Quincy Malesovas

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, from hot-out-the-oven newcomers to traditional institutions 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: Di Stasio Citta 👠 Best for a hot date night: Studio Amaro 🍴 Best for a long Sunday lunch: Lagotto 🍝 Best for regional Italian cuisine: Trattoria Emilia 👯 Best for a friends' catch-up: Pepe's Parlour If you're after more Italian cuisine, visit our guides to Melbourne's best pizza and gelato.

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. RECOMMENDED READ: Don't want to break the bank? Check out Melbourne's best cheap eats.

There's a lot to love about Melbourne's world-class café scene. Wickedly good coffee. Creative brunch dishes that taste as good as they look, fresh from the minds of some of the city's top talent. And of course, the vibes. Discovering hot new cafés is almost a competitive sport in a city with AM dining of this calibre, so we've scoured Melbourne to bring you a guide to the finest of the lot. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Looking for dessert that masquerades as breakfast? Check out the best doughnuts in Melbourne.

Melburnians are almost as passionate about their cocktails as they are about their coffee. What's the proper way to make a Martini? Gin or Vodka Gimlet? And should a cocky ever be on tap? Though if there's anything we love more than these heated debates about drinks, it's putting an end to all that nonsense and simply enjoying them – whether alone, with friends or sitting opposite a lovely date. Wondering where to try next? We've sipped our way around this great city to find the bars with the best atmosphere, the most creative (or at least, the most welcoming) bartenders and of course, the finest drinks. Go forth, dear readers – you may just discover your new signature tipple.  If you're keen on exploring the world of vino instead, head to Melbourne's best wine bars. 

Whether you like yours thin and crisp or deep-dish, hot from the oven or cold and leftover from the night before (hey, we don't judge), there’s no denying the universal appeal of pizza. Outside of Italy, we reckon Melbourne pumps out some of the best pies in the world, and we've eaten our way around the city to find the very best. In no particular order, here are our favourite pizza restaurants in Melbourne right now – categorised conveniently by style, for those who know how they like it. Looking for more? Check out Melbourne's best Italian restaurants. Can't decide what you feel like? These are the 50 best restaurants in Melbourne. 

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.

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

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.

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

The nominees in the Affordable Eat category are well-loved restaurants or takeaway joints that offer up great-value meals – including some decent feeds for $25 and under. Our nominees in this category represent a broad diversity of cuisines and locations and are treasured within their neighbourhoods for consistently delivering on quality, value, service and flavour. They're the places our writers want to return to time and time again (and are affordable enough to do so!). The winner for this and other categories will be announced on May 5. To see nominees for all categories, click here. To stay in the loop, sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter.

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

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

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. Recently dubbed Koreatown, Healey’s Lane is buzzing with pocha and Korean imports, but tucked between them is a down-to-earth shop specialising in southern Chinese rice rolls known as cheung fun. The brand is based on a franchise from Guangzhou, though it feels distinctly homegrown, with all rice rolls made from scratch in-house. The vibe The compact space nods to a retro era of southern China, with bulb-lined signage, rattan pendant lights and booth seating. Service is relaxed – order via QR code and help yourself to condiments and cutlery. Some dishes take longer than others to arrive, so the best approach is to share and eat things as they land on the table. With most dishes under $20 and some starting below $10, you can (and should) try widely across the menu. The starch-heavy dishes and generous portions mean items are more filling than they appear, but staff are happy to pack up leftovers to take home. The food Rice rolls, known in China as cheung fun, are a staple defined by their soft, slippery texture and satisfying chew. While they appear at a handful of venues across Melbourne, Liyin is one of the few spots dedicated entirely to the dish – and perhaps the only one making them from scratch in the traditional way. Fresh rice is soaked and ground into

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. Prolific restaurateur Julien Moussi of Only Hospitality (Godby Hotel, Hotel Collingwood) has breathed new life into this suburban pub, pairing a fresh look and updated menu with old-school charm. The vibe Situated on a large corner site dating back to the 1800s, the Beehive is a quintessential eastern suburbs pub. The ones on this side of town tend to be larger and more dynamic – all-purpose sorts of spots that can accommodate family dinners, approachably priced weeknight meals and the occasional big night out in one go. Moussi has leaned into that reputation, refreshing the site and reviving its original name, which had been dropped around 15 years ago. With rolling specials and events throughout the week, it’s clearly designed to be an everyday destination for locals. The menu straddles classic and new-school pub fare, and there’s plenty of room for groups and functions. Service is as friendly and attentive as it needs to be, and unlike many pubs these days, table service extends beyond simply delivering what you ordered via QR code. The food The throng of revamped pubs that have emerged over the past few years – slinging nostalgic snacks fancified for a younger generation – proves there’s still a strong appetite for the format. But the offering has to be co

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. Wine bars are a dime a dozen in Melbourne, but Ruzia’s offers something different with an inventive menu built around co-owner and chef Ravi Presser’s Polish-Jewish lineage, paired with a strong vino list. The vibe Ruzia’s is homely and romantic, with dim lighting, lace curtains and quaint touches like a platter of walnuts sitting on the bench. It’s the sort of local wine bar anyone would love to have in their neighbourhood, punching above its weight when it comes to both the drinks list and the food offering. Caulfield North locals should consider themselves lucky to have this on hand. The only area that I thought could be elevated is the service, which is less attentive than I expected from a diner of this calibre. It can be nice to be left to enjoy the food and drinks, but after our mains arrived, things became a little hands-off, and we needed to catch someone’s attention to order drinks and dessert (which were well worth the wait). The food Complimentary popcorn and peanuts hit the table first – a small but thoughtful gesture that sets the tone. A concise menu of shareable plates and snacks follows, drawing on recipes passed down from the restaurant’s namesake, Ruzia, Presser’s grandmother. Her chicken meatballs ($32) are a signature – tender with a gent

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. 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 peppe

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. 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 th

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. 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 Melbourn

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. 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,

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 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. 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

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

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