Emily Morrison

From historic boozers to gastropubs and rocking live music venues, we believe that Melbourne boasts some of the finest pub culture in the world outside the British Isles, and we’ll gladly pass out on that hill. Our pub traditions are diverse and many – the weeknight chicken parma special, boisterous trivia nights, open mic gigs, friendly (read: competitive) pool games and that ever-wholesome Sunday roast. But every local has its own unique set of drawcards and that's what makes this scene so fun and diverse. Looking for somewhere you can bring your doggo? We know the pubs that'll greet your pooch with a smile. Want a pub where you can drink outside and soak up the rays? Our beer gardens are some of Melbourne's loveliest drinking playgrounds. And if you're looking for a pint with a side of history, we've got the intel on this town's oldest pubs. So without further ado, you know what to do: bookmark this guide and make your way through our recs with the same level of enthusiasm you'd scull your way through the taps.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Looking for more inspo? Take your drinking to new heights at the best rooftop bars.

Ever noticed how passionate Melburnians are about their burgers? All you need to do is mention the word to discover the zeal with which we regard this historically beloved two-hander. Debates run thick and fast about who does the best smash patty; whether potato, milk or brioche buns are better; if excess height is a sloppy deal-breaker; and finally, which grill masters around town are plating up the tastiest.  For an old-school Aussie burg, southsiders swear by Andrew's in Albert Park while northsiders are loyal to Danny's in Fitzroy North. You could argue that Huxtaburger sparked Melbourne's new-wave burger craze when it first opened in Collingwood, but there's been a lot to love since then. From the famously fancy cheeseburgers at Gimlet and Maison Batard, to cult fave suburban newcomers like Maidstone's Good Good Burgers and Brighton's Royale, Melbourne is a haven for mouth-watering stacks – whether you like 'em short and respectable, or monstrous and sauce-doused to the hilt.  So without further ado, here's our line-up of the best. We've sunk our teeth into multi-stacked beef and cheese situations, chicken and fish options, and equally indulgent vegan alternatives across town to deliver you this list. Read on and drool! Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Don't want to break the bank? These are Melbourne's best cheap eats.

Our Best Bar Award recognises wine bars and cocktail bars with that X-factor. They’re innovative and exciting yet always welcoming and fun. Each of the nominees is a cool space to hang out at, offers a diverse drinks list that caters to all tastes and has friendly, welcoming staff that add to the good vibes. Their bar teams are adept at shaking up something new as well as demonstrating a well-rounded mastery of the classics. While the nominees in this category may differ wildly in their offerings, each of them can be relied on to deliver a great time, every time. The winner for this and other categories will be announced on May 5. To see nominees for all categories, click here. To stay in the loop, sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter.

Time Out Melbourne's Best Restaurant Award recognises exceptional Melbourne restaurants that elevate the dining experience to new and exciting heights. They are the types of places respected for their world-class kitchen and bar talent, imaginative offerings and stunning venue design. In both service and setting as well as culinary technique, all nominees in this category have displayed outstanding attention to detail and masterful execution. These places have made unforgettable impressions on Time Out's food and drink writers. The winner for this and other categories will be announced on May 5. To see nominees for all categories, click here. To stay in the loop, sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter.

It’s no secret that Australia has some of the best produce in the world. Cheers to our fertile soils, abundant sunshine, diverse climates and, of course, our farmers. One of the best ways to experience that produce, arguably, is through our incredible beef. Seriously, is there anything better than a well-cooked steak? And no, we don’t mean well-done – we mean done well. Australian beef isn’t just great because it’s high quality. It’s also widely accessible. Sure, you can splurge on a premium cut with all the bells and whistles, but just as often, you’ll find a seriously good steak at your local pub. If your cravings lean carnivorous, you’re in the right place. We’ve pulled together a list of some of the best spots in Melbourne to get your steak fix. It’s by no means exhaustive, but these are some of our favourites – covering a range of budgets, vibes, and occasions. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Still hungry? These are the best restaurants in Melbourne right now.

February 2026 update: The month of love calls for a booking at one of Melbourne's most romantic restaurants. So whether you're spoiling your significant other, bestie or even your mum with a delicous dining experience, check out this list for some cute date night ideas that are guaranteed to impress.  The continually evolving and expanding dining scene in Melbourne is both a blessing and a curse: how do you choose between so many incredible restaurants? Well, that's where we come in. Stop endlessly scrolling, and commit to making your way through Time Out’s list of the best restaurants in the state right now. Our team of editors and food writers have eaten their way through the city to narrow down the city's tastiest spots just for you. From culinary institutions like Flower Drum and France-Soir, to emerging standouts and instant icons such as Serai, Gimlet and Kafeneion, we've got it all covered here. There are fine diners for when you want to get bougie, relaxed spots for rowdy group dinners, and neighbourhood gems that you'll want to keep a secret. So get out, and get eating! You've got a lot to get through!  Editor's favourite restaurants in Melbourne: 🥂 Best for a special occasion: Navi 👠 Best for a vibey date night: Harriot ☀️ Best for a long Sunday lunch: Cordelia 🍝 Best for a Greek feast: Aegli 🫒 Best for a friends' catch-up: Otakoi Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. RECOMMEND

February 2026 update: In the mood for love – and a drink?! There's no better way to celebrate the most romantic month of the year than with a cheeky tipple. Luckily, Melbourne is home to plenty of sweet, sexy and suitably charming spots to grab a drink with that someone special in your life (especially if that someone special is yourself – solo bevs for the win!).  Melbourne has some of the greatest bars in the world, whether you're looking for the laser-like focus of 16-seater Above Board or the rock‘n’roll ‘she’ll be right’ spirit of Lulie Tavern. You can find temples heroing whisky and palaces dedicated to gin, hole-in-the-wall nooks for sipping natural wines or classy spots for suited-and-booted cocktails. How about a prawn club sanga and a bottle of Champers from tiny charmer Apollo Inn? Or crocodile bites and ice-cold Martinis from Black Kite Commune?  We've rounded up the top 46 bars that we're really loving right now – and we're sure you will, too.  Editor's favourite bars in Melbourne: 🥂 Best for a special occasion: Apollo Inn 👠 Best for a vibey date night: Kirk's Wine Bar 🍸 Best for cocktails: Bar Bellamy 🫒 Best for bar snacks: Bar Olo 🍻 Best for a friends' catch-up: Young Hearts Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED READ: Hungry? We've got you covered  with the best restaurants in Melbourne right now.

Some things just go together: Batman and Robin, death and taxes, and our personal favourite, fish and chips. It doesn't matter how you take them; we can all agree that fish and chips are the ultimate dynamic duo. With Melbourne's prime location as a coastal city, it's no wonder we're serving up some decent parcels. From old-school chippies to the more bougie newcomers, we've rounded up our top picks, so you can spend your time doing more important things – like working your way through all of them.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Need somewhere to eat your fish and chips? These are the best beaches in Melbourne. Plus, these are the best beachside restaurants in Melbourne. 

Brunch is a beloved institution across Melbourne. It doesn't require an early wake-up call and is simultaneously on the right side of the day, so you can still have your avo on toast if you need it. But how do you improve on perfection? By adding bottomless drinks, of course. Bottomless brunches have taken our city by storm, and if you've done one, you've no doubt discussed tactics with friends: what to drink, how to pace yourself, the best way to grab the waiter's attention and if it's possible to surreptitiously double park. After all, bottomless brunches are all about getting the best value and a healthy buzz. And not dissimilar to the chicken and egg debate, are drinks or food more crucial when selecting your venue? We believe you can have the best of both. We've compiled a list of Melbourne's best bottomless brunches so that you can enjoy your feast with a great selection of limitless bevs.  Only after a great coffee? Here are our fave spots in the CBD to get a fix. Planning a big day and night? Kick on at the best late-night bars in Melbourne.

You know what makes food and wine taste better? An invigorating sea breeze, post-swim. Captivating sunset views also come to mind. If you're in the mood for a little romance or a celebration destination that's a bit more scenic, a great beachside restaurant always does the trick. That's why when the heat cranks up in Melbourne, coastal locals and those travelling from further afield love a seaside feast. The Time Out team know that beachside real estate is a precious commodity in a decidedly un-beachy city – so whenever a new restaurant opens along one of our shores, we race in as soon as we can get a table. We've kept an eye on what's hot over the years – from popular kiosk chippies that don't mind a bit of sand on your feet to swankier spots like Stokehouse and DOC St Kilda where you might want to wear a pair of good shoes. Just in time for summer, here are our top picks right now. St Kilda is one of Melbourne's most popular beachside suburb – if you find yourself in this 'hood, be sure to check out one of these top bars or restaurants.

Greek dining doesn't do fiddly. In both atmosphere and food, it's bold, lively and colourful. Mixed dips, slow-cooked lamb and fried cheese should all be consumed in an equally convivial environment. With the largest Greek population in the country, Melbourne has got you covered with spirited venues slinging Hellenic eats that will have you ready to smash some plates in glee. Editor's favourite Greek restaurants in Melbourne: 🥂 Best for a special occasion: Aegli 👠 Best for a fun date night: Capers 🍴 Best for a long Sunday lunch: Taverna 👯 Best for a friends' catch-up: Jim's Greek Tavern Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox.  Keen to explore more of Melbourne's best cuisines? Check out the best Italian restaurants and the best Thai restaurants in Melbourne. 

A cuisine that lends itself to long, leisurely meals shared with others, Italian usually doesn't stop at just one course. So, do as the Romans do: start with an aperitivo – and an antipasto spread – before a primo course (cue the pasta), secondo (a meat dish), contorno (a side, or three) and of course, something dolce (sweet). The Time Out team have spent years scouring the city for Melbourne's best Italian food, and while restaurants (and writers) may come and go – there are a few spots that consistently deliver. So if you're looking for an Italian feast that'll knock your socks off, look no further – we've rounded up Melbourne's best Italian restaurants for you to try in 2025. Buon appetito! Editor's favourite Italian restaurants in Melbourne: 🥂 Best for a special occasion: Lucia 👠 Best for a hot date night: Marameo 🍴 Best for a long Sunday lunch: Di Stasio Citta 🍝 Best for regional Italian cuisine: Al Dente Enoteca 👯 Best for a friends' catch-up: Studio Amaro If you're after more Italian cuisine, visit our guides to Melbourne's best pizza and gelato.

Time Out Melbourne never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more here. There’s something deeply satisfying about a bowl of udon. All chew and slurp, it delivers exactly what this noodle lover is chasing. Yamamoto Udon, tucked into Melbourne’s CBD, is arguably the city’s most focused udon specialist right now. It deals in Edo-period technique, where simplicity isn’t a shortcut but a discipline, a quiet commitment to doing one thing properly. The menu centres on two styles. Himokawa arrives wide and ribbon-like, defined by an understated elegance, while Sanuki is the more familiar form: thick, springy and built around that signature chew. What underpins it all is craft-led precision. The dough undergoes a double fermentation at carefully controlled temperatures. Every element feels considered, almost exacting. It’s the result of repetition, of refinement, the sort of cooking that comes from doing the same thing over and over until there’s nothing left to adjust. The vibe The fit-out mirrors the food. Immaculate, restrained, without gratuitous detail. Like many noodle shops in Japan, seating runs along the counter, ideal for solo dining, with a clear view into the kitchen. There are also a handful of tables for two or four, if you’re inclined to share. On my visit, steam billowed from the kitchen, but the room remained calm. Peacefu

Time Out Melbourne never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more here. The Godby Hotel is less a pub than a very precise response to its postcode. There’s something commendable about a team that understands who their venue is for. Plenty of excellent establishments have fallen flat simply by landing in the wrong room – that’s not the case here. The newest venture from Julien Moussi and Only Hospitality (the Beehive Hotel, Hotel Collingwood) has transformed the old first-class lounge at South Yarra Station into something tailored to its audience.  Burgundy bottles pushing well past the $4,000 mark. A women’s bathroom stocked with a comprehensive range of toiletries. A pub in South Yarra was never going to be just a pub. This isn’t a working man’s local, nor is it chasing northside cool. It’s a venue calibrated to its surroundings: polished, social and just indulgent enough. If northsiders worship at the temple of the North Fitzroy Arms, consider this its southside counterpart. Opened in December, it’s the kind of place made for a first date or a casual drink that inevitably stretches into an entire evening – only here, you can mark the occasion with a 2012 Dom Pérignon magnum. There’s a quiet cleverness to it all. Tucked behind concealed panels, Nightbird adds another layer – a Japanese-inspired listening room built around high-fi

Time Out Melbourne never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more here. How do you follow up Caretaker’s Cottage, Melbourne’s most awarded cocktail bar, and the 19th best bar in the world?  As it turns out, with sherry. It’s about time sherry received a PR refresh. Long associated with grannies, murder-solving or otherwise, the fortified wine has struggled to shake its dated reputation. But if anyone can rewrite the sherry story, it’s the team behind Caretaker’s. Owners Rob Libecans, Ryan Noreiks and Matt Stirling have done it again. Just a short canter from the bar that made their name, Three Horses waits patiently. Across from Pepe’s Italian and Liquor on Little Lonsdale Street, its soft blue façade and simple window lettering stand out against the industrial cityscape, quietly beckoning passers-by inside. The vibe When we arrive just after four on a Wednesday, it’s almost silent. We take seats at the L-shaped bar and are immediately welcomed by the team, sparkling water arriving in stainless steel cups. Three Horses is noticeably larger and more open than its sibling, especially when you’re the only patrons in the room. Walnut timber detailing, low amber lighting and pairs of stools lining the bar and perimeter make its intentions clear. My partner and I exchange a look. Date spot. The fitout was led by architect Thandi Stirli

Time Out Melbourne never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more here. Goodness, I love salt. It’s the backbone of any dish and has rescued more than a few of my, ahem, less palatable home cooking fiascos. Cremorne’s newest lunch spot, Sogumm (which means 'salt' in Korean), understands salt as structure, not a late-stage cover – as I once relied on in my twenties – but the quiet beginning of flavour. Near the corner of Swan and Church Streets, Sogumm is a gentle reminder of the power of Korean classics: bibimbap, housemade kimchi, skewers, ssam. (You can read more about Melbourne's best Korean food here). Think unpretentious dishes executed with remarkable finesse. Open from 11am to 3pm daily (bar Tuesdays), it proves that restraint is not absence, but confidence. 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. The vibe Swan Street can feel commercially loud, but Sogumm offers a delicious contrast. The space is warm and relaxed, with timber accents, bright natural light and an open kitchen counter. I’m the first customer to arrive on a bright Wednesday morning, and there’s a stillness here I

Time Out Melbourne never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more here. Some venues are a hit from the second you arrive. Cordelia is one of them for me. Melbourne is full of elevated-casual, Euro-leaning, drinks-forward restaurants, especially in the north, so what exactly set my glutton’s Spidey sense tingling here? From the team behind beloved Prahran wine bar Don’s, Cordelia has that elusive je ne sais quoi, and as a writer, I’ll do my best to say quoi. Led by head chef and co-owner Josh Norris, formerly of Don’s, the kitchen balances serious technique with a sense of play. The room hums from afternoon sunshine into late-night intimacy, and the drinks list is built for seafood, long lunches and spontaneous second rounds. It is the kind of place that pulls you in easily and keeps you there longer than planned. The vibe Propped on the corner of Rathdowne and Kay Street in Carlton, Cordelia is a certified sunshine magnet. In summer, an outdoor seat isn’t just recommended, but essential. Every time I’ve been, it’s busy in the best possible way. Lively but never cramped, 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.  It’s refined, sure, but there’s an undercurrent of mischief to it all, maybe from the relaxed service

Time Out Melbourne never writes starred reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills for reviews so that readers can trust our critique. When thinking about the modern Melbourne dining scene, is it a busy brunch spot or a chic wine bar that defines it best? Sleepy's Café and Wine Bar, on Nicholson Street in Carlton North, recognises this Melbourne truth and leans into both. Driven by self-taught chef and owner Steve Chan, whose menu draws equally from his Australian upbringing and mixed Chinese heritage, Sleepy's is the kind of local joint shaped by migration, where food is rooted in memory but constantly nudged into new territory. The vibe Sleepy’s is every bit the neighbourhood bolthole. Inside, you get the classic Carlton bones of exposed red brick, arched openings, timber ceilings and tiled floors, all given a playful lift by a big red lantern over the bar. During the day, the unfussy, lived-in space bustles with young families and groups of friends nestled over lattes. At night, it shifts into familiar wine bar territory, with lower lighting, more couples and that perfect inner north stickiness that makes you want to settle in with a bottle or four. On my first visit during the day, two chefs run a smooth, efficient pass. By evening, there is only one, and my order gets caught behind a large table, stretching the wait longer than expected. Still, any despair (I am not my best self when hungry) evaporates with the arrival of our first dish.

Time Out Melbourne never writes starred reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills for reviews so that readers can trust our critique. Bright lights, a banging playlist and a heaving bar in full swing – Benchwarmer hits you all at once. On a crisp June evening, its siren call is impossible to ignore. It's a shape-shifter of a venue: part izakaya, part beer hall, part takeaway bottle-o. Tucked into a little pocket of West Melbourne that flirts with North, it's surrounded by great food, but Benchwarmer brings something different to the table. You can grab a drink from the five-door fridge or choose from 18 taps pouring everything from classic lagers to limited-edition sours. Inside, long communal tables and window seats cater to both group hangs and solo sessions, while cozy retro booths offer a peek into the kitchen. We're tucked into a booth with a clear line to the pass – my ideal setup: dinner and a show. It also doubles as a real-life dating app for the menu, letting me preview each dish and mentally swipe right on what I want. Although Benchwarmer is beer-forward, you can get cocktails, too – and as someone who's been to Japan four times (I never bring it up, obviously), I knew I'd be starting with a Highball. While whiskey is the classic base, I opt for the rum version: white rum, peach iced tea, citrus and soda served tall. It's subtle, refreshing and dangerously easy to knock back five before wondering why the floor's moving. The menu i

Time Out Melbourne never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more here. At my core, I’m a simple woman. I enjoy a fancy cocktail and love sharing small plates, but when it comes down to it, it’s the no-muss, no-fuss experience that really speaks to me. And beloved Abbotsford watering hole Lulie Tavern delivers exactly that: effortless dining and drinking, with zero fuss.  I'd be lying if I said I hadn't spent a few Saturdays here in my younger years — holed up in the always-buzzing front smokers' area or tucked in a corner, cradling a beer and some wings. But weekends at Lulie are a different ball game from the quiet Monday night I've turned up for dinner. The first thing I notice is how curated the space is. To be clear, I don't mean that in a contrived way, but rather, a curation of sensibility — every detail feels like a love letter to rock and roll, the '70s, music, food and good drinks. Tom Petty croons over the speakers, memorabilia covers the walls, and patrons chat to staff from the stools that line the bar while a disco ball spins slowly, casting flickers of light from the ceiling. It’s a common refrain that most bars don’t hold up in the cold light of day. What feels sexy and cool at 3am becomes a horror show of sticky floors and mystery stains once the last drinks are called. But co-owners Jon-Lee Farrell and Brendan Ke

Time Out Melbourne never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more here. 80 Collins Street has quickly become the epicentre for Melbourne's corporate elite to wine, dine, close deals, and drop serious company cash. High up, in an expansive dining room, lies the epitome of this corporate nirvana: Chris Lucas' Society. Lucas, a household name in Melbourne's dining scene, is behind some of the city's most iconic spots, including Kisumé, Grill Americano, and the beloved Chin Chin. As with many of his ventures, Society operates with an air of efficiency and polished consistency, making it a comfortable choice for business lunches or special events. While it undeniably carries a sense of scale, that grandness often comes at the expense of the intimate, quirky charm smaller venues tend to offer. In its place is a refined, corporate aura, which can sometimes feel like the dining experience has been tightly scripted. The design of Society is undeniably luxurious. Think George Jensen salt and pepper shakers, silver champagne buckets, and chandeliers that scream elegance, signaling that you're in for an extravagant night. It’s a place that knows how to impress, with every corner crafted for maximum effect. Still, there’s an element of coolness to the space, a sense that everything has been carefully curated to create an image of exclusivity.

Time Out Melbourne never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more here. On a Wednesday night, the Wesley Place precinct is anything but quiet. After dark, what should be a corporate ghost town transforms into one of the city's most coveted spots for a world-class cocktail. Caretaker's Cottage, "probably" Victoria's smallest bar, has built a reputation that looms large. Being crowned the 21st best bar in the world on the 2024 World's 50 Best Bars list is just the tip of the Highball iceberg when it comes to accolades under its belt. Once home to the caretaker of the nearby Wesley Church (it's in the name, people), the bar is the brainchild of cocktail heavyweights Rob Libecans, Ryan Noreiks, and Matt Stirling – the trio behind the beloved pop-up Fancy Free. Whether it's a school night or not, customers spill out of the petite bluestone onto the concrete steps and nearby grassy patches. Inside, the vibe shifts. Step through the doorway, and it's like stepping into a house party, complete with a DJ spinning vinyl, warm lighting and long sheer curtains. The space seats just 25, and that's part of the magic. If you're among those lucky 25, you're treated to an intimate cocktail theatre. The bar runs like a chef's pass, with bartenders churning out drinks at a pace that's impressive to watch but never rushed in experience. As I'm visiti

Time Out Melbourne never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more here. When imagining the perfect restaurant location, the base of a high-rise office building isn't exactly top of the list. Arriving at Lucia, nestled on the ground floor of the Eleven Eastern in South Melbourne – just a stone's throw from the Princess Highway – sets off a few alarm bells. It's not a question of aesthetics; the space is undeniably stunning: spacious, plush and breezy. Yet, the unmistakable 'hotel restaurant' vibe raises the concern that this might be a case of style over substance. Luckily, Lucia proved me wrong in mere seconds. You see, the essence of Lucia is its exceptional staff and impeccable food.  ​​Take the "two-sip" Oyster Martini ($19) – a mix of Never Never Oyster Shell Gin, Cocchi Americano and waxflower. As it's served, the waiter conspiratorially quips, "It's been a long day; better make it three sips," while adding an extra glug of the pre-made concoction. Consider me charmed. If the oyster shell gin weren't enough to live up to the Martini's name, the accompanying Coffin Bay oyster with basil oil and finger lime certainly seals the deal. Hospitality veterans Frank Ciorciari and Anthony Silvestre have reimagined fine dining with Lucia, bringing it back to its roots. Here, you can forget about degustations or hushed dining rooms where

Time Out Melbourne never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more here. Everyone has a dish that's always a must-order. One that makes your heart race and music swell whenever it appears on the menu. For me, that dish is the scotch egg. It's just so whimsical. An egg! In meat! That's crumbed! When I saw one doing the rounds on Instagram and learnt it holds a ramen egg, I knew I had to have it, so off I went to one of Melbourne's most celebrated openings of 2024: Reed House.  Situated in the Manse Building that once housed the minister of the nearby Wesley Church, Reed House is a nod to architect Joseph Reed, who designed the church in the 19th century.  After an internal nip and tuck, the space is cosy, with arched church windows that allow natural sunlight to permeate the room. It's casual sophistication but with a slight twist – the trancey sounds of desert rock humming throughout.  Pairing rock and roll in a refined setting won't be for everyone, but this irreverence is the hallmark of Reed House. 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.  The brainchild of chef Mark Hannell and front-of-house extraordinaire Rebecca Baker, Re