Lauren Dinse

Choosing the right hotel in Melbourne can be an almighty task. With so many incredible stays to choose between – from super modern sky-high towers to charming historic gems – it can be an overwhelming ordeal to decide which one is right for you.Every traveller has their preference, but to make the job of deciding a little easier, our team of local experts have hotel hopped their way around the city to bring you our guide to the very best hotels in Melbourne. Many of the stays included in the list are favourites of Time Out Melbourne Editor Leah Glynn, with our Travel and Hotels Editor Winnie Stubbs chiming in and checking the guide to make sure it’s up to scratch.Whether you’re looking for a playful stay right in the CBD action (W Hotel, we’re looking at you) or somewhere more boutique in Melbourne’s buzzy Inner North (Standard X), we’ve got your back. Read on for our guide to the best hotels in Melbourne.   Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED:  These are the best places to go camping near MelbourneAnd these are our favourite glamping sites in VictoriaTime Out makes a small commission from the affiliate links included in this article. These links have no influence on our editorial content, but they do help us to bring you more recommendations every week. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Gone are the days when all you could find by way of Thai food in Melbourne was pad thai, beef massaman or chicken satay. You can still find these things, yes, but the selections have expanded further to encompass all sorts of regional variations of Thai food – so much so, everyone has opinions on where their favourite iteration of boat noodles, Thai barbecue and oyster omelette is made. Strap in, ready your tastebuds for an explosion of tantalising flavours, and work your way through our round-up of the best Thai restaurants in Melbourne. Looking to explore other cuisines? Check out the best Greek restaurants and best Italian restaurants that Melbourne has to offer. 

A traditional bánh mì has bread with crunch, but not so much that it scrapes the roof of your mouth. It’s fluffy and light, but not so flaky it completely disintegrates into your lap. It’s the perfect vessel for liberal amounts of pâté, a Vietnamese condiment called egg mayo butter, fresh cucumber, pickled carrot (and daikon if you’re lucky), generous sprigs of coriander and chilli, plus the protein of your choice. On the sauce front, some shops will opt for a dash of Maggi seasoning and soy, others go the hoisin route or even a combination of more than one. Word of warning: you may encounter a holier-than-thou type on your bánh mì travels who insists your choice of sanga is "not the authentic way". But the truth is that 'bánh mì' literally translates to the short baguette itself. You can enjoy this freshly baked delight stuffed with any filling you like – crispy pork belly, nem nuong (grilled pork sausage), chicken, mixed ham, tofu, beef or just plain salad! We love the braised pork and duck confit options at Banh Mi Stand, but we're equally partial to the no-nonsense cold cuts at Phuoc Thanh. There are plenty of regional variances all across Vietnam, and some Vietnamese even like to enjoy theirs filled with ice cream. So how did we come up with this list? Well, we ate a lot of bánh mì. We kept a rolling document that helped us to compare each one. We considered the balance of condiments, the quality of the bread and the freshness of the meat and salad. And we washed it all

Barbecue pork buns, xiao long bao, spring rolls, chicken feet, har gow, siu mai, salt and pepper squid, custard egg tarts and sesame balls. These are just a few of the signature dishes you can find at any good yum cha restaurant. Our team of editors and writers have rounded up our favourite trolley spots in Melbourne, so you can feast on endless steamed, fried and roasted plates, all while washing it down with plenty of tea (or wine – we don't discriminate).  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Want more dumplings? Check out the best dumpling restaurants in Melbourne. After more brunch? Check out the best cafès in Melbourne.

There's a thrilling nature to BYO. Perhaps it stirs adolescent memories of trying to sneak drinks into venues? Or the indisputable value it adds? Regardless, it’s gratifying to waltz into a venue, your favourite drop in hand, and be greeted not with frowns and finger-wagging but with open arms. To save you the time of google searching BYO-positive locations, we’ve created a list of various cuisines and price points.  Looking for a scenic nightcap after dinner? Check out some of Melbourne's best rooftop bars.

Well, Melbourne - let's face it: when winter rolls around, there's not much you can do to beat the chill. Luckily, the city's best pubs are lighting their fireplaces so you can beat those winter blues. Our advice? Pull up a pew, grab a pint, gather your friends by the fire and get cosy. These are our favourite Melbourne pubs that know how to do a red-hot and roaring open fire. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. For more winter warmers, take a look at our guides to Melbourne's best hot chocolates and mulled wines.

Thirsty? Of course you are, but thankfully we’ve got just the tonic. Our cities are packed with brilliant, innovative and downright wacky bars, where crafty mixologists are shaking, mixing and stirring cocktails and bartenders are carefully pouring moreish wines. But the best ones? Only locals can tell us that, so that’s why we’ve called on Time Out’s international network of writers and editors to tell us all about their favourite spot for a drink in their city. Below is a varied menu of vibes and flavours, from a classy little wine place in Madrid to a speakeasy in Manila, a sultry cocktail joint in Edinburgh to a no-fuss institution in London. Read on for Time Out’s fresh roundup of the best bars in the world’s best cities. Recommended:🌇 The best rooftop bars in the world✨ The best cities in the world for nightlife🍕 The best pizzas in the world🍝 The best cities in the world for food Liv Kelly is the writer for Time Out Travel, based in London. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines and check out our latest travel guides written by local experts.

Look, it's no secret that we Aussies love a good pub. Whether you like bonding over schnitties at Trivia Tuesday or downing pints with a hearty Sunday roast, pub culture has something for everyone, every day of the week.  We've collated recommendations from our local writers across the country to bring you this list of Australia's best pubs. These legendary venues see it all: post-work bevvies, celebration dinners, darts competitions and even Hollywood movie crews. If it's ace food you're after, you'll want to visit one of the most charming pubs in regional NSW for grub crafted by a celebrated Sydney chef. Craving a cold pint of Guinness? A tiny beer garden in Hobart might be calling your name. Prefer your pint with a side of live music? Well, there are plenty of places to tick that box. Find your nearest one with our ultimate guide to the best pubs in Australia (in no particular order). For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍹 Australia's best rooftop bars🥧 The best pies in Australia🍷 Where to find Australia's best wineries

Vegans tend to get a bad wrap, but that shouldn't mean they only get to eat bad wraps. Melbourne continues to expand its plant-based options, with everything from vegan degustations to vegan cheap eats available across the city. While there are many dedicated vegan and vegetarian restaurants, some of Melbourne's most beloved and popular spots are also serving up excellent vegan fare. These restaurants won't leave you wanting for any meat.  While you're at it, check out the best restaurants for vegetarians in Melbourne. Explore more with the 50 best restaurants in Melbourne. 

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.  Keen to explore more of Melbourne's best cuisines? Check out the best Italian restaurants, the best Chinese restaurants and the best Thai restaurants in Melbourne. 

Australians are constantly in a heavenly food coma, courtesy of Italian cuisine. This is thanks to the huge influx of Italian immigrants who arrived on our shores after World War II, bringing not just a suitcase of dreams, but a whole lot of pasta, pizza and parmesan. Whether you’re craving fresh antipasti straight from The Boot, hand-rolled pappardelle with rich ragu, wood-fired sourdough pizza or boozy tiramisu made just like nonna, we’ve scoured out the best Italian restaurants in Australia for every occasion. Our team of Aussie food writers has independently chosen these spots for their authentic flavours, prime locations, buzzing ambience and signature Italian hospitality. In Sydney, a cheery waterfront spot has been serving classic Italian hits for more than a decade. In Brisbane, live lobster is plucked from tanks and tossed through house-made spaghetti. And in Hobart, a tiny CBD wine bar keeps the vibes flowing with vinyl records all night. In no particular order, here's our pick of the best Italian restaurants in Australia. RECOMMEND: The best Italian restaurants in...Sydney | Melbourne | Brisbane | Adelaide | Perth | Canberra | Hobart | Darwin

Ah, food. Glorious, glorious food. There’s nothing more we’d rather travel around the country for. Almost every state, city and even town in Australia has its own foodie festival, bringing together the best chefs, farmers, producers and suppliers. Our Sydney Food & Drink Editor, Avril Treasure, raves about Orange F.O.O.D Week, our Melbourne Editor, Lauren Dinse, loves Pinot Palooza, and our Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, dreams of experiencing Darwin International Laksa Festival. So, whether you’re a wine wanker, a seafood seeker, a beer buff or a truffle hunter, here are the best food and drink festivals in Australia worth travelling for. 🍽️ The best restaurants in Australia🎸 Australia's grooviest music and arts festival🍷 The best bars in Australia

The Mornington Peninsula, Great Ocean Road and Yarra Valley Chocolateries are famous for their month-long festival dedicated to hot chocolate in all its irresistible forms, and this year’s no different. A total of 31 limited-edition flavours will be available to try throughout August, with decadent options loaded with everything from boozy truffles to choc-lined ice cream cones. Some of the flavours already revealed include Sweet Berry Tacos, a berry-infused hot chocolate accompanied by a sponge taco filled with white chocolate ganache and fresh fruit for dunking; and Dubai Sphere, which features a pistachio marshmallow sphere filled with Dubai chocolste crème that can be dropped into your steaming-hot bevvie. Heaven! Each steamy creation is barista-made with a shot of either dark, milk, white, ruby or caramelised warm couverture chocolate, and served in a large glass with a giant fluffy marshmallow and a selection of artisan ingredients.  “Our annual Hot Chocolate Festival has become a real feature on the calendar for our three Chocolateries, and we’ve loved coming up with even more over-the-top creations and experiences this year,” says head chocolatier, Allan Grandjean.     Can’t decide on just one hot choccie? Then the tasting sessions have your name on it. At $28 per person, it’s an opportunity to sample eight different flavours. You'll also get the chance to flex your culinary chops by choosing from 50 different ingredients to make three bespoke creations. Throughout

What’s better than gorging yourself on scones, finger sandwiches and Champagne at a regular high tea? Gorging yourself on piles and piles of cheese at the Westin’s un-brie-lievable High Cheese event, of course. Yes, the insanely successful event is back at the Westin's Allegro Restaurant for another year, and we turophiles couldn't be more thrilled. The idea for High Cheese first crystallised a few years ago when the Westin's executive chef at the time, Michael Greenlaw, teamed up with Anthony Demia from Maker and Monger to bring a series of cheeses together in both sweet and savoury dishes. Years later, the much-loved tradition continues. In 2025, the indulgent menu has been curated in collaboration with renowned cheese masters, brother-sister duo the Studd Siblings and vino legends Zonzo Estate. Ellie and Sam Studd, both members of the International Guilde des Fromagers and Certified Cheese Professionals, have joined forces with the Westin's executive chef, Apoorva Kunte, to curate an enticing three-tiered selection of dairy-licious treats. We're listening... Each creation showcases the finest quality cheese from around the world, with each tier crafted to highlight bold flavour, balance and technique. Highlights from the menu include Aphrodite Barrel aged organic fetta with tomato and lychee tartare, Woombye triple cream brie with pickled beetroot and raspberry almond pesto, and a shared baked Le Conquérant camembert with thyme and garlic. Yum! And a high tea wouldn't be

Long overshadowed by Victoria’s hallowed grape territories of the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and Heathcote, Sunbury may not be the first winemaking region you consider for a wine adventure – despite being one of the state’s oldest, dating back to the 1860s. But that’s only one reason why Marnong Estate, a winery out in nearby Mickleham, ignited my curiosity. I’d also been gleefully told tales of camels, goats and alpacas swanning around the perimeter, of breathtaking panoramic views at sunset and romantic hilltop picnics, and a patch of smartly appointed luxury cabins well worth a stay. Add in the news that culinary talent Greg Feck had joined the winery’s Italian fine diner La Vètta as executive chef, and I was sold.   It takes just under an hour for my partner and I to drive from our home in Melbourne’s inner north to Marnong Estate, and we’re astonished to see the car park completely full when we arrive. Even in the crisp cold of a Melbourne winter, the estate is swimming with families and locals enjoying a day out – and it’s clear they’re having a grand old time. And as it turns out, so do we! Love for this winery is perennial, such is its Jack-of-all-trade destination appeal. Aside from La Vètta, there’s a cellar door and wine tasting room, accommodation, the vineyard itself, expansive event spaces, two Italian-inspired eateries and a boutique brimming with all kinds of gourmet goodies.  Why stay at Marnong Estate? For wine lovers, waking up to sweeping vineyard

Aren't we Melburnians just a lucky bunch? After its delicious debut, Australia's very own chocolate festival is back in town for its second year. The event, which features chocolate makers from ten countries (including Ecuador and Samoa), will be hosted at the Seaworks Maritime Precinct in Williamstown from July 5 to 6. Ticketholders will be treated to free choccy samples and insightful chats with the creators of the world's favourite sweet treat. There'll also be demonstrations on how the beans are made into chocolate – so if you've ever been curious about that amazing, alchemical process, here's your chance to learn about it firsthand! There's even an option to add a wine pairing experience to your day. Expect to enjoy 70 different tastings from 42 exhibitors on the day, many of which are offering no-sugar-added, all-natural, organic, vegan, gluten-free and kosher products. Note that sample sizes will be bite-sized and if you enjoy what you taste, you're welcome to purchase products directly from the makers to take home with you or give as gifts. Chocolate in its purest state is an experience not to be missed, so bring along your most passionate foodie friends and family for what's sure to be one of Melbourne's sweetest days out this winter. You can nab a ticket to the event here. For more info about the festival and the different ticket types available, visit the official website. Need to warm up? Here's where you can find Melbourne's tastiest hot chocolates. For something

After years of success, refined Italian eatery Cucinetta has brought back its famous cheese wheel for the 11th edition. Once again, the team is serving the traditional meal of fettuccine cacio e pepe, a simple yet sophisticated pasta dish made with quality cheese and lashings of pepper. Served out of a wheel of parmigiano reggiano (as all pasta should be served), it’s a cheese-on-cheese affair. Why, you may ask? Well, no raison d'etre is needed because who doesn't love a cheese wheel? To get your share of the marvelous cheese-sauced ribbons, all you need to do is make a booking and head down to Cucinetta's dining room in South Yarra on your chosen date. The wheel will be up and running July 31. A serving costs $36 and it's available on the menu over lunch and dinner. Want to get in on the carby goodness? Stop salivating, start booking.  Craving Italian now? These are the best Italian restaurants in Melbourne.

Marnong Estate's sophisticated contemporary Italian restaurant has fast been gaining critical acclaim, especially since the appointment of Greg Feck as executive chef.  From the picturesque rolling hilltop views and crowdpleasing Italian-inspired eats to the great wines produced on-site and cosy lounge spaces, this restaurant is perfect for a long and indulgent lunch.  Get the seasonal mushroom risotto if it's still on the menu – it was one of the most generous, comforting, flavour-bomb takes we've ever tried. Other highlights include the Ora King salmon gelato served in a charcoal waffle cone (it sounds weird, but it's genius), the tonno crudo with nashi pear and stracciatella and the ‘Vittore’ carpaccio inspired by the famous painter from Harry's Bar, Venice. The latter comes as a gleaming display of Wagyu beef, spiced walnuts, Warragul greens and 1950’s ‘Universal Sauce.’  All pasta is either hand-folded or bronze extruded 'fatto in casa', with free-range eggs sourced from the chooks of the estate. Most of the restaurant's meats are grilled over coal and local woods (think red gum or jarrah) to lend a distinct complexity to each dish. La Vetta is open Thursday to Sunday, for lunch (excluding Thursday) from noon and for dinner from 5-9pm. If you're looking for other out-of-town adventures, check out the best day trips from Melbourne. 

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 luxury dining game, winning our Best Fine Diner Award in 2017 and continuing to wow both loyal and new guests 15 years on. While the venue 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. A glorious afternoon may be spent here sampling the delights of wood-grilled Corner Inlet calamari tossed through a duo of punchy green romesco and aioli; fresh sashimi-grade tuna served on brittle, buttery shards of 'toast' with crème fraîche, marinated bullhorn peppers and horseradish; and creamy abalone katsu sando bites; all while washing the goodness down with Champers and expertly crafted cocktails like the Turtle Dove (that one's a knock-out).  Steak lovers can't go wrong with the dry-aged rib eye, a staple on the menu since the beginning, though specials of the day are always a must-try. On our last visit in 2024, a stunning duck pithivier with prosciutto took our gong for one of the best dishes we tried all year.  Better yet, the restaurant treats every guest with a kindness and attention to detail that's rar

Unleash your inner sushi master in an exciting masterclass with Kisumé head sushi chef Toaki Kyo. The intimate series of classes across winter are designed for a small number of lucky guests, ensuring those joining get ample one-on-one attention and guidance from Kyo. It's an opportunity to indulge in one of the world’s most prized fishes prepared by an esteemed sushi chef and to learn some highly sophisticated culinary skills in the same afternoon. You'll watch as the restaurant's master chef breaks down a whole bluefin tuna, before you sit down to indulge in the three different cuts — akami, chu-toro and o-toro — straight from the chef’s blade. The front-row experience offers a once-in-a-liftetime insight into the precision and artistry involved in the process, as well as a rare chance to discover the different flavour profiles and markers of quality from a passionate, nationally renowned expert. From the accompanying five-course menu, you'll get to taste top seasonal produce prepared in some of Kisumé's most masterful dishes, from tuna sashimi and A5 Wagyu with tuna dashi to a delicate chocolate and sobacha dessert to round out the experience. This rare and special dining experience costs $215 per person and you can make a booking at the website. Move fast! Spots are limited and expected to sell out quickly.  Looking for a more casual seafood experience? That's OK, hop aboard these sushi trains in Melbourne instead. 

Since 1870, this local boozer has been well-loved for nailing the basics: good times, cold drinks and hearty food.  These days, it's a tad more upmarket than its days of yore, offering up fancy-fied bar snacks like corn and scamorza croquettes, Asian-inspired crispy chicken ribs and a delectable little lobster and prawn roll with salmon caviar.   But if you're after some no-nonsense pub grub, you can't go wrong with the juicy Wagyu cheeseburger or beer-battered fish and chips with mushy peas. The Vic's hand-crumbed parma is another winner, while hearty protein mains like the Otway pork cutlet, 300-gram rostbiff and 250-gram scotch steak will keep the meat lovers happy While the menu may be updated to reflect modern tastes, the pub's timeless charm remains with stripped wooden furnishings, a spacious main bar and a welcoming, no-frilles vibe all year round. A solid drinks list covers the gamut, with a broad offering of mainly Australian wines (plus a smattering of European drops), local-heroing beer taps selection, spirits and expertly mixed cocktails. For more info, visit the website. Looking for a pub that'll welcome your pet? Here's our round-up to Melbourne's best dog-friendly pubs.

Winter is here but that doesn’t mean you and the family need to stay at home. Rug up and head west to Grazeland to find your fave foodie precinct utterly transformed into a winter wonderland that will impress both kids and the young at heart. Each weekend from July 4 to 20, the epic culinary playground will be decked out with dreamy white snow, neon lights and cosy vibes.  As the days get shorter and the temps drop to new lows, there’s never been a better excuse to venture out and have a cosy night by the river. Warm up with mulled wine by the fire pits and dig into a diverse array of international eats, including aromatic laksa, New Orleans-style chicken, chicken satay rice, Turkish gozleme, dumplings and epic mac and cheese plates. Craving dessert? Try a winter-friendly warm apple pie or street crepes to finish your meal on a sweet note. With roving performers, live bands and interactive DJs providing plenty of entertainment, have a dance by the magical snow machine or treat the kids to a face painting session and playtime in the fun zones.   When it’s time to sit back and relax, warm up those mitts with a spice-infused mulled wine. Don't miss the kick-off Block Party event on Friday night, July 4, where Frosty the Snowman will be making an appearance and live sets will set the street party mood (no bookings required). Christmas may be far away yet, but when there’s an opportunity to have a white Christmas in July – we’ll take it! Looking for more fun things to see and do t

June 2025 update: For the third year in a row, Axil Coffee's barista Jack Simpson has just been crowned the Australian Barista Champion at one of the nation's fiercest espresso-fuelled competitions: the ASCA National Coffee Championships. Simpson will now go on to represent Australia at the World Barista Championship in Milan, Italy, in October. Fingers crossed!  The priority at Axil Coffee Roasters is high-quality, ethical coffee. When Axil's Anthony Douglas took out the number one spot at the 2022 World Barista Championship, it helped solidify the business as one of the pre-eminent coffee purveyors in a city that takes its caffeine awfully seriously. As per the update at the top of this piece, three years on Axil still stands out with legend Jack Simpson carrying the torch.  Axil is recognised all over Melbourne for more reasons than just its award-winning baristas. Axil once helped rejuvenate the city by handing out 25,000 free coffee cards across the CBD. Each day, the team postes clues on social media for where the team would be handing out free coffee cards at landmark locations. Axil's environmentally and socially friendly beans are labelled Direct Trade, which means they must meet certain criteria. For example, Axil has guaranteed to pay 25 per cent more than the fair trade price to develop stronger, long-term relationships with the producers.  The Axil empire has continued to expand, with stores popping up across all corners of Melbourne, from Flinders Lane and Bour

For the twelfth year, Fitzroy's beloved Builders Arms Hotel is once again devoting ten days to sausages in June, celebrating everything from classic bratwurst to smoked frankfurters. Make a lunch or dinner booking anytime from Thursday June 12 to Sunday 22 to taste your fave sossies from the special festival menu.  The carnivorous array include spicy 'nduja rolls glazed with local honey; Spanish-style morcilla blood pudding hash brown Benedict; grilled bratwurst skewers with curry sauce; smoked cheese kransky hotdog with sauerkraut and chilli; an Alsatian-inspired trio of smoked frankfurters, Toulouse and Lyonnaise sausages on a bed of baked sauerkraut; and Modena-style cotechino with cime di rapa and baked polenta.  While we love a Bunnings sizzle as much as the next person, there's no doubt this menu takes it to the next level. The incredibly talented Troy Wheeler and his team from Meatsmith are making all the sausages from scratch, so you can expect proper juicy ones of an exceptional quality and with all the complementary accoutrements.  Kicking off the celebrations, there's a festival launch happy hour on Thursday June 12 from 5-7pm with free sausage snacks – and for a bit of extra fun, the program includes a special sausage-themed edition of Trivia with Cam Smith on Thursday evening, June 19. Call up your most competitive foodie friends, establish a team and prepare yourself for a night of obscure sausage facts, general snag knowledge and plenty of laughs all around. M

Melbourne’s pub history is a rich and fascinating brew of tales, places and characters worth remembering. Fortunately, a heritage building on the corner of Russell and Little Collins Streets was recently revitalised, with a suitable nod to the past. Formerly known as the Crafty Squire since 2015, the cornerstone pub has returned to its roots and reopened as Hickens Hotel – its original moniker nearly 160 years ago. The reimagined watering den has undergone a $12 million renovation and now spans four immersive levels of food, drinks and entertainment, aiming to cater to everyone from lunchtime diners and sports fans to the after-work crowd. “Hickens Hotel was named after the pub’s manager, landlord and once infamous British boxer and Australian champion, Ebenezer 'Abe' Hicken, notorious for holding legendary boxing matches back in the 1870s,” explains Giuseppe Lacava, Hickens Hotel's venue manager. “We’ve taken Abe’s love of sport and injected it into this iconic venue.” Take the second level, for example, where you'll now find the aptly named Abe's Athletic Hall: a retro-themed space featuring massive screens for viewing your fave sports live and loud, plus karaoke rooms, cosy booths and a nostalgia-inducing array of arcade games and foosball to transport you right to the good ol' days. Photograph: Zennieshia Butts While the street-level Hickens Front Bar has you covered for a traditional Melbourne pub experience, the Carlton Lounge next door has become the first bar in Aus

In the short year since Melbourne's StandardX hotel first opened its trademark red revolving doors, the design-led haven has fast made a name for itself as one of Fitzroy's most aesthetic spots to drink, dine and indulge. From bottomless brunches and Thursday night vinyl sessions to monthly tarot events and rooftop bar happy hours, a vibrant year-long program has cemented the trendy new hot spot as far more than just a place to stay. Oh, and did we mention it also took out a major style and design award in June? Adding to the buzz, celebrated Aussie chef Shannon Bennett (Vue de Monde) has chosen the hotel to head a three-month dining pop-up – his first Melbourne project in eight years. Bistro X, a limited-time offering of casual French-inspired fare, launched on July 23 and will continue running until October 15. “I’m excited to be back in the kitchen in Melbourne, doing what I love, alongside a team I trust and respect," shares Bennett. "We’re here to create something that feels part of the neighbourhood – a place people want to return to. For me, this is also about building the next generation of talent and creating a space where great food, energy and collaboration come together." Photograph: The StandardX In crafting the concept, Bennett has assembled a tight-knit team of long-time associates and fellow Vue de Monde alumni, including Cory Campbell (Cuisine Chef Of The Year), Ryan Henley (responsible for leading Christchurch's Pescatore to two chef’s hats) and master som

Channeling the energy of a 1940s clubhouse for Italian New Yorkers, Pepe's Italian and Liquor – a reliable stalwart for pepperoni pizzas, family-sized parmas and classic cocktails 'til midnight – has slowly established itself as one of Melbourne's more characterful Italian-American offerings since opening its doors in 2019. In a bold step forward, owner Nick Kutcher has just opened a sibling bar next door: Pepe's Parlour. The chic new spot, set in a glasshouse in the sun-dappled shadows of a 150-year-old tree, stays open from lunch until midnight – perfect for casual long lunches and Martini date nights. Photograph: Pepe's Parlour “We wanted to create somewhere that feels special but never stuffy,” says Kutcher.  Don't expect a run-of-the-mill sandwich here; head chef Antonio Loffredo bakes the fresh ciabatta daily in a custom-made brick oven, with options spanning porchetta, eggplant parma and the ultimate chicken cacciatore dip. If handmade pasta is more likely to steal your heart, try the baked vodka rigatoni or ricotta and salami cannelloni.  Photograph: Pepe's Parlour To cater more widely for the CBD's casual lunch-goers, lighter options on the menu include protein-balanced lunch plates with seasonal sides. Think Aperol-cured salmon with avocado and pistachio pesto green beans or barbecued chicken skewers with ancient grains and charred peppers, with most dishes on the menu priced nicely under $30. Popping in for a nightcap instead? The venue's intimate Martini bar c

You don't need to ask a Victorian twice to indulge in an afternoon tea – we love our cuppas, finger sangas and sweet treats. But when was the last time you tried an organic native lemon myrtle tea, a slow-cooked roo ragu jaffle or a plate of strawberry gum and finger lime macarons? These are just a few of the tasty items that the Blak Brews crew is now serving up at the Wathaurong Booln Booln Cultural Centre, as part of a recent takeover of the centre's café. Here, you can enjoy a selection of the much-loved tea brand's delicious herbal bush brews alongside an innovative menu championing First Nations flavours – all within the surrounds of an idyllic gumtree-lined environment, complete with its own private wildlife sanctuary. Photograph: Supplied / Booln Booln Café Blak Brews' founders, husband-and-wife duo Troy and Cerisa Benjamin, first spoke to Time Out shortly after winning Gordon Ramsay's Food Stars Australia in 2024. Back then, Troy Benjamin shared: “We really want to make sure we’re looking after the people who drink our tea. We never want to lose touch.”  A natural expansion of Blak Brews' mission, Booln Booln Café aims to both showcase native Australian ingredients and provide a community space for connection and conversation.  Along with other jaffles such as kakadu plum and truffle béchamel or the lemon myrtle chicken with chimichurri and finger lime, the café is also dishing up artisan pastries and desserts to complement Blak Brews' tea range and finely crafted

Melburnians, the wait is finally over! More than a year since chef Tom Sarafian announced the concept behind his debut restaurant, Zareh is finally set to open its doors in Collingwood on August 20. Sarafian is best known for his eponymous range of Middle Eastern condiments (top-shelf hummus, anyone?) and experience working around acclaimed Australian kitchens (Lumi, Bar Saracen, Young Hearts), not to mention London’s world-famous St John. Zareh, a tribute to the chef's grandfather in both name and cultural heritage, marks his most personal project to date.  The brand new 40-seater on Smith Street will shine a light on the delicate nuances and historically interwoven traditions of Armenian and Lebanese cooking.  “Over generations, Armenian and Lebanese communities shaped and enriched one another,” shares Sarafian. “That spirit of cultural exchange and resilience is what we're honouring at Zareh.” Photograph: Kristoffer Paulsen Sarafian’s grandfather, Zareh, an Armenian from Egypt, taught himself how to cook classic French food after migrating to Melbourne with his wife and sons. After building a career working in kitchens throughout the ‘70s and ‘80s, he then trained his son (Sarafian's father), setting the culinary benchmark that the family's next generation is recognised for today. Sarafian’s partner Jinane Bou-Assi also comes from a proud hospitality family, her father having run restaurants in Lebanon. Together with Sarafian’s international culinary training and his tr

If you still refuse to throw away your childhood dolls (cough, guilty) or you haven't quite recovered from the Barbie film fever that struck the world in 2023, you're not alone. That special connection to Barbie is hard to shake, even though the long, joyous days of prancing and play-acting her around our bedrooms may be over. In fact, some folks are so obsessed with the lore and look of the world's most popular doll, they've been collecting versions of her since she first sprung into the world in the '70s. But wherever you may sit on the Barbie devotion spectrum – and how much pink you have in your wardrobe will give you a good indication of that – there's no denying it: this Malibu Barbie-themed café coming to Melbourne soon is a girly girl's 'grammable dream come true. Photograph: Mushroom Creative House - Marten Ascenzo After a spate of hugely successful pop-ups across various cities in the US, we're lucky to get Mattel's very first international run of the concept right here at Chadstone Shopping Centre. The two-storey family-friendly destination is set to open its doors on Friday, June 27, and will feature the ultimate Barbie dining experience and cocktail bar, plus a dreamy roller skating rink, exclusive merchandise (life-sized Barbie doll box, anyone?), a visual installation showcasing the Barbie brand's evolution throughout the decades and fun photo opps galore. Just look at that adorbs Barbie boat of desserts! Photograph: Mushroom Creative House - Marten Ascenzo

Melbourne loves a visually dramatic restaurant opening – from Reine and La Rue's breathtaking reveal in the city's historic former Stock Exchange building to Yugen's stylish subterranean debut in South Yarra, golden orb, shimmering chandelier and all. So it seems natural that in searching for a permanent space for Sri Lankan import Ministry of Crab, hospo group H&J Restaurants would select somewhere with sufficient swank factor. Flinders Lane's newly restored Invicta House was the ticket and now, months later, the team have opened a second restaurant in its basement as promised. Let's just say, it's looking very swish indeed.  Under the watchful presence of an imposing bull sculpture, guests descend the tunnel staircase before unearthing a striking centrepiece stone bar in the world below. Beyond, a fiery open kitchen reveals the chefs' craftsmanship, a culinary show that plays until midnight. The 115-seater space is decked out in dramatic reds, charcoals and deep blues to set a moody tone – courtesy of top-notch design and architecture firm Air Studio.  Photograph: Tim Sonmez The new dining destination promises to simmer with sexy, after-dark Melbourne energy – but what can guests expect to eat and drink here? One clue lies in its mysterious name: II II VI (or if reading Roman numerals hurts your brain, Two-Two-Six). In ancient Roman times, food was primarily prepared in open fires and ovens, fuelled by natural elements like charcoal and wood. This is the type of smoky, ch

If you haven't had your second coffee of the day yet, here's a triple shot of good news to put a spring in your step. For the third year in a row, local Melbourne barista Jack Simpson from Axil Coffee Roasters has just been crowned the Australian Barista Champion at the nation's fiercest espresso-fuelled competition: the ASCA (Australian Specialty Coffee Association) Australian Barista Championship. With talent like this working in our cafés, it's no wonder Melbourne is consistently ranked among the world's best cities for coffee. The final verdict was handed down after 5pm on Sunday, June 15, after the judges spent an entire day pondering expertly prepared brews from Australia's top six competitors. Every year, each entrant has only 15 minutes to impress the judges through creating their very best milk-based coffee, espresso, and signature drink. The latter aspect of the challenge, in particular, is a chance for the baristas to showcase their creativity. This year, Jack rose to the occasion with a coffee from Colombian specialty producer Jonathan Gasca, leveraging its natural notes of pineapple, raspberry kombucha, cola, and peach, as well as honey vinegar, cascara and passionfruit husk in order to highlight the utility of so-called 'waste' products. Photograph: Supplied Jack tells Time Out that while Melbourne's coffee culture is thriving, he believes specialty coffee is booming everywhere around the world right now. "I've noticed the emerging coffee scene in Montréal,

Calling all Jedis! If you or someone you know is a major Star Wars fan, then in the words of Yoda: very good news, we have. Australia's first official Star Wars café opened its doors at Melbourne Museum on June 7, a one-of-a-kind pop-up to delight children and adults alike. While it's a pity it couldn't have opened on May the 4th to coincide with the day the nerds among us say to each other "May the fourth be with you", we couldn't be more excited to board this culinary spaceship. Museums Victoria has worked together with both Disney and Lucasfilm to bring the immersive eatery – an idyllic lunch spot to grab a blue milk and a bite to eat before or after you've viewed the museum's Lego Star Wars exhibition – to life, with fans of all ages set to feel like they're dining in a galaxy far, far away.  The Star Wars Galactic Café invites visitors to dine aboard the Corellian Star Cruiser and we're told there may be Stormtroopers about – so remember to bring your light saber! The menu features kooky options like the vegan Sorgan Burger (a chickpea and kale patty stacked with greens, avocado and pickles inside a potato bun), the Vietnamese-inspired Naboo Garden Vermicelli (a noodle dish featuring plump prawns, fresh herbs, nuoc cham, shallots and a sprinkling of toasted peanuts), and a zingy Outer Rim chicken katsu. Gluten-free options are available, and for a salty side, try the Asteroid Fields golden sweet potato wedges and sour cream. Whatever you do, don't skip dessert: a rich bi

Newly reopened after significant refurbishments, Parkville's Potter Museum of Art has unveiled one of the more interesting new restaurants in town: Residence. The idea is simple. Each year, a new chef takes the helm to introduce a new concept in the space. The annually rotating Chef in Residence program doesn't just treat Melbourne diners to an ever-evolving dining experience year after year; it also supports some of the nation's best up-and-coming chefs in manifesting their wildest restaurant dreams – from mood to menu – into customer-facing reality. Each chef also gets intensive mentorship and a financial stake in the restaurant. Together, Residence's co-founders Nathen Doyle and Cameron Earl bring more than two decades of industry experience to the table. Doyle played an integral role in launching hip Carlton spots like Heartattack and Vine and Sunhands, plus inclusive wine events operator Good Booze Blind, while Earl (who started his career at age 13 as a kitchen hand) has earned his stripes working for some of Melbourne's best-loved venues: Carlton Wine Room, Embla and St. Ali. The inaugural head chef hired to kick off Residence's debut is Robbie Noble.  Originally from northern England, Noble brings professional kitchen expertise from his time working across the UK, Paris and Melbourne. From three years at England's Michelin-starred Northcote and a red-hot stint at Paris' cult seafood bar Clamato to a senior sous chef role at fine diner Vue de Monde, Noble's scope of e

Whether you're a Docklands lover or hater, there's no denying it: this end of the CBD gets a lot of foot traffic due to throngs of Southern Cross Station commuters, footy fans headed to Marvel Stadium and the suited and booted corporate folks. So it's only fitting that the city's newest after-work spot should land right in the middle of all the action. Contemporary three-storey pub Quarterhouse – set in the Melbourne Quarter precinct, hence the name – promises to be a touch more stylish than your average sports bar on this end of the CBD (Think DJ sets! Rooftop views! Wagyu skewers!). But not too fancy to alienate those simply seeking a fuss-free drink in a comfy, welcoming space.  With its plentiful booths, banquettes and umbrella-shaded street-side tables, the ground floor is your new home for frosty pints and approachable grub like burgers, parmas and fries. Huddle in with the crowd and catch a game on the four-metre-wide LED screen, or if you've popped in on a Sunday arvo, treat yourself to a proper hangover-curing roast (it's $35 and includes all the trimmings, plus bottomless gravy).  It's the top level where things get a little sophisticated, thanks to a stylish rooftop bar with an open-air wrap-around terrace playing host to long lunches, acoustic artists and DJs on weekends. This part of the pub opens out onto the brand new Sky Park, suspended above Collins Street, and tides its guests over all week long with tasty wood-fired pizzas, share-style snacks and larger gas

Japanophile foodies, this one's for you. What would you do if we said you could now get premium Wagyu, artisanal matcha, picture-perfect baked treats and quality saké in Melbourne's CBD – all under the one roof? If the answer is call a friend and jump on the tram for a lunch date asap, then you'll want to keep reading. Cult fave eatery Omi has just opened its flagship destination, Omi 380, a multi-sensory space offering five distinct Japanese dining specialties: Wagyu, bēkarī (bakery), matcha, gelato and saké.  Photograph: Supplied / OMI 380 Over at Omi 380's Wagyu station, tuck into a mouth-watering meal of your choice – from signature donburi and premium A5 Wagyu cuts to izakaya-style plates and steaming hotpots. This is where your journey begins, but it doesn't stop there. For dessert, you're spoilt for choice at the bakery; think tasty sweet morsels like the mini pan pan, just-baked shokupan and canelés made fresh daily. If a frozen indulgence is more your jam, don't skip a visit to the gelato station, where East-meets-West scoops celebrate inventive and matcha-inspired flavours. Note: there are three levels of intensity to dial up the matcha magic. Photograph: Supplied / OMI 380 Since we're on the topic of matcha, trust that true enthusiasts can enjoy the ingredient in drinkable form with traditional matcha lattes and 'grammable new creations like the Matcha Daydream, plus house-made speciality coffees like the Misty Forest. While Omi's much-anticipated saké experi