It was love at first encounter with Bar Spontana, its selling points reading like my own personal wish list with every box getting a big tick. Authentic and creative Thai food? Yes. Plenty of experimentation, pickling and fermentation? Triple yes. Wine bar status? If a smart list of great grape stuff is on offer, I’m in like a flash, no need to ask twice. But there were also plenty of unexpected wonders at Bar Spontana (like one of the greatest cocktails I’ve ever tasted – more on that later) that swept my partner and I off our feet on our very first visit.
May 2024 update: Last month was all about living it up – well, up. Rooftop bar openings dominated our calendars, including Flinders Lane's tallest new bar Fleet and a brand watering hole in the sky for elite rums and cigars, Santana. We also ventured out to Melbourne’s very first rooftop brewery to chat to co-owner (and AFL legend) Dave Neitz about its wonderful charity initiatives over a tasting paddle. But there was plenty of fun to be had on the ground, too, at newcomers to the scene like Brunswick’s Thai-inspired Bar Spontana, and this two-level eatery offering a fresh take on Filipino flavours.
Here's your ultimate guide to Melbourne's most exciting recent restaurant and bar openings, updated monthly for your reading (and tasting) pleasure. With this list on hand, you'll be the first to know where to find the hottest brunch spot, vino bar or fine diner – all sussed out by our fastidious team of writers and critics. Note: we generally include venues that are only six months (give or take) young in this list.
Ready to make a booking somewhere spesh? Read on.