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.

In a city that takes its sport very seriously, the Australian Open ranks right up there as one of Melbourne's most important events on the annual calendar. And given we're a city that takes its food very seriously too, you can bet that the tasty bites being served by the courts this year are worth seeking out. In 2025, the line-up is looking stellar – from fine dining and French offerings to food trucks and Filipino fare, and, of course, plenty to drink to wash it all down. Here's a round-up of some of the best food and drink on offer at the Australian Open 2025.  Looking for somewhere to eat after the tennis? Head to one of the 50 best restaurants in Melbourne for dinner.

Not to toot our own horn, but Australia’s coffee scene is unbeatable. In 2025, an Aussie café was voted the best coffee shop in the entire world, and the year before, Sydney and Melbourne were named among the top ten cities for coffee globally. We've tapped into the wisdom of our most devoted coffee drinkers and writers around the country to bring you this list of Australia's best coffee roasters. These masters of the craft excel in every part of the process: from sourcing and roasting beans to ultimately brewing them expertly. Whether you're a fan of Ona and Industry Beans, or swear by Sample and Single O, here's our pick of the best coffee in Australia right now. For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🥐 The best croissants in Australia🍹 All the best bars for a boozy night🥖 Our favourite bakeries in Australia right now

There’s always time for a tipple when you’re travelling around Australia. Our thirsty country is swimming in stellar watering holes that are loved by locals and tourists alike. We’ve even got a handful of contenders on the World’s 50 Best Bars list to back us up. Whether you’re looking for a fancy spot for cleverly crafted cocktails or a natural wine bar with superb snacks, our local Australian editors and drink writers have curated this list of all the best bars in Australia right now. Of course, Sydney and Melbourne's Bar of the Year winners from Time Out's Food & Drink Awards 2025 – Pleasure Club and Caretaker's Cottage – made the list. But there are so many more gems to explore! 🍽️ The best restaurants in Australia🍷 Australia's best wineries☕️ Where to find the best coffee in Australia

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

Compiling a list of the best Indian restaurants in a city, let alone a country, is no easy task. Every region, city and family have their own specialties, offering a diverse line-up of comforting curries, crunchy pakoras, fluffy naan bread, tangy pickles and cooling lassis. Time Out Australia has enlisted its team of well-travelled editors and writers to bring you this list of must-try Indian restaurants in every capital city. In Melbourne, a tiny at-home restaurant presents one of Melbourne’s most singular degustations, taking diners on a journey through different regions and seasons. In Sydney, a vibrant late-night eatery serves up colourful curry plates and roti wraps until 2am on the weekends. Meanwhile, a beloved Adelaide institution has been dishing up crowd-favourite butter chicken and beef vindaloo curries for almost 50 years. Wherever you are, your next spice fix awaits. 🍽 All the best restaurants in Australia🍱 The best Japanese joints in Australia🍕Where to find the best pizza in Australia

Finding a stellar steak in a country with almost 30 million cattle is no hard task. But claiming your favourite to be the absolute best? That’s sure to stir some serious beef. Whether you’re into rib eye or rump, medium rare or well-done, smothered in peppercorn or chimichurri sauce, and paired with chips or mash – the ways to enjoy a steak are as endless as they are delicious. Our local expert writers have sliced into the best steaks across every capital city to bring you this list of our favourite steaks in Australia. Now, go get up in their grills. 🍔 The best burgers in Australia🥧 Australia's best pies🌭 15 mouthwatering sausage rolls in Australia

Fish and chips are a nostalgic meal for Australians, but it’s easy to forget that they didn’t actually originate here. While the Brits often get the credit for the dish (they do love their salt and vinegar), Portugal is actually the motherland of the ultimate seafood fry-up. Wherever it was invented, we’re just happy that it touched down in the land Down Under – and at just about every waterside location you can imagine.  Whether you're exploring Australia's best beaches or planning a pit stop on your great Australian road trip, we've rounded up the best fish and chips shops in Australia. The list blends the bustling seaside classics that Time Out's editors know and love with hidden local gems recommended by our readers. And it’s not just about the fish – most spots also dish up nostalgic favourites like potato scallops (or cakes, depending where you’re from), fried dim sims and Chiko Rolls (AKA Australia's favourite snack). Here are the best fish and chips in Australia. Editors' favourite fish and chips in Australia: 🌊 Best for views and variety: Kailis Fishmarket Café, WA 🐟 Best for fish feeding: Charis Seafoods, QLD 🚗 Best for a road trip: Fisho’s Torquay, VIC NSW | QLD | TAS | VIC | WA | SA | NT 🍽 The best restaurants in Australia🍕 The best pizzas in Australia🥧 The best pies in Australia

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

There ain’t no party like a pizza party, and we’ve got plenty of places worth celebrating Down Under. Whether you’re a slave to the traditional Neapolitan and Sicilian-style slices or crave the carby goodness of a deep dish or New York-style slab, Australia pumps out some of the best pizzas in the world (a close second to Italy, of course). Our Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, takes her pizza seriously. With the help of fellow pizza-obsessed writers around the country, she's created the ultimate list of the best pizza in Australia. Happy eating! 🍝 Australia’s best Italian restaurants🍺 The best bars in Australia🥧 Australia's greatest pies

Looking for a top-notch café while travelling around Australia? Boy, you’re in luck. Australians know how to cook up a damn good brunch, and we roast – arguably – the world’s best coffee to wash it all down. Whether you’re craving a big brekkie with a batch brew, corn fritters with an iced chai, smashed avo with a smoothie, or buttermilk pancakes with a Bloody Mary, these are just a handful of the best cafés to visit in Australia's capital cities. Of course, we couldn't include them all – so our local food writers have handpicked a few personal favourites. Time Out Australia’s Travel and News Editor, Melissa Woodley, especially loves Piña in Sydney, Two Before Ten in Canberra, Naïm in Brisbane, Laneway Specialty Coffee in Darwin and Hamlet in Hobart. What's first on your list? For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍽️ The best restaurants in Australia🥐 The best bakeries in Australia☕️ The best coffee in Australia

What are the best restaurants in Australia? With such a diverse and world-class dining scene, picking the best of the best is no easy feat – but don't worry, we've done the hard work (and the eating) for you. Our expert editors, including resident foodie Melissa Woodley, have tasted their way around the country to curate this list of the best restaurants Australia has to offer, from fine-dining institutions to hidden neighbourhood gems. So, what’s the secret recipe to an exceptional dining experience? In coming up with Time Out’s list of the best restaurants in Australia, we considered a mix of ingredients. Talented chefs? Stylish decor? Lively ambience? Top-notch drinks? And of course, food that you can’t stop thinking about for days, months, or even years. Luckily, Australia’s restaurant scene is sizzling with spots that check all these boxes, plus so much more. Here are the best restaurants in Australia right now. Editor's favourite restaurants in Australia: ⭐️ Best bucket-list: Saint Peter, NSW 💎 Best hidden gem: Warrior Restaurant and Bar, QLD 🥂 Best for special occasions: Wildflower, WA 🌊 Best view: Quay, NSW 🌍 Best sustainable: The Agrarian Kitchen, TAS Jump to list:  NSW | VIC | QLD | WA | SA | TAS | ACT | NT For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍹 The best bars in Australia⭐️ The best hotels in Australia

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 word first arrived that the Tipo 00 crew were opening a polished French-ish spot in the CBD, nobody knew quite what to expect. Conferre Group’s iconic laneway institution has always been so laser-focused in its offering that one can only imagine it’s the specificity – aka masterful contemporary pasta forked out with a dash of irreverent Italian flair – that’s fuelled its consistent perfection throughout the years. Harriot’s offering, loosely pitched as a refined European bistro with Melbourne soul, initially seems indefinable. Yet unsurprisingly, this mysterious newcomer is already one of the city’s hottest new restaurants. Harriot delivers on playfully executed dishes that make the most of classical French cooking techniques and Victorian produce, cleverly pairing them with sommelier Justin Howe’s picks from the outstanding wine list. Along with the rest of Melbourne, we’re sat – and we’ve been utterly seduced. The vibe By nightfall, this red-hot restaurant smolders and slinks along more like a happening wine bar than a hoity-toity upscale diner. We stroll in on a Wednesday night to find the space aglow with dim, irresistibly warm lighting and happy diners. Tucked discreetly in the bottom of an office building, it’s almost completely packed out but far from chaotic. The smooth operation is expertly steere

Returning for its tenth edition on November 23, the East Malvern Food and Wine Festival is shaping up to be a celebration of Victorian wine producers, brewers, growers and artisan makers. And best of all, entry is free! The festivities kick off at Central Park from 11am, and attendees can stroll through the open green spaces to wine, dine and recline in the picturesque surroundings. Expect to taste a vast range of vinos from 15 local wineries, including Sutherland Estate, St Hubert, Yering Farm, Trentham Estate and Mount Avoca Wines. For those who prefer a more distilled option, Mary Monica Gin, Original Spirit Co, Noble Bootleggers and Naught Distillery will also be in attendance. Peckish? The festival's set to be a globally inspired food truck paradise thanks to Bao Melbourne, Amazing Calamari, Spanish Paella, The Famous Sandwich, Flaming Skewers and more. Sweets include ice cream from Billy Van Creamy, Luvlee and 776 Loukoumades. And be sure to stock up on locally produced cheeses, gourmet condiments and plenty of other goodies from the market stalls before you leave. Admission is free, but you can also opt for a $39.50 wine tasting package that includes a branded wine glass and five tasting tickets.  For more info, head to the website. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. After more fun things to do in our city? Check out the best events happening in Melbourne this week.

What do you get when you combine the culinary finesse of Scott Pickett with the historic beauty of Como House and Garden? Como Lane – a charming Euro-inspired café that is made for aesthically pleasing photo dumps on the 'gram.  It's hardly a surprise Como Lane is magicking up some serious brunch brilliance, thanks to a very clever crew at the helm. There's the aforementioned Scott Pickett, the man responsible for bringing Longrain, Matilda, Smith St Bistrot, Estelle and Chancery Lane to Melbourne's dining playground, group executive chef and menu co-designer Stuart McVeigh, plus the duo's right-hand man on the pans – Como Lane's head chef Adam Lai (ex-Hardware Societe). Slosh into the mix an ice-cold latte made with freshly brewed beans from Merchant Coffee Roasters and you're guaranteed a cute date made in heaven. And heaven is no hyperbolic overstatement, considering the picturesque charms of this eatery and its sprawling, green piece of real estate. Instead of pearly gates, you enter through splendid iron ones, past towering trees, a stunning fountain terrace and the historic mansion, which dates back to 1847. You can even book a tour if you're curious about the family who lived there (there's only one haunted room, we promise), but it's the café you'll be going back for. The lunch menu goes beyond eggs and toasties, with classic Euro-leaning dishes like chicken schnitzel with celeriac, apple, horseradish and spiced butter sauce; wild mushroom and goats cheese quiche; a

Cricket is like a religion in India, the beloved sport uniting folks from every region, class and creed across the nation. Following independence, the Indian community reclaimed their Bengali cricket clubs and members bars – and now Melbourne has scored one of its very own. Award-winning chef Mischa Tropp (Toddy Shop) has teamed up with Crown Melbourne to open Kolkata Cricket Club. His biggest project to date, the 150-seater restaurant brings pan-Indian and Bengali-influenced fare to the forefront, including Tropp's irresistibly good butter chicken (IYKYK), meats hot out of the tandoor oven, naan, seafood and a long list of beer-friendly snacks – perfect for long boozy afternoons. There are two distinct dining spaces to choose from: the Sporting Bar and a new private dining room. At the bar, you can complement your ice-cold pints with beer-battered fries and curry sauce, kulcha breads stuffed with saffron-braised duck and beautifully prepared thali plates. The flexible new dining space can host everything from intimate birthday dinners to gatherings with room for 70 seated guests. With custom-made teak chairs and lamps sourced from artisans in Jaipur, it's a beautifully ornate area to suit all occasions.   For more info and to make a booking, head to the website. 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 50 best restaurants in Melbourne right now.

Prepare to enter the pearly gates of doughnut heaven, sweet Melburnians. Queen Victoria Market's free Donut Festival is returning for a special edition from November 1-2. Back by popular demand after a hugely successful event in May, Melbourne's most dough-licious creators and bakers are returning  with plenty more sugary delights that will have all your cravings satisfied. The lip-smacking line-up includes Jamm'd Dessert Bar with their hot Danish dougnuts; chewy mochi bites from Mochimelb; churro bowls with creamy vanilla ice cream from Churro Kitchen; deliciously sweet loukomades from St. Gerry's; and G-Free Donuts with tasty options for the gluten-free crowd. And for those of you who just love a classic ringed doughnut with a dusting of cinnamon, Walker's Doughnuts is bringing the goods.  This free weekend-long fest is all about indulging in everybody's favourite deep-fried treat, whether you like yours simple and iced or loaded with decadent toppings. There will also be live music, roving performers and circus acts to keep the sugar high going. The Donut Festival is happening from 9am to 4pm, so all you need to do is head to the C and D sheds (Peel Street end) with your mates and a will to indulge.  For more info, head to the Queen Vic Market website. For more sugar-dusted inspo, check out our list of Melbourne's best patisseries.

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. Melbourne is in a golden era for casual Greek food right now and Taverna – a nifty newcomer from restaurateur Angie Giannakodakis (Epocha, Press Club) – is proof. The breezy Athenian-inspired restaurant opened on the site of George Calombaris’s OG Hellenic Republic to much fanfare, an instant hit with Greek food lovers thanks to its wholesome taverna eats cooked with simplicity and served share-style, and its understated dazzler of a drinks list. Extra gold stars are duly awarded for Taverna’s warm approach to service, inspired by the spirit of ‘philoxenia’ (‘love of strangers’).  The vibe No need to make sure you’re suited, booted, glammed or gussied up before visiting this relaxed local. I head in for dinner on a Friday night, and the vibe is coolly casual; it’s got the spirit of an easygoing local. What sounds like Greek alt rock music softly complements the dinner hum, and while the restaurant isn’t exactly heaving at the seams (perhaps due to the selection of an earlier booking time), I spy a few couples on date nights and low-key family get-togethers. That’s not to say the restaurant doesn’t carry a sense of occasion – white-painted walls and comfy vintage-chic aesthetics may pay homage to the motherland, but it’s a restaurant that feels Melbourne and very much of-the-moment. Service is warm and personal,

As if the Melbourne Fringe Festival's program of art, theatre, comedy and experimental shows wasn't enough of a sensory feast to begin with, Queen Victoria Market is joining the fun for a second year with Fringe Flavours. Need somewhere vibe-y and cool to grab dinner before the show? This is your flavourful pit-stop! Complete with food trucks, stalls and bars lining the streets and open-air sheds, the month-long series of markets will be held every Wednesday night from September 17 to October 15. Festivalgoers and curious passersby alike will be treated to a tantalising array of snacky offerings – from Polish dumplings, artisanal pasta and tacos to Japanese-inspired soufflés, donuts and ice cream. Highlights of the vendor line-up include Flaming Skewers, Swerle, Smashville, The Lil Dumpling Van and more.  There'll also be plenty of action and performances available at the market each Wednesday night, such as cabaret, comedy, burlesque artists, bands, DJs and more.   The Fringe Flavours Night Market has no entry fee and welcomes everyone to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Bring your friends, family and a hearty appetite and have fun!  Looking to plan your social calendar ahead? Check out our fresh guide for fun things to do this October.

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.

Welcome to that weird post-festive season period after Chrissy and NY, when the decorations have been taken down and some of us are even back at work (*sniff*). But that doesn't mean the summer fun's over yet – not even close! Thanks to the Victorian Government's 2026 Summer by the Sea program, more than 100 wonderful child-friendly events are taking place across the state's coastal regions this month – and it's the perfect excuse to squeeze in an extra day trip or even a family weekender into your January calendar.  From kite-making and sandcastle-building to bush walks through koala territory and zoologist-guided twilight wanders, the program is jam-packed with activities that balance the joy of fun and discovery with important education around Victoria's wildlife and environment. The theme this year is 'The Coast, The Sea, and Our Community' and other highlights include the super popular rockpool rambles, San Remo sea slug searches, Werribee seaweed safari treks and Anglesea canoeing and snorkelling adventures.  Photograph: Creative Commons From January 3 to 18, Summer by the Sea is offering all these activities completely free as part of a state-funded initiative to get families out to discover the magic of Victoria's wild and wondrous coastal landscape. Whether you're already planning a seaside holiday or you're looking for something new and fun to do with the kids, check out the program online to see what's on offer. A key focus of the initiative is to teach particip

Dining in a real-life hot air balloon may sound grand, but not all of us are keen for a meal in a tiny basket hundreds of metres up in the sky. Fortunately, we don't need to! Australia's first-ever hot air balloon dining pod experience has landed, and you can now get the same whimsical vibes on ground level – well, the actual ground level of the Wharf Hotel to be exact. The riverside pub has announced its Wharf on Cloud 9 sessions will run for the rest of the summer. Will you take off into full flight mid-forkful? Heavens, no. But with your own private 'balloon' area that seats up to six of your pals, sunny views overlooking the Yarra, snacks and sips galore, and exclusive evening sessions (hello, perfect sunset shot!), the limited-time experience certainly promises a bit of 'grammable fun.   Photograph: Supplied / The Wharf Hotel Whether it's a birthday, a picturesque date or a summer lunch with friends you're organising, these pods are the perfect place to wine and dine by the water – and you can book one for a 90-minute afternoon sesh or a two-hour evening slot. Guests can order food and drinks from the hotel's classic à la carte menu, while optional grazing boards cover both charcuterie and vegetarian selections if a vino and cheese sesh is calling your name. Bonus: if you've got kids, they're definitely welcome. Opt for a booking on Sunday, when children's entertainment runs from noon until 3pm, including garden games and colouring activities. The little ones even get

When it comes to modern-day Melbourne hospitality legends, it's hard to think of a name more impressive than Andrew McConnell. The prominent chef and restaurateur, along with his partner Jo McGann and their tight-knit Trader House group, have spearheaded some of the city's best-loved restaurants and bars over the years – Gimlet, Apollo Inn, Supernormal, Builders Arms Hotel, Marion, Cumulus Inc, Cutler and several more successful projects. And the powerhouse team aren't planning to slow down anytime soon, with plans announced for a brand-new restaurant to add to their portfolio: Côte Basque. Set to open in the former Becco site in Melbourne’s CBD, the European-style grill will take inspiration from the fresh ingredient-driven cuisine and vibrant energy of the Basque Coast.  “The name references our love of Basque culture and the coastline that bridges the northern Basque region of Spain and the southwest of France,” says McConnell. “The raw beauty of the region and a bounty of benchmark produce have long been an inspiration for us. The tradition of woodfired cooking that defines this region will be central to the menu and influence not only what we cook, but how we cook.” The ground floor space will seat around 100 guests and retain many of the building's original features, from the green terrazzo floor to the stepped dining room and street-level windows along Crossley Street. The restaurant is currently being designed in collaboration with Vince Alafaci and Caroline Choker of

Anyone who loves eating out in Australia will know OpenTable. Even if you don’t think you know it, you’ve probably used it to book a table – whether at your local go-to or the city’s hottest new bar. But OpenTable is more than just a booking tool; it also reveals the trends and habits shaping how Australians eat and drink when dining out. Each year, OpenTable gathers data from thousands of venue reviews, plus reservation and search metrics, to come up with an intriguing set of reports. The latest? A definitive list of the top 50 restaurants in Australia for 2025, based on data from almost 200,000 diner reviews. This year, Victoria takes the crown as the state with the highest number of restaurants on the list at 17, while Queensland has 14 and New South Wales comes in third with 12.  Photograph: Supplied | Fiore at Down The Rabbit Hole Wines Let's take a look at the restaurants Aussies are loving right now – at least if five-star reviews and repeat bookings are anything to go by. The top 50 includes plenty of spots on our very own list of the best restaurants in Australia, including Time Out Sydney’s Restaurant of the Year Neptune’s Grotto and beloved Melbourne fine diner Vue de Monde. But it also spotlights hidden and regional gems, from the intimate 14-seat Humble on Duke in Sunshine Beach to Fiore at Down The Rabbit Hole Wines in the McLaren Vale. You can check out the full list below, listed in alphabetical order by state/territory. The top 50 restaurants on OpenTable f

Did you know that a bunch of major cities around the world all have super-cool material libraries? That's right – from New York to Paris, Shanghai to Sweden, there are physical spaces where designers and creators can get up close with a range of cutting-edge materials. And now, thanks to the global sustainability consultancy Hyloh, that concept has finally arrived in Melbourne. Situated in Richmond’s historically rich Sanders Place, the pop-up Melbourne Material Library invites designers, architects, sustainability professionals and innovators to get hands-on with the thrilling future of materials. Imagine living moss, coffee-ground golf tees, 3D-printed eggshell ceramic tiles, bio-based paper coatings, mycelium packaging, oyster shell renders and hemp hurd blocks, amongst a maze of even more fascinating stuff. The experience is designed to be tactile, thought-provoking and lots of creative fun! The idea behind the library is that through being able to touch, test and experiment with these materials, visitors can avoid wasting time on guesswork in their projects – and costly design mistakes.   Photograph: Supplied The library hosts an impressive line-up of suppliers, including Saveboard, Zeoform, Circular Sea, Defy Design, ISOHemp and Eggxpert. As the first material library of its kind in Australia, the pop-up aligns with Melbourne’s Economic Development Strategy 2025–2029, which positions the city as the Asia-Pacific’s hub for innovation and opportunity. With hopes to se

If your dream lawn party is less about croquet, canapés and Champers and more about frothy pints, tacos and plenty of space for the kids to run wild and free, you're in luck. A decommissioned bowling green at the East Malvern RSL has shape-shifted into a relaxed, fun-filled beer garden: welcome to Banjo's Social Club.  The joyous new activation – a shared project between Banjo's Bistro, the RSL's on-site restaurant and Melbourne beer gurus Stomping Ground Brewery – promises a jam-packed program over the sunny months. Think live music and afternoon DJs on weekends, evening movie screenings, and even a petting zoo on Sundays – always a thrill for the little ones!  While publican Matt Vero (the man behind local legends like the Orrong Hotel and Healesville Hotel) aims to channel the spirit of the classic Aussie bowling green, he's upped the ante with colourful umbrella-shaded picnic tables; a container bar pouring crisp Stomping Ground brews, wines and cocktails; and a lively Mexican food truck for beer-friendly eats. Add a strong dose of sunshine and your arvo is set.   Photograph: Marcie Raw Photography “It is all about giving locals a place that feels both familiar and new,” said Vero. “We’ve taken inspiration from the old suburban bowlos that so many Australians grew up around and reimagined them for today. Banjo’s Social Club is casual and welcoming, but with great food, great beer and plenty of space for the whole family.” Check it out now from Wednesday through Sunda

OpenTable may be best known as the website where hungry diners can book coveted spots at popular bars and restaurants, but it's also become a compelling tool for insights into users' dining trends and habits. So each year, the platform leverages its findings from hundreds and thousands of venue reviews, plus reservation and search metrics, to come up with an intriguing set of reports. The most recent? A definitive list of the top 50 restaurants in Australia for 2025, based on data from around 195,000 diner reviews. And what a stellar result for Victoria! This year, we've taken the crown as the state with the highest amount of restaurants on the list at 17, while Queensland had 14 and New South Wales came in third with 12. Sorry not sorry, Sydney!   Photograph: Jana Langhorst Let's take a look at the restaurants Victorians seem to be loving right now – at least if five-star reviews and repeat bookings are anything to go by. In the CBD, long-standing Italian favourites like Cecconi's on Flinders Lane, Il Solito Posto, The Moat and Trattoria Emilia are still proving popular as ever, as well as fine dining icon Vue de Monde. Inner-city spots Bellota Wine Bar, Geppetto Trattoria, Lagoon Dining and Yeongga Korean BBQ also edged onto the list, while regional gems hailed from towns like Port Fairy (Merrijig Kitchen), Belgrave (Cognoscenti Food and Wine) and Bright (Sir Loins).  See below for the full list of Victorian restaurants: Attica – Ripponlea Bansho – Armadale Bellota Wine

Pop a cork on your fave bottle, folks: we Victorians have good reason to celebrate. Forbes has just announced its 2025 list of the World's 50 Best Wineries – and, yep, one of our very own has made the cut (and ranked high!). Drumroll, please... Let's raise a glass for Brown Brothers! The cherished winery secured 12th place on the annual list after earning 30 points from a global panel of trusted wine experts. Whether you're fond of the Victorian producer's super popular prosecco or are yet to enjoy a tour around its beautiful vineyard in the heart of the King Valley, consider this news a good nudge to go and reacquaint your vino-loving self with the local brand. Founded in 1889, Brown Brothers has operated from its historic Milawa site for more than 136 years. To this day it remains under the stewardship of the Brown family, and is a proud founding member of Australia’s First Families of Wine, a collective known for its focus on heritage, authenticity and commitment to excellent quality. “We are incredibly honoured to be internationally recognised by such a prestigious program,” says Brown Brothers winemaker and fourth generation Brown family member, Katherine Brown. “This award is a testament to our dedication for outstanding winemaking and the incredible experiences we create for our visitors.” Photograph: Supplied / Brown Brothers The winery’s solid rep hasn't just been shaped by award-winning wines but also by its courageous experimentation and training of future indust

Obsessed with excellent epicurean experiences? Here's a reminder to open your 2026 calendar right now and block out March 20-29, because the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival (MFWF) is due to return with a delicious, saucy splash. From street food parties and hotly anticipated pop-ups to long, outdoor luncheons and unforgettable fine dining events, this is an eating and drinking extravaganza you'll want to clear time (and stomach space!) for. A smashing line-up for the beloved festival's 2026 program has just been announced, and with more than 200 events to choose from across the state, attendees will be spoilt for choice. But don't let overwhelm consume you; here's a round-up of highlights so you can start planning your best MFWF yet – whether it's your very first one or an unmissable annual fixture in your diary. One of the MFWF's hottest hitters has always been the World's Longest Lunch, which will again be hosted in Kings Domain across more than 600 metres of table. The 2026 feast will be Greek-themed to celebrate the city's recent influx of incredible Greek dining offerings and historic diasporic connection, with culinary talent from popular restaurants Kafeneion and Tzaki, plus author Ella Mittas, set to collaborate on a fresh, flavour-packed feast.   Photograph: PJ Pantelis Sweet treat devotees, listen up: Cake Picnic is coming. This international smash hit event began in San Francisco as a humble 15-person cake swap, but has since grown into an event that sells out t

It's a tragic reality that too many Victorians have been seriously injured or lost their lives while walking or cycling. In response, the Victorian Government has pledged to invest in safer connections for pedestrians who need to get from A to B without a car. The goal? To boost accessibility across Melbourne, alleviate congestion on our roads and ultimately save lives.  Part of this initiative includes a new dedicated walking and cycling bridge now open along busy Dynon Road. The three-metre-wide bridge winds 440 metres across the rail yards between the Moonee Ponds Creek Trail and North Melbourne Station, and is designed to accommodate a high volume of walkers, runners and cyclists, as well as mobility scooters, wheelchair users and prams. This bridge also connects with the recently opened Footscray Road walking and cycling bridge, providing a safer route for those from the west travelling towards the city, North Melbourne, Carlton and nearby suburbs. Photograph: Supplied / Vic Gov “Too many vulnerable road users have been seriously injured or killed on our roads, and we’re determined to change that,” said minister for roads and road safety, Melissa Horne. “Through projects like this, we’re creating safer, separated connections for cyclists and pedestrians – protecting lives and reducing trauma across our network.” The West Gate Tunnel project’s delivery of more than 14 kilometres of new and upgraded paths aims to completely overhaul travel in Melbourne's west, providing

An exciting wave of pub revivals has swept over Melbourne recently, from North Fitzroy Arms Hotel and Punters Club in the inner north to the recent retro reinvigoration of Hickens Hotel in the CBD, it's been a welcome rejuvenation of some of our city's best-loved boozers. And now the Waterside Hotel (a Flinders Street institution since 1925) has followed suit, reemerging as a grand, multi-level destination complete with seven stories of food, drink and design. Sand Hill Road hospitality group – best known for restoring and reimagining popular Melbourne venues like the Espy and Garden State Hotel – has spent nearly a decade leading the ambitious project through planning and construction.   Photograph: Ryan McCurdy Though the redeveloped Waterside Hotel has retained its landmark heritage-listed facade, its interiors have been completely transformed and now feature lush terraces with ample space to take in panoramic city views.  “The Waterside Hotel is the culmination of decades revitalising pubs across Melbourne,” said Matt Mullins, Sand Hill Road's co-owner. “We’re deeply passionate about breathing new life into treasured venues, and we felt that now was the perfect time to revive the Waterside Hotel – restoring this iconic landmark while offering something truly unique for Melbourne, that is on a global scale.” On the ground floor visitors can find a public bar and beer garden for modern Aussie pub eats and capacity for more than 400 people. Then up on level two is Southeas

It's the glow-up that Carlton locals and fans of the famous Little Italy precinct alike have all been waiting for: after shutting down for renovations last year, King and Godfree has finally revealed plans for what could be its most exciting era to date. The historic space – formerly home to an Italian specialty deli, plus the wine bar Agostino – is set to reopen this summer with a fresh new look and three ambitious venues in the works. Hospo gun Jamie Valmorbida (Pidapipo, Johnny's Green Room) will roll out the transformation in stages, beginning this December with a relaxed counter-service pizzeria right next to Pidapipo.  Next, an all-day osteria will serve up a sophisticated destination for morning coffee, long lunches and aperitivo hour wines. And after dark? The building will stay abuzz, with the reimagined basement cellar soon to operate as a late-night cocktail and music bar – perfect for those who like their Bellinis with a side of beats and grooves.   Photograph: Griffin Simm “Building on the success of Johnny’s Green Room, we’re creating a family of venues that honour the site’s heritage while looking ahead,” says Valmorbida. “This is about realising the King and Godfree building’s vision and creating a true neighbourhood precinct – generous, welcoming and connected to its history.” Valmorbida is the grandson of the late Carlo Valmorbida, who acquired the building in 1955. While a period of mourning is to be expected for the closure of the original deli, Valmorbi