Melbourne, a city synonymous with world-class dining, continues to fortify its reputation as a global gastronomic powerhouse. A relentless influx of innovative restaurants, sophisticated wine bars, and artfully revamped pubs has transformed the city’s culinary landscape, offering an unparalleled diversity of experiences for every palate. From glitzy CBD establishments to charming neighbourhood trattorias and rooftop havens, the dynamic rhythm of new openings ensures that the "hottest spot" is a constantly evolving title. This comprehensive guide shines a spotlight on the most noteworthy venues that have recently joined Melbourne’s vibrant food scene, inviting discerning diners to embark on an unforgettable culinary journey.
Melbourne’s Ever-Evolving Gastronomic Landscape
The past year has seen Melbourne’s hospitality sector surge with renewed vigour, demonstrating remarkable resilience and creativity. Chefs and restaurateurs, both seasoned veterans and ambitious newcomers, are pushing boundaries, interpreting global cuisines through a distinctly local lens, and crafting spaces that are as memorable as the meals served within them. This current wave of openings is characterised by a strong emphasis on provenance, a deep respect for culinary tradition, and an inventive spirit that ensures Melbourne remains at the forefront of dining trends. The city’s diners, ever eager for fresh experiences, are spoilt for choice, from intimate fine-dining experiences to vibrant, communal eateries designed for lively gatherings.
A Culinary Odyssey: The Latest Additions to Melbourne’s Dining Scene
The sheer breadth of new establishments reflects Melbourne’s cosmopolitan character. Here, we explore the standout venues that demand your attention and, undoubtedly, a reservation.
Refined Japanese Excellence
Melbourne’s love affair with Japanese cuisine reaches new heights with two distinct yet equally compelling additions, offering everything from exquisite Kappo dining to an immersive 1980s Tokyo-inspired experience.
Én: A Sanctuary of Kappo Artistry
Nestled in the bustling Melbourne CBD, Én emerges as a beacon of refined Japanese Kappo cuisine, a style that blends traditional cooking techniques with a more intimate, chef-customer interaction. Spearheaded by the formidable talents of Chefs Takuro Abe and Shiro Fukushima, both formerly of the esteemed Warabi, Én boasts over five decades of combined culinary mastery. Their philosophy centres on a profound appreciation for premium Australian and Japanese produce, meticulously transformed into artful dishes through set menus, starting from $115 per person, or an expansive à la carte selection.
Signature offerings that captivate the senses include the Chiba-style namerou fish tartare, a delicate preparation featuring miso, ginger, and fresh herbs that offers a burst of umami. For meat enthusiasts, the hibachi-grilled Kagoshima A5 wagyu promises an unparalleled richness and melt-in-your-mouth texture, prepared tableside with captivating smokiness. Sushi at Én adheres to the revered Edomae style, where intricate processes of marinating and pickling, coupled with the subtle seasoning of rice with red akazu vinegar (derived from spent sake lees), yield a deep, savoury profile unlike any other. Even desserts, such as the hojicha panna cotta with sesame crunch, showcase a delicate balance of traditional Japanese flavours and contemporary finesse.
The two-level Bligh Street establishment itself is a study in minimalist elegance. The upper dining room is anchored by a dramatic chef’s counter, offering an immersive view of the culinary theatre, while the lower level features a welcoming bar and communal seating. The interior design, a sophisticated interplay of black timber, concrete, rust, and gunmetal, creates a cool, contemporary backdrop. Adding another layer of allure, the lower level will transition into a Tokyo-style listening bar after 9:30 pm from late October, providing a late-night sanctuary for cocktails, rare Japanese whiskies, and a curated menu of sophisticated snacks.
Disuko: 1980s Tokyo Rhythms on a Melbourne Rooftop
Perched atop a Melbourne rooftop, formerly home to the iconic Madame Brussels, Disuko transports diners to the vibrant, neon-lit energy of 1980s Tokyo. This modern Japanese joint, the latest venture from the Mamas Dining Group (responsible for Hochi Mama and Windsor Wine Room), is a multi-faceted destination. It features a stylish dining room and bar, an expansive terrace offering city views, an exclusive eight-seat omakase counter for a 12-course sushi spectacle, and a private dining room for more intimate gatherings.
The izakaya-inspired menu is a playful yet expertly crafted homage to Japanese comfort food with an elevated twist. Highlights include the Japanese McDonald’s-esque Fillet-O-Ebi sando, a clever take on a classic; the exquisitely tender wagyu tataki, served with yuzu kosho cream, ponzu, and a crisp potato for textural contrast; and the succulent hibachi-grilled pork belly, glazed with tare and adorned with bottarga. The drinks program is equally inventive, featuring signature cocktails infused with unique ingredients such as yuzu syrup, red shiso-infused vodka, and toasted sesame bitters. A comprehensive selection of Highballs, Spritzes, and specialty sake further enhances the experience. The interior design thoughtfully blends traditional Japanese elements like red timber, black lacquer, and intricate kumiko joinery with contemporary accents of glass blocks, plush leather, and shimmering disco balls, creating an atmosphere that is both nostalgic and forward-thinking.
The Italian Renaissance Continues
Melbourne’s enduring affection for Italian cuisine is perpetually rekindled with a series of new openings that honour tradition while injecting fresh perspectives. From historical institutions to charming neighbourhood haunts, the city’s Italian dining scene is richer than ever.
Florentino: A Storied Legacy Reimagined
The name Florentino resonates deeply within Melbourne’s culinary history, an institution nearing its centenary in 2028. This Bourke Street icon has embarked on a new chapter under the astute ownership of the Edition Group (the force behind NOMAD Sydney and Melbourne, and Reine & La Rue), following a distinguished 27-year tenure by Guy Grossi’s Grossi Group. The relaunch introduces a refined trifecta of dining experiences, each meticulously crafted to uphold Florentino’s legendary status while embracing contemporary sensibilities.
The flagship Florentino Dining Room offers a journey through Italian culinary artistry with three, five, and seven-course menus. These meticulously curated selections feature exquisite house-made pastas, seasonal interpretations of Italian traditions, and beloved, long-standing dessert favourites such as the classic chocolate soufflé and tiramisù, crafted with high-quality Melbourne-based Cuvée Chocolate.
Next door, Café Florentino, formerly Grossi Grill, has gracefully returned to its original name, serving a Tuscan-inspired à la carte menu that masterfully utilises a wood-fired grill and Josper oven. Diners can indulge in a perfectly executed bistecca alla Fiorentina and explore one of the country’s most substantial selections of Tuscan wines, celebrating the region’s rich viticultural heritage.
Completing the trio, the charming Cellar Bar continues its late-night trade as a vibrant wine and pasta bar. It boasts an impressive list of 15-20 wines available by the glass and tempts early visitors with a new aperitivo hour from 3 pm, featuring irresistible offers like a $9 piccolo Martini, a $10 Garibaldi, wines from $12, and $12 antipasti, including delectable calamari fritti with basil aioli.
Delmonte: Lygon Street’s Timeless Italian Ode
Melbourne’s Italian restaurant renaissance finds a vibrant new expression in Delmonte, which breathes fresh life into a historic Lygon Street corner. This ground-floor jewel is part of Jamie Valmorbida’s ambitious King & Godfree project, a name already synonymous with beloved establishments like Pidapipo and Johnny’s Green Room. Operating under a liquor licence that dates back to the 1870s – and famously acquired by Jamie’s grandfather, Carlo, in the 1950s – the site’s rich history as a deli is subtly evoked through its wood-fired grill and oven, long bar counters, and creamy tiling.
The menu, a collaborative masterpiece by King & Godfree culinary director Karen Martini, executive chef Mark Glenn, and head chef Diana Desensi (of Daphne and Julie fame), was conceived to be both flexible and timeless. Karen Martini articulates their vision: “We wanted a menu people could come back to again and again and always find something new, while still feeling completely at home.” The result is a produce-led offering, built on classical techniques, where every dish undeniably feels Italian.
Highlights include the irresistible three-cheese suppli; a sophisticated salumi selection featuring culatta, mortadella, and Wagyu bresaola; and fresh, house-made pastas like the exquisite mezze maniche alla carbonara. A nod to local institutions, the ham and fontina-stuffed pork costoletta hails from Donati’s Fine Meats, another Lygon Street landmark recently rescued by Valmorbida. A dedicated dessert station offers theatrical presentations of crepes al forno with ricotta, mandarin, and grappa, alongside artisanal gelati and the classic tiramisù. The drinks list proudly showcases Italian, particularly Piedmontese, wines, complemented by back vintages from the King & Godfree cellar and a selection of classic Italian cocktails. Enhancing the vibrant atmosphere, a custom hi-fi system, a record player integrated into the bar, and thoughtful acoustic engineering set the stage for local vinyl DJs to curate the perfect soundtrack for this reimagined neighbourhood haunt.
Roma: An Eternal City’s Spirit on Collins Street
From the esteemed Melbourne hospitality trio of Con Christopoulos (The European, Kafeneion, City Wine Shop), executive chef Matt Wilkinson (formerly of Pope Joan), and Giovanni Patane, Roma on Collins Street is a new Italian restaurant where nearly every detail draws inspiration from the Eternal City.
Wilkinson’s menu is a comprehensive journey through Roman culinary traditions, featuring a requisite pasta program and a dedicated page of offal dishes, celebrating the spirit of “quinto quarto” Roman butchery. A standout is the paccheri alla baronessa, a rich and earthy dish featuring chicken livers and mushrooms. A distinctive feature of Roma’s kitchen is the exclusive use of extra virgin olive oil for every application, from deep-frying to the final drizzle, imparting a consistent depth of flavour. The wine list thoughtfully focuses on the Lazio region, alongside a broader selection of European and Australian producers. Roma offers a polished yet lively experience, embodying the comfortable trattoria spirit. The dining room is adorned with century-old Italian details and a magnificent 1930s marble table, artfully dressed with the day’s freshest produce. A separate breakfast menu can be enjoyed on the inviting terrace, adding another layer to its charm.
Spaghetti Club: Nonno’s Legacy in Richmond
A warm and inviting trattoria, Spaghetti Club, has graced Swan Street in Richmond, its soul inspired by a dog-eared family recipe book. This eighth venue from Mama’s Dining Group (Disuko, Hochi Mama) is more than its name suggests; it’s a heartfelt homage to the childhood of co-founder Lucas Gugliandolo, whose late Nonno spent decades perfecting his craft in kitchens across Sicily and Australia, diligently documenting his culinary journey in a faded orange notebook.
Lucas 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 at Totti’s Bondi and Press Food & Wine Adelaide, has skillfully reinterpreted these cherished family dishes into a menu that extends beautifully beyond pasta. Diners can savour the pork chop cotoletta with fried capers and parmesan; Nonno’s bubbling lasagne, layered with rich bolognese and béchamel; and involtini stuffed with provolone and a fragrant herb crumb. Pasta, of course, remains a star, with house-made spaghetti vongole finished with lemon and bottarga, and cacio e pepe arancini served with a delicate black garlic aioli. The drinks list embraces aperitivo culture, offering a selection of Negronis, spritzes, Italian lagers, and local wines. The venue itself exudes the comforting warmth of a beloved Nonna and Nonno’s home, elevated with thoughtful upgrades like elegant marble tables and plush, sunflower-yellow booths, firmly establishing it as a quintessential neighbourhood trattoria.
Julietta: South Yarra’s Intimate Italian Retreat
Pasta and Negronis take centre stage at Julietta, South Yarra’s intimate new Italian restaurant from the celebrated Mamasita team. Situated on the corner of Toorak Road and Chambers Street, Julietta effortlessly channels the cosy charm of a quintessential neighbourhood trattoria. The interior design features inviting burgundy banquettes, vintage brass lights, and classic European awnings, complemented by shelves adorned with house pickles, imported flour, and tomatoes – a subtle nod to the authentic pasta program within. The menu follows a familiar and comforting format, progressing from antipasti to larger plates, with handmade pasta proudly at its core.
Executive chef Jimmy Garside, known for his work at Mamasita and The Apollo, emphasizes the restaurant’s philosophy: “It’s about doing things really well – pasta at the centre, with dishes that feel familiar.” Expect delectable starters like burrata served with pine nuts and a sweet-sour golden raisin agrodolce, or crisp potato fritti accompanied by a delicate saffron aioli. The pasta selection playfully riffs on classics, offering a green peppercorn cacio e pepe, a rich short rib ragu, and an nduja-vodka bake crowned with creamy stracciatella. Desserts maintain a similarly classic profile, with favourites such as coffee semifreddo with amaretto caramel and a decadent chocolate cake drizzled with olive oil. The drinks menu leans heavily Italian, anchored by a concise yet creative Negroni selection, ranging from a shiraz-gin twist to a tequila-led Rosita with strawberry Campari and white cacao. A special Monday night $15 Martini Club offers enticing spins on the cocktail of the moment.
Modern European & Global Inspirations
Beyond Italian and Japanese, Melbourne’s new wave of restaurants showcases a rich tapestry of modern European and globally inspired concepts, each bringing a unique flavour to the city.
Harriot: CBD Sophistication with Australian Heart
A stellar team has converged to launch Harriot, a significant new opening in Melbourne’s CBD by the Conferre Group, the acclaimed force behind Tipo 00, Osteria Ilaria, Figlia, and Grana. This modern European restaurant marks a slight departure from the group’s predominantly Italian focus, yet it steadfastly adheres to their winning formula of exceptional food and outstanding wine. Andreas Papadakis (partner and group executive chef) and Luke Skidmore (partner and director) are joined by executive chef James Kelly (formerly of Lyle’s London and Embla) and head sommelier Justin Howe (ex-Osteria Ilaria and Embla).
Chef Kelly expresses his excitement: “I’m excited because it’s my first head chef role. There’s so much interesting Australian produce to explore and we’ve got a beautiful brand new kitchen.” Tucked within the recently opened 555 Collins Street, Harriot is designed to accommodate around 60 diners, including an intimate 14-person private dining room. The aesthetic embodies a distinct Melbourne sensibility, providing a refined backdrop for white tablecloth dining. The menu, deeply rooted in Victorian produce, promises a tempting array of starters such as fresh oysters with preserved quince and horseradish; a rich chicken liver parfait with chestnut; and delicate bluefin tuna with
