Where to dine out when the restrictions are lifted in Melbourne

Bar Margaux
Bar Margaux reopens as of Thursday, November 5, and that means the return of its steak tartare and MGX burger, along with a new spring menu. Not to mention its wide range of drinks. 

Bookings of six or fewer can reserve via the website, or via email for group bookings of up to ten. Walk-ins are accepted for bar seats if the bar is not full. Bar Margaux will open on Thursdays to Saturdays from 5.30pm to 11pm.

Calere Coffee
This one’s for all the iso-baristas out there. Ditch the home brew and head to Calere Coffee. Sample its range of Japanese sandos and sweet snacks as of October 28. Walk-ins only. 

Heartbreaker
Heartbreaker will start slinging slices of Connie’s New York-style pizza again from Thursday, November 5 onwards. Enjoy a classic cocktail by Everleigh Bottling Co or one of the usual suspects on the bar menu and bask in the red glow of the neon sign.

All bookings must be made via email, with walk-ins accepted for bar seats if they're not fully booked. The bar will be open on Thursdays to Saturdays from 4pm to midnight.

Trattoria Emilia
Transport yourself to Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region (birthplace of Parmigiano Reggiano) with Trattoria Emilia’s seasonal menu. It’s open for dinner from Thursdays to Saturdays as of November 5, and reservations can be made via the website. 

Embla 
Book your seat online at one of Melbourne's most-loved wine bars serving food cooked over woodfire from October 28.

Daughter In Law 
Modern Indian food served with high spirits, smart cocktails and a punchy wine list can be enjoyed in-house from October 28. Book online.

Mrs Singh
Book your table online to be in one of three seatings at Jessi Singh's 'Champagne disco', where you can pair Champagne (obviously), classic wines and modern cocktails with bar snacks injected with an Indian flair from October 30 onwards. Don't go past the butter chicken paté.

Marameo
Great news! Marameo will be trading under its usual (and full) hours from October 29, so call your closest friends and plan your lunch and dinners. Bookings are essential via its website, and takeaway will run until restrictions are lifted.

Ruyi
Modern Chinese restaurant, Ruyi is set to open from November 3 onwards, offering regular dining from Tuesdays to Sundays. Book online.

Mjolner
For some escapist dining and drinking, Mjolner is reopening on Thursdays to Sundays from November 5. Walk-ins are welcome, but bookings via the website are strongly recommended due to dine-in restrictions. 

Flower Drum
Fine diner Flower Drum is accepting reservations from November 9 onwards. The menu is yet to be confirmed, but bookings are essential. Phone (03) 9662 3655 or email to save your spot now.

Eau de Vie
For speakeasy-style drinking and dining, from October 28, you can book a table at Eau de Vie. It’s open Wednesday to Saturday with walk-ins accepted throughout the evening.

Fancy Hanks
Rip into some smoked meats and southern classics from October 28 by booking a table via Fancy Hanks' website. Capacity is reduced due to government restrictions, so risking a walk-in would not be recommended. 

Tian38
From November 2, chilli crab jaffles, bottomless yum cha brunch, short rib Vegemite rendang and taro-misu will be back in action at the modern Chinese diner. Reserve your spot online.

Rosa's Canteen
If you're craving traditional Italian comfort food cooked by the master of Sicilian cooking, Rosa Mitchell, you'll be glad to hear Rosa's is reopening on November 2 for Monday to Friday services. Book via the website.

Palermo
Did you fail to perfect the art of cooking a really good steak while in iso? Well, Palermo is serving dinner from Tuesdays to Saturdays from October 28. Book online.

Asado
For more grilled meat action, you can also score yourself a table at Palermo's sister restaurant in Southbank. On top of the Tuesday to Sunday dinner service from October 29, Asado will also be serving lunch from Friday to Sunday. Book online.

San Telmo
If you have missed out on a table at either Palermo or Asado, never fear. San Telmo is open from October 29, running dinners from Tuesday to Sunday and lunches from Friday to Sunday. Yes, book online.

Pinchy's
Lobster rolls and Champagne at home is not the same as lobster rolls and Champagne at Pinchy's. From November 2, Pinchy's is back offering dinner service on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and lunch on Sundays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Book online. 

Bomba
For tapas and Spanish booze, Bomba is back from October 30. Book via the website, or call 9650 5778.

Mamak
Have you missed tissue-thin, fluffy and crispy roti accompanied by curries and sambals that you can't seem to replicate with your time in iso? Mamak is back to dine in from October 28 (no bookings required) and is also still offering takeaway in case you miss out on a seat due to dining restrictions.

Bodega Underground
From October 28, Bodega Underground will be running its bottomless brunches again, and you can even book your table. This offer will be available Fridays to Sundays at $69 per person, is completely gluten-free and can be made vegan. Dinner reservations are also open now.

Thai Tide
For those looking to experience a taste of the floating markets near Bangkok, Thai Tide has you covered. The venue reopened its doors as of October 28 and is taking bookings via the website.

YOI
Family-run venue YOI offers a modern take on classic Indonesian dishes. Walk-ins are welcome for groups under four, and bookings are required for larger groups via email or phoning 9043 1530.  

Hazel
From November 4 Hazel will reopen its doors to once again offer its extensive menu in an airy, multi-level setting. Bookings must be made online.

Pastuso
Peruvian bar and grill Pastuso is back with its ceviche bar, parrilla and pisco bar. Try out its set menus or book in a boozy bottomless lunch on Saturdays. Book via the website.

Grossi Florentino
Italian institution Grossi Florentino is set to make its comeback on November 7. Bookings to be made via phone on 9662 1811.

Vue de Monde
Degustation is one of the harder things to nail at home. If you’ve missed it, fine diner Vue de Monde is accepting bookings from November 11 onwards. Reserve online.

Rockpool Bar and Grill
The steakhouse plans to reopen for dinner on November 5 with plans still underway. Known for its extensive list of dry aged beef from David Blackmore, Cape Grim, Provenir, and Coppertree Farm, there's also an impressive wine list to match. Bookings aren't available yet but will be soon via the website.

Saké Restaurant and Bar
You're invited to sit by the Yarra at Saké's Hamer Hall location from October 30 onwards. It can comfortably seat 32 guests outdoors or 20 indoors and its menu will include Saké’s signature nigiri, sashimi and sushi rolls. Book online.

Marion
Dine indoors or outdoors at Andrew McConnell’s wine bar Marion from October 28 onwards. Reserve online for bookings for six people and under, or phone 9419 6262 for group bookings. It’s open Wednesdays to Sundays, midday until late, and is the perfect choice for lovers of good wine.

Archie's All Day
One of Gertrude Street's favourite cafés is back from October 29, so prepare yourself for a proper caffeine hit. All bookings will be made for one-hour seatings. Secure your spot by calling 9417 0066.

Bar Liberty
Capacity is severely capped, but word is, Liberty will be open for bookings from October 30 via its website. In the meantime, it will continue its ready-made meal service and takeaway bottle shop. 

Builders Arms Hotel
Do you miss the whipped cod roe, cheeseburger and meat from the rotisserie? Well, Builders is back from October 28 for meals in the public bar and dining room. Bookings are essential via the website. Email for parties larger than eight.

Capitano
This red sauce restaurant will reopen the week of October 30 with bookings available online. Takeaway and delivery will still run until a full restaurant dine-in is available. 

Carlton Wine Room
The benefit of having so many rooms and private areas is that Carlton Wine Room will be able to serve its anchovy on fried bread, boozy rum baba and excellent wine list to more people than most venues. Doors are set to open from November 2, with seatings being limited to 1.5hrs. Bookings are available via its website.

Ciao Mamma
Do you miss receiving your pasta in a bowl rather than a takeaway container? Ciao Mama is reopening for sit-down dining from November 4. Book via the website. 

Estelle
If you've been a fan of chef and co-owner Scott Pickett's Digger Goes Rogue series on Instagram, you can thank him for the laughs in person from October 29. Bookings are available via the website. Please note that credit cards details are required for all bookings.

Future Mountain
Reservoir's brewhouse will reopen from November 5 with capped numbers for dining and drinking in. Roadhouse BBQ will be providing smoked meats to go with those beers, but if you're unable to be seated, one-litre growlers are still being delivered.

Ichi Ni Nana
The benefit of having many private rooms is being able to serve more people. Book a spot for you and your friends from October 28 via the website to enjoy modern Japanese izakaya food and drinks. Just be aware that each seating is one hour and 45 minutes long, so don't be late.

Horn Please
If playful Indian is your thing, North Fitzroy's Horn Please will surely, well, please. Open from October 28, seven days a week, bookings are essential via its website. Credit card details must be provided upon booking. 

Ides
The dining room will reopen from November 10 so you can smash (quite literally) that Black Box dessert for yourself. Book via the website. 

King and Godfree
King and Godfree’s long-standing deli is set to make its return on November 2. Offering playful Italian fare, it will comfortably seat diners outdoors so you can people watch in Carlton and snack on roast porchetta. Bookings via OpenTable.

Lagoon Dining
From October 30, Lagoon is opening its doors from Wednesdays to Sundays to serve up its modern Chinese menu. Bookings are essential and available via the website. 

Moon Dog World
Book in for a two-hour food and beverage package at Moon Dog World and try its new outdoor setting from Monday through Sunday, starting on October 28.

Old Palm Liquor
One of our favourite 'pubs' serving an extensive selection of low-intervention wines and South African flavoured dishes is back from October 28 for lunch and dinner from Monday to Saturday. Bookings are available online and will require pre-payment for a $55 per head, two-course set menu. Takeaways will still run until restrictions are fully lifted. 

The Rochester Hotel
Pub meals, pints and good banter will return to the Rochey from November 5. The pub will open on Thursdays to Sundays until restrictions are lifted. Bookings can be made via email.

Teta Mona
If you've got a hankering for some vegan-friendly Lebanese soul food, make a booking at Teta Mona for November 2 now by calling 9380 6680. It's not that the entire menu is vegan, but if you bring your vegan mate, they won't miss out.

Ish
Gertrude Street's modern Indian restaurant is back from November 4 on Tuesdays to Saturdays. Due to space restrictions, it will still be running its excellent value takeaway. 

Dr Morse
Across the street, Dr Morse will be running breakfast, lunch and dinner services in 90-minute seatings. Bookings for any service is essential and must be made online. Don't worry if you miss out, the takeaway window is still up and running.

Ima Project Cafe
Ima serves up casual Japanese-inspired food in a cosy Carlton setting that can seat up to ten. It’s accepting walk-ins for the week starting from October 30, then you can reserve via the website. If you can’t dine-in, it also offers takeaway sandwiches.

Panda Hot Pot
Step into another world at Panda Hot Pot. The grandiose venue is back from November 2 onwards so you can share a hot pot with friends and end up eating each others food. It's a culinary lucky dip not to be missed. Book via the website.

D.O.C
All D.O.C venues are set to open on November 2. In Carlton you can sit down to a margherita at D.O.C Pizzeria, pasta at D.O.C Espresso, or some charcuterie at D.O.C Deli. There's also takeaway venues in Mornington and Southbank. Reserve online.

Copper Pot
Seddon’s Copper Pot will take you on a road trip through Europe with its new menu offering ahead of its reopening on November 4. Bookings are essential and can be made online.

Bia Hoi
Jerry Mai's Vietnamese beer hall and grill restaurant will reopen November 4 for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Book via the website.

Pizza D'Asporto
Lovers of a Neapolitan-style pizza crust should head to Pizza D'Asporto at either of its venues in Yarraville or Williamstown. There's minimal seating options which makes snagging a spot there even more coveted. It's open seven days a week for dinner and from Friday to Sunday for lunch. Book by calling the Yarraville store on 03 9689 6807 or Williamstown on 03 9397 2033. 

Cafe Terroni
For uncomplicated, seasonal, southern Italian cuisine, Cafe Terroni is back from October 29. Bookings are essential for this Yarraville favourite and can be made online. 

Mr McCracken
At the moment, Mod-Oz restaurant Mr McCracken is only open Fridays to Sundays, but you'll be able to order a la carte as well as choose from two set menus when you dine. Bookings are essential (from October 29) via the website and will require a credit card number at the time of booking. 

Plough Hotel
Enjoy a parma at the Plough from October 29. It will open from Monday to Sunday for dinner service and Friday to Sunday for lunch service, and bookings can be made online. 

Back Alley Sally’s
Back Alley Sally's is offering outdoor dining with two-hour sittings or the option to dine inside its venue (which was once an abandoned Footscray warehouse). Sit back with some slices of pizza and a beer or check out the rest of its extensive menu. Book via the website or call 9041 6400.

Chibog
For comforting Filipino food, look no further than Chibog in West Footscray. It’s opening its doors as of October 30, and bookings can be made via Instagram. Dine-in is available from Tuesday to Sunday, 5pm until late, and it continues to offer takeaway, too.

Small French Bar
Share a charcuterie plate or some classic French meals at Small French Bar from October 29. It’s open from Thursday to Saturday, 5pm until late and reservations can be made via the website.

Yagiz
Toorak Road's Turkish fine diner will open its doors on October 29 with a 6pm and 8pm seating, with the ability to accommodate for 20 people. Bookings are essential and can be made via the website.  

Omnia
Bookings will be available from November 3 at South Yarra's swanky fine diner and are set to feature a new menu, with two sittings to choose from (5.30pm or 8.30pm). Reserve online.

The Left-Handed Chef
Sample some Israeli eats at the Left-Handed Chef when it reopens on October 28. Walk-ins are accepted until November 7 on a first come, first served basis. Book from November 7 via the website. 

Bar Carolina
Miss being seen while eating stellar Italian fare? Bar Carolina is opening from October 29 for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Bookings must be made via the website, but don't despair if you miss out, takeaway will still be running until the restrictions are fully lifted.

Tetto di Carolina
Dining in Tetto will resume under varied hours from October 29, with up-to-date hours and bookings available through the website. And don’t forget to take advantage of their live music nights.

Point Leo Estate
If you like your meals with a side of sculpture park, you'll be glad to hear that Mornington Peninsula's Point Leo Estate is reopening from November 2 for lunch seven days a week, and dinner from Thursdays to Sunday. Bookings are essential via its website.

Miyako
This 20-year-old Japanese diner and teppanyaki house in Southbank is taking bookings for November 2 and beyond. With private dinings rooms and different zones, there will be capacity for more than 20 diners, but bookings are still essential via the website. 

Oro Bianco
If you plan on going to Dandenong from October 29 and suspect you'll be craving Italian food cooked in a woodfire oven, Oro Bianco is taking bookings via its website. The full menu will be on offer and Oro Bianco will be open seven days. 

Ripponlea Food and Wine
From November 4, you'll be able to book into one of two seatings, which run for 1.5 hours each, including a cocktail hour beginning at 4.30pm. Bookings are available via the website and takeaway will be running alongside dine-in until restrictions change. 

David's
David's is reopening to offer different yum cha services from Thursdays to Sundays from November 5. Bookings are essential and can be made online. 

Neptune
You'll be able to enjoy bistro food and thoughtful wine in Windsor's Neptune from October 30. Book your table online. 

Matilda 159
Fraser Island spanner crab with grilled flatbreads and smoked Macedon Ranges duck can be enjoyed inside the restaurant again from October 29. Bookings are essential and can be made via the website. Credit card details will be required to secure your table. 

Tulum
Balaclava's modern Turkish restaurant is back from October 29, from Tuesdays to Saturdays. Bookings are essential and can be made online. Takeaway will still be running. 

La Camera
For dining near the art precinct of Southbank, La Camera is now taking bookings for dine-in as well as running takeaway. Cal 9699 3600 to reserve your table.  

Flour Child
For Roman-style pinsa pizza with a view, St Kilda's Flour Child is back Tuesdays to Sundays from October 30, along with a weekend bottomless brunch. Bookings are available online. 

Red Gum BBQ
Mornington Peninsula's favourite barbecue restaurant is back from October 31. Each seating will be allotted 1.5 hours for a four-course menu with an opportunity for beer and wine pairings. Bookings are essential via its website. 

Republica St Kilda Beach
If you'd like to dine with a view, Republica is open from October 29 for lunch, offering a la carte and two types of set menus. Bookings are essential and can be made online. Please note that credit card details or pre-payment is required for each booking.

Mister Bianco
Joe Vargetto will be running an authentic Sicilian menu for dining in, along with the hot pick-up and delivery service from October 30 onwards. Guests will be seated in the main dining room and also in the private dining areas. Call 9853 6929 or email for bookings.

Future Future
Bookings for this casual Aussie-Japanese restaurant are now available online from October 30. Takeaway will also run until restrictions are fully lifted. 

Oster
This modern Italian eatery is now taking bookings for November 4 and beyond. Visit its website or call 9428 0749 to make a reservation. 

O My
Beaconsfield's farm-to-table favourite is reopening with bookings available from November 12. Book online via the website. 

Augello's
This Balwyn pizzeria and restaurant is reopening from October 30 for reservations. Order from an extensive menu of traditional and gourmet pizza. Ring 9830 4700 to reserve your table. 

Alexandra Hotel
If you're out by Alexandra, the dining room of the Alexandra Hotel is open for pub dining with a finer edge. The dining room will be open Thursdays to Saturdays from November 9. Book by calling 57721 014.

Hanoi Hannah
From November 2, Hanoi Hannah will reopen seven days. Lunches will only be available on Fridays and Saturdays, and bookings are essential via the website. 

Frederic
Enjoy modern French food from November 3 at Frederic. Lunches will run Tuesdays to Fridays, and dinners will be available Tuesdays to Saturdays. Book online.

The Auburn Hotel
Sidle up to your loved one at one of Hawthorn’s favourite pubs, the Auburn Hotel. Its doors are set to open from October 28, and you can visit the website to make a booking.

Harlow
Get on the beers with Harlow Bar from October 28. Check out the rooftop bar by booking via the website now.

Fargo and Co
Bottomless brunch, cocktails and a rooftop bar. Fargo and Co seems to have it all, and you can pay it a visit from October 28. Once seated, guests can view the menus, order and pay for their food using their smartphones to minimise contact.

Beer Deluxe Hawthorn
The beers are set to flow at Beer Deluxe Hawthorn from October 28. Bookings are limited due to capacity restrictions and can be made via the website.