Lauren Dinse

Melbourne is a city with plentiful opportunities for romance. From enjoying a garden picnic, staring twinkle-eyed at your date amidst the wonders of a new art exhibition or stoking the flame of new passion over a really excellent meal (extra points if candlelight is included), we're spoiled in Australia's truest city of love. Move over, Paris! So whether you're planning to pop the big question, celebrate a wedding anniversary or simply treat your lover to a special night on the town, it pays to know which restaurants will get you in the mood for love. And with incredible food and drink, winning service and sultry lighting, we reckon these ones tick all the right boxes. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Don't want the date to end? Grab a nightcap at one of the best bars in Melbourne.

Australians have a long-standing love affair with Italian food and honestly, it’s no mystery why. Thanks to the huge influx of Italian immigrants who arrived on our shores after World War II, Australia's food scene was changed forever, bringing with it a deep appreciation for pasta, pizza, parmesan and all things la dolce vita. Whether you’re craving fresh antipasti straight from The Boot, hand-rolled pappardelle with rich ragu, wood-fired sourdough pizza or boozy tiramisu made just like nonna, we’ve scoured out the best Italian restaurants in Australia for every occasion. Our team of Aussie food writers has independently chosen these standout spots for their authentic flavours, prime locations, buzzing ambience and signature Italian hospitality. Categorised by cities, here's our pick of the best Italian restaurants in Australia. JUMP TO:  Sydney | Melbourne | Brisbane | Adelaide | Perth | Canberra | Hobart | Darwin 🍕 The best pizza in Australia🍔 The best burgers in Australia

February 2026 update: In the mood for love – and a drink?! There's no better way to celebrate the most romantic month of the year than with a cheeky tipple. Luckily, Melbourne is home to plenty of sweet, sexy and suitably charming spots to grab a drink with that someone special in your life (especially if that someone special is yourself – solo bevs for the win!).  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 46 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: Apollo Inn 👠 Best for a vibey date night: Kirk's Wine Bar 🍸 Best for cocktails: Bar Bellamy 🫒 Best for bar snacks: Bar Olo 🍻 Best for a friends' catch-up: 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. RECOMMENDED READ: Hungry? We've got you covered  with the best restaurants in Melbourne right now.

February 2026 update: The month of love calls for a booking at one of Melbourne's most romantic restaurants. So whether you're spoiling your significant other, bestie or even your mum with a delicous dining experience, check out this list for some cute date night ideas that are guaranteed to impress.  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: Navi 👠 Best for a vibey date night: Harriot ☀️ Best for a long Sunday lunch: Cordelia 🍝 Best for a Greek feast: Aegli 🫒 Best for a friends' catch-up: Otakoi Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. RECOMMEND

The eight great cuisines historically recognised from China include Shandong, Sichuan, Hunan, Cantonese, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Anhui and Fujian – and if you love Chinese food, you'll want to dive chopsticks-first into them all. Luckily, in Melbourne you (almost) can.  While eating out around Melbourne is not the same as taking a foodie tour around Beijing or Shanghai, our Chinese food scene is greater and more diverse than ever before.  From countless regional variations of noodles, hot pot and dumplings to rich bread and rice dishes that extend far further than the Aussie-Chinese takeaway iterations of yore, your options around town are glorious and aplenty. Handkerchief at the ready? Here’s a list of our favourite Chinese restaurants in Melbourne right now now. If all you want are dumplings, we've rounded up a list of the best dumplings in Melbourne. Feel like a drink? Check out our list of Melbourne's 50 best bars.

We might be 16,760 kilometres from Paris, but geography cannot dampen Melbourne's love affair with la belle France. The city's leading French restaurants are a first-class ticket to the Old World — with just a little help from steak frites, crème brulée and all their delicious handmaidens.  For more food guidance, peruse our round-up of Melbourne's best restaurants – or take a trip down south to the best Italian restaurants.

In Melbourne, there aren't many things we take more seriously than sport – but if we had to pick something else, it would definitely be food. That means when huge events like the Australian Open roll around, you can bet the tasty bites being served up are worth lining up for and being late to the night sesh at Rod Laver Arena. And this year, the offerings are looking ace – from pimped-up potato cakes and fancy French steak sangas to souvlakis (courtesy of a Greek dream collab between Stalactites and hot newcomer Taverna) and Vietnamese-style charcoal chicken. Plus, cult US burger chain Shake Shack is making its Aussie debut right here at the Open, complete with the famous burgers and crinkle-cut fries. In further news: the much-loved incredible peach soft serve is back. Yum! Here's a round-up of some of the best food and drink on offer at the 2026 Australian Open.  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 somewhere to eat after the tennis? Head to one of the best restaurants in Melbourne.

Some things just go together: Batman and Robin, death and taxes, and our personal favourite, fish and chips. It doesn't matter how you take them; we can all agree that fish and chips are the ultimate dynamic duo. With Melbourne's prime location as a coastal city, it's no wonder we're serving up some decent parcels. From old-school chippies to the more bougie newcomers, we've rounded up our top picks, so you can spend your time doing more important things – like working your way through all of them.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Need somewhere to eat your fish and chips? These are the best beaches in Melbourne. Plus, these are the best beachside restaurants in Melbourne. 

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 ordeal 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 Editor Leah Glynn, with our Travel and Hotels Editor Winnie Stubbs 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.

Not to toot our own horn, but Australia’s coffee scene is unbeatable. In 2025, an Aussie café was voted the best coffee shop in the entire world, and the year before, Sydney and Melbourne were named among the top ten cities for coffee globally. We've tapped into the wisdom of our most devoted coffee drinkers and writers around the country to bring you this list of Australia's best coffee roasters. These masters of the craft excel in every part of the process: from sourcing and roasting beans to ultimately brewing them expertly. Whether you're a fan of Ona and Industry Beans, or swear by Sample and Single O, here's our pick of the best coffee in Australia right now. For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🥐 The best croissants in Australia🍹 All the best bars for a boozy night🥖 Our favourite bakeries in Australia right now

There’s always time for a tipple when you’re travelling around Australia. Our thirsty country is swimming in stellar watering holes that are loved by locals and tourists alike. We’ve even got a handful of contenders on the World’s 50 Best Bars list to back us up. Whether you’re looking for a fancy spot for cleverly crafted cocktails or a natural wine bar with superb snacks, our local Australian editors and drink writers have curated this list of all the best bars in Australia right now. Of course, Sydney and Melbourne's Bar of the Year winners from Time Out's Food & Drink Awards 2025 – Pleasure Club and Caretaker's Cottage – made the list. But there are so many more gems to explore! 🍽️ The best restaurants in Australia🍷 Australia's best wineries☕️ Where to find the best coffee in Australia

Look, it's no secret that we Aussies love a good pub. Whether you like bonding over schnitties at Trivia Tuesday or downing pints with a hearty Sunday roast, pub culture has something for everyone, every day of the week.  We've collated recommendations from our local writers across the country to bring you this list of Australia's best pubs. These legendary venues see it all: post-work bevvies, celebration dinners, darts competitions and even Hollywood movie crews. If it's ace food you're after, you'll want to visit one of the most charming pubs in regional NSW for grub crafted by a celebrated Sydney chef. Craving a cold pint of Guinness? A tiny beer garden in Hobart might be calling your name. Prefer your pint with a side of live music? Well, there are plenty of places to tick that box. Find your nearest one with our ultimate guide to the best pubs in Australia (in no particular order). For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍹 Australia's best rooftop bars🥧 The best pies in Australia🍷 Where to find Australia's best wineries

It's hard not to love Melbourne's annual Wine and Cheese Fest, an event that brings together all the best cheese producers, wine and cider makers and other small goods producers. And for its 13th iteration at Timber Yard in Port Melbourne this March, it's back bigger and better than ever.  The one-day festival is set to be a 'gouda' time, with more than 50 local wineries, cheesemakers and artisan producers gathered under one roof. Learn techniques from on-stage masterclasses conducted by experienced chefs and cheesemongers and enjoy plenty of free tastings throughout the day.  This year, the likes of That's Amore Cheese, Boatshed Cheese, The Cheese Rebels Australia, Newbridge Wines, and Mr Velvet Ears Wine company will be exhibiting their goods, among many more exciting names on the line-up. DJs and roving artists will also be around to keep the vibes high, and your little ones can hang out in the dedicated kids' zone complete with face painting, lawn games and more. Best of all, the annual Grape Stomp Competition is back. If you're up for some fun and want to try your hand at making some wine the traditional way, sign up here. Tickets to the Wine and Cheese Fest are on sale here and are currently available from $59 + $4.80 booking fee. This year attendance will be split between two sessions: one from noon to 3:30pm and another from 4pm to 7:30pm. Every ticket includes free tastings, a tote bag, a festival glass and all the live entertainment on the day.  After more fine vino

Looking for something fun, educational, tasty and family-friendly to do one weekend in 2026? A quirky garlic festival is taking over the small regional Victorian town of Korumburra on February 28 and if it's anything like previous annual editions, it's going to be a glorious (albeit pungent) day out. Spoiler: You can expect a garlic donut.  The South Gippsland Garlic Festival, formerly the Meeniyan Garlic Festival, is back in 2026. It's Victoria's largest celebration of Aussie garlic and a great excuse to learn more about this long-prized culinary stalwart and fill a basket with some of Gippsland’s best produce. Predicted to bring over two tonnes of garlic to the people from different growers from across Victoria, the aromatic festival will take place from 9am to 5pm at the Korumburrra Showgrounds on Saturday, February 28. There'll be a huge line-up of stallholders this year, plus lots of live entertainment and fun kids' activities to fill out the day. Of course, Bluey will be there. Adults will want to check out the festival bar, which showcases celebrated Gippsland winemakers brewers, and distilleries - including Fleet Wines, Gurneys Cider, Burra Brewing and more. Keep your eyes peeled for garlic-inspired beer. It's going to be there.  Meanwhile over at the kitchen, garlic in all of its myriad of fragrant forms will obviously be on the menu. This year, a massive line-up of chefs from Gippsland and Melbourne will be whipping up their favourite garlicky goods in interactiv

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. When word first arrived that the Tipo 00 crew were opening a polished French-ish spot in the CBD, nobody knew quite what to expect. Conferre Group’s iconic laneway institution has always been so laser-focused in its offering that one can only imagine it’s the specificity – aka masterful contemporary pasta forked out with a dash of irreverent Italian flair – that’s fuelled its consistent perfection throughout the years. Harriot’s offering, loosely pitched as a refined European bistro with Melbourne soul, initially seems indefinable. Yet unsurprisingly, this mysterious newcomer is already one of the city’s hottest new restaurants. Harriot delivers on playfully executed dishes that make the most of classical French cooking techniques and Victorian produce, cleverly pairing them with sommelier Justin Howe’s picks from the outstanding wine list. Along with the rest of Melbourne, we’re sat – and we’ve been utterly seduced. The vibe By nightfall, this red-hot restaurant smolders and slinks along more like a happening wine bar than a hoity-toity upscale diner. We stroll in on a Wednesday night to find the space aglow with dim, irresistibly warm lighting and happy diners. Tucked discreetly in the bottom of an office building, it’s almost completely packed out but far from chaotic. The smooth operation is expertly steere

What do you get when you combine the culinary finesse of Scott Pickett with the historic beauty of Como House and Garden? Como Lane – a charming Euro-inspired café that is made for aesthically pleasing photo dumps on the 'gram.  It's hardly a surprise Como Lane is magicking up some serious brunch brilliance, thanks to a very clever crew at the helm. There's the aforementioned Scott Pickett, the man responsible for bringing Longrain, Matilda, Smith St Bistrot, Estelle and Chancery Lane to Melbourne's dining playground, group executive chef and menu co-designer Stuart McVeigh, plus the duo's right-hand man on the pans – Como Lane's head chef Adam Lai (ex-Hardware Societe). Slosh into the mix an ice-cold latte made with freshly brewed beans from Merchant Coffee Roasters and you're guaranteed a cute date made in heaven. And heaven is no hyperbolic overstatement, considering the picturesque charms of this eatery and its sprawling, green piece of real estate. Instead of pearly gates, you enter through splendid iron ones, past towering trees, a stunning fountain terrace and the historic mansion, which dates back to 1847. You can even book a tour if you're curious about the family who lived there (there's only one haunted room, we promise), but it's the café you'll be going back for. The lunch menu goes beyond eggs and toasties, with classic Euro-leaning dishes like chicken schnitzel with celeriac, apple, horseradish and spiced butter sauce; wild mushroom and goats cheese quiche; a

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 has scored one of its very own. Award-winning chef Mischa Tropp (Toddy Shop) has teamed up with Crown Melbourne to open Kolkata Cricket Club. His biggest project to date, the 150-seater restaurant brings pan-Indian and Bengali-influenced fare to 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. There are two distinct dining spaces to choose from: the Sporting Bar and a new private 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 flexible new dining space can host everything from intimate birthday dinners to gatherings with room for 70 seated guests. With custom-made teak chairs and lamps sourced from artisans in Jaipur, it's a beautifully ornate area to suit all occasions.   For more info and to make a booking, head to the website. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Still hungry? These are the 50 best restaurants in Melbourne right now.

Returning for its tenth edition on November 23, the East Malvern Food and Wine Festival is shaping up to be a celebration of Victorian wine producers, brewers, growers and artisan makers. And best of all, entry is free! The festivities kick off at Central Park from 11am, and attendees can stroll through the open green spaces to wine, dine and recline in the picturesque surroundings. Expect to taste a vast range of vinos from 15 local wineries, including Sutherland Estate, St Hubert, Yering Farm, Trentham Estate and Mount Avoca Wines. For those who prefer a more distilled option, Mary Monica Gin, Original Spirit Co, Noble Bootleggers and Naught Distillery will also be in attendance. Peckish? The festival's set to be a globally inspired food truck paradise thanks to Bao Melbourne, Amazing Calamari, Spanish Paella, The Famous Sandwich, Flaming Skewers and more. Sweets include ice cream from Billy Van Creamy, Luvlee and 776 Loukoumades. And be sure to stock up on locally produced cheeses, gourmet condiments and plenty of other goodies from the market stalls before you leave. Admission is free, but you can also opt for a $39.50 wine tasting package that includes a branded wine glass and five tasting tickets.  For more info, head to the website. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. After more fun things to do in our city? Check out the best events happening in Melbourne this week.

Prepare to enter the pearly gates of doughnut heaven, sweet Melburnians. Queen Victoria Market's free Donut Festival is returning for a special edition from November 1-2. Back by popular demand after a hugely successful event in May, Melbourne's most dough-licious creators and bakers are returning  with 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; churro bowls with creamy vanilla ice cream from Churro Kitchen; deliciously sweet loukomades from St. Gerry's; and G-Free Donuts with tasty options for the gluten-free crowd. And for those of you who just love a classic ringed doughnut with a dusting of cinnamon, Walker's Doughnuts is bringing the goods.  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 live music, roving performers and circus acts 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. For more sugar-dusted inspo, check out our list of Melbourne's best patisseries.

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. Melbourne is in a golden era for casual Greek food right now and Taverna – a nifty newcomer from restaurateur Angie Giannakodakis (Epocha, Press Club) – is proof. The breezy Athenian-inspired restaurant opened on the site of George Calombaris’s OG Hellenic Republic to much fanfare, an instant hit with Greek food lovers thanks to its wholesome taverna eats cooked with simplicity and served share-style, and its understated dazzler of a drinks list. Extra gold stars are duly awarded for Taverna’s warm approach to service, inspired by the spirit of ‘philoxenia’ (‘love of strangers’).  The vibe No need to make sure you’re suited, booted, glammed or gussied up before visiting this relaxed local. I head in for dinner on a Friday night, and the vibe is coolly casual; it’s got the spirit of an easygoing local. What sounds like Greek alt rock music softly complements the dinner hum, and while the restaurant isn’t exactly heaving at the seams (perhaps due to the selection of an earlier booking time), I spy a few couples on date nights and low-key family get-togethers. That’s not to say the restaurant doesn’t carry a sense of occasion – white-painted walls and comfy vintage-chic aesthetics may pay homage to the motherland, but it’s a restaurant that feels Melbourne and very much of-the-moment. Service is warm and personal,

As if the Melbourne Fringe Festival's program of art, theatre, comedy and experimental shows wasn't enough of a sensory feast to begin with, Queen Victoria Market is joining the fun for a second year with Fringe Flavours. Need somewhere vibe-y and cool to grab dinner before the show? This is your flavourful pit-stop! Complete with food trucks, stalls and bars lining the streets and open-air sheds, the month-long series of markets will be held every Wednesday night from September 17 to October 15. Festivalgoers and curious passersby alike will be treated to a tantalising array of snacky offerings – from Polish dumplings, artisanal pasta and tacos to Japanese-inspired soufflés, donuts and ice cream. Highlights of the vendor line-up include Flaming Skewers, Swerle, Smashville, The Lil Dumpling Van and more.  There'll also be plenty of action and performances available at the market each Wednesday night, such as cabaret, comedy, burlesque artists, bands, DJs and more.   The Fringe Flavours Night Market has no entry fee and welcomes everyone to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Bring your friends, family and a hearty appetite and have fun!  Looking to plan your social calendar ahead? Check out our fresh guide for fun things to do this October.

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 boozy truffles to choc-lined ice cream cones. Some of the flavours already revealed include Sweet Berry Tacos, a berry-infused hot chocolate accompanied by a sponge taco filled with white chocolate ganache and fresh fruit for dunking; and Dubai Sphere, which features a pistachio marshmallow sphere filled with Dubai chocolste crème that can be dropped into your steaming-hot bevvie. Heaven! Each steamy creation is barista-made with a shot of either dark, milk, white, ruby or caramelised warm couverture chocolate, and served in a large glass with a giant fluffy marshmallow and a selection of artisan ingredients.  “Our annual Hot Chocolate Festival has become a real feature on the calendar for our three Chocolateries, and we’ve loved coming up with even more over-the-top creations and experiences this year,” says 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 50 different ingredients to make three bespoke creations. Throughout

What’s better than gorging yourself on scones, finger sandwiches and Champagne at a regular high tea? Gorging yourself on piles and piles of cheese at the Westin’s un-brie-lievable High Cheese event, of course. Yes, the insanely successful event is back at the Westin's Allegro Restaurant for another year, and we turophiles couldn't be more thrilled. The idea for High Cheese first crystallised a few years ago when the Westin's executive chef at the time, Michael Greenlaw, teamed up with Anthony Demia from Maker and Monger to bring a series of cheeses together in both sweet and savoury dishes. Years later, the much-loved tradition continues. In 2025, the indulgent menu has been curated in collaboration with renowned cheese masters, brother-sister duo the Studd Siblings and vino legends Zonzo Estate. Ellie and Sam Studd, both members of the International Guilde des Fromagers and Certified Cheese Professionals, have joined forces with the Westin's executive chef, Apoorva Kunte, to curate an enticing three-tiered selection of dairy-licious treats. We're listening... Each creation showcases the finest quality cheese from around the world, with each tier crafted to highlight bold flavour, balance and technique. Highlights from the menu include Aphrodite Barrel aged organic fetta with tomato and lychee tartare, Woombye triple cream brie with pickled beetroot and raspberry almond pesto, and a shared baked Le Conquérant camembert with thyme and garlic. Yum! And a high tea wouldn't be

Long overshadowed by Victoria’s hallowed grape territories of the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and Heathcote, Sunbury may not be the first winemaking region you consider for a wine adventure – despite being one of the state’s oldest, dating back to the 1860s. But that’s only one reason why Marnong Estate, a winery out in nearby Mickleham, ignited my curiosity. I’d also been gleefully told tales of camels, goats and alpacas swanning around the perimeter, of breathtaking panoramic views at sunset and romantic hilltop picnics, and a patch of smartly appointed luxury cabins well worth a stay. Add in the news that culinary talent Greg Feck had joined the winery’s Italian fine diner La Vètta as executive chef, and I was sold.   It takes just under an hour for my partner and I to drive from our home in Melbourne’s inner north to Marnong Estate, and we’re astonished to see the car park completely full when we arrive. Even in the crisp cold of a Melbourne winter, the estate is swimming with families and locals enjoying a day out – and it’s clear they’re having a grand old time. And as it turns out, so do we! Love for this winery is perennial, such is its Jack-of-all-trade destination appeal. Aside from La Vètta, there’s a cellar door and wine tasting room, accommodation, the vineyard itself, expansive event spaces, two Italian-inspired eateries and a boutique brimming with all kinds of gourmet goodies.  Why stay at Marnong Estate? For wine lovers, waking up to sweeping vineyard

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

Roll up, roll up – on your skateboard, if you've got one! Cheltenham is about to get a brand new skate park as part of the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL), with the help of Melbourne skateboarding athlete Renton Millar. The homegrown legend is working with local skaters, parents and Kingston City Council members to design a seriously gnarly park that will blend bowl and street-style skating, with bold artworks inspired by the pipework of the former Highett Gasworks site. A seasoned skater with more than 35 years of experience, Millar brings global panache to the Bayside project. Beyond his elite career, he's judged Olympic skateboarding events and founded Shredability, which runs coaching programs and national competitions. So whether you're a novice or pro, rest assured you'll be in good hands practising your kickflips and ollies at this new site. “I’m stoked to be helping with the design for the new Cheltenham skate park,” said Millar. “I’ve designed skate parks all over the world, and this one is walking distance to my house, so we’re going to make it a good one! It’s going to be great to give the local kids a super rad skate park.” But the wheels don’t stop turning once this cool new skate park is complete. It's just one part of a major glow-up to Sir William Fry Reserve, which will soon be home to a full-size multi-sport court, pickleball court, new pathways, seating and greenery, plus a lush new events lawn for festivals and markets. There'll also be a brand new off-leash dog

Perched peacefully along Albert Park's foreshore, Pipis Kiosk is one of Melbourne's loveliest beachside spots for an elegant seafood dinner. Deserving credit beyond its good looks, the relaxed diner and its neighbouring fish and chips stand are backed by some serious hospo pedigree, with chefs Jordan Clay (ex-Le Chateaubriand in Paris) and Dave Kerr pairing up with wine whiz Tom Hunter to form the ultimate dream team. Fortunately for northsiders, the trio of experts have brought their salt-sprayed magic to Fitzroy this summer via a chic seafood pop-up that will run until the end of February. Pipis North is a next-level snack bar (hosted in the former site of Alta Trattoria on Brunswick Street) that is rolling out Pipis' signature hits along with refreshing drinks, happy hour deals and an irreverent dash of Mediterranean-style cool. For a mood board of what to expect, think Basque tapas bar culture.  “We’re looking to bring some seaside vibes north of the river over summertime – hot nights, cold drinks and lots of fresh seafood,” shares Hunter. “Pipis North is relaxed, fun and very much about popping in for a drink and a bite – whether that’s a quick skewer and oyster or settling in for the night.” Photograph: Jana Langhorst Call an inner north-dwelling mate, sidle up to the bar and take your pick from Clay's sharing-style menu. Will it be a round of spanner crab mini crumpets? Swordfish belly skewers with jungle bisque? King prawn tempura with barbecue spice? Or perhaps a s

For travel-loving Victorians, that dreamy five-week summer Euro trip so many of us save up for is a rite of passage. But did you know that Europe loves us just as much? In the year to June 2025, more than 534,000 European visitors touched down in Victoria, spending an enormous $1.4 billion. That's a nearly 30 per cent hike up from pre-pandemic levels, so it's safe to say: the love affair is intensifying. To keep the tourism momentum sky-high, European airline Finnair has announced it will launch daily services to and from Melbourne. The route, which will officially start in October 2026, links Helsinki and our fair city via Bangkok – and adds a huge 203,000 extra seats each year between Victoria and Europe. What this means is that we've now got an open door to around 90 European destinations via Helsinki, plus extra options throughout Asia through Bangkok. Score! The development is also a brilliant boon to Victoria's tourism industry, thanks to dollar-for-dollar backing from the Victorian government with industry partners. Since this initiative began, more than 60 partnerships have taken off, including collaborations with Accor, Alpine Resorts Victoria and Trip.com — all working together to place Victoria among travellers' go-to destinations.  “These new flights will help bring thousands of extra people to our state each week, which will help support Victoria’s world-class tourism, dining and hospitality venues,” said Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus. “Additional flights to

Melbourne is lucky to be home to some truly brilliant burger joints, but we've got to admit: sometimes, we're curious about what the burgers from famous US fast food joints taste like. Well, if you've always wanted to try America's famous Shake Shack without boarding a plane, you're in luck. For the first time ever, the cult brand – reportedly a favourite of celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Chrissy Teigen – has opened as a tasty pop-up at the Australian Open.  The New York-born business, which started out as a humble hot dog cart in Madison Square Park back in 2001, will operate across Topcourt and John Cain Arena until February 1. Visitors can get their hands on the chain’s signature ShackBurger (a single cheeseburger with a smashed Angus beef patty, American cheese, lettuce, tomato and that legendary 'Shack Sauce' on a potato bun), and to sweeten the deal, the team will also be whipping up an AO-exclusive shake. “We’re committed to making the AO not just the best Grand Slam on court, but also the best off-court, and food and drink are central to that experience,” said Tennis Australia’s Head of Product Growth and Innovation, Fern Barrett.    Photograph: Arianna Harry Photography Shake Shack is just a small part of what's an exciting food and drink line-up for the 2026 tournament, with the wildly popular Peach Melbourne – a peach sorbet, vanilla soft serve and raspberry-dust dessert that sold more than 112,000 servings at the 2025 event – set to return, as well as the G

Right in time for summer, the Yarra Valley has uncorked a dash of extra fizz. Zonzo Estate – a local producer known for its winery, restaurant and smash-hit Zoncello Spritz – recently launched an energetic new restaurant in the heart of Healesville: Zoncello Yarra Valley. If the OG Zonzo venue is your well-dressed stepmother who greets you at the door, then consider this new upstart your sassy, cool cousin who already got the party started before lunch. For Rod Micallef, Zonzo Estate's director, Zoncello has been a Spritz-soaked vision a decade in the making. “Zoncello is a natural extension of the brand,” Micallef shares. “It’s about energy, connection and indulgence. Just like our Spritzes, the venue is designed to be fun, vibrant, and a little bit brazen, while still deeply rooted in Italian tradition.” Pull up to the former Innocent Bystander site and you'll now discover a playfully laid out maze of eating and drinking spaces for afternoon Spritzes, skewers and long lunch-worthy Italian fare – all served up in a bright, buzzing environment inspired by the glorious Spritz itself. The Zonzo team worked closely with interior designer Claire Larrit Evans to bring the large industrial-style space back to life.  Photograph: Supplied / Zoncello “Zoncello is the new permanent home for Rod’s Spritz range, beginning with the incredible success of Zoncello and followed closely by Bellina and Cicchio,” explains Larrit Evans. “We wanted the interiors to embody that same vibrancy an

Welcome to that weird post-festive season period after Chrissy and NY, when the decorations have been taken down and some of us are even back at work (*sniff*). But that doesn't mean the summer fun's over yet – not even close! Thanks to the Victorian Government's 2026 Summer by the Sea program, more than 100 wonderful child-friendly events are taking place across the state's coastal regions this month – and it's the perfect excuse to squeeze in an extra day trip or even a family weekender into your January calendar.  From kite-making and sandcastle-building to bush walks through koala territory and zoologist-guided twilight wanders, the program is jam-packed with activities that balance the joy of fun and discovery with important education around Victoria's wildlife and environment. The theme this year is 'The Coast, The Sea, and Our Community' and other highlights include the super popular rockpool rambles, San Remo sea slug searches, Werribee seaweed safari treks and Anglesea canoeing and snorkelling adventures.  Photograph: Creative Commons From January 3 to 18, Summer by the Sea is offering all these activities completely free as part of a state-funded initiative to get families out to discover the magic of Victoria's wild and wondrous coastal landscape. Whether you're already planning a seaside holiday or you're looking for something new and fun to do with the kids, check out the program online to see what's on offer. A key focus of the initiative is to teach particip

Dining in a real-life hot air balloon may sound grand, but not all of us are keen for a meal in a tiny basket hundreds of metres up in the sky. Fortunately, we don't need to! Australia's first-ever hot air balloon dining pod experience has landed, and you can now get the same whimsical vibes on ground level – well, the actual ground level of the Wharf Hotel to be exact. The riverside pub has announced its Wharf on Cloud 9 sessions will run for the rest of the summer. Will you take off into full flight mid-forkful? Heavens, no. But with your own private 'balloon' area that seats up to six of your pals, sunny views overlooking the Yarra, snacks and sips galore, and exclusive evening sessions (hello, perfect sunset shot!), the limited-time experience certainly promises a bit of 'grammable fun.   Photograph: Supplied / The Wharf Hotel Whether it's a birthday, a picturesque date or a summer lunch with friends you're organising, these pods are the perfect place to wine and dine by the water – and you can book one for a 90-minute afternoon sesh or a two-hour evening slot. Guests can order food and drinks from the hotel's classic à la carte menu, while optional grazing boards cover both charcuterie and vegetarian selections if a vino and cheese sesh is calling your name. Bonus: if you've got kids, they're definitely welcome. Opt for a booking on Sunday, when children's entertainment runs from noon until 3pm, including garden games and colouring activities. The little ones even get

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 plans announced for a brand-new restaurant to add to their portfolio: Côte Basque. Set to open in the former Becco site in Melbourne’s CBD, the European-style grill will take inspiration from the fresh ingredient-driven cuisine and vibrant energy of the Basque Coast.  “The name references our love of Basque culture and the coastline that bridges the northern Basque region of Spain and the southwest of France,” says McConnell. “The raw beauty of the region and a bounty of benchmark produce have long been an inspiration for us. The tradition of woodfired cooking that defines this region will be central to the menu and influence not only what we cook, but how we cook.” The ground floor space will seat around 100 guests and retain many of the building's original features, from the green terrazzo floor to the stepped dining room and street-level windows along Crossley Street. The restaurant is currently being designed in collaboration with Vince Alafaci and Caroline Choker of

Anyone who loves eating out in Australia will know OpenTable. Even if you don’t think you know it, you’ve probably used it to book a table – whether at your local go-to or the city’s hottest new bar. But OpenTable is more than just a booking tool; it also reveals the trends and habits shaping how Australians eat and drink when dining out. Each year, OpenTable gathers data from thousands of venue reviews, plus reservation and search metrics, to come up with an intriguing set of reports. The latest? A definitive list of the top 50 restaurants in Australia for 2025, based on data from almost 200,000 diner reviews. This year, Victoria takes the crown as the state with the highest number of restaurants on the list at 17, while Queensland has 14 and New South Wales comes in third with 12.  Photograph: Supplied | Fiore at Down The Rabbit Hole Wines Let's take a look at the restaurants Aussies are loving right now – at least if five-star reviews and repeat bookings are anything to go by. The top 50 includes plenty of spots on our very own list of the best restaurants in Australia, including Time Out Sydney’s Restaurant of the Year Neptune’s Grotto and beloved Melbourne fine diner Vue de Monde. But it also spotlights hidden and regional gems, from the intimate 14-seat Humble on Duke in Sunshine Beach to Fiore at Down The Rabbit Hole Wines in the McLaren Vale. You can check out the full list below, listed in alphabetical order by state/territory. The top 50 restaurants on OpenTable f

Did you know that a bunch of major cities around the world all have super-cool material libraries? That's right – from New York to Paris, Shanghai to Sweden, there are physical spaces where designers and creators can get up close with a range of cutting-edge materials. And now, thanks to the global sustainability consultancy Hyloh, that concept has finally arrived in Melbourne. Situated in Richmond’s historically rich Sanders Place, the pop-up Melbourne Material Library invites designers, architects, sustainability professionals and innovators to get hands-on with the thrilling future of materials. Imagine living moss, coffee-ground golf tees, 3D-printed eggshell ceramic tiles, bio-based paper coatings, mycelium packaging, oyster shell renders and hemp hurd blocks, amongst a maze of even more fascinating stuff. The experience is designed to be tactile, thought-provoking and lots of creative fun! The idea behind the library is that through being able to touch, test and experiment with these materials, visitors can avoid wasting time on guesswork in their projects – and costly design mistakes.   Photograph: Supplied The library hosts an impressive line-up of suppliers, including Saveboard, Zeoform, Circular Sea, Defy Design, ISOHemp and Eggxpert. As the first material library of its kind in Australia, the pop-up aligns with Melbourne’s Economic Development Strategy 2025–2029, which positions the city as the Asia-Pacific’s hub for innovation and opportunity. With hopes to se

If your dream lawn party is less about croquet, canapés and Champers and more about frothy pints, tacos and plenty of space for the kids to run wild and free, you're in luck. A decommissioned bowling green at the East Malvern RSL has shape-shifted into a relaxed, fun-filled beer garden: welcome to Banjo's Social Club.  The joyous new activation – a shared project between Banjo's Bistro, the RSL's on-site restaurant and Melbourne beer gurus Stomping Ground Brewery – promises a jam-packed program over the sunny months. Think live music and afternoon DJs on weekends, evening movie screenings, and even a petting zoo on Sundays – always a thrill for the little ones!  While publican Matt Vero (the man behind local legends like the Orrong Hotel and Healesville Hotel) aims to channel the spirit of the classic Aussie bowling green, he's upped the ante with colourful umbrella-shaded picnic tables; a container bar pouring crisp Stomping Ground brews, wines and cocktails; and a lively Mexican food truck for beer-friendly eats. Add a strong dose of sunshine and your arvo is set.   Photograph: Marcie Raw Photography “It is all about giving locals a place that feels both familiar and new,” said Vero. “We’ve taken inspiration from the old suburban bowlos that so many Australians grew up around and reimagined them for today. Banjo’s Social Club is casual and welcoming, but with great food, great beer and plenty of space for the whole family.” Check it out now from Wednesday through Sunda