The best restaurants in Melbourne right now

What is it? Chef and owner Tom Sarafian's 40-seat eatery, which draws on his Armenian and Egyptian roots, and his partner Jinane’s Lebanese heritage. 

Why we love it: Zareh has been on everyone’s lips since it was first announced back in early 2024, we can confirm the hype is justified. Named for Sarafian’s grandfather, the vibe feels warm and intimate, while the thoughtful menu is carefully considered from start to finish. Order the chicken skewer and thank us later.

Time Out tip: Try not to finish the torshi all at once. The pickles make an excellent palate cleanser and drinking snack to keep nibbling on throughout the meal.

Address: 368 Smith St, Collingwood, 3066

Expect to pay: Menu du jour $99 per person.

What is it? Greasy Zoe’s is an intimate produce-driven restaurant hosted on the outskirts of Melbourne. It’s spearheaded by the naturally creative and ever-resourceful chef Zoe Birch (ex-Courthouse Hotel and Healesville Hotel) and her intelligent hosting partner and sommelier, Lachlan Gardner. Together, they’re co-curating an exceptional – and distinctly Australian – dining experience.  

Why we love it:  Birch and Gardner stick to the hyperlocal brief by championing small Victorian producers, described on the menu as Our Family. This might not sound earth-shatteringly different from other sustainability-focused restaurants on this list, but what Birch does with these raw materials is nothing short of epic. The ‘cheese’ course, for example, comes in the form of a toasted wattle seed and brown sugar-filled croissant, topped with 24-hour cheese and a well of wattleseed syrup. 

Time Out tip: Definitely opt in for the wine pairing and be sure to chat to Gardner about each drop. His remarkable knowledge is an unmissable part of the experience.

Address: Shop 5/850, Heidelberg-Kinglake Rd, Hurstbridge, 3099

Expect to pay: Set menu $220, wine pairing $140, non-alcoholic pairing $80.

What is it? A superb yet relaxed fine diner in Melbourne’s west for imaginative contemporary Australian food with the wow factor. 

Why we love it: Chef and owner Julian Hills describes Navi as his "dream" and you can taste how much heart he’s poured into it – from his clever marriage of native produce and European technique to his well-nurtured relationships with sustainable and ethical farmers. Anticipate a wildly unique culinary adventure that somehow still manages to feel grounded in the earthy dining space. Every morsel is a delight.

Time Out tip: There’s a separate cocktail bar area called Navi Lounge where you can sneak in for amaro tasting flights, elevated snacks (Murray cod katsu sanga, anyone?) and one of the best Gin and Tonics in town. No bookings needed here, and it’s a nice way to dip your toe into Navi’s world without committing to a full degustation.

Address: 83b Gamon St, Yarraville, 3013

Expect to pay: Evening set menu $195, Saturday matinee menu $115. 

What is it? Nestled in leafy Armadale, this intimate fine diner from ultra-talented chef Clinton McIvey (who's also the mastermind behind top wine bar Auterra) offers a multi-course seasonal degustation menu.

Why we love it: Enigmatic, daring and engrossing at every turn, Amaru offers one of Melbourne's most ambitious contemporary dining experiences right now. Expect fresh local produce with a native edge, cutting-edge fermentation and cooking techniques, and plating aesthetics prettier than a picture.  

Time Out tip: Even if you’re partial to a bit of booze, we recommend giving the non-alcoholic beverage pairing a go. From a sparkling bergamot shrub and Champagne vinegar (alc-free) wine to juicy fejoia tea with blackcurrant leaves, the imaginative concoctions we tried on our last visit here were a highlight.

Address: 1121 High St, Armadale, 3143

Expect to pay: Sensory menu (aka the complete Amaru experience) is $320.

What is it? Located in a former metalworks factory on Gertrude Street in Fitzroy, Cutler (formerly Cutler and Co) is the flagship restaurant of Andrew McConnell and Jo McGann. Since opening in 2009, it's consistently been at the top of Melbourne's dining game, winning our Best Fine Diner Award in 2017 and continuing to wow both loyal and new guests 15 years on.

Why we love it: While Cutler may have somehow relaxed its sense of formality in line with current dining trends, crucial aspects of the experience remain: world-class service, a creative yet comforting menu that makes use of Australia's superb produce and – yep, we're calling it – the best long Sunday lunch in Melbourne.

Time Out tip: Keen to kick on after dinner? You're in the right 'hood! Fitzroy is brimming with cool bars and pubs to explore. Here's our guide to the area so you can plan your night.

Address: 55–57 Gertrude St, Fitzroy, 3065

Expect to pay: Mains $35-$90.

What is it? A small family-run restaurant in Beaconsfield offering a critically acclaimed daily tasting menu at excellent value.

Why we love it: Time Out's Restaurant of the Year in 2023 stands out as one of the most energising fine dining experiences in Melbourne. The farm-to-table restaurant kitchen sources all of its ingredients from nearby Cardinia, a property owned and run by friends of the chefs. Over the years, the restaurant has set up nearly 400 garden beds, an orchard of 50 fruit trees, a berry patch, beehives and many other perennials they use on the menu. Each dish elevates humble produce to new heights, an alchemical feat that looks far outside the box in delivering an experience you'll remember. 

Time Out tip: Read our review to find out why O.My almost made this writer cry (in a good way).

Address: 70 Princes Hwy, Beaconsfield, 3807

Expect to pay: Four-course seasonal menu $180 (drinks pairing $75-110), seven-course option $245 (drinks pairing $100-145). 

What is it? For more than 20 years, this luxe restaurant atop Collins Street’s Rialto Tower has been a favourite fine diner for Melburnians celebrating all manner of special occasions. Describing itself as an Australian restaurant, Vue de Monde artfully showcases a blend of native ingredients and high quality produce across its dynamic multi-course menu. The Australian theme continues across its landscape-inspired design, down to the sustainably sourced kangaroo fur chairs.

Why we love it: While Vue de Monde’s long-admired menu may not shift and shake up as wildly as other fine diners on the scene, there’s a comforting quality to the restaurant that’s hard to not fall in love with. Executive chef Hugh Allen’s influence brings warmth and vibrancy to the operation, while the sense of theatre that accompanies each dish remains as exciting as ever. Oh, and that famous billy tea chocolate souffle remains the lightest, fluffiest bite of heaven in town. 

Time Out tip: Try and time your visit around sunset. Golden hour is when the views are at their most spectacular.

Address: Rialto, Level 55, 525 Collins St, Melbourne, 3000

Expect to pay: Signature Chef's tasting menu $380.

What is it? A sleek subterranean Japanese fine diner for hyper-seasonal kaseiki dinners, led by a chef with Michelin-level French training. 

Why we love it: Sometimes referred to as ‘Japanese haute cuisine’, kaiseki is a centuries-old Japanese culinary art designed to celebrate the purity of fresh ingredients through a meticulously prepared sequence of dishes. Executive chef Katsuji Yoshino comes highly equipped with skills in both innovative European and time-honoured Japanese techniques. The result? An experience that feels strikingly modern yet simultaneously rooted in sacred tradition.

Time Out tip: The staff tend to rattle off the description of each dish very quickly here, which means those unaccustomed to the complexities of high-concept Japanese cuisine are bound to miss a few details. Our advice? If you want to muse upon the high points of your meal later on, take snaps of the menu and each course that comes your way. These are nothing short of artworks and too beautiful not to be digitally immortalised.

Address: B01/139 Bourke St, Melbourne, 3000

Expect to pay: Kaiseki menu $315.

What is it? From respected restaurateurs Ross and Sunny Lusted, Marmelo offers a confident, wide-ranging take on Portuguese cooking.

Why we love it: Marmelo (Portuguese for quince) makes a strong case for the culinary traditions of Portugal, which are not widely represented in Melbourne. It draws on regional flavours and techniques, with a menu that moves beyond the usual shorthand to reveal a cuisine of real range and nuance – think a sweet-savoury spin on pastéis de nata and sweetbreads that undergo a careful, multi-step process.

Time Out tip: The chef’s table doesn’t require committing to a set menu, making it a great option for solo diners or date nights with a front-row view of the kitchen.

Address: Ground Floor, 130 Russell St, Melbourne, 3000

Expect to pay: Mains ranging from $36-$70.

What is it? Daphne is a venue that understands how people actually want to eat. A pub in spirit, if not in form, where approachability and taste sit side by side. You can order a Dirty Martini that rivals some of the city’s best, just with kids at the table.

Why we love it: It makes dining out feel easy – without lowering the bar. It’s Melbourne at its most functional, and arguably, at its most effective.

Time Out tip: Bring whoever you like – a date, friends or kids – this is one of the few places that genuinely caters to all three.

Address: 52 Lygon St, Brunswick East, 3057

Expect to pay: Mains ranging from $29-$48.

What is it? Infamous for originally seating only four patrons, Matsu is an exclusive Japanese fine diner that has since expanded to accommodate 12. Welcome news for those of us who’ve so desperately tried to get a booking over the years.

Why we love it: The menu offers a serene kaiseki experience (a traditional Japanese multi-course meal), where careful pacing, clockwork-like collaboration and a sense of ceremony transport you into a realm of timeless artistry.

Time Out tip: If you feel like taking yourself out on a date somewhere special, don’t be afraid to dine here solo – the entire team at Matsu will make you feel right at home.

Address: 275 Barkly St, Footscray, 3011

Expect to pay: $265 per person, but a new omakase lunch offering on Saturdays is $155 per person.

What is it? Melbourne’s first and only Ukrainian restaurant.

Why we love it: Otakoi uses food as a vehicle to share the country’s rich culture, history and warmth. It helps that the food is excellent. The convivial atmosphere and BYO policy lend themselves to big, boisterous group dinners. The more people you bring, the more of the menu you’ll get to try – and you’ll want to try it all. Oh, and whatever you do, save room for dessert. The medivnyk, a honey sponge layer cake, is delicate and fragrant.

Time Out tip: Online bookings max out at eight, but call ahead and they’ll happily accommodate larger groups. 

Address: 34 Chapel St, Windsor, 3181

Expect to pay: Share plates $18-$24; mains $28-$42.

What is it? This alluring newcomer from the masterminds behind Tipo 00 delivers French-inspired flavours with a contemporary twist.

Why we love it: 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.

Time Out tip: If you’ve got the cash to splash and would rather focus on your date than leaf through all the drinks on offer, add on the curated beverage pairing for $110.

Address: 555 Collins St, Melbourne, 3000

Expect to pay: Seasonal menu $120 per person.

What is it? Sogumm is a gentle reminder of the power of Korean classics. Owners and chefs Changhoon Kim and Suhyun Kim first crossed paths at Baegyangsa in South Korea, where they trained in fermentation under renowned Buddhist nun Jeong Kwan. The influence of Korean temple cuisine lingers in their tightly edited menu, which celebrates produce and seasonality.

Why we love it: The finesse is undeniable. The technique belongs to fine dining, but the flavours are pared back to their purest expression.

Time Out tip: Visit as close to 11am as you can to enjoy the space, watching the chefs and the sereness. 

Address: 466 Church St, Cremorne, 3121

Expect to pay: Around $18-$34 per dish.

What is it? From the team behind beloved Prahran wine bar Don’s, Cordelia is the kind of place that pulls you in easily and keeps you there longer than planned.

Why we love it: Lively but never cramped, Coredelia is full of that easy conviviality that makes you want to linger. There’s a gentle nudge to settle in rather than cycle through tables, a true spirit of hospitality. And the menu – which follows a familiar smalls-mids-bigs format – has a real emphasis on seasonality. Seafood is a clear through-line, but the steaks are some of the best we've had, and the pasta is wonderfully long and chewy, with sauces that have just enough viscosity to cling to every curve.

Time Out tip: Cordelia is a certified sunshine magnet. In summer, an outdoor seat isn’t just recommended, but essential.

Address: 180 Rathdowne St, Carlton, 3053

Expect to pay: Roughly $40-$80 for mains. But a ‘Happy Meal’ offer runs Wednesday to Friday from 3-5pm, pairing mini cocktails with snackable bites for $20.  

What is it? Classic Greek flavours get a makeover at this elegant South Melbourne diner.

Why we love it: Aegli takes a contemporary approach to Greek cuisine that’s rarely seen in Melbourne. Chef Ioannis (Yianni) Kasidokostas, who previously worked in Michelin-starred restaurants in Athens, brings that fine dining finesse to a menu rooted in tradition. The space and food are refined, yet the service has the warmth of a taverna or family home. 

Time Out tip: For something different, the skin-contact malagousia – Greece’s answer to chardonnay – is a fun pour at an approachable $15 a glass.

Address: 226 Coventry St, South Melbourne, 3205

Expect to pay: Set menu: three courses for $70 or four for $90 per person, including your choice of main and the chef’s choice of dessert.

What is it? Etta describes itself humbly as “a little neighbourhood restaurant with a big heart”. With new head chef Lorcan Kan now masterfully steering the ship, its next exciting era has begun.

Why we love it: There’s always something fun and delicious to discover at Etta. Take the stunning seafood towers on offer during the warmer months, for example – best paired with the restaurant’s A-plus selection of Champagne, if you ask us. With a gorgeously curated wine list and a snack-heavy menu that manages to lean towards the unusual without sacrificing on taste, Etta shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

Time Out tip: “Our style is more fun than formal,” Etta’s website reads. And it’s true. Etta feels more like a vibing party or wino gathering than a stuffy restaurant, so feel free to have a let your hair down and have fun with it! 

Address: 60 Lygon Street, Brunswick East, 3065

Expect to pay: Mains from $30-$65.

What is it? 'Eating house' doesn't quite cut it. ‘All-day diner’ falls worryingly short. In fact, when trying to sum up the place Cumulus Inc plays in Melbourne’s hungry heart, ‘favourite clubhouse’ comes as close as any description. And maybe that’s the thing about our winner of the Legend Award in the 2018 Food and Drink Awards.

Why we love it: Cumulus Inc is so many different things to so many different people. For city office workers, it’s the perfect show-off gaff for breakfast meetings with out-of-towners (bonus points for feigned nonchalance in the face of its boast-worthy fabulousness). For solo lunchers, it’s a place where singleton status is never a problem. And the food? Predictably great from the Trader House crew.

Time Out tip: Time your visit on a night when there's a play on at fortyfivedownstairs, which is located in the building's basement. 

Address: 45 Flinders Ln, Melbourne, 3000

Expect to pay: Two-course lunch menu $55, mains and proteins $35-$85, desserts around $18.

What is it? St Kilda’s luxe beachfront restaurant for relaxed fine dining with a seafood focus.

Why we love it:  A gorgeous place to dine out and commemorate special occasions since 1989, this breezy, salt-sprayed destination from the Van Haandel Group has all the ingredients for a perfect meal: stunning views of Port Phillip Bay, exceptional seafood, a sustainable ethos that nabbed its Legend Award at our 2023 Food and Drink Awards, an award-winning wine list and some of the best and brightest service in the biz. We couldn’t be more infatuated. 

Time Out tip: Start with the insanely moreish saltbush and vinegar potato cake ($8), a much-loved specialty snack from executive chef Jason Staudt.

Address: 30 Jacka Boulevard, St Kilda, 3182

Expect to pay: Fish from around $67-$98, meat from around $64-$210.

What is it? A Polish restaurant in Brunswick that feels as homey and heartwarming as a house party – with excellent pierogi, vodka and cocktails to boot.

Why we love it: Good, honest food. Sometimes, it’s the only thing you crave. Like the type of meal your grandmother prepared for you when you were a child. Or freshly rolled pierogi. The couple at the helm of this Brunswick East restaurant, Guy Daley and Dominika Sikorska, are widely respected for bringing some of the most authentic Polish cuisine to Melbourne and they're absolutely smashing it.

Time Out tip: Remember to drink water – and lots of it. It's easy to overindulge on all the fabulous spirits on offer here.

Address: 161 Lygon St, Brunswick East, 3057

Expect to pay: Polish dumplings (eight pieces per serve) $24-$26, mains $29-$35.

What is it? A bold Filipino restaurant from chef Ross Magnaye with platefuls of woodfired deliciousness, fun cocktails and an natty wine list. 

Why we love it: Time Out’s 2022 Restaurant of the Year (also our Best Casual Dining Venue in the same year) impressed us from the outset, a shot in the arm for the city’s food culture. Riffing on Magnaye’s Filipino heritage without suggesting anything like straightlaced authenticity, the fire-licked food is irreverent, playful and fun while also introducing the non-Filipino Melbournians to a new world of flavour. Backed by a pithy, natural-leaning wine list and a whole lot of buzz, the menu is a tour-de-force of things we want to eat. 

Time Out tip: A visit to Serai is not complete without ordering the super tasty McScallop. Just try it – you'll thank us later.

Address: 7 Racing Club Ln, Melbourne, 3000

Expect to pay: Mains from $28-$69.

What is it? A premium restaurant and cocktail haven from star chef Andrew McConnell and the Trader House crew, housed in a glamorous 1920s-era building. 

Why we love it: Gimlet stands tall as one of the few true bastions of old-world fine dining in Melbourne, dishing up lobster, caviar, winning cocktails and wine, and a seasonally evocative rotation of mains. Oh, and that Gimlet cocktail. Yet despite its Euro-style grandeur, the class act manages to channel a warmth and sense of intimacy, which is present across all touchpoints – from the excellent, well-tailored service to the lively ambience. 

Time Out tip: Not keen to splash out? Head in after 10pm on a Friday or Saturday night for one of Melbourne’s most sought-after cheeseburgers ($28) from the late-night supper menu.

Address: Cavendish House, 33 Russell St, Melbourne, 3000

Expect to pay: Seasonal menu $160.

What is it? France-Soir is truly a Melbourne institution. Established in 1986 by owner Jean-Paul Prunetti, the bistro was an instant success, and in the fickle world of hospitality, that success has endured.

Why we love it: Tables are packed tightly, and seats are in high demand. Waiters expertly ferry plates from the kitchen behind the swinging doors at the back, manoeuvring among the lively tables. The menu is composed of France's finest bistro-style fare. For all this restaurant's messiness (and at times, moodiness), we just adore it. It's that plain and simple.

Time Out tip: Head in at lunch on Monday to Wednesday and you can BYO with no corkage charge!

Address: 11 Toorak Rd, South Yarra, 3141

Expect to pay: Mains start around $50.

What is it? Tucked away on the second floor of the Waterside Hotel, Past/Port is a celebration of flavours from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia. And it might just be serving the best dessert in Melbourne.

Why we love it: Former Mya Tiger chef Sarah Chan draws on her Chinese-Malaysian heritage for a menu spanning Southeast Asia. There are plenty of familiar dishes, but Chan’s interpretations of them feel distinctly personal – a moment of sincerity within the enormity of the Waterside operation.

Time Out tip: The Sarawak laksa is only available from noon to 3pm. Plan accordingly (and don’t skip the banana fritters!).

Address: The Waterside Hotel, Level 2/508 Flinders St, Melbourne, 3000

Expect to pay: Mains start around $35.

What is it? Tucked away on Lord Street in Richmond, Minamishima is a seriously excellent Japanese fine dining restaurant serving up an omakase menu from sushi master Koichi Minamishima.

Why we love it: Exquisite dishes notwithstanding, Minamishima is a masterclass in outstanding service and meticulous attention to detail. The restaurant’s genuine warmth and affection for what they do is matched by the sushi, the best we’ve had in Melbourne. 

Time Out tip: Opt for a seat at the sushi counter so that you can marvel at the chefs’ world-class knife skills.

Address: 4 Lord St, Richmond, 3121

Expect to pay: Omakase menu $325.

What is it? Started up by Ezard trio Ned Trumble, Keat Lee and Chris Lerch, pan-Asian restaurant Lagoon Dining is consistently tantalising our tastebuds with some of the most considered and punchiest contemporary takes on classic dishes.

Why we love it: Though this restaurant might think wildly out of the box when it comes to inspiration, true Southeast and East Asian influences are apparent everywhere – from the dishes Lagoon chooses to spotlight to the condiments they incorporate into said dishes (think sambal belacan, white pepper togarashi, gochujang, Chinkiang vinegar). As it continues to reinvent itself each year and reinvigorate its reliably excellent pan-Asian fare, it deserves far more accolades than it’s gotten so far. 

Time Out tip: Read our review before you go. It's a surefire way to get your mouth watering in anticipation. 

Address: 263 Lygon Street, Carlton, 3053

Expect to pay: Set menu $80.

What is it? Thi Le and Jia-Yen Lee's renowned Richmond eatery, where you'll find modern iterations of Vietnam's regional specialties.

Why we love it: The chef here is emphatic that Anchovy is not a Vietnamese restaurant but rather an amalgamation of Australian and Vietnamese dining. Exploring the concept of 'Viet Kieu' (the term for a Vietnamese person who lives outside of Vietnam), Anchovy simultaneously represents provenance and metamorphosis, in the most gloriously edible way. 

Time Out tip: Can't find (or don't want) a dining mate? Feel free to come alone! Anchovy is geared towards solo diners or duos, with many of the dishes offered as half-serves.

Address: 338 Bridge Road, Richmond, 3121

Expect to pay: Mains from $34-$58.

What is it? Kafeneion (a play on the Greek term ‘kafeneio’, which refers to a traditional coffee house) aims to serve Melburnians a taste of true, traditional Greek comfort food.

Why we love it: Homestyle soups and hearty meat and vegetable dishes here are made from authentic village recipes you’re unlikely to find outside of the Hellenic motherland. The place itself has a touch of taverna about it, too, with basic white tablecloths and Supper Club’s rustic wood panelling. It’s easy to imagine merrily hanging out here until long after dinner as the Athenians do – and you absolutely can, for it serves supper and drinks most nights until 3am.  

Time Out tip: Want to expand your grape repertoire? This is your opportunity to try some lovely Greek wines.

Address: First Floor/161 Spring Street, Melbourne, 3000

Expect to pay: Mains from $24-$49.

What is it? Led by acclaimed chef Ben Shewry, this Ripponlea fine diner is one of the most widely appreciated restaurants in Australia – and even the world. 

Why we love it: Attica has been around for more than 20 years and is both a celebration of Australia’s unique flavours and a joyous example of Melbourne dining at its most heart-centred and innovative. "You won’t see caviar and lobster on our menu," the website reads. "Instead, you’ll find dishes crafted with passion and intention to complement the bounty of ingredients found in Australia. We appreciate a rack of ribs – but ours come from crocs, not cows." There’s a true sense of wonder in Attica’s menu that rewards newcomers and returning visitors alike with a singular journey.

Time Out tip: Reservations are released at 9am (AEDT) three months in advance, so be sure to schedule a calendar reminder so that you don’t miss out on your preferred date.

Address: 74 Glen Eira Rd, Ripponlea, 3185

Expect to pay: Multi-course tasting menu $385.

What is it? Babaji's was founded by chef Max Kamil Hassan as a sort of love letter to Kerala, a region in India famed for its lush landscapes and fascinating culinary heritage – think fragrant seafood curries, tender biryanis, street food snacks like idli and dosa, and a variety of vegetarian dishes that showcase local ingredients with an Indian twist. 

Why we love it: What truly sets Babaji’s apart is its heart. This isn’t just about food; it’s about the richness of Indian culture prepared and parcelled out in a way you can taste. Whether you’re a local or a wandering soul in search of something authentic, you’ll find that Babaji’s has a way of making you feel right at home.

Time Out tip: We reckon a meal here goes down best with toddy wine. But if you don't drink alcohol, opt for the authentic chai, served in a traditional brass dabara tumbler set.

Address: 1/1644 Burwood Hwy, Belgrave, 3160

Expect to pay: Homestyle thali platter $23-28, banana leaf sadya $30, Keralan specialty dishes $15-25.

What is it? Situated in the Manse Building that once housed the minister of the nearby Wesley Church, Reed House is a produce-driven restaurant and poised to be one of Melbourne's greats. 

Why we love it: The food is playful, and the service is friendly and laid-back. Toeing the line between tradition and invention, Reed House feels like the epitome of next-gen hospo. The cool kids have grown up, got real jobs and now run your favourite restaurant. 

Time Out tip: You've got to try the ramen scotch egg with mushroom ketchup ($16). Amazingly, the chef has pulled off a dish that is more than the sum of its parts. 

Address: 130 Lonsdale St, Melbourne 3000

Expect to pay: Set menu from $80-$85.

What is it? Lagotto is a charming Italian restaurant in Fitzroy North for long, boozy lunches, romantic occasions and everything in between.

Why we love it: For all its design award-winning elegance, there’s an irresistibly casual feel to the fitout. This is a place just as suitable for an afternoon wine with a gaggle of pals as it is for anniversaries and the like. There are countless restaurants in Melbourne where you can enjoy exceptional takes on classic Italian recipes, but where Lagotto stands out is in its playfulness. From pairing tuna with strawberries and kefir to pouring rare spirits from the motherland, the restaurant’s generosity and creativity are to be commended.

Time Out tip: There is also a wine store stocked with an evolving selection of local and Italian wine to purchase. 

Address: 1 York Street, Fitzroy North, 3068

Expect to pay: Mains and pasta from $29-$80.

What is it? An Athenian newcomer to Yarraville, named for the blazing hearth at its centre – the tool chef-owner Alex Xinis uses to prepare nearly every dish on the menu, roasting octopus and smoking saganaki as 15 diners sit around him and watch.

Why we love it: Every dish is tasty at this laidback Greek-style locale, but you can't go past the standout revithia, inspired by a dish from Athens institution Diporto. It appears deceptively simple: a brothy mix of chickpeas and carrots, finished in the oven. But the alchemy of heat, fat and time leaves the chickpeas impossibly tender, succumbing to the gentlest press of a fork. Mash them slightly as we did and you’ll have the perfect topping for flatbread not dissimilar to the warm, chunky musabbaḥa eaten throughout the Levant.

Time Out tip: Tzaki's frosty iced coffee frappes are an all-day delight – don't leave the restaurant without ordering one.

Address: 31 Ballarat St, Yarraville, 3013

Expect to pay: Flatbread $10, other plates from $12-32.

What is it? A humble and authentic Italian restaurant serving up regional recipes from the family's nonna.

Why we love it: There’s something to be said about the cuisine of Emilia-Romagna. Tomato isn’t the forté of this Italian region, so don't expect a traditional tomato ragu. The chefs at Trattoria Emilia hail from its namesake, and have created uncomplicated dishes that are big on flavour. This restaurant will forever hold a very special place in Melbourne's heart.

Time Out tip: We recommend the tasting menu. At just $110 per person, it's one of the best value meals in town – inclusive of starters and salumi, a fresh pasta of the day, a main course and, of course, dessert. 

Address: Entry via Gills Alley, 360 Little Collins St, Melbourne, 3000

Expect to pay: Pasta from $39, mains from $35.

What is it? A stylish Italian-leaning restaurant offering an approachable fine dining experience. 

Why we love it: At first glance, Lucia might seem like polished corporate dining – safe, stylish and formulaic. But beneath the sleek façade lies a restaurant brimming with technical precision and genuine heart. It’s fine dining without the pretentiousness: creative, playful and accessible. From start to finish, Lucia offers an experience that’s as relaxed as it is refined.

Time Out tip: If it's on the menu when you go, order the Aylesbury duck. It's a knock-out.

Address: 11 Eastern Rd, South Melbourne, 3205

Expect to pay: Mains from $44.

What is it? Farmer’s Daughters is bringing Gippsland to the city at its swish multi-level venue at 80 Collins St. 

Why we love it: Executive chef Alejandro Saravia spent many years bringing his vision of a deli, restaurant and bar to life, and the venue was welcomed with open arms by Melburnians seeking a taste of their own state. The colour palette is inspired by gumtrees, from olive green through to terracotta. Sink into brown leather banquettes and snack on warm Irish soda bread with cultured butter, Koo Wee Rup asparagus with black garlic and Tarago brie mousse before moving onto the likes of goat or dry age O’Connor beef.

Time Out tip: After dinner? Head up to the recently renovated rooftop terrace for a sneaky cocktail and night sky views.

Address: 95 Exhibition Street, 80 Collins Precinct, Melbourne 3000

Expect to pay: Lunch menu $85 (two-course) to $95 (three-course), Gippsland Getaway menu $150.

What is it? A highly ambitious project from Nomad Group, which has transformed Melbourne’s hallowed old Stock Exchange building into a European-inspired restaurant as ritzy as it is regal, with a speakeasy bar (the Rue part) accessible through an adjoining courtyard. 

Why we love it: Though it may be a hit on IG thanks to its good looks, Reine isn’t just a flashy and expensive experiment. The kitchen is committed to serving up some of Victoria’s finest possible produce in the finest possible way, and the formula unsurprisingly works. There are no molecular tricks or shocking surprises with the food; it’s all great oil, butter, vinegar and quality goods. 

Time Out tip: Don't go so heavy on protein dishes that you forget about veg. Here, they make up some of the tastiest menu highlights: wood-roasted leeks with vinaigrette and hazelnut; potato and cheese terrine; and pea tartlets with walnut pistou, just to name a few. 

Address: 380 Collins St, Melbourne, 3000

Expect to pay: Chef's menu $175 per person (two or more guests).

What is it? A ‘neo-Asian’ diner in the heart of Carnegie.

Why we love it: There’s nothing else quite like it around – it sits in a more upscale category than its peers and draws inspiration from right across Asia, where they tend to have a singular focus – but it nods to what came before it with an ethos and energy that feel right at home in the suburb.

Time Out tip: If you’re vegetarian or dining with one, Tyga offers an entire meat-free menu, so there’s plenty to choose from beyond the usual token veg options.

Address: 91 Koornang Road, Carnegie, 3163

Expect to pay: Mains start around $41.

What is it? Collingwood's hip no-waste diner for cooking that uses no ovens, just fire, smoke and charcoal.

Why we love it: There's a sense of theatre here and the kitchen surprises with every turn and trick. Think bold presentation, playful rituals and dazzling flavours of ferment-driven origin. On our last visit, for example, diners were invited to smash bulbous nori rice crackers into pieces and use them to scoop up ground beef flushed a bright magenta by beetroot cashew cream. The culmination of everything was a deliciously salty explosion, a textural melange of slippery and crunchy. 

Time Out tip: Love an original cocktail? Try the Carrot Sour, made from the water used to ferment carrots for another dish on the menu.

Address: 199 Smith Street, Fitzroy, 3065

Expect to pay: Mains from around $52.

What is it? A superb Italian restaurant off the beaten track in Carlton, born from an Italian-born chef's imagination during the lockdown era. 

Why we love it: The dishes here change with the seasons to focus on local quality produce and regionally inspired Italian flavours, and in short, everything is fantastically delicious. If you have friends visiting from out of town and want to eat somewhere special, this is the crowd-pleaser to recommend. Panzerotti pomodoro with mozzarella and basil (the most epic take on a pizza pocket you’ll ever try) and juicy golden-fried olives stuffed with meat are our favourite starters. 

Time Out tip: Don't skip dessert – the latte e miele is a highlight, inspired by a type of childhood Italian confectionery.

Address: 161-163 Nicholson Street, Carlton, 3053

Expect to pay: Chef's selection menu $130.

What is it? A contemporary Asian-inspired restaurant from the Trader House crew, perfect for casual catch-ups and group celebrations alike. 

Why we love it: That iconic New England lobster roll. The spicy-sweet tteokbokki. The friendly waiters. The liveliness of it all. This fun restaurant from Andrew McConnel's stable might be old news, but the experience feels as fresh and alive as ever. If it ain't broke, why fix it?

Time Out tip: Check the website's events page to get the scoop on special one-off menus and happenings. It's a way you can revisit the restaurant for an entirely new (and potentially surprising) offering.

Address: 180 Flinders Ln, Melbourne, 3000

Expect to pay: Banquet $90-$130 per person.

What is it? A celebrated St Kilda destination for simple yet wonderful Italian food, fabulous art and an extensive wine list.

Why we love it: All of the above gets our big green tick of approval, but we also find this restaurant's back story fascinating. In 1990, on the eve of the Gulf War, Italian porn star-turned-parliamentarian Cicciolina offered to sleep with Saddam Hussein in exchange for world peace. A foolproof plan it seemed, but sadly she was unsuccessful and off to war we went. Three years later, on a bustling seaside street in faraway St Kilda, a sultry Italian restaurant named for her colourful legacy was born. 

Time Out tip: Try and get into the Back Saloon if you're struggling to get a booking. It's open every evening from 5pm and accepts walk-ins. 

Address: 130 Acland St, St Kilda, 3182

Expect to pay: Pasta $26-$47, mains $53-$77.

What is it? A four-level French-leaning dining destination in the CBD rom Melbourne restaurateur Chris Lucas.

Why we love it: We suspected it would be good – but we didn't know it would be this good. The food is lovely, the service is warm and knowledgeable and the energy here is contagious.

Time Out tip: Sure, a meal here might cost you an arm and a leg. But not necessarily. Hit up the late-night supper club for a next-level cheeseburger and a glass of wine and your bill won't be too eye-watering. Oh, and if you want to go the whole hog, and splash out on lobster, chicken and the works, at least you know that here it'll be delicious.

Address: 23 Bourke St, Melbourne, 3000

Expect to pay: Menu de la Maison $135-$175. Note that dining upstairs on the terrace is a little cheaper.

What is it? A critically acclaimed Euro-Japanese fine diner in Carlton.

Why we love it: Most of this restaurant's magic is thanks to a great chef – Kazuki Tsuya from Akita in Northern Japan, who blends classic French culinary techniques with Japanese flavours and top Aussie produce. The result? Dishes that are well worth the dosh. Fun fact: this restaurant was the winner of our Best Fine Diner in the 2019 Food and Drink Awards. 

Time Out tip: Choose this one for a special occasion. 

Address: 121 Lygon Street, Carlton, 3053

Expect to pay: Five-course tasting menu $190, seven-course tasting menu $230.

What is it? A legendary Spanish restaurant on Hosier Lane, probably single-handedly responsible for igniting Melburnians' passion for tapas.

Why we love it: In the years since Frank Camorra and business partner Andy McMahon opened their Hosier Lane flagship restaurant, the pair have launched an armada of Spanish eateries. But don’t let all that rampant breeding put the fear of neglectful parenting into you – MoVida is captained by a trusty crew and still offers one of the best bar dining experiences in Melbourne.

Time Out tip: Wanting a somewhat more casual experience? Head to the bustling bar-style diner Movida Next Door.

Address: 1 Hosier Ln, Melbourne, 3000

Expect to pay: Lunch set menu $85, dinner set menu $100.

What is it? An ultra-swanky fine diner at the top of Melbourne's Ritz-Carlton hotel with one of the best restaurant views in the entire city. 

Why we love it: At every turn, Atria’s dishes are strikingly unique and, most of all, delicious spotlights on local Victorian produce. Step into the black orchid-scented lobby of the Ritz-Carlton and ascend into the clouds for one of the most exciting dining experiences going around. 

Time Out tip: Breakfast is a surprising highlight here. If you're lucky enough to be staying at the hotel, definitely check it out.

Address: 650 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne 3000

Expect to pay: Three-course tasting menu $160, five-course tasting menu $220.

What is it? Nestled in a CBD laneway, this new-school Chinese restaurant is by celebrated chef Victor Liong.

Why we love it: At this elegant Melbourne favourite, Aussie producers and seasonal ingredients are championed through a platform of modern Chinese food. Perhaps it'll be Tasmanian ocean trout sashimi with black bean and orange dressing to start, followed by the lacquered duck with quince hoisin, spring onion and bing bread, all capped off with a rose tea and red fruit trifle with vanilla and osmanthus cream. Whatever you eat, it's sure to be excellent. 

Time Out tip: You can do a Chinese tea pairing for $50 per person.

Address: 11-15 Duckboard Pl, Melbourne 3000

Expect to pay: Tasting menu $195.

What is it? A lively eatery on Racecourse Road for traditional Ethiopian food. 

Why we love it: For years, this restaurant has been keeping African food lovers happy and satiated with traditional and spiced-up Ethiopian dishes including kifto beef, goat with kemmam sauce and the lamb hot pot shiro bozena. Order the mixed platter feast to get a chef's choice of curries and a small salad served on a giant serve of delightfully spongy injera flatbread.

Time Out tip: Cutlery is optional here, so get your hands in there and sop up all the flavours.

Address: 11-15 Duckboard Pl, Melbourne 3000

Expect to pay: Mixed platters for two served on a bed of injera $48-58, larger dishes around $18-27.

What is it? Tucked inside Collins Street’s heritage listed Olderfleet building, the street visible through a trio of ecclesiastical windows, this Norse goddess-inspired restaurant unites Danish culinary traditions with Aussie ingredients.

Why we love it: Under the leadership of Jae Bang, formerly head chef at Norway’s two-Michelin-gonged Re- Naa, Freyja stands mighty as Melbourne's finest example of luxury Scandi-style dining. Ingredients are sourced from local farms or foraged from the wild by our team and preserved carefully through the Nordic methods of smoking, fermenting and pickling. The result is a dining adventure that's as wild as it is refined.

Time Out tip: From 5.30-6.30pm on Tuesday to Thursday, you can browse from the $30 drink and snack menu.

Address: 477 Collins Street, Melbourne, 3000

Expect to pay: Taste of Freyja set menu $139 per person.