Editor's picks: March

ne of my favourite things about Melbourne is its abundance of sky-high drinking and dining experiences, and I'm always on the hunt for new ones. Last week, I got to be neighbours with the clouds at Eureka 89, a beautiful eatery on the 89th floor of the Melbourne Skydeck. I opted for the five-course tasting menu and, celebrating a special occasion and feeling extra bougie, added on the caviar course and wine pairings. You'll be blown away by the dishes, which champion local and seasonal produce, but even more so by the mesmerising 360-degree view across Melbourne and beyond.

As far as late-night cocktail bars go, they don't come much cooler than Jayda. Sitting pretty next to Shane Delia's modern Middle Eastern restaurant Maha (making it the perfect spot for a post-dinner nightcap), this sister venue boasts a highly considered snack menu loaded with tasty bites. The freshly baked focaccia is a must, obviously, but for something a bit different my vote goes to the tuna kibbeh neya with sesame leaf, salmon caviar and pickled cucumber. This heavenly mouthful will have you flagging down a passing waiter so you can order another round. 

Head to Borsch, Vodka and Tears in Windsor to find out whether you like it shaken or stirred with their 50-strong Martini list. The Polish bar and restaurant is the brainchild of Andrzej Kaczmarksi, who emigrated from Warsaw to St Kilda via Dortmund in the early '80s. Nowadays, the intimate space – located on the site of a former Polish soup kitchen – serves up traditional dishes like potato blintzes with sour cream, salmon and sauerkraut, meaty cabbage rolls and cheesy pierogi. But it's the Martini list that impresses – choose between a dark chocolate concoction with vanilla vodka, a lychee version with elderflower or a classic tipple with Baczewski potato vodka with green olives. 

In need of some R&R but can't swing an off-grid adventure? Well, you're in luck: I know a place. Escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life at Willow Urban Retreat, a stunning wellness centre that's one part yoga studio, one part spa and one part café. Kick things off with yoga and meditation before chowing down on a nutritious brekky (my go-to is the chilli scramble on toast), then head to the infrared sauna for a sweat sesh followed by a luxurious spa-like shower. You'll walk out feeling like you've nourished your mind and body, and you'll be ready to take on whatever the day has in store for you.

Already in need of a vacation even though we're only a few weeks into the new year? Same. Checking your bank account and realising you can't afford a holiday? Also same. I'm keen to get out of town with some mates this weekend without breaking the bank, so if you're in the same boat, follow in my stead and pitch a tent at these free campsites in Victoria. If you can't swing a weekend, some of these sites are just an hour from Melbourne – perfect for a cheeky one-day refresh.

Publicly declaring your favourite dumpling joint can be contentious, especially in a city like ours that has so many, but I’ll risk it to let you know that ShanDong Mama does it best. Hidden deep within Mid City Arcade, it’s a real IYKYK spot; you really can’t go wrong with any of the dumplings on the menu, but if it’s your first time, the Spanish mackerel and the Wagyu beef are must-tries. The fillings are packed into silky, paper-thin dumpling skins that are then shaped into long unsealed rectangles, reminiscent of cannoli. The result? The bottoms get crispy while the top and contents remain moist and juicy. Perfection.

Start the New Year in style by sipping on a Gimlet cocktail at Andrew McConnell’s renowned Gimlet at Cavendish House. Good enough to be the restaurant’s namesake drink, the signature bevvie is a heady mix of Tanqueray gin, moscato and triple citrus cordial finished with a single, floating Geraldton wax. A chilled Gimlet in one hand and a pillowy gnocco fritto in the other make for the ultimate people-watching accompaniments (kinda like the adult version of popcorn and frozen Coke) as you survey the entertaining comings and goings of the glamorous restaurant that harks back to the golden age of classy drinking and suave dining.

The NGV’s Friday Nights summer series recently kicked off, and if you’ve never been before consider this your sign to book a ticket and go. Not only is it a perfect opportunity to check out the blockbuster Alexander McQueen: Mind, Mythos, Muse exhibition (which, by the way, is incredible), but you’ll also get to enjoy live music, see the Temple of Boom and feast on some tasty food and drink. It’s running every Friday night until April, so gather your mates and head down.