Melbourne, a city long lauded as Australia’s undisputed culinary capital, continues its dynamic evolution with an impressive influx of new restaurants, intimate wine bars, and reimagined classic venues. From sophisticated rooftop destinations to glitzy CBD establishments, the gastronomic landscape is perpetually shifting, offering a fresh array of experiences for discerning diners. This vibrant activity not only cements Melbourne’s reputation as a global food destination but also reflects a robust and innovative hospitality sector.
As the city embraces cooler days and moody evenings, these new openings provide captivating havens for exceptional food and drink. To navigate this exciting scene, we’ve meticulously curated a list of the most noteworthy venues that demand immediate attention and, quite possibly, your next booking.
The Evolving Palate: A Snapshot of Melbourne’s Latest Gastronomic Ventures
Melbourne’s culinary scene is a tapestry woven with global influences and a profound commitment to local produce. The latest wave of openings showcases an exciting blend of traditional techniques, contemporary interpretations, and bold new concepts. From the precision of Kappo Japanese dining to the comforting embrace of regional Italian, and the adventurous spirit of modern Australian, these establishments are redefining the city’s dining narrative.
à n: A Symphony of Kappo and Edomae in the CBD
Stepping into à n, Melbourne’s latest two-level Japanese restaurant in the CBD, is to embark on a journey guided by culinary mastery. Helmed by Chefs Takuro Abe and Shiro Fukushima, both formerly of the esteemed Warabi, their combined half-century of experience culminates in an exquisite Kappo dining experience. This approach, which emphasizes a multi-course meal where the chef has creative freedom, allows for an intimate and evolving interaction between kitchen and diner.
The Culinary Philosophy: At à n, the focus is squarely on premium Australian and Japanese produce, meticulously transformed through a choice of set menus, starting from $115 per person, or an extensive à la carte offering. The sushi, a highlight, adheres to the revered Edomae style. This means more than just fresh fish; it involves a meticulous preparation process including marinating and pickling, and the strategic seasoning of rice with red akazu vinegar, derived from spent sake lees. The result is a sushi experience that delivers a deep, complex, and savoury profile, a testament to traditional Japanese craftsmanship.
Signature Offerings: Diners can anticipate a menu rich with intricate flavours. Highlights include the Chiba-style namerou fish tartare, a delicate blend of fish with miso, ginger, and aromatic herbs. The hibachi-grilled Kagoshima A5 wagyu promises an unforgettable melt-in-your-mouth experience, while the zuke maguro nigiri, topped with glossy marinated tuna, showcases the Edo-style preservation techniques. For a sweet conclusion, Japanese desserts such as the hojicha panna cotta with sesame crunch offer a refined finish.
Design and Ambiance: Located on Bligh Street, the restaurant’s aesthetic is a study in sophisticated minimalism. The upper dining room revolves around a dramatic chef’s counter, providing a direct view into the artistry of the kitchen. Downstairs, a bar and additional seating, including a long communal table, foster a more relaxed yet equally refined atmosphere. Both spaces share a cohesive design scheme of black timber, raw concrete, rust, and gunmetal, creating a cool, contemporary backdrop for the culinary theatre. From late October, the lower level transforms into a Tokyo-style listening bar after 9:30 pm from Thursday to Saturday, offering a curated selection of cocktails, rare Japanese whiskies, and a menu of late-night snacks, making à n a versatile destination for both dinner and sophisticated evening revelry.
Delmonte: Lygon Street’s Timeless Italian Revival
Melbourne’s ongoing Italian restaurant renaissance finds a new beacon in Delmonte, a masterful revival of a historic Lygon Street corner. This ground-floor jewel is part of Jamie Valmorbida’s (Pidapipo, Johnny’s Green Room) ambitious King & Godfree project, a site that has held the same liquor license since the 1870s and was acquired by Valmorbida’s grandfather, Carlo, in the 1950s. The space, now imbued with a wood-fired grill and oven, alongside long bar counters and creamy tiling, subtly evokes its rich history as a bustling deli.
The Culinary Vision: The menu, a collaborative effort by King & Godfree culinary director Karen Martini, executive chef Mark Glenn, and head chef Diana Desensi (Daphne, Julie), is designed for enduring appeal. Martini articulated their philosophy: "We wanted a menu people could come back to again and again and always find something new, while still feeling completely at home. It’s produce-led and built on classical technique, but every dish still needs to feel unmistakably Italian." This commitment to timelessness is evident in every offering.
A Menu of Enduring Classics: Delmonte’s menu tempts with exquisite Italian staples and thoughtful interpretations. Begin with three-cheese suppli, or a curated salumi selection featuring culatta, mortadella, and Wagyu bresaola. Fresh pasta is a cornerstone, with dishes like mezze maniche alla carbonara promising authentic flavour. A standout main is the ham and fontina-stuffed pork costoletta, sourced from Donati’s Fine Meats, another cherished Lygon Street institution that Valmorbida has played a part in preserving. The experience culminates at a dedicated dessert station, offering theatrical servings of crepes al forno with ricotta, mandarin, and grappa, alongside classic gelati and tiramisù.
Wine, Music, and Atmosphere: The drinks list celebrates Italian wines, with a particular emphasis on the Piedmontese region, complemented by back vintages from the King & Godfree cellar and a selection of classic Italian cocktails. Beyond the plate, Delmonte fosters a lively atmosphere with a custom hi-fi system, a record player integrated into the bar, and considered acoustic engineering. Local vinyl DJs spin tunes, transforming this reimagined neighbourhood haunt into a vibrant cultural hub.
Roma: The Eternal City’s Spirit on Collins Street
From the acclaimed Melbourne hospitality trio – Con Christopoulos (The European, Kafeneion, City Wine Shop), executive chef Matt Wilkinson (Pope Joan), and Giovanni Patane – emerges Roma, Collins Street’s newest Italian destination. Here, almost every element draws inspiration from the very essence of the Eternal City, Rome.
A Menu Rooted in Roman Tradition: Chef Wilkinson’s menu is a thoughtful exploration of Roman culinary heritage. It features a comprehensive pasta program alongside a dedicated section of offal dishes, honouring the spirit of quinto quarto (the fifth quarter) Roman butchery. A notable example is the paccheri alla baronessa, a rich dish featuring chicken livers and mushrooms. A defining characteristic of Roma’s kitchen is the exclusive use of extra virgin olive oil for all culinary applications, from deep-frying to the final drizzle, imparting a distinct and authentic flavour profile.
Lazio-Focused Wine List and Polished Ambiance: The wine list mirrors the culinary focus, with a strong emphasis on the Lazio region of Italy, augmented by a broader selection of European and Australian producers. The dining room itself offers a polished yet comfortable trattoria experience, encouraging a lively spirit. Century-old Italian details adorn the space, and a magnificent 1930s marble table showcases the day’s freshest produce. For those seeking an early start, a separate breakfast menu is available, best enjoyed on the inviting terrace, extending Roma’s charm throughout the day.
Spaghetti Club: Nonno’s Legacy Reimagined in Richmond
A warm, homely trattoria, Spaghetti Club, has landed on Swan Street in Richmond, its concept inspired by a dog-eared family recipe book. While its name might suggest a singular focus, this Southern Italian restaurant, the eighth venue from Mama’s Dining Group (Disuko, Hochi Mama), offers much more. It draws directly from the cherished childhood memories of co-founder Lucas Gugliandolo, whose late Nonno spent decades cooking across Sicily and Australia, diligently documenting his recipes in a faded orange notebook.
From Family Recipes to Elevated Dining: Gugliandolo shares the poignant origin: "The orange book was never meant to become a restaurant. It was simply Nonno writing down what he cooked throughout his life, from pastry kitchens in Sicily through to the dinners we all grew up around." Head chef Michael Fleming, with an impressive background from Totti’s Bondi and Press Food & Wine Adelaide, has respectfully reworked these family dishes into a menu that beautifully extends beyond pasta.
Beyond the Noodle: The menu features delightful offerings such as pork chop cotoletta with fried capers and parmesan, Nonno’s bubbling lasagne layered with rich bolognese and creamy béchamel, and involtini stuffed with provolone and herb crumb. Pasta, as expected, remains a star, with house-made spaghetti vongole finished with lemon and bottarga, and cacio e pepe arancini served with a black garlic aioli. The drinks list thoughtfully leans into Italian aperitivo culture, showcasing Negronis, spritzes, Italian lagers, and a selection of local wines.
A Modern Homage to Heritage: The venue itself perfectly encapsulates the warmth and comfort of Nonna and Nonno’s home, albeit with a few elegant upgrades. Marble tables, plush, sunflower-yellow booths, vintage lights, and dark timber panelling elevate the space, firmly placing it within the category of a sophisticated yet welcoming neighbourhood trattoria.
Julietta: South Yarra’s Intimate Italian Retreat
Pasta and Negronis lead the charge at Julietta, South Yarra’s intimate new Italian restaurant from the celebrated Mamasita team. Nestled on the corner of Toorak Road and Chambers Street, Julietta effortlessly channels the charm of a cosy, neighbourhood trattoria.
An Authentic Atmosphere: The interior design evokes classic European warmth, featuring burgundy banquettes, vintage brass lights, and elegant European awnings. Shelves adorned with house-made pickles, imported flour, and San Marzano tomatoes not only add to the aesthetic but also signal the restaurant’s commitment to authentic ingredients and its dedicated pasta program.
Chef-Driven Classics with a Twist: Executive chef Jimmy Garside (Mamasita, The Apollo) champions a philosophy of excellence in familiar dishes. "It’s about doing things really well – pasta at the centre, with dishes that feel familiar," says Garside. The menu follows a classic Italian format, transitioning from enticing antipasti to more substantial main plates, with handmade pasta as its heart. Diners can expect delectable starters like burrata served with pine nuts and a sweet-sour golden raisin agrodolce, or crisp potato fritti accompanied by saffron aioli. The pasta selection riffs on beloved classics, offering a green peppercorn cacio e pepe, a rich short rib ragu, and an inventive nduja-vodka bake with stracciatella. Desserts maintain this classic trajectory, featuring favourites such as coffee semifreddo with amaretto caramel and a decadent chocolate cake drizzled with olive oil.
Italian Drinks & Martini Club: The drinks menu is distinctly Italian, anchored by a carefully curated Negroni selection. This "tight Negroni selection" ranges from a shiraz-gin twist to a tequila-led Rosita with strawberry Campari and white cacao, showcasing both tradition and innovation. A special Monday night $15 Martini Club further entices patrons with creative spins on the cocktail of the moment. Julietta promises a consistent blend of familiar comfort and sophisticated dining.
Florentino: A Centenary Relaunch for a Melbourne Icon
The name Florentino resonates deeply within Melbourne’s culinary history, an institution rapidly approaching its centenary in 2028. This Bourke Street landmark has recently undergone a significant relaunch under the new ownership of the Edition Group (NOMAD Sydney and Melbourne, Reine & La Rue), following a distinguished 27-year tenure by Guy Grossi’s Grossi Group. This acquisition marks a new chapter for the venerable establishment, now presenting three distinct dining experiences under one roof.
Florentino Dining Room: The flagship Florentino Dining Room offers a refined and luxurious experience. Guests can choose from three, five, or seven-course menus that expertly blend house-made pastas with seasonal interpretations of classic Italian traditions. Long-standing favourite desserts, such as the chocolate soufflé and tiramisu, are meticulously prepared using premium Melbourne-based Cuvée Chocolate, ensuring a decadent conclusion to the meal.
Café Florentino: Next door, the former Grossi Grill has reverted to its original, cherished name, Café Florentino. This space now serves a Tuscan-inspired à la carte menu, with dishes expertly delivered from a wood-fired grill and Josper oven. Naturally, the iconic bistecca alla Fiorentina takes pride of place, complemented by one of the country’s most substantial selections of Tuscan wines, reflecting a deep commitment to regional Italian authenticity.
Cellar Bar: The charming Cellar Bar continues its tradition as a vibrant wine and pasta bar, trading late from Monday to Saturday. It boasts an impressive selection of 15-20 wines available by the glass, encouraging exploration and discovery. A new aperitivo hour, starting from 3 pm, tempts early visitors with enticing offers: a $9 piccolo Martini, a $10 Garibaldi, wines from $12, and $12 antipasti including delightful calamari fritti with basil aioli. This multi-faceted relaunch ensures Florentino remains a cornerstone of Melbourne’s fine dining landscape, honouring its rich past while embracing a dynamic future.
Geralds Bar: A Beloved Institution Expands in Carlton North
After more than two decades operating from its beloved, albeit tiny, shopfront, Geralds Bar has reopened a few blocks away in a significantly larger Carlton North space. Now situated on Lygon Street, the expanded venue offers considerably more room to linger, dine, and gather, yet remains deeply anchored to the inimitable spirit that made the original so enduringly popular.
A Meticulously Recreated Atmosphere: Much of the bar’s cherished character has been painstakingly rebuilt by hand. Original shelving has been carefully restored, and a sculptural curving bar is crowned with a magnificent 300-year-old brushbox timber bar top, lending a sense of history and craftsmanship to the new space. The transition, while expansive, ensures that the familiar warmth and charm are preserved.
Elevated Culinary Offerings: The culinary team has also seen an exciting evolution with the addition of chef Matt Podbury, working alongside long-time Geralds chef Pete Savage. Together, they are crafting an elevated menu of seasonal dishes. Highlights include delicate raw nannygai from Western Australia, served with a vibrant cucumber chutney, horseradish yoghurt, and a touch of Aleppo pepper. For dessert, classics like baked cheesecake and crème caramel are prepared with finesse from the separate pastry kitchen.
The Parlour: A Refined Dining Experience: For those seeking a slower, more multi-course experience, Geralds features a separate 35-seat dining room known as The Parlour. This intimate space offers a refined menu of seasonal dishes and desserts, including line-caught Blue Eye with courgette and basil. The meal culminates with petit fours, rich goose fat fudge, and a sophisticated selection of cheeses presented from a roaming trolley, adding a touch of theatrical elegance to the dining experience. Geralds Bar, in its new form, promises to continue its legacy as a cherished Melbourne institution, now with enhanced space and culinary ambition.
Disuko: Tokyo’s 80s Disco Vibe on a Melbourne Rooftop
The Melbourne rooftop formerly home to the iconic Madame Brussels has undergone a vibrant transformation, emerging as Disuko, a modern Japanese joint that pulsates with the energy of 1980s Tokyo. This new venture from Mamas Dining Group (Hochi Mama, Windsor Wine Room) offers a multi-faceted experience across its dynamic spaces.
A Multi-Layered Experience: Disuko comprises a main dining room and bar, an inviting terrace perfect for city views, an exclusive eight-seat omakase counter offering 12-course sushi seatings, and a private dining room for more intimate gatherings. Each area contributes to the overarching 80s Tokyo-inspired theme, blending sophistication with playful nostalgia.
Izakaya-Inspired Menu with a Twist: The izakaya-inspired menu is a testament to culinary creativity and bold flavours. Standout dishes include the Japanese McDonald’s-esque Fillet-O-Ebi sando, a clever and satisfying creation. The wagyu tataki is served with yuzu kosho cream, ponzu, and crisp potato, offering a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Hibachi-grilled pork belly, glazed with tare and topped with bottarga, promises rich, smoky depth.
Innovative Drinks and Design: The drinks program is equally inventive, featuring signature cocktails crafted with unique ingredients such as yuzu syrup, red shiso-infused vodka, and toasted sesame bitters. Highballs, Spritzes, and a specialty sake selection complement the food perfectly. The design seamlessly fuses traditional Japanese elements like red timber, black lacquer, and kumiko joinery with contemporary touches of glass blocks, plush leather, and, true to its theme, shimmering disco balls, creating a truly unique and captivating ambiance.
Bar Sophia: Athenian Energy in Glen Iris
A strong and curated wine program is the heart of Bar Sophia, the new Glen Iris venue from Michael Badr (Marameo
