Becco

Becco is a lively restaurant and one of the downtown's most popular Italian eateries. The speciality here is seafood, and if you’re a fish lover then try the ‘whole fish of the day’ special. Becco is most known for its innovative approach to Italian classics. You will also find an adjoining bar on-site.

• Web:

  www.becco.com.au

• E-mail:

  info@becco.com.au

• Address:

  11-25 Crossley Street, Melbourne

• Phone:

  +61 3 9663 3000

• Opening hours:

  Tue–Sat noon–11pm

China Bar Signature

China Bar Signature is the largest buffet restaurant in Melbourne, and one that offers the best of Asian cuisine. The food is prepared by some of the finest chefs from China, Vietnam, Malaysia and Hong Kong. Here you can enjoy dishes like sushi, sashimi, fresh oysters, Peking duck, yum cha, noodles and traditional Asian soups.

• Web:

  www.chinabarsignature.com.au

• Address:

  380 Burwood Highway, Burwood East

• Phone:

  +61 3 9986 7111

• Opening hours:

  Mon 11:30am–3pm / 5:30pm–9:30pm; Wed & Thu 11:30am–3pm / 5:30pm–10pm; Fri 11:30am–3pm / 5:30pm–9:30pm; Sat & Sun 11am–3pm / 5:30pm–10pm

• More info:

  On Fridays, weekends and holidays the restaurants invites guests in waves. Check the schedule on the website for the most stress-free experience

Hakata Gensuke QV — Chicken Ramen

Few are left indifferent by the copious servings of Hakata Ramen at this Melbourne joint. Arrive shortly after peak lunch hours (around 3 pm) and be seated with no wait. Several varieties of ramen are on offer.

• Web:

  gensuke.com.au/qv

• E-mail:

  qv@gensuke.com.au

• Address:

  200 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

• Phone:

  +61 3 9650 4579

• Opening hours:

  Daily 11am–10pm

• More info:

  Check the restaurant's website for four more locations

Imperial South Yarra

Imperial bistro is located right in the heart of Chapel Street with a lovely view over the street action. This is one of the finest establishments in South Yarra, and so many come here to eat before they start their night out. The menu is varied, with a large selection of dishes to share made with fresh seasonal ingredients. Extensive local and international wine and beer lists available.

• Web:

  imperialsouthyarra.com

• E-mail:

  info@imperialsouthyarra.com

• Address:

  522 Chapel Street, Melbourne

• Phone:

  +61 3 9810 0070

• Opening hours:

  Mon & Tue 4pm–10pm, Wed noon–10pm, Thu–Sat noon–late, Sun noon–9pm

• More info:

  Happy hour 4pm–7pm

Jimmy Watson’s

Serving up predominantly European cuisine, this three-generation deep Australian wine dynasty provides a dining experience that will stick with you. Peruse their comprehensive wine selection on the refreshing verdant terrace, or ascend to the rooftop bar.

• Web:

  jimmywatsons.info

• E-mail:

  team@jimmywatsons.com

• Address:

  333 Lygon Street, Melbourne

• Phone:

  +61 3 9347 3985

• Opening hours:

  Lunch: Tue–Sun from noon. Dinner: Tue–Sat from 5:30pm

Laksa King Kitchen

The wildly popular Laksa King Kitchen is packed at lunch and dinner hours — no reservations and cash only — so do arrive in time to indulge in some of the city's most flavourful and authentic Malaysian cuisine and hawker food.

• Web:

  www.laksaking.com.au

• E-mail:

  eat@laksaking.com.au

• Address:

  324 Racecourse Road, Flemington

• Phone:

  +61 3 9372 6383

• Opening hours:

  Sun–Thu 11am–10pm, Fri & Sat 11am–10:30pm

Above Board

Above Board is a perfect spot for pre-drinks or after-drinks when out in Collingwood. It is a tiny room with only 16 seats that face the visionary bartender Hayden Lambert, as he gives you a a masterclass in storytelling and cocktail craft. Personalised drinks come with a side of dad jokes and dry wit.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/aboveboardbarmelb

• Address:

  Level 1/306 Smith Street Chopper Lane, behind "Beermash" through the back door, Collingwood

• Opening hours:

  Daily 6pm–1am

• More info:

  Only 16 seats and no standing permitted. Come early!

Bad Frankie

The guys at Bad Frankie have a pretty incredible selection of exclusively Australian spirits — all the big ones and plenty of small distilleries. Their cocktail use native ingredients such as pepper berry, macadamia, lemon myrtle, and gum tree leaves. The grilled sandwiches — jaffles — are hot, homely and absolutely mouthwatering. Open late, casual and always fun.

• Web:

  www.badfrankie.com

• Address:

  141 Greeves Street, Fitzroy, Melbourne

• Phone:

  +61 3 9078 3866

• Opening hours:

  Sun, Tue & Wed 5pm–11pm; Thu, Fri & Sat 5pm–1am; Mon closed

Curious

Curious is a "hidden bar" at the Flinders Lane hotel W Melbourne with a tasteful nod to Alice in Wonderland. The entrance can be found on Market Street — a glass door in front of a wall adorned with numerous clocks. Step around the wall of clocks and head down the spiral staircase towards a dimly lit underground space. The interior design is impressive and it is definitely the place to see and be seen. Sample their menu of small bites and shared plates.

• Web:

  www.marriott.com.au/hotels/hotel-information/restaurant/melwh-w-melbourne

• Address:

  408 Flinders Lane, Melbourne

• Phone:

  +61 3 9113 8800

• More info:

  Smart Casual dress code

Goldilocks Bar

Goldilocks is a lovely tucked away rooftop bar. Really tasty drinks and lovely little lights for that ultimate cozy vibe. The drinks menu is always changing, so you will never get bored of coming here.

• Web:

  www.goldilocksbar.com.au

• Address:

  4/264 Swanston Street, Melbourne

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Wed 4pm–midnight, Thu–Sat 1pm–1am, Sun 2pm–10pm

• More info:

  Level 4. The sign is tucked under an AC unit and you have to take a long-ish staircase to enjoy the view

Inflation

Inflation features pool tables, padded booths, large TV screens, a rooftop area and, of course, bars and dance floors playing electro house. Dress to impress! Come to the rooftop on a Friday night and enjoy a cocktail in the breezy setting.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/inflationnightclub

• Address:

  60 King Street, Melbourne

• Phone:

  +61 452 627 842

Madame Brussels

This third floor bar is an indoor beer garden and cocktail bar with exceptionally friendly staff and garden furniture. The pink-and-white decor itself is half the establishment's attraction. If you are feeling hungry, order a light meal served in tapas-sized portions.

• Web:

  madamebrussels.com

• E-mail:

  madame@madamebrussels.com

• Address:

  3/59 Bourke Street, Melbourne

• Phone:

  +61 3 9662 2775

• Opening hours:

  Wed–Fri 3pm–late, Sat & Sun 1pm–late, Mon & Tue closed

Bakemono Bakers

Bakemono Bakery is a homey Japanese-inspired bakery with a wood-framed glass facade and a minimalistic natural clean look. Arrive early to have first dibs on almond-yuzu croissants and cream-cheese buns. Of course, you are welcome to have your baked goodies with a cup of coffee here.

• Web:

  bakemonobakers.com.au

• Address:

  273 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Fri 7am–5pm, Sat & Sun 8:30am–5pm

• More info:

  Across the street from cafe Little Rogue

BearBrass

The fun and artsy BearBrass provides a good reason to take in a coffee, drink or meal at a fantastic location in Southbank right on the Yarra River — you will have terrific views of the city as you stop by for a break.

• Web:

  www.bearbrass.com.au

• E-mail:

  bb@bearbrass.com.au

• Address:

  3 Southgate Avenue, Southbank

• Phone:

  +61 3 9682 3799

• Opening hours:

  Mon-Fri 11am–late, Sat & Sun 9am–late

• More info:

  Southgate Shopping Complex, River Level

Degraves Espresso Bar

This coffee bar with character serves a delicious morning fry-up and a great espresso. The decor is a blend between Paris and Melbourne and, in true Degraves Street style, it’s an alfresco café. Some seats were borrowed directly from an old cinema.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/degraves.espresso

• Address:

  23-25 Degraves Street, Melbourne

• Phone:

  +61 3 9654 1245

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Fri 7am–10pm, Sat 8am–10:30pm, Sun 8am–9pm

Norman South Yarra

Norman in South Yarra is a two-level brunch cafe. Aussie staples like Vegemite, avocado toast, waffles with red capsicum curd, and banana split french toast are served in a cozy space with wood paneling.

• Web:

  normansouthyarra.com

• Address:

  Shop 2/300 Toorak Road, South Yarra, Melbourne

• Phone:

  +61 3 9999 0999

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sat 7am–4pm, Sun 8am–4pm

Operator25

Operator25 is an all-day brunch cafe and coffee spot in a historic 1900s building that housed Melbourne's first switchboard. The menu has a surprising and delightful Asian twist.

• Web:

  operator25.com.au

• E-mail:

  brunch@operator25.com.au

• Address:

  25 Wills Street, Melbourne

• Phone:

  +61 3 9670 3278

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Fri 7am–4pm, Sat & Sun 8am–4pm

Pellegrini's Espresso Bar

Opened by two Italian brothers in 1954, Pellegrini's Espresso Bar has become one of the most well-known cafes in Melbourne. It doesn't have a fixed menu, so that every day's offer is a surprise. However, you can always expect fine pasta-based dishes like spaghetti Bolognese and lasagna. Finish your meal with a watermelon granita or their excellent espresso.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/pellegrinisespressobar

• Address:

  66 Bourke Street, Melbourne

• Phone:

  +61 3 9662 1885

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sat 8am–9pm, Sun closed