Warm neighbourhood bar, that is both classy and cool. They do the thinking for you. It’s the relax centre of Johnston Street. Elegant and simple dishes, usually with an Italian influence. The flavour combos are simple and inspired. The wine is anything you want it to be; natural, organic, classic Australian or European, rich, dry, fruity—leave it up to the staff. They know how to pair with style.

Imagine sexy French waiters in white waistcoats, that passionately open Chenin Blanc while rolling their eyes at you as if you ask for anything but medium-rare. Their wine list is a bound folder, and their menu is A3 and laminated, but underneath the novelty of it all is just good old-fashioned French comfort food, cooked to perfection with many dollops of butter.

A chic narrow wine bar/restaurant in the heart of Melbourne-town, known for their quirky ever-changing wine list, super knowledgeable staff, and uncomplicated approach to food.

Light-filled, 70’s style bar/eatery with a seasonal menu, extremely fresh produce and unique flavour combinations, their food is some of the best Brunswick Street has to offer.

Rina’s feels like home with it’s buzzing European-isms, empty magnum bottles, and A-grade banter, set in a small shop front on High St, Armadale, it’s a one-stop-shop for all things homemade Italian. Rina’s Cucina has literally been passed down the generations, from Zia Rina to chef Danny Natoli. Carrying on Zia’s legacy, Natoli makes everything by hand; the old fashioned way.

An Argentinian restaurant tucked within the European end of Melbourne’s CBD. Their menu centres around the Spanish ethos that food is an experience shared between friends, family and lovers. The decor is dimly-lit yet somehow still vibrant, with a dark sexy feel.

Minamishima is all about the details. Everything from the ceramic vessels to the glass sake jugs, to the handmade cutlery and to the salt, all the way from Okinawa. Chef Koichi Minamishima simply wants to fill you with joy in the art form of sushi and divine aesthetics, and who are we to deny him that pleasure? Tucked down a one-way residential laneway in Richmond you’ll find Minamishima, an omakase-style Japanese restaurant.

Not only is 1800-LASAGNE a super kitsch red-brick restaurant serving up all things lasagne and 70’s Italian realness, but it’s also an actual hotline. In certain Melbourne hotspots, you can call 1800-LASAGNE and get lasagne delivered right to your door in a chocolate-coloured minivan.

Gerald’s Bar is about as classic as it gets. With one here in Melbourne and one in San Sebastian, Gerald’s operates with a “We Cook, You Eat” mentality, writing their menu on big scrolls of brown paper throughout the venue and opening whatever wine they feel like serving on the night. Welcome to Melbourne, the city of bars you’ll go for “one drink” and stay for the entire evening. Gerald’s Bar is yet another fantastic place to eat that might be more commonly known as a bar.

We love Old Palm Liquor’s Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom feel, with a mix of high ceiling fans, golden timber beams, the-real-deal brown 70’s tiles and hanging ferns. It’s the sort of lush, wholesome cabin setting that makes you feel at ease right away. It even has that beautiful pine ski-lodge smell. Although a restaurant, you’re always welcome to just go in for a drink.

Attica is a creative experience in dining that you can’t afford to miss. Launching into the spotlight after his Chef’s Table episode in 2018, New Zealand native chef Ben Shewry has become renowned for his experimentation with native and foraged ingredients, now a pinnacle in defining Australian cuisine.

Farmer’s Daughters is Melbourne CBD’s first true farm-to-table restaurant, bringing a little piece of Gippsland to the city. It has fast become one of Melbourne’s best restaurants. With a simplistic approach to food, chef Alejandro Saravia is passionate about showcasing the flavours of country-Vic at their absolute best, with zero wastage.

In a word, it is drama. Vue de Monde has been a Melbourne institution of dining luxury for almost 20 years. There’s one set menu which changes daily, with each dish brought out and explained to you by any one of the notoriously charming chefs. Set in one of the most gorgeous locations imaginable; the 55th floor of Melbourne’s iconic Rialto building, if you get there at the right time of day, you can feel the sunset over you and watch the Melbourne city skyline transform.

Supernormal exists among the office bustle of Flinders Lane. It’s an all-day eating house with a menu influenced by the cuisine and restaurants of Tokyo, Shanghai, Seoul and Hong Kong, with classic dishes revisited and some new beauties created. Supernormal is a classic mix of neon cherry fun, and a light-filled, plant-filled and modern food hall feel.

It’s loud, it’s sweaty, it’s pumping with Spanish salsa music and trays of mescal shots. Often mistaken for “taco”, as the light-up sign reads out the front of their Brunswick Street eatery, and true to the signage, they deliver simple, affordable and authentic Mexican street-style food, specialising in tacos.

A warm and welcoming neighbourhood wine bar/eatery, serving up spritzes, local wines and real tasty plates. Spensley’s is located in the middle of suburban Clifton Hill, just up the road from the train station. It’s created a buzzy corner, with tables outside in the sun and all the neighbours catching up for a vino, the atmosphere is homey while also fabulous.