Kolkata Cricket Club

Restaurant · Indian · $$$ · southbank

Perch at the front bar with a lager and catch a match while chefs pluck puffed naan off the charcoal-fired tandoor. Or migrate to the white-tablecloth dining room, which takes its cues from India’s members clubs.

8 Whiteman Avenue

Pappa Laksa

Restaurant · Malaysian · $$$ · burwood

Easy to miss on a busy highway, this family-run spot is known to serve some of Melbourne’s best curry laksa. Plus, left-of-centre takes on Malaysian classics like beef rendang laksa and pork claypot noodles.

26 Burwood Highway

Julie

Restaurant · $$$ · abbotsford

An idyllic restaurant with its own kitchen garden, perfect for long lunches amid the backdrop of the Abbotsford Convent’s well-maintained grounds. Expect uncomplicated fare such as handmade pasta and roast chicken.

1 St Heliers Street

Bistra

Restaurant · Italian · $$$$ · carlton

This bistro leans into white table-clothed dining, vintage wines and timeless dining. The menu defies definition, offering French onion soup through to Southeast Asian-style desserts like lychees with coconut custard.

157 Elgin Street

Entrecote

Restaurant · French · prahran

After seven years in South Yarra, this well-loved brasserie found a new home in Prahran. Alongside the restaurant’s signature dishes, you’ll find a roving caviar trolley, a raw seafood bar, and a late-night supper menu.

142-144 Greville Street

Albert’s

Bar · $$$ · armadale

A homey neighbourhood wine bar set in a Victorian-era building. Find filled-to-the-brim bagels and Reubens by day, and fancy bar snacks and wines that punch above their weight by night.

17 Morey Street

Music Room

Bar · $$$ · melbourne

Her's first-floor bar is dedicated to vinyl, premium spirits and sparkling wines. Inspired by Japanese and European record bars, it's where you'll hear DJ-curated soundtracks nightly, from the 3000-strong vinyl collection.

270 Lonsdale Street

Rita’s Abbotsford

Restaurant · Italian · $$$ · abbotsford

A rustic Italian spot serving hefty, semolina-crusted pizzas among the city's very best. Play it straight with Napoletana or dial up the salt with pancetta, anchovy, capers and garlic.

239 Johnston Street

Bar La Sirene

Bar · $$$ · reservoir

At a converted suburban warehouse, try wild-fermented beers by one of Australia’s most established brewers. Complex stouts, lagers and farmhouse drops sit alongside grazing boards and beer-spiked cocktails.

277 Edwardes Street

Smith & Daughters

Restaurant · vegan · $$ · collingwood

Fire reigns supreme at the second iteration of Shannon Martinez’ pioneering vegan diner. Choose from Mediterranean-inspired dishes and booze à la carte, or grab a seat at the intimate chef’s table and let the experts choose.

107 Cambridge Street

Taverna

Restaurant · Greek · $$$ · brunswick east

Athenian tavernas are the inspiration for this buzzy restaurant by hospo veterans Angie Giannakodakis and Guy Holder, who last ran Epocha. Take a seat for slow-cooked lamb shoulder, creamy fava dip, moussaka and flaky bougatsa.

434 Lygon Street

Marmont

Restaurant · American · $$$ · southbank

Grant Smillie left Melbourne to open some of LA's buzziest restaurants. Now, he's returned home and is using his new bag of tricks at Marmont: a fun spot with a seafood-forward menu, great music and a dose of '80s Hollywood glam.

8 Whiteman Street

Ramen Shouyuya Sake Bar

Restaurant · Japanese · $$$ · brunswick

This ramen shop specialises in soy sauce ramens. And it's one of the few places in town where the broths have an anchovy base. Plus there's great gyoza and a variety of sakes to enjoy, too.

692 Sydney Road

Soi 38

Restaurant · Thai · $$ · melbourne

Melbourne's most famous hidden restaurant has finally left the carpark. But despite moving into bigger digs, it hasn't lost any of its soul (or boat noodles). Soi 38 is still one of the best spots in town for Thai street food.

235 Bourke Street

Kafeneion

Restaurant · Greek · $$$ · melbourne

Two hospitality veterans are behind this small but mighty Greek diner. Order hard-to-find classics like sweetbreads and slow-cooked lamb. Plus, ultra-thick traditional Greek coffee, carafes of wines and beer.

161 Spring Street

Brae

Restaurant · $$$$$ · birregurra

It’s one of the world’s finest restaurants, but this country diner also has a comforting, familial character that makes chef Dan Hunter’s creative food that much more enjoyable. Don’t leave without strolling the extensive grounds.

4285 Cape Otway Road

France-Soir

Restaurant · French · $$$$ · south yarra

Open since 1986, France Soir is one of Melbourne’s essential restaurants – attracting the likes of Bruce Springsteen and Mick Jagger. Find French staples from steak tartare and magret de canard, to crème brûlée for dessert.

11 Toorak Road

Yugen Dining

Restaurant · Japanese · $$$$ · south yarra

Rough-hewn stone walls, high ceilings and golden accents set the mood at this subterranean Japanese diner. Take the glass lift underground for charcoal-cooked Wagyu, delicate sashimi and exciting detours into Chinese cuisine.

605 Chapel Street