Lauren Dinse

A traditional bánh mì has bread with crunch, but not so much that it scrapes the roof of your mouth. It’s fluffy and light, but not so flaky it completely disintegrates into your lap. It’s the perfect vessel for liberal amounts of pâté, a Vietnamese condiment called egg mayo butter, fresh cucumber, pickled carrot (and daikon if you’re lucky), generous sprigs of coriander and chilli, plus the protein of your choice. On the sauce front, some shops will opt for a dash of Maggi seasoning and soy, others go the hoisin route or even a combination of more than one. Word of warning: you may encounter a holier-than-thou type on your bánh mì travels who insists your choice of sanga is "not the authentic way". But the truth is that 'bánh mì' literally translates to the short baguette itself. You can enjoy this freshly baked delight stuffed with any filling you like – crispy pork belly, nem nuong (grilled pork sausage), chicken, mixed ham, tofu, beef or just plain salad! We love the braised pork and duck confit options at Banh Mi Stand, but we're equally partial to the no-nonsense cold cuts at Phuoc Thanh. There are plenty of regional variances all across Vietnam, and some Vietnamese even like to enjoy theirs filled with ice cream. So how did we come up with this list? Well, we ate a lot of bánh mì. We kept a rolling document that helped us to compare each one. We considered the balance of condiments, the quality of the bread and the freshness of the meat and salad. And we washed it all

Gone are the days when all you could find by way of Thai food in Melbourne was pad thai, beef massaman or chicken satay. You can still find these things, yes, but the selections have expanded further to encompass all sorts of regional variations of Thai food – so much so, everyone has opinions on where their favourite iteration of boat noodles, Thai barbecue and oyster omelette is made. Strap in, ready your tastebuds for an explosion of tantalising flavours, and work your way through our round-up of the best Thai restaurants in Melbourne. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Looking to explore other cuisines? Check out the best Greek restaurants and best Italian restaurants that Melbourne has to offer. 

Melbourne's charcoal chicken scene runs from old-school suburban chook shops to Lebanese, Greek and Thai interpretations of the humble roast bird. The formula is simple: chicken cooked over charcoal until the skin is smoky and crisp while the meat stays juicy. But it’s not all about the chicken – nobody goes to the chicken shop without ordering a few sides, whether it’s chips, salads or a potato cake. And we're here to judge it all.  We've rounded up our top picks right now below. Prefer your chicken with cheese and passata? These are Melbourne's best chicken parmas. Like your meals cheap? Here are our favourite meals on a budget.

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 feast with a great selection of limitless bevs.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. 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.

Sure, you could hit up a bar on the main strip like an uninformed tourist would. But it's always more of a thrill to uncover one of Melbourne's secret booze lairs instead. Unearth sexy bars down cramped laneways, behind fridge doors, in basements and through antique wardrobes. Consider this list a scavenger hunt of Melbourne's most interesting hidden bars, and remember where they are for next time.  For more bars to hide away in, check out the best rooftop bars. Or if vino is your go-to tipple, check out the best wine bars in Melbourne. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox.

When the sun comes out to play, Melbourne's glorious rooftop bars draw in flocks of thirsty revellers with their crisp, cool bevvies and sweeping city views. Maybe it's the higher altitude, but drinking is just more fun from above. So start climbing those stairs – or keep your fingers crossed for a lift – and check out Melbourne's best rooftop bars now.  Editor's favourite rooftop bars in Melbourne: 🥂 Best for a special occasion: Lui Bar 👠 Best for a hot date night: Her Rooftop 🍴 Best for snacks: Inuman and Fleet 🌇 Best for sunset views: Slowpoke 👯 Best for a friends' catch-up: Mirror Mirror Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Still thirsty? We've rounded up the best wine bars in Melbourne.

A cuisine that lends itself to long, leisurely meals shared with others, Italian usually doesn't stop at just one course. So, do as the Romans do: start with an aperitivo – and an antipasto spread – before a primo course (cue the pasta), secondo (a meat dish), contorno (a side, or three) and of course, something dolce (sweet). The Time Out team has spent years scouring the city for Melbourne's best Italian food, from hot-out-the-oven newcomers to traditional institutions that consistently deliver. So if you're craving a feast that'll knock your socks off, look no further – we've rounded up Melbourne's best Italian restaurants for you to try in 2026. Buon appetito! Editor's favourite Italian restaurants in Melbourne: 🥂 Best for a special occasion: Di Stasio Citta 👠 Best for a hot date night: Studio Amaro 🍴 Best for a long Sunday lunch: Lagotto 🍝 Best for regional Italian cuisine: Trattoria Emilia 👯 Best for a friends' catch-up: Times New Roman Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. If you're after more Italian cuisine, check out our guides to Melbourne's best pizza and gelato.

What are the best restaurants in Australia? With one of the world's most diverse and exciting dining scenes, narrowing down the absolute greatest places to eat across the country is no easy task – but don't worry, we've done the hard work (and plenty of eating) for you. Our expert editors, including resident foodie Melissa Woodley, have curated this list of the best places to eat in Australia, spanning fine-dining institutions to hidden neighbourhood gems. So, what’s the secret recipe to an exceptional dining experience? When compiling Time Out’s guide to the best restaurants in Australia, we considered a mix of ingredients: talented chefs, stylish decor, lively ambience, top-notch drinks and, of course, unforgettable food. Luckily, the local culinary scene is sizzling with world-class venues that check all these boxes, plus so much more. Here are the best restaurants in Australia right now. Editor's favourite restaurants in Australia: ⭐️ Best bucket-list: Saint Peter, NSW 💎 Best hidden gem: Scholé, TAS 🥂 Best new opening: Omada Bar & Grill, SA 🌊 Best views: Rick Shores, QLD 🌍 Best experience: The Agrarian Kitchen, TAS Jump to list: NSW | VIC | QLD | WA | SA | TAS | ACT | NT For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍹 The best bars in Australia⭐️ The best hotels in Australia

Choosing the right hotel in Melbourne can be an almighty task. With so many incredible stays to choose between – from super modern sky-high towers to charming historic gems – it can be an overwhelming challenge to decide which one is right for you.Every traveller has their preference, but to make the job of deciding a little easier, our team of local experts have hotel hopped their way around the city to bring you our guide to the very best hotels in Melbourne. Many of the stays included in the list are favourites of Time Out Melbourne Managing Editor Leah Glynn, with our Travel and News Editor Winnie Stubbs (self-confessed hotel obsessive) chiming in and checking the guide to make sure it’s up to scratch.Whether you’re looking for a playful stay right in the CBD action (W Hotel, we’re looking at you) or somewhere more boutique in Melbourne’s buzzy inner north (Standard X), we’ve got your back. Read on for our guide to the best hotels in Melbourne.   Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED:  These are the best places to go camping near MelbourneAnd these are our favourite glamping sites in VictoriaTime Out makes a small commission from the affiliate links included in this article. These links have no influence on our editorial content, but they do help us to bring you more recommendations every week. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

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 the world'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 neighbourhoods, laneways and hidden alcoves are brimming with cheap street eats, smashable pub deals and affordable dinner options you can enjoy minus the financial guilt. Yes, really – we’ve tried, where possible, to include only venues where you can get a meal for one for under $25 so you can stop counting your hard-earned pennies and start eating instead. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED READ: Got a little bit more to spend? Check out Melbourne's best restaurants.

Spring 2026 update: The best way to celebrate the arrival of spring? With a drink, of course! Luckily, Melbourne has plenty of gorgeous courtyards, sun-drenched bars and outdoor spots for an al fresco bevvie. And if the city's fickle weather plays up, there are plenty of cosy bars to retreat back to as well. We'll see you out there for a Spritz in the sun! Melbourne has some of the greatest 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’ spirit of Lulie Tavern. You can find temples heroing whisky and palaces dedicated to gin, hole-in-the-wall nooks for sipping natural wines or classy spots for suited-and-booted cocktails. How about a prawn club sanga and a bottle of Champers from tiny charmer Apollo Inn? Or crocodile bites and ice-cold Martinis from Black Kite Commune?  We've rounded up the top bars that we're really loving right now – and we're sure you will, too.  Editor's favourite bars in Melbourne: 🥂 Best for a special occasion: Bar Olo 👠 Best for a vibey date night: Boire 🍸 Best for cocktails: Moondrop 🫒 Best for bar snacks: Suze 🍻 Best for a friends' catch-up: Albert's Wine Bar Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED READ: Hungry? We've got you covered  with the best restaurants in Melbourne right now.

Spring 2026 update: Spring has officially sprung, and you know what that means? Sunny long lunches and al fresco dining is back on the menu! It's time to peel off those layers and head out for a snack and a Spritz – some of our fave spots for a springtime meal include Past/Port (bonus points if you grab a drink on the rooftop afterwards), Stokehouse for beach views and up on the terrace at Maison Bâtard. Bliss! We'll see you out in the sunshine.  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 team of editors and food writers have eaten their way through the city to narrow down the city's tastiest spots just for you. From culinary institutions like Flower Drum and France-Soir, to emerging standouts and instant icons such as Serai, Gimlet and Kafeneion, we've got it all covered here. There are fine diners for when you want to get bougie, relaxed spots for rowdy group dinners, and neighbourhood gems that you'll want to keep a secret. So get out, and get eating! You've got a lot to get through!  Editor's favourite restaurants in Melbourne: 🥂 Best for a special occasion: Matsu 👠 Best for a vibey date night: Zareh ☀️ Best for a long Sunday lunch: France-Soir 🍝 Best for a Greek feast: Aegli 🫒 Best for a friends

Time Out Melbourne never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more here. With only its small neon sign and staircase viewable from Bourke Street, Springrock Public Bar – an upstairs boozer run by the crew behind Fancy Hank’s and Good Heavens – is the kind of place if you know, you know.  The team claim their parma will ruin every other parma you’ve ever had. And any day of the week from noon until late, you can reliably expect a cosy, unpretentious vibe, an approachable drinks list, attentive service staff and a no-nonsense food menu that doesn’t play around. If a proper old-fashioned meal doesn’t entice, other lures might: classic cocktails slashed to $15 after 8pm until close, live jazz on Friday and Saturday nights or a very good-looking, retro-style coffee bourbon sundae, just to name a few. The vibe There are arguably three major kinds of pubs in Melbourne: the old heritage haunts with countless stories reverberating under graffiti-scrawled walls; sleek and modern ones that straddle the line between gastropub and restaurant; and then those perpetually open sports bars with cigarette-scented floors, pokie machines and a lone security guard out front.   Springrock isn’t quite any of these, but rather more like an old relative’s country drinking parlour. A mishmash of art on the walls (think vintage Johnson’s sun tan oil ads alo

Ben and Maria Kraus launched Bridge Road Brewers from a Beechworth backyard in 2005 after Ben's winemaking apprenticeship in Italy got derailed by a stint at a microbrewery in Innsbruck. Talk about a happy (or hoppy) accident! More than two decades later, the couple's passion project is still independently owned, still brewing in the High Country, and still filling its shelves with shiny gold trophies. Its flagship Beechworth Pale Ale, for example, has been Victoria's highest-polling beer in the GABS Hottest 100 for eight consecutive years running. The brewery has since opened additional venues in Brunswick East and Melbourne Airport, but the Beechworth HQ – situated in a circa-1850s Victorian Gold Rush-era coach house – remains the heart and soul of where it all began. The historic charm of the venue is reason enough to make the drive: a generous 340-seat taproom with brewery operations in full view, plus a sunny courtyard for long lunches. Watch the brewers at work while you eat, or book a free tour – they run one every day of the week. Though beer is the focus, outstanding woodfired pizzas certainly make a powerful pairing and punch well above what you'd expect from a brewery kitchen. The blue cheese and apple has held its spot on the board for years, but there are plenty others to take your fancy if that sounds too bold. Try the chilli prawn (marinated prawns, goat’s cheese, cherry tomatoes, shredded mozzarella, crispy chilli oil, San Marzano tomato) or the decadent porc

The Mornington Peninsula, Great Ocean Road and Yarra Valley Chocolateries are famous for their month-long festival dedicated to hot chocolate in all its irresistible forms, and this year’s no different. A total of 31 limited-edition flavours will be available to try throughout August, with decadent options loaded with everything from giant marshmallows to golden syrup dumplings. Some of the flavours already revealed include Tipsy Lemon, which features a white chocolate cup filled with Limoncello ganache, piped meringue and a side of fresh biscotti; and Dot Cake, a take on the viral foodie trend complete with a polka dot-covered vanilla and white chocolate disc atop a milk chocolate hot chocolate. Heaven!  “This year’s Hot Chocolate Festival flavours are next level – we’ve been inspired to create adults-only ways to whisk with boozy accompaniments and extra decadent ingredients for melting, as well as whimsical ways to delight the kids with cute additions to dunk and slurp,” said head chocolatier, Allan Grandjean.  Can’t decide on just one hot choccie? Then the tasting sessions have your name on it. At $28 per person, it’s an opportunity to sample eight different flavours. You'll also get the chance to flex your culinary chops by choosing from different ingredients to make three bespoke creations. Throughout the festival, there’ll be a range of exclusive products available for purchase online, including DIY kits to recreate the hot chocolate magic at home. And you can also vo

Prepare to enter the pearly gates of doughnut heaven, sweet Melburnians. Queen Victoria Market's free Donut Festival is making its delicious return on June 13 and 14. Back by popular demand, Melbourne's most dough-licious creators and bakers are returning in 2026, with new faces and plenty more sugary delights that will have all your cravings satisfied. The lip-smacking line-up includes Jamm'd Dessert Bar with their hot Danish dougnuts; chewy mochi bites from Mochimelb; deliciously sweet loukomades from St. Gerry's; nama-style bites from Kare Melbourne; and G-Free Donuts with tasty options for the gluten-free crowd. And for those of you who love to push the boundaries of what a doughnut can be, Pasta Face is delivering the goods with a hot honey chicken parma version; the Puff Puff Stand are offering West African-inspired puff puffs; and Mr Zeppole is serving up Italian zeppole with the choice of jam or anchovy fillings.  This free weekend-long fest is all about indulging in everybody's favourite deep-fried treat, whether you like yours simple and iced or loaded with decadent toppings. There will also be  roving performers, live entertainment, plenty of coffee and fun activations to keep the sugar high going. The Donut Festival is happening from 9am to 4pm, so all you need to do is head to the C and D sheds (Peel Street end) with your mates and a will to indulge.  For more info, head to the Queen Vic Market website. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne

Mark your calendars and grab your warmest winter woolies, Melburnians: Queen Victoria Market's beloved Winter Night Market is back. From June 3 to September 9 you can spend cosy Wednesday evenings enjoying live entertainment, huddling around open fires and feasting on goodies from a selection of global street food stalls, carts, trucks and festival bars. In 2026, expect to see beloved traders from previous years, as well as a number of new and exciting additions across the market's roaring winter season. Highlights include piping hot soup served in a bread roll by the Soup Factory (lobster chowder, anyone?), crispy fried pasta cups at Frasta Fried Pasta, Berlin-style doner kebabs loaded with meat from Oh My Doner and hot jam doughnuts courtesy of everyone's favourite American Doughnut Kitchen.  As always, you can expect plenty of roving performers and pop-up activities. This year also sees the introduction of Keys to Winter, a brand new series of piano performances throughout June. After sipping and snacking, be sure to explore the dozens of stalls selling locally sourced and handmade products including jewellery, art, skincare, books and homewares.  Find out more at the Queen Victoria Winter Night Market website. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Looking for more things to do? Check out our round-up of the best things happening in Melbourne this week.

Time Out Melbourne never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more here. There’s a particular set of questions most Melburnians are only too eager to ask one another – our unfailing conversation starters, if you will. Encompassing the holy trinity of local interests (footy, coffee, food), they are as follows: Which team do you support? Where’s the best coffee? And, of course, what’s your favourite restaurant?  It doesn’t matter whether you’re chatting with an older crowd or one of the younger “I saw this restaurant on TikTok” types, France-Soir invariably comes up as a glowing example of a good Melbourne time. The fancy-ish yet lovably casual French bistro has been buzzing happily on Toorak Road since 1986, and remarkably, it’s still proving a hit among the upcoming dining generation. Is it the romantic bistro aesthetic that transports us to a sexier European place? The affable (if sometimes a bit chaotic) staff? The enormous gold-standard wine list? Or perhaps it’s the food – traditional Gallic classics that consistently stand the test of time in all their buttery-sauced, elegantly plated-up glory. Even when dining there on a focused mission, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly why France-Soir is such an indomitable favourite. But the truth remains that a lunch or dinner here is always fabulous, the hours swim by in a sea of joyous wine

The final year of high school can be a stressful time for students and their parents, thanks to high study loads, ATAR pressure and all sorts of career-related quandaries. But for Melbourne lawyer and parent Jonathan Wenig, there was a distinct challenge unfaced by most: helping his autistic daughter Tali find meaningful employment opportunities in a job market that often overlooks the potential of those who live with a disability.  Feeling disencouraged by the disturbing lack of inclusive workplaces or fairly paid roles on offer, Wenig launched a charity to support his vision. Enter All Things Equal, a commercially viable café that provides award-wage jobs, structured training pathways and a sense of belonging, where all abilities are embraced.   The Balaclava café opened in 2021, and though pandemic lockdowns presented yet another challenge of its own, community support was strong and immediate. Fast-forward to today, and the buzzing, well-loved brunch spot is proof that good hospitality can and should embrace a diverse workforce.  About half of the team are people with a disability, employed in both front- and back-of-house roles and all paid standard hospitality wages. While the premise is unique, the offering stands up to the best of Melbourne’s quality cafés.  Located on Carlisle Street, it draws in daily throngs with its happy yellow exterior, friendly service and an unpretentious menu of excellently executed brunch standards. An inclusive vegetarian and pescetarian me

There's no better time of year for Melbourne's beer lovers than May, when Pint of Origin turns the entire city into a brew-tiful playground for ten days of froffy fun.  Running from May 15-24, the 2026 edition of Pint of Origin promises to showcase the biggest collection of beers at any one festival. First conceived in 2012 by the folks at local craft beer publication the Crafty Pint, the event will take over some of our favourite pubs and bars around the city, and we can't wait to taste the wacky and wonderful creations on offer. Wondering how the event works? It's simple: across the ten days, around 800 beers from more than 200 breweries will hit the taps at 22 Melbourne venues. Each venue's mission is clear: to host a different region of Australia or part of the world.   This year, festivalgoers can use a digital passport to guide their journey, with bonus beers and prizes up for grabs. Upgrade to a VIP experience on a curated crawl with the Crafty Pint team, join a Drinking History Tour to hear stories over a pint, or try the Beer Belts tour, which takes you through the city's western 'burbs. Participating venues will also be running pairing events, themed tap takeovers, degustations, trivia, run clubs, launch parties and opportunities to meet the brewers. Safe to say, there'll be no shortage of beer-soaked events throughout the program to take your fancy. Pint of Origin 2026 Melbourne highlights: The tap dancers from Beermash in Collingwood will be pouring European beer

The annual Good Food and Wine Show – now in its 26th year! – is returning to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from May 29-31 for a globally diverse foodtopia of epic proportions. You’ll get to hear from hundreds of local makers, producers and growers from across the country; see and meet your fave chefs; taste fabulous wines that you can take home; and the best part: eat! This year, there'll be more than 300 exhibitors showcasing the best in local and international cuisine. From red curry and Japanese-inspired lamingtons to candy and condiments, the show is set to be a food lover's heaven and the perfect opportunity to expand your culinary horizons. Over at the main stage, a stellar line-up of celebrity chefs will share their secrets via live demonstrations, including Miguel Maestre, Kirsten Tibballs, Brendan Pang, Nat Thaipun, Vincent Yeow Lim, Jane de Graaff and George Georgievski. The program has also expanded with the addition of two new major experiences. A hands-on Cooking School is coming to the show, featuring wonton workshops and classes on how to create your own chocolate and upgrade mid-week dinners. And there's a new dedicated bakery precinct, Baker’s Alley, which is set to bring together ten of the country’s most exciting independent bakeries (like Rustica and Tarts Anon) who will each create an exclusive baked masterpiece.  Plus, don't miss the chance to sample goodies from the wine pavilions and cheese corner, or treat yourself to a ticket to the

Time Out Melbourne never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more here. It wasn't just the local Footscray community that lucked out when Reveka Hurtado gave her popular catering company Papelón a permanent home in the neighbourhood. South American expats and travellers craving a comforting taste of home are duly gratified here, while curious appetites from all corners of Melbourne are invited to explore Latin America’s gastronomic diversity beyond tacos and tequila – and there’s a generous bounty to try.  From its signature pabellón (a whopping platter of shredded beef, rice, beans and sweet fried plantains) and proper cornmeal arepas and empanadas to homey stews and meat specials inspired by traditional recipes, this no-frills diner belongs in everyone’s pocketbook of westside favourites.  The vibe Papelón hums cheerfully along the periphery of Footscray Market – sometimes a little sleepy on weekdays, yet much livelier in the evenings and on Saturday nights when live singers and musicians take the floor (check the restaurant’s Instagram for upcoming events; all-you-can-eat arepas night, anyone?). If you’re solo dining in the daytime, bring a book to read over a coffee and cake – well, a café con leche and a quesillo (a Venezuelan-style flan), to zero in on the sweet details – since it’s breezy and relaxed inside, tucked away fro

Time Out Melbourne never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more here. Update March 2026: We first reviewed French Fix in September 2024, and have continued to revisit it on multiple occasions since – it remains a delicious, affordable lunch option in the CBD. While there are plenty of sandwich joints with cult followings in Melbourne, French Fix deliver their signature baguettes on the reg with minimal fanfare. A true 'IYKYK' gem (and trust us, the people lining up at lunchtime definitely know), it's always satisfying, the team are lovely, and we simply won't ever get enough of it. – Leah Glynn, Time Out Melbourne Managing Editor *** Our most romantic travel fantasies of Paris are très incomplet without that universally swoon-worthy image: a bicycle rider with a bottle of wine and baguette en route to a picnic somewhere sunny and green. Ah, what a lovely daydream to be that cyclist right now. There’s a good reason a freshly baked loaf always features in that vision. Throughout France, bread isn’t just bread – it’s a daily ritual and a way of life. Exalted the world over, the humble baguette was even granted UNESCO world heritage status in 2022 after being added to the Intangible Cultural Heritage list.  But we can’t just hop on a plane to France every time a craving strikes, and a good baguette isn’t always so easy to find in Me

Time Out Melbourne never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more here. Update March 2026: We first reviewed Brae in October 2024, and revisited the regional restaurant in December 2025 – once again enjoying a truly exceptional, beautifully considered dining experience and further cementing our initial five-star rating. While some menu items may have changed from the review below, others, like the Brae Farm vegetable garden and half-time choc-orange dessert, are staples for good reason. And that's the beauty of Brae: while no two visits are ever the same, the thoughtful spirit, sustainable ethos and culinary curiosity remain woven into the very fabric of its existence. – Leah Glynn, Time Out Melbourne Managing Editor *** Caught up in the demands of fast-paced urban life, many of us wish to embrace the tenets of ‘slow living’ – a lifestyle choice that encourages taking a moment to smell the roses and reconnect with the tranquil beauty of nature. Though one doesn’t necessarily need to put on a nice shirt and make the two-hour drive to Brae to join the resistance cohort, it’s hard to think of a more seductive destination to unplug and reunite with the potency of the present. Here, culinary excellence is coupled with the serenity of the Birregurra countryside in the form of a leisurely degustation lunch from powerhouse chef Dan Hunter

To meet rising demand for more casual and affordable dining experiences, many of Melbourne’s great restaurants have opened more relaxed offshoots. Think Scopri’s Bar Olo, Morena’s Barra or Rumi’s the Rocket Society. Now, in very tasty news for Filipino food lovers and hungry city workers, Ross Magnaye and Shane Stafford (aka the legends behind Serai) have just joined the spin-off party.  Say hello to their striking new bakery and sandwich bar on Hardware Lane, Panaderia Serai.  Photograph: Supplied / by Tristen ‘Panaderia’ means bakery, and the concept puts fluffy pandesal (the sweet-salty Filipino bread roll) at the centre of a big-energy sandwich line-up. There’s a lamb shoulder kaldereta with tomato sauce, olives and red pepper gravy; a bulalo made with braised beef shank, bone marrow butter and a bone broth dip; and a pork belly lechon with smoked pineapple palapa and Mang Tomas spread.  Serai’s Jason Antonio is head chef, while Ayu Prayita leads the pastry action. Antonio shares that the pair drew on humble neighbourhood bakeries in the Philippines as well as Panaderya Toyo in Manila and Panadería Rosetta in Mexico City. “We’re taking something humble like pandesal and giving it the same craft, soul and bold flavour profile people expect from Serai,” says Magnaye. Sides range from coconut hash browns and adobo-salt hand-cut fries to chicken-skin chicharron.  Photograph: Supplied / by Tristen On the drinks side, flavours will be no less thrilling. With characterful

If at first you don’t succeed, get back on the horse. For the hospitality team behind Mornington restaurant Mr Vincenzo’s, that piece of wisdom has proven true almost to the letter. Their first venture on Main Street, auspiciously named Colt Dining, was destroyed by a fire just weeks after opening in 2023. Rather than walk away, owners Paul Goddard and Lisa Prince, alongside head chef Michael Kharsas (ex-Port Phillip Estate), found strength in an outpouring of local community support. A colt may have been forcibly retired, but an Italian stallion rose from its ashes eight months later and raced into a new site on the Esplanade: Mr Vincenzo’s.  Now, after two years of running the venue within just a third of the available space, the trio is finally leveraging the rest of the building – just in time for the warmer months ahead. Photograph: Jamie AlexanderEccentric artwork on the wall at Mr Vincenzo's. Co-owner Paul Goddard acknowledges the time was ripe to expand. “This renovation is the realisation of our original dream for the site, where we can be more things to more people,” he says. “Guests can now enjoy Mr Vincenzo’s in a range of ways, whether that’s a mid-week drink, dinner or a special function.” The restaurant has increased its seating from 45 to 100, with a newly redesigned wine bar area and a sleek private dining sanctuary now available for patrons. Plus, a fresh outdoor terrace that’s sure to be an idyllic summertime spot for dusk-lit drinks by the bay. Upgrades

Back in the day, you'd be barking mad to bring along your slobbering (and yet somehow still gorgeous) golden retriever to Sunday lunch. In this modern dining era, however, it's commonplace to spot a few four-legged friends in a beer garden or lounging on a wine bar's patio. Heck, you might even see a waiter doling out liver treats from their apron. New research from OpenTable shows that dining at pet-friendly restaurants across Australia has spiked by 20 per cent over the past year alone. Not only do we accept the presence of furry folk chilling under our table – we actually plan around it. Half of the 505 Aussie dog owners surveyed in OpenTable's project share that pet-friendly food or drink options matter when choosing where to eat, while 37 per cent admit that they've skipped a booking altogether if it meant having to leave their pooch at home. Yep, we get it. Trying to resist puppy dog eyes is no joke. “Aussies consider their dogs to be part of their family, and our data shows they increasingly expect the hospitality industry to accommodate that,” said Jackson Pola, district manager at OpenTable in Australia. And in honour of International Dog Day on August 26, OpenTable has released its 2026 Top Restaurants for Pet-Friendly Dining report – a list that covers some of the most loved doggo-welcoming dining spots across Australia.  Photograph: Michael PhamMorning Star Hotel. Melbourne favourites include the Royal Oak Hotel in Fitzroy North, Sister of Soul and Lion and Womb

Quietly landing in the CBD near the tail end of last year, Death and Co is the dark and moody bar Melbourne has been waiting for. The New York-born group – famous for its innovative cocktails and contributions to modern bar culture – first established its roots in Manhattan in 2006 before opening additional venues in LA, Washington DC and Denver. And this slick two-level venue at 87 Flinders Lane is the team's very first venture outside the United States. Photrograph: Zennieshia Butts The extensive cocktail menu caters to almost every kind of drinker. For something fresh and playful, opt for the Raven Master (vodka, cachaça, pear, lime, soda). Those with a taste for a bevvie that's elegant and boozy, try the Noble One (white port, apera, apricot, honey, orange bitters). Guests are also encouraged to engage with the team through Dealer’s Choice, a system where bartenders recommend the best-suited drink based on individual preference – plus food pairings to match. And the food is a drawcard in its own right.  Kingfish comes dressed with olive brine and gin botanicals to mirror the punch of a classic Martini; flatbread is slathered in Vegemite butter and fennel pollen; and a dry-aged beef cheeseburger cranks up the umami factor (and cals, for those who like their snacks on the heartier side).  Photograph: Zennieshia Butts Death and Co is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 4pm to 1am with seated table service across both levels, bookings available online and walk-ins welcom

When it comes to modern-day Melbourne hospitality legends, it's hard to think of a name more impressive than Andrew McConnell. The prominent chef and restaurateur, along with his partner Jo McGann and their tight-knit Trader House group, have spearheaded some of the city's best-loved restaurants and bars over the years – Gimlet, Apollo Inn, Supernormal, Builders Arms Hotel, Marion, Cumulus Inc, Cutler and several more successful projects. And the powerhouse team aren't planning to slow down anytime soon, with a brand-new restaurant to add to their portfolio: Côte Basque. Opening on Friday, August 7 in the former Becco site in Melbourne’s CBD, the European-style grill will take inspiration from the fresh ingredient-driven, flame-grilled cuisine and vibrant energy of the Basque Coast.    Photograph: Sharyn CairnsCôte Basque “Since my first trip to the Basque in the '90s I have been inspired by the region,” says McConnell. “We wanted to do an authentic wood grill and wood-oven restaurant, dedicating a menu to the beauty of that tradition of cooking. We’re trying to keep it as simple as possible – the best produce we can get our hands on, treat it with care, grill it perfectly, put it on the plate.” The two-part menu will feature a daily grill list of fresh seafood, prime cuts of of David Blackmore’s Rohne hybrid of Wagyu and Galician rubia gallega, desserts such as a chocolate soufflé and what's set to be an instant Côte Basque classic: the calamari à la brute (aka calamari se

Since its creation in 1856, one of Malvern's oldest pubs has been through several interesting iterations. It began as the Gardiner Hotel, a key stopover for Gippsland-bound travellers and home to Victoria's first bowling green in 1862. In the late 20th century, it was Nicabela's, a raucous nightclub popular with Melbourne's in-crowd. And more recently, it was the Angel Tavern, which has sat unoccupied for the last few years.  But now, the historic landmark on the corner of Glenferrie and Dandenong Roads is set to enter its next era. A major restoration has metamorphosed the dormant building into a stylish three-level drinking and dining destination, newly christened the Angel of Malvern. Photograph: Kelsey Zafiridis The project has been spearheaded by luxury developer Kokoda Property's new hospitality offshoot, Refinery Group – a natural next step after Kokoda purchased the property in 2017 as part of its $450-million Malvern Collective development. So what can visitors, both new and returning, expect? Refinery Group's founder and managing director Mark Stevens hopes it will feel like a true locals' local.  “The Angel has always been part of the fabric of Malvern,” said Stevens. “This next chapter is about restoring that role, creating a place people return to regularly, not just for occasions, but as part of everyday life, bringing a fresh take and new life to neighbourhood hospitality.”  Photograph: Kelsey Zafiridis Courtesy of beautifully designed interiors from Studio

At first glance, Fairfield’s Grandview Hotel appears like many of the Victorian-era boozers dotted around Melbourne's neighbourhoods – quietly grand and charming, if a little faded from its centuries-long endurance. Head inside to the front bar, and you'll find all the cosy Aussie pub familiarities: piping hot parmas, frosty cold pints and footy on the big screen.  But tread a little further within the architectural bones of this 1800s relic and you'll discover something modern and more multiculturally inspired: Lebanese bistro, Sama. This exciting venue-within-a-venue is from the El-Fahkri family, who've owned the Grandview since 2000 and have teamed up with hospo heavyweight Eddy Hasbany to bring this new offering to fruition. Having spent more than a decade running the floor at Melbourne institution Rumi, Hasbany is certainly the man for the job. Leading the kitchen is another former Rumi alum, chef David Gonnella, who's earned bonus stripes at Richmond wine bar Lilac and the former cult fave pizzeria Supermaxi.   At Sama, the charcoal grill is at the heart of the kitchen with Gonnella's menu spotlighting the smoke-driven flavours characteristic of luscious Levantine cuisine. A dinner here could look like creamy hummus loaded with spiced lamb and pine nuts and Aleppo chilli; smoky baba ghanoush with bread and zingy pickles; lamb kafta shish dripping in pomegranate jus; and a harissa-marinated charcoal chicken that's likely destined to become the bistro's cult-fave showstop

After 13 years of growing a loyal fanbase from their Richmond and South Melbourne stores, beloved local bakery Cobb Lane has taken its brand to the next level with a shiny third store in the CBD. With the help of local architecture firm State of Play, husband-and-wife owners Matt Forbes and Amy Newman have transformed a compact space on Bennetts Lane – formerly home to a working bakery in the 1860s – into a sleek modern sourdough haven with its own gourmet lunch menu.  “We’re pushing forward with what we’re already doing and making sure it’s really delicious,” says Forbes. “It’s just a bit more refined and mature.” Photograph: Allegra Paolo Since the new city location's doors first swung open in late March, the buzz around the delicious offerings is only getting louder – perhaps courtesy of a very good-looking fried egg and chilli jam Danish on the menu (hello, elite on-the-run breakfast) or a rotating line-up of grid-worthy sweet treats that taste as good as they look. But the real competitive edge here is the fact that all of the store's 36-hour fermented breads and pastries are baked in-house for that unbeatable freshness factor. It’s one of the few places in the Hoddle grid where shoppers can pick up a loaf straight from the oven. Photograph: Allegra Paolo The raw bread and pastry recipes are prepared at Cobb Lane’s Yarraville headquarters before being transported to the CBD store. Here, a fun, interactive glass-fronted kitchen allows visitors to watch all the shapi

In recent years, Coburg's Pentridge Prison precinct has morphed from a boarded-up construction cocoon into a vibrant – if somewhat notoriously storied – butterfly. The former maximum-security prison (once famous for housing the likes of Ned Kelly and Chopper Read) reopened to the public in 2020 after extensive redevelopment works, and has since gained a water fountain-dotted piazza, boutique hotel, shopping centre, cinema, restaurants, beer garden and wine bar.  And now, there's yet another reason to visit: a contemporary Japanese-inspired restaurant playfully named Koi Toy.  Open late for cocktails and share-style dishes, the casual 90-seater is perfectly primed for pre-movie drinks, celebratory dinners and catch-ups in between. Bright neon signs punctuate the space, while spherical paper lantern-inspired lighting and timber furnishings exude an inviting warmth; choices consciously made by award-winning interior design firm Studio Y as a nod to the modern Japanese inspo. Photograph: Tim Sonmez Executive Chef Alex Meimetis (Chin Chin Geelong, Claypots Evening Star) isn't afraid to have a bit of fun with the menu, which reinterprets Japanese flavours through a globally diverse lens. Think angel hair pastry-wrapped wasabi prawns served with the punchy smokiness of chorizo, a Japanese-style croquette (korokke) that incorporates ginger, chives, sheep's cheese and spicy sujuk, or karashi-seared scallops that arrive in an emulsion pairing mirin with saffron. “At Koi Toy, our aim

Love to eat out but watching your wallet? Then it'll be welcome news that a nifty new haunt in Melbourne is serving up fabulous French-inspired dishes at just $14 a pop – yes, really. Say bonjour to Frenchie, a red velvet-draped bistro and bar in the CBD channelling the lively spirit of famous Parisian neighbourhoods like Saint-Germain and Pigalle.  So if late-night supper club vibes are your thing, then you'll want a seat at this freshly polished table. Photograph: Griffin Simm Guests enter the space through a fun mirrored staircase – and though caviar bumps may make the rounds and classic French techniques reign supreme in the kitchen, you can leave any stiffness or formality at the door. Here is a spot for letting your hair down, with late-night service every night of the week (except Sunday). Frenchie also swears like a sailor, too, dropping both the F-bomb on its website in phrases like “c'est la f*cking vie” and“f*ck le chic”. Oh, and the restaurant's mascot is a cute illustration of a French bulldog. Photograph: Griffin Simm Perhaps now more than ever, there's something rather enticing about an unfussy Euro-style restaurant with a flat fixed-price menu. Perennially busy joints that follow this brief (such as Republic Economica, Good Times and the latter's little sibling Times New Roman) prove it's a game-changer for drawing in a crowd – particularly when $9 bowls of surprisingly delicious spaghetti are concerned.  Except at Frenchie, think old-school Gallic bistro

Just in case Carlton locals didn't already have too much pizza, ice cream and vino on their doorstep (and let's be real, is there even such a thing as too much?), a fun new spot is set to open right next to Pidapipo – and it's purr-fectly primed to be a popular purveyor of all the above. Get ready for Garfield, folks. A triple-threat pizzeria, licensed bar and soft serve haven, this Italian eatery comes with a cute Carlton-based backstory: while the building was being renovated, a local orange cat would prowl around in search of leftover pizza from Johnny's Green Room – hence the name, Garfield. It's the first launch out of a family of venues planned for the soon-to-reopen King and Godfree building from owner Jamie Valmorbida. Garfield credits its inspiration to modern pizzeria culture across the globe, from Naples and Rome to Tokyo. The menu has been developed in collaboration between culinary director Karen Martini and newly appointed executive chef Mark Glenn, and swings deliciously from the classic to the creative. Traditional ingredient-led pies will please the purists among us, though the pizzeria certainly won't shy away from more inventive ideas and specials to keep the Lygon Street throngs excited.  A classic Margherita is non-neogitable, of course, but we're also hanging out for Garfield's take on the Aussie pizza, which will feature guanciale, egg, Volos olives and thinly sliced potato. And we can also vouch for the titular 'za, which is inspired by the flavours of

Summer in Melbourne is for jumping off the St Kilda Pier, taking weekenders down the coast (are you team Great Ocean Road or team Peninsula?), wining and dining al fresco in pretty courtyards, and last but not least: engaging in the sweet pursuit of the best ice cream and gelato around town. While we've plenty of longtime favourites, it's always a delight when an exciting new artisan enters the stage. This year, it's Mondo Gelateria – a marvellous peach-hued gelateria housed within a 150-year-old heritage building in the CBD. As her namesake suggests ('mondo' means 'world' in Italian), she's coming in strong with 28 globally inspired gelato flavours on rotation, plus designer pastries, cold brew coffee creations and an aperitif bar – for Limoncello gelato infusions, of course. Photograph: Griffin Simm The all-day dessert darling is owned by gelato artist Rio Olivetti, who was trained by Stefano Tarquinio (head of the world-renowned Carpigiani Gelato University in Bologna). You'll taste the magic of Olivetti's time-honoured technique in every scoop, from the velvety-rich, cherry-spiked black forest gâteau to the silken pistachio crunch made with nuts from Sicily. Gelato enthusiasts can also anticipate plenty of innovative fusions, including yuzu and blood orange, cassis and calamansi, and matcha and mango.  Beyond gelato, Mondo serves up gorgeous pastries and cakes, courtesy of acclaimed Taiwanese pastry chefs Peini You and Jasper Yang. Treat yourself to one of the petit g