Quincy Malesovas

The eight great cuisines historically recognised from China include Shandong, Sichuan, Hunan, Cantonese, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Anhui and Fujian – and if you love Chinese food, you'll want to dive chopsticks-first into them all. Luckily, in Melbourne you (almost) can.  While eating out in Melbourne is not the same as taking a foodie tour around Beijing or Shanghai, our Chinese food scene is far greater and more diverse than ever before. From countless regional variations of noodles, hot pot and dumplings to rich bread and rice dishes that extend further than the Aussie-Chinese takeaway iterations of yore, your options around town are glorious and aplenty. Hungry and ready to eat? Here’s a list of our favourite Chinese restaurants in Melbourne right now. 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? We've rounded up a list of the best dumplings in Melbourne. 

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

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

Two decades ago, a night at the pub was pretty bleak for vegans – think hot chips with a sad side of leaves. But Australia’s dining scene has come a long way since then, with menus now featuring everything from cashew cheese and oat milks to mushroom meats and pub grub that’d fool your meat-loving mates. That said, it’s no secret our hospitality industry’s been doing it tough in recent years, and the vegan scene hasn’t been immune. Beloved plant-based venues like Sydney’s 34-year-old yum cha institution Bodhi and popular Sunshine Coast herbal bar Elixiba have sadly closed their doors, while ethical fast food chain Lord of the Fries has shut down more than half of its Aussie stores. Many fully vegan restaurants have also transitioned to being just veg-friendly – a move we support if it means more creative dishes at a wider range of venues. If you’re keen to back those doing the absolute most for our planet (and our animal pals), here’s just a short selection of the best vegan restaurants in Australia right now. ⭐️ Australia's best restaurants☕️ Our favourite cafés in Australia😋 The best vegan restaurants in Sydney🥑 And the best vegan spots in Melbourne

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

Spring 2025 update: The start of the new season heralds many things: longer days, warmer weather and an appetite for eating out. But we know you want to save some pennies for a Spritz in the sun at one of Melbourne's many rooftops bars, so here's a list of wallet-friendly spots (yes, they still exist) that won't cost you a small fortune. Enjoy! The late and great respected chef Anthony Bourdain once famously said: “I'd rather eat in Melbourne than Paris." It goes without saying that Melbourne has long been revered as one of the world's most exciting food cities, but that status isn't just attributed to our fancy restaurants – special as many of those upper crust institutions may be. Our laneways and hidden alcoves are brimming with cheap street eats, smashable pub deals and dinner options you can enjoy for $20, $15 or even under $10, so you can stop counting your hard-earned pennies and start eating instead. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED READ: Got a little bit more to spend? Check out Melbourne's best restaurants.

Since the 1960s, Lygon Street has been known and loved as Melbourne's Little Italy precinct. Locals and tourists alike flock to the leafy strip – abuzz on weekends with the roaring of fancy cars and roaming of uni students, teens and families – for proper espresso, pasta and cake, and a true taste of Italian-style al fresco action.  Sure, you might get a bit of hassle from the sales-y footpath waiters trying to lure you in, but true Melburnians know that's a part of the street's charm. And though much has changed in the last decade, there's no doubt that if you want to sit out on a terrace with a pizza bigger than your head or sip Spritzes on a rooftop, Lygon Street is still the place to be.  In 2024, there's a much larger and more diverse culinary offering in this area than ever before. Particularly on the southern end of the Carlton stretch, you'll discover incredible eateries for Egyptian, Japanese, Indian, Thai, plus a variety of other cuisines. No longer just the domain of spaghetti and salumi, Lygon Street is now also worth heading to for a bangin' biryani or world-class Asian fusion. And that's not all. Take a stroll up towards Brunswick East and you'll discover trendy wine bars, pubs with live music, American barbecue, Polish dumplings, Sicilian food and one of the best taco joints in town. Hungry yet? Let's go for a wander! We've listed Lygon Street's best restaurants in Google Maps-checked order so you'll know where to find them. Looking for the cream of the crop?

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

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. 

There are sharp distinctions between the regional fare of the Middle East, but there is also a lot of common ground, especially when it comes to a love of chickpeas, tomato, parsley, pickles, garlic, lemon, proteins grilled over coals and falafel. Whether you're specifically in the mood for some Lebanese fare with enough garlic toum to offend your dining partner, or open to whoever is doing the best hummus in town, Melbourne boasts a swag of ace Turkish, Israeli, Lebanese, Persian, Syrian or Palestinian restaurants to sort out your craving for Middle Eastern food.  Feeling more Mediterranean? Here's Melbourne best Greek restaurants. Or for a curry, try Melbourne's best Indian restaurants. 

Long gone are the days in Melbourne when Japanese food was a trend and sushi was considered adventurous. In 2025, the world-renowned cuisine is one of the most popular and respected in Melbourne. It’s desirable in winter when noodle soups and ramen are the order of the day, and in summer when cold, fresh bites like sashimi and soba are all you want to eat. These are the city's finest places to enjoy omakase, tempura, yakitori, udon, sake and so much more. Whether you want to dip into a cosy inn-style café or hobnob with the glitterati at Melbourne's stable of very fine Japanese diners, you'll find what you're looking for here. We can also point you in the direction of Melbourne's best ramen shops, dumplings, teppanyaki joints and whisky bars to cap off your night.

From the United States to Korea and Taiwan, fried chicken spans nearly every country and culture. Not everyone can meet their fierce standards, but these joints have come pretty damn close to perfecting the ancient art of battering and deep-frying poultry. Want more tasty bites? Check out Melbourne's best Korean barbecue joints. Looking for gut-friendly alternatives? These are the best gluten-free eateries in Melbourne.

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. Konbinis – the convenience stores on virtually every corner in Japan – are just as much a cultural immersion as the country's shrines and cherry blossoms. This Cremorne lunch spot draws on that format, serving elevated interpretations of convenience store classics (onigiri, sandos, fried chicken) alongside a dine-in menu that brings genuine excitement back to the midday break. The vibe Compared to Silicon Valley, the tech and start-up hub of Cremorne can feel a little behind. But being able to claim Suupaa in the neighbourhood lifts things a few notches. The design leans into a sleek, romanticised vision of Tokyo futurism, with digital menu boards scrolling overhead and matcha on tap. One corner is dedicated to retail, with shelves of grab-and-go fare, an impressive alcohol selection, and homewares and magazines – some local, others imported from Japan. Ordering is ideally done via QR code, though table service is available. The open kitchen offers a clear view of the action, with a few seats lining the service counter if you want to watch your lunch come together. The food A small konbini section sells grab-and-go sandos and onigiri that can also be eaten in-house, though unclear messaging around whether to pay at the retail counter or after dining makes the self-service element slightly awkward. Sitting down

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. This predominantly takeaway eatery plays on two tried-and-true formats – the classic Aussie chook shop and the gai yang (charcoal chicken) stalls that line the streets of Bangkok – for a take on poultry that’s anything but boring. The vibe In a way, Yang Thai feels like Melbourne’s answer to The Bear – the restaurant from the eponymous show – minus the family drama. A simple, nostalgic format refreshed into something a little more cheffy, without losing its soul. It’s pricier than your average suburban chicken shop, perhaps, but still approachable – and good enough to pull regulars from across the city. The space packs personality, from a hand-painted mural by local artist Nicholas Currie to a wall lined with CDs and vintage Thai cookbooks. Indoor seating is limited, but there’s an open-air deck out front and the St Kilda Botanical Gardens is just a few blocks away, making it perfect for a picnic. The food If you grew up frequenting your local chook shop, the format is familiar: choose a quarter, half or whole bird and add your sides, or opt for a combo. The difference is in the details. Despite the compact kitchen, there’s clear craft behind the streamlined menu. Inspired by Bangkok, where chef Narit Kimsat grew up, the chicken is marinated in a black pepper and turmeric sauce, then grilled over charcoal, yie

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. Marmelo (Portuguese for quince) makes a strong case for the culinary traditions of Portugal, which are not widely represented in Melbourne. From respected restaurateurs Ross and Sunny Lusted, it draws on regional flavours and techniques, with a menu that moves beyond the usual shorthand to reveal a cuisine of real range and nuance. The vibe Located on the ground floor of the newish Hyde Melbourne Place, the sprawling venue is warm and lustrous, from the industrial Crittall-style windows to the high ceilings fitted with custom light fixtures. Seating ranges from banquette-style configurations to chef’s table spots overlooking the open kitchen. Service strikes a confident balance between warmth and formality, with staff clearly well trained and tenured – something of a rarity in hotel restaurants right now. The food For a relatively small country, Portugal’s culinary traditions are vast, and that breadth is reflected across the menu. The bar offers an abridged version of the dining room selection, spanning one-bite snacks (akin to Spanish pintxos), small plates and more substantial dishes. In the dining room, the offering expands further, available as a set menu or à la carte. There’s particular pleasure in the smaller bites. Pastéis de nata – perhaps Melbourne’s most familiar Portuguese export after roast chick

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. Zareh has been on everyone’s lips since it was first announced back in early 2024, and the hype has only intensified since opening. Four months in, it’s safe to say the fanfare is justified. Chef Tom Sarafian draws on his Armenian and Egyptian roots, his partner Jinane’s Lebanese heritage, and years spent cooking in kitchens across Australia and Europe. It’s all distilled into a tight, thoughtful menu that feels carefully considered from start to finish. The vibe With just 40 seats stretched along a long, narrow room, Zareh – named for Sarafian’s grandfather – feels warm and intimate. Much of the seating lines the bar, offering a clear view into the kitchen, where most elements are made from scratch and finished in front of you. The venue is serious yet completely unpretentious, sidestepping the stiffness that can come with a much-anticipated opening. The food The offering is limited by design. Sixteen items appear on the A5 menu, some of which also feature on the $95 set. The brevity allows the team to focus on detail, with most dishes prepared to order. We start with torshi – an assortment of simple, sharp pickles that are dangerously easy to demolish alongside a cocktail. The bastourma toast – open-faced sesame bread spread with herb-laced goat’s cheese, marinated capsicum and cured beef – is another ideal

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. Taking over the former Old Raffles Place site, Mary’s is an all-day African eatery with the makings of a new neighbourhood fixture. By day it’s an easygoing café; come evening, it shifts into share plates and snacks – all threaded with the flavours and ingredients of Nigeria. The vibe With big windows, a corner location and warm orange interiors, Mary’s is bright and full of energy. It’s the sibling venue to Sam’s in St Kilda, drawing on owner Mary Akindele’s café know-how while weaving in elements of her Nigerian heritage. The front of the venue offers a grab-and-go case of pastries, while the back looks into the open kitchen for a peek at the action.  The food Rather than a strictly Nigerian menu, Mary’s leans on familiar Melbourne formats – brunch by day, wine bar energy by night – to introduce diners to these bold flavours. Brunch offers familiar favourites with subtle twists: chilli scramble lifted with ata din din (a spicy Nigerian relish); corn fritters that nod to akara, the black-eyed pea cake; and a Nigerian spin on beans on toast. The hero of the lunch menu is jollof rice, a West African staple. Many countries have their rendition, but here it’s prepared in a classic Nigerian style with basmati rice that’s fried with a fragrant mix of chilli, capsicum, tomato and onion until crisp and dry. (Those cr

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. The sibling to Kirk’s Wine Bar channels old-school pub energy in a way that’s fun, loose and a little nostalgic. Drawing on both Australian and British traditions, it offers a playful take on pub fare that feels fresh yet familiar – ideal for hearty weeknight dinners, happy hours and everything in between.  The vibe Co-owners Con Christopoulos and Josh Brisbane’s signature style shines through here. Le Pub captures the timeless charm of their other venues like City Wine Shop and Butchers Diner, with green steel tables, a spiral staircase and terrazzo floors. Service is relaxed – order at the counter from a handwritten paper menu featuring around 18 dishes. Water is self-serve, napkins are paper, and nothing costs more than $30, but the execution rivals the duos’ more formal restaurants. The food Expect pub classics that nod to Britain in a way that feels more Middle Ages than modern London – and I mean that in the best way possible. The menu leans into lesser-seen proteins (at least in a British context) that are slowly making a comeback today. A hearty pulled oxtail pie, studded with snails and stabbed with a marrow-filled bone, could use a pinch more salt but still delivers comfort and value – especially with a generous side of endive salad. The calf’s liver is a love-it-or-hate-it situation (personally, I’m

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. As Melbourne’s first and only Ukrainian restaurant, Otakoi rises to the occasion – using food as a vehicle to share the country’s rich culture, history and warmth. It helps that the food is excellent. The convivial atmosphere and BYO policy lend themselves to big, boisterous group dinners. The more people you bring, the more of the menu you’ll get to try – and you’ll want to try it all. The vibe Tucked down the Windsor end of Chapel Street, Otakoi is easy to miss from the outside, but the inside bursts with colour and character. The ornate interior pays homage to traditional Ukrainian design, with shelves, walls and ceilings adorned with art and handicrafts. Ukrainian hospitality is equally on display. Guests are greeted with a piece of brown bread and salt – a traditional symbol of welcome – before being led to tables set with heavy ceramic serveware by staff in vyshyvanka (traditional embroidered shirts). They’re eager to chat through the menu and make sure glasses never run dry.  The food The menu is rooted in hearty Ukrainian comfort food. The varenyky (dumplings) are a must, filled with potato, beans and mushrooms or salmon and cream cheese wrapped in striking black dough and topped with flying fish roe. The latter is an unlikely combination that works incredibly well. The crisp, salty deruny (potato panc

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. Tucked in a quiet pocket of South Melbourne, Aegli takes a contemporary approach to Greek cuisine that’s rarely seen in Melbourne. Chef Ioannis (Yianni) Kasidokostas, who previously worked in Michelin-starred restaurants in Athens, brings that fine dining finesse to a menu rooted in tradition. The space and food are refined, yet the service has the warmth of a taverna or family home. It’s clear Kasidokostas is deeply committed to his craft – and to sharing it with diners. The vibe Once home to fine diner Lume, the venue has great bones that Aegli has retained. The timber-clad, open-plan dining room looks into a spacious kitchen, while skylights bathe the space in natural light. Down the back, a dry-ageing cabinet offers a peek into the process of items like housemade cheese and loukaniko, an aged beef sausage. Service follows the formality of old-school white-tablecloth Greek eateries, but still remains relaxed and personable. Every table seems to receive the same thoughtful attention, and the hospitality feels genuine – never rehearsed. It’s not exactly a place for introverts – each dish arrives with a story about its origins, technique and intention – but that engagement is an essential part of the experience. The food The menu reimagines Greek classics in unexpected ways, offering depth and complexity not a

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. For a city that boasts the largest Greek population outside of Greece and Cyprus, Melbourne’s Hellenic dining scene has long felt like it was coasting. Until recently, it was defined by the legacy of first-generation operators – dependable, nostalgic, but not exactly dynamic. That tide has shifted. A new wave of young Greek-Australian restaurateurs is breathing fresh life into the genre. And among the earliest and most quietly influential is Capers. Run by the second generation of the family behind GRK Greek Kitchen and Bar next door, Capers channels the charm of yiayia’s house with the energy of a dive bar. An impressive line-up of DJs and community-driven events – many spotlighting Greek artists – help bridge the old world with a new generation. Out back, a bamboo-covered courtyard (a holdover from the venue’s previous incarnation) has become one of the best spots northside for a dance and a drink without the commitment of a full-blown night out. Inside, the mood shifts. The dimly lit front bar offers cosy nooks for dates and low-key dinners, with a walk-up bar model that keeps things relaxed. While reservations are available, turning up early often secures you a seat. The menu celebrates home-style Greek dishes with a contemporary, often plant-based, twist. Mains hover around the $25 mark, each one a thoughtf

June 2025 update: This winter, head chef Lorcán Kan is dishing up one of his all-time comfort dishes: steaming hot bowls of coconut curry laksa.  Kan's take is an intensely fragrant broth of lemongrass, garlic, makrut lime, galangal and chilli, generously loaded with a mix egg and rice noodles, housemade golden tofu (Etta fans know), fresh herbs and a lusciously loud Nonya sambal. And that's not even the end of it. Each god-level soup will be served with a stick of deep-fried dip-it-yourself school prawns, inspired by the Malaysian street-food vendors known as skewer aunties – who make the steamboat-style skewered meats and seafood known as lok-lok. Additional lok-lok of housemade fish balls and satay grilled chicken will also be available for $8 a pop. The laksa is available for $30 and will be served from Etta's front bar every Wednesday night until the end of August. Move fast, though; there are only 20 serves available a week and your best bet is to book ahead. - Lauren Dinse The below review was originally written in December 2023. Please note that chef Rosheen Kaul (whom this review references) departed the restaurant in April 2024, with new head chef Lorcan Kan now steering the ship. We have since re-visited the restaurant and believe the quality of its offering continues to warrant a five-star rating. ***** 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 crit

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's pub landscape is now awash with elevated offerings, harking back to the kitsch of old-school iterations – with cleaner plating and higher price tags. While there's certainly a time and place for ironic white tablecloths and fancy parmas, the Rochey is your spot if you're after a solid, no-frills pub experience. Since opening in the '70s, the venue has undergone several transformations – it’s now operated by Castle Group, the team behind Arcadia, Green Man’s Arms, Añada, and Brewsmith – yet it’s always stayed true to its roots as a reliable spot for drinks and live music. Not much has changed, and that’s the point. You’ll still find music upstairs, trivia on Wednesdays and a daily selection of specials. The $22 steaks and $25 Sunday roasts were tempting, but I went for the Monday night parma deal – $25 for a parma and a pot of house beer – because a) it’s great value and b) who else is open on a Monday? “Had one parma, had ‘em all,” I usually think, but this one stood out with its thick, buttermilk-brined, panko-crusted chicken; high-quality ham; and the unexpected salty bits of what I think was pancetta mixed into the sauce. The new owners pride themselves on their meat-free options, so the veggie burger was another natural choice. The smoky grilled mock meat patty won’t fool you for beef, but it’s a

Time Out Melbourne never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more here. I first visited Taiwan about ten years ago, and ever since, it’s maintained its standing as “my favourite place I’ve ever visited.” I love it for the history, the charm, the nature, the approachably sized cities – and most of all, the food. Taiwan is best known for its street food, which dominates the late-night markets across the country. While a growing number of Taiwanese restaurants have opened in Melbourne in recent years, the cuisine still hasn’t broken into the mainstream here beyond bubble tea. But Ahma (the Taiwanese term for grandma) might just change that. The small, fast-casual eatery is tucked inside the 206 Bourke Street arcade, with a light timber fitout that’s clean and welcoming. Tables are cluttered with dishes that aren’t cleared throughout our visit, but otherwise the service is attentive and the space is nothing short of charming. Ordering via QR code at your table makes for a far more relaxed experience than jostling your way through a market in Taipei – but the food is much the same. Take the sausage with sticky rice, for instance, which eats like a deconstructed fantuan – the sticky rice rolls beloved in Taiwan and southern China. In Taiwan, this rendition has been dubbed “Taiwanese hot dog” or “small sausage in large sausage” – a sweet

Pubs typically bring to mind multi-storey buildings, sprawling beer gardens and maybe even a pool table or two. Nixie Nox in Richmond flips that idea on its head, billing itself as “Richmond’s smallest pub.” Co-owned by Chris Dore, Marilla Gair and Stu Bellis, the new spot distils the spirit of a local into an 80-person venue that blurs the line between cocktail bar and public bar. “A pub is a community hub where the publicans are in the building, pouring beers and ready for a chat,” say the owners. That ethos is front and centre in this compact space that trades scale for intimacy. Photograph: Supplied / Nixie Nox The food menu plays fast and loose with pub classics. There’s a chicken parma and a pasta ragu, sure, but also scallops crumbed and served with parsnip puree and chorizo, or slow-roasted beef brisket burnt ends. Finished with a Wolf of the Willows Hazy Pale Ale glaze, the dish takes an Americana favourite and brings it back home. A similar ethos extends to the drinks. There are just two beers on tap – CBCo's Goldy Lager and Wolf of the Willows PUP Hazy Pale – rounded out by a broader range of tins and bottles. You’ll also find Australian and international wines, plus fuss-free classic cocktails. And if you time your visit right, happy hour runs Wednesday to Friday from 4 to 6pm. There’s also a Sunday supper club featuring a main, side and house wine for $30. Nixie Nox is open at 141 Swan Street, Richmond, every Wednesday and Thursday from 4pm until late, and Frid

Melbourne’s Japanese dining scene is ever-evolving, and Kentaro is the latest to make its mark. After developing a loyal following as a pop-up at Operator San, it’s now found a permanent home in a discreet spot on Exhibition Street. Head chef Ken Kee has worked in Singapore, Malaysia, Japan and at local institutions Shoya and Shiranui. At Kentaro, he puts premium seafood, top-grade Japanese beef and seasonal local produce front and centre. Photograph: Supplied / Kentaro Dinner is a $220 or $270 omakase starting with produce-driven appetisers like hollowed persimmon filled with goma-ae (sesame-dressed vegetables), followed by sashimi, a grilled course and nigiri. Dishes toe the line between delicate and decadent – think fatty otoro (tuna belly), scallop stuffed with foie gras, and chawanmushi (a savoury steamed egg custard) topped with uni and gold flakes, served in a ceramic egg. The meal wraps with a rare cut of A5 Ozaki beef sirloin (seldom seen in Australia), a light broth-based palate cleanser, and a rotating dessert by former Masterchef contestant Jess Lemon. Lunchtime is more relaxed with an $98 omakase – among the city’s more accessible options  – offered as either a four-course set or a sushi selection. A la carte is also available, including chirashi bowls and M9+ steak dons. The drinks list includes a sharp selection of wine and sake – and guests are welcome to BYO a bottle provided they purchase another from the venue. Curious about Kentaro? Find out more at the

Hector’s Deli owner Dom Wilton knows a sandwich is only as good as its bread. So he’s made it an inside job. While the team previously dabbled with in-house baking out of their South Melbourne store, they quickly outgrew the space and outsourced the effort. But now, at their new Richmond flagship Hector’s Bakery, they’re bringing it back home. Within the sizeable open kitchen, they’re producing sourdough Turkish bread, dark rye loaves and pillowy potato buns for all four deli locations – and soon, customers will be able to purchase them too. “The whole reason we did this in such a transparent way was to show people what we're about,” says Wilton. “It’s always a fear of mine that people will lump us in with other food businesses that scale too fast. We’re doing everything we can to make sure our product is up there with the best one-off bakeries in the world.” With the baking setup in place and a team of skilled pastry chefs behind them, Wilton figured they might as well expand the range. Head of pastry Aram Yun, formerly of Bloomwood, has assisted in developing a sharp menu that keeps it classic with a nod to old-school Aussie bakes. Since opening their doors last week, the cinnamon rolls have been an instant hit – thick, rustic, and slathered with icing, they’ve been selling out in just hours each day. Other highlights include cinnamon sugar and maple-glazed doughnuts, pain au chocolat and twice-baked almond croissants shaped into pressed spirals reminiscent of a kouign aman

Since opening in 2023, Onigiri Kitchen has earned a loyal following for its compact, housemade rice balls – a fast, affordable lunch staple in the CBD. The concept quickly took off, spawning another takeaway store a few doors down and a larger outpost on Degraves Street. Now, the team is branching out with something a little more elevated: an intimate temaki omakase experience served out of their original shopfront.  Temaki Sushi, as it’s called, invites guests to build their own temaki (cone-shaped hand rolls) from a changing lineup of seasonal ingredients. Chef Hiroshi Uchiyama says the idea was to give diners more agency; showcase the fresh, organic produce that underpins the restaurants; and offer an interactive spin on more traditional hand roll concepts. “I thought it was time for the guests to play a little bit more,” he says. “I want the customers to have fun.” The $145 set menu includes eleven dishes featuring fresh seafood, meat and produce from owner Allan Greenfield’s century-old Ferndale Organics farm. They’re served at once on housemade ceramic platters along with unlimited rice and nori so guests can customise their rolls as they please. Photograph: Hugh Davison Fillings range from classic Japanese pairings like unagi tamagoyaki (soy-glazed eel and egg omelette) to more unexpected dishes – think salmon with ricotta and sweet white miso; seared wagyu with mashed potato and Japanese barbecue sauce; or ginger-soy eggplant with kiwi and bonito. Each set also come