover Cumulus Inc Eat Pierogi Make Love Enoteca Boccaccio Etta Farmer's Daughters Flower Drum France-Soir Gerald’s Bar Greasy Zoe’s Hotel Esplanade Japanese Teppanyaki Inn Johnny’s Green Room Johnny, Vince and Sam’s Lagoon Dining Leonard’s House of Love Lulie Tavern Madame Brussels Minamishima Molly Rose Brewery Moroccan Soup Bar Movida Navi Neighbourhood Wine Olivine One or Two Panda Hot Pot Pipi’s Kiosk Ponyfish Island Public Wine Shop Purple Pit Serai The Abyssinian Toddy Shop Waygood Yakikami Young Hearts Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDS: The 50 best things to do in Melbourne for 2024 The 25 best cheap eats in Melbourne f

Cricket is like a religion in India, the beloved sport uniting folks from every region, class and creed across the nation. Following independence, the Indian community reclaimed their Bengali cricket clubs and members bars – and now Melbourne's about to have one of its very own. Award-winning chef Mischa Tropp (Toddy Shop) is partnering up with Southbank's Crown complex to open Kolkata Cricket Club on December 7. His biggest project to date, the 150-seater restaurant will see pan-Indian and Bengali-influenced fare at the forefront, including Tropp's irresistibly good butter chicken (IYKYK), meats hot out of the tandoor oven, naan, seafood and a long list of beer-friendly snacks – perfect for long boozy afternoons. Photograph: Chege Mbuthi There'll be two distinct dining spaces to choose from: the Sporting Bar and the KCC Dining Room. At the bar, you can complement your ice-cold pints with beer-battered fries and curry sauce, kulcha breads stuffed with saffron-braised duck and beautifully prepared thali plates. The restaurant is a little fancier – think of it as your destination for a full sit-down meal. Our eye's on the epic Feed Me set menu, which will showcase the best of dishes from the tandoor and fire pit, plus sides galore. Crown hasn't been the most fashionable dining spot in recent times, but with exciting new venues like Kolkata Cricket Club (and soon the Henley and Marmont – more news on those to come), it's starting to feel like a bold new era for the riverside c

Victoria is a vast and diverse state, with a bounty of regions all offering rich hospitality experiences. From coastal spots like the Great Ocean Road and the Mornington Peninsula to road trip hotspots like Daylesford, Gippsland and Nagambie, we spent a lot of time exploring our backyard this year – and these are our favourite pubs, restaurants, cafés, distilleries and fine diners that we found along the way. So if you're keen to get outside the city limits for a fantastic feed, check out these Time Out Melbourne Recommended Regional Venues for 2024. (Time Out Recommends 2024 is presented in partnership with Tyro.) Audrey’s Black Cat Truffles Brae Elsewhere at SAM The Farmers Arms Daylesford Lake House Messmates Dining Moonah No. 7 Healesville Rare Hare Tahbilk Winery Tedesca Osteria The Pig and Whistle Tavern The Whiskery Totti’s Lorne Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDS: The 50 best things to do in Melbourne for 2024 The 49 best restaurants and bars in Melbourne for 2024 The 15 best arts and culture venues in Melbourne for 2024

Hot on the heels of Chris Lucas' Japanese project Tombo Den comes yet another venue from the prolific restaurant group. But this isn't just another flashy spot. Rather, it's the lifelong dream of the famous Melbourne restaurateur, and something he's been working on for close to a decade: a four-level French dining destination in the heart of the CBD called Maison Bâtard. Situated at a dreamily transformed heritage site on 23 Bourke Street, the ambitious maze of a venue will feature a two-floor restaurant, a late-night supper club in the basement and a chic rooftop terrace – perfect for taking in those city views under the stars.  “Our historic buildings are critical to the identity of Melbourne,” says Lucas on the restoration. “The opportunity to bring new life to this significant and beautiful building for future generations has been an act of remembrance, marrying the history with what is to come.” And the food and drink? Well, Lucas has long been a pro at assembling a winning hospo team, and Maison Bâtard is no exception. The impressive line-up of culinary talent poised to hit the ground running includes executive chef Adam Sanderson (formerly of Ten Minutes by Tractor and the recently closed La Luna Bistro, with experience at some of the world's most critically acclaimed restaurants including Noma and Heston Blumenthal's Fat Duck), Lucas Restaurants' head of culinary Damien Snell and Michaela Kang, the pastry wizard behind that tiramisu at Grill Americano. Visitors

Adding to his stable of top restaurants around Melbourne, hotshot restaurateur Chris Lucas (Society, Kisume) has announced yet another new project to get excited about. Positioned on the Windsor end of Chapel Street, it's an izakaya-inspired, two-storey venue called Tombo Den – a snapshot of Japan's vibrant urban nightlife in the heart of Melbourne's hottest after-hours district. Not to be confused with this lovely furniture shop in Fitzroy North, which also features the Japanese word 'Tombo' (translating to 'dragonfly' in English) in its name, Tombo Den neighbours Lucas’ popular pan-Asian eating house Hawker Hall and channels the raucous grit of Tokyo's alleyway eateries with a sophisticated, Lucas-style Melbourne twist. Expect a stunning sushi counter, a sake-centric beverage program, intimate dining and karaoke rooms and even a unique 'design your own cocktail' experience.  The food offering is led by chef Dan Chan, a culinary gun whose impressive resume includes stints at Michelin-starred Yardbird in Hong Kong and Melbourne’s own Supernormal. Chan's menu lasers in on casual, street food-style eats from Tokyo, plus a range of mouthwatering small plates, fresh seafood, and charcoal-barbecued meat and vegetable dishes. Photograph: Supplied / Tombo Den At the sushi counter, you’ll find a rotating selection of nigiri, handrolls and other creations, carefully prepared by sushi masters Toaki Kyo and Carlos Lopez. The drinks list, a thoughtful selection of sakes, wines and cock

What a smashing round-up! The World's 50 Best Bars list for 2024 has been announced, with three Aussie bars joining the ranks. In exciting news for Melbourne, Caretaker's Cottage in the CBD came in at 21st place and has officially been crowned the Best Bar in Australasia for the year, too. The pint-sized champion also won the Mitcher's Art of Hospitality award. Geez, is there anything Caretaker's Cottage can't do?  Award-winning cocktail bar Byrdi wasn't far behind at 35th place, with Sydney's glam Maybe Sammy striding ahead at 26th place. Congrats to all three Australian bars for shining on the world stage.  The World's 50 Best Bar Awards, which were announced overnight at a ceremony in Madrid on Tuesday, October 22, are regarded as one of the most influential bar awards in the world, celebrating the best and most talented bartenders and drink enthusiasts on an international scale. The winners are voted on by an esteemed global academy made up of drink experts, bartenders and other top dogs.  Photograph: Supplied / Caretaker's Cottage Of Caretaker Cottage's win, the World’s 50 Best Bars gave due credit to the owners: "Rob Libecans, Ryan Noreiks and Matt Stirling – all of whom have worked across some of best bars in the world – are a rare thing in that they all actually work in the bar. They don’t shout the pedigree of Caretaker’s Cottage to the world, preferring to call it a simple, local pub, and in vibe and design it’s very much a neighbourhood joint.The drinks menu chan

There are two kinds of people in this world: those who like to flirt with horror up close and those who'd rather get their fix of the frights from the screen only.  If you're one of those maniacal types who belongs to the former category (seriously, what's wrong with you?), then there's an event you'll want to pop into your calendar asap. Well, if you dare. From October 25 to 26, the Shady Lady in Fitzroy will be unveiling the 'Possessed Wine Bar', a unique wine tasting experience from Aussie wine brand 19 Crimes that features actual possessed items. The spine-tingling adventure that awaits is so unsettling that participants will need to sign a waiver to enter. Along with tarot card readers, ouija boards at each table, themed DJs and creepy decor, the curated, museum-like experience will feature the apparently possessed items displayed in Perspex boxes with accompanying plaques detailing their history (shudder). Photograph: Supplied / 19 Crimes Whether you're keen to check it out for the spooks and entertainment or you'd simply like to sample 19 Crimes' limited edition range of wines (plus cocktails) at this bizarre pop-up, one thing's for sure. This writer ain't going anywhere near that stuff! On the other hand, 19 Crimes' spokesperson Nick Powell invites guests to embrace their darker curiosities. “Halloween used to be about trick-or-treating, however, now more than ever, adults are embracing the nostalgia and horror themes with their friends instead. 19 Crimes has long b

The heat was on last week in Melbourne! Ten of Australia and New Zealand’s most promising young chefs under 30 put their skills to the test in an intense cook-off in Southbank as part of the S Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition. For those in the industry, this global contest is a pretty big deal! Some of Australia's hottest culinary talents comprised the judging panel, including Brigitte Hafner, Josh Niland, Rosheen Kaul, Brent Savage and Shane Delia, who were there on the day to assess the competitors' techniques and taste-test their final works.  KyongHo (Daniel) Choi was ultimately crowned as the Pacific Finalist. Congrats to Daniel! With a dish that pays homage to his Korean-Irish roots, "Bacon and Cabbage or Pork and Kimchi”, the young talent wowed the industry with his creativity and ambition. Currently honing his skills at Omnia in South Yarra under chef Stephen Nairn, Daniel has now earned a coveted spot in the competition’s Grand Finale, which will be held in Milan in 2025. He’ll receive guidance from mentor Josh Niland, the celebrated chef and owner of Sydney’s Saint Peter.   “It has been an absolute honour to cook for such an esteemed panel of judges today. This has been my first competition and so to qualify for the regional finals and compete with a group of such talented chefs has been an incredible experience in itself,” Daniel commented. Photograph: Tommy Debenham   Daniel was officially awarded at a star-studded gala dinner at the Lume on October 9,

The World’s 50 Best Bars Longlist (51-100) was revealed last week, with two Aussie watering holes making the cut. Big ups to Sydney, its tiny Margarita haven Cantina OK! earning the rank of 96th best bar in the world for 2024. Melbourne wasn't too far behind, with the tiny cocktail den Above Board just squeezing in at number 100. Hey, we'll take it! Published annually since 2009, The World’s 50 Best Bars ranks the best boozers on Earth, as voted on by an academy made up of more than 700 drink experts, including renowned bartenders, award-winning drinks writers and cocktail specialists. This year’s longlist spans 35 cities, with the World’s 50 Best Bars being announced at an awards ceremony in Madrid on October 22. The standing-room-only laneway spot Cantina OK! was ranked 41st best bar in 2022, and Above Board came in at 44th in 2021. So, while this year's rankings aren’t quite as high, it’s still an epic achievement to be named. Photograph: Carmen Zammit The World’s 50 Best Bars 51-100 list for 2024 features 12 new bars from cities like Copenhagen, Dubai, Hiriketiya, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, London, Madrid, Singapore and Toronto. The USA leads the charge with seven bars making the list. There are 13 bars from Asia, three of which are in Singapore, and Sri Lanka made its debut with Smoke & Bitters from Hiriketiya, coming in at 86th place. Athens snagged the top spot on the longlist, with The Bar in Front of the Bar being awarded 51st place. Emma Sleight, head of content fo

Though our heads are still spinning from the whirlwind opening of Footscray's Moon Dog Wild West, there's already another Moon Dog venture on the cards. This one, mysteriously named 'Doglands', will land at Marvel Stadium. Is there a more action-packed place to sprinkle a bit of Moon Dog magic into the mix? We think not – it's genius.  Better yet, the beer-loving crew have just announced that their brand new tropical island-themed beer haven will be swinging open its doors this October. That's only within a matter of weeks! Moon Dog CEO and co-founder Joshua Uljans said: “We’ve all been down to a pub on Swan Street before or after a game at the ‘G but never really had that same experience around Marvel, so we’re really excited to be opening somewhere for mates to meet for a schooner and a feed!" Photograph: Supplied / Moon Dog "We wanted to create the same game-day atmosphere at Marvel Stadium," adds Joshua, "with a Moon Dog style twist, and Doglands does just that.” It promises to be even bigger than anything under the Moon Dog banner to date, a giant 2,021-square-metre oasis with room for up to 1,200 patrons. A palm tree boardwalk will wrap around the space, which contains multiple sections. There's a massive events and functions area, and a 70-person terrace restaurant called 'the Jungle Room' that opens onto the Marvel concourse. Up on the mezzanine level, you can take in the grandeur and scale of the venue.  For more details, watch this space or head to the Moon Dog w

Feeling generous? Or not so much? Tyro Payments (the crew behind payment systems for small businesses) has done a deep-dive into changing consumer habits over the past 12 months, and they've found that more than a third of Aussies (41 per cent) are less likely to buy a drink for their mate compared to a year ago. In fact, they're more likely to use the QR code just to avoid having the dang convo in the first place.  Although it's kinda relieving to hear we're not the only ones who don't really want to have to cover the next round of 11 pints at our fave pub, it paints a pretty dire picture of how Aussies are feeling about their finances in 2024.  But it wasn't all doom and gloom in Tyro's Eat, Pay, Love Hospitality Report report – the data revealed that while Aussies may be more conscious of where their money is going these days, they're still just as keen as ever to enjoy dining and drinking out. One in three survey respondents expressed a willingness to pay more for meals in the face of restaurants' rising bottom line, even though more than half (54 per cent) reported consciously selecting cheaper dishes when eating out. The data found that pizza is the number one food Aussies are still happy to fork out for.  It seems the relationship we have with our fave spots is just like that ongoing situationship: Fun, stressful and... well, sometimes complicated. We don't want to say goodbye and we're willing to spend in certain instances, but we're also trying to spend less whe