Snack Bar: Two New Italian Joints Inspired by Grandma’s House, and More Local Food News This Week

What’s happening around town

• Pint of Origin is back from Friday May 15 to Sunday May 24. Across the 10-day festival, 22 Melbourne pubs, bars and breweries will each have tap beers from a different region. Drop by The Lincoln for Tassie pints, Benchwarmer for Japan’s finest and Rose Island for Chinese beers.

• Chotto Motto’s crispy chilli hot honey is now a topping at Yochi, available until Tuesday June 2.

• Adelaide aperitivo bar Latteria is taking over Black Pearl this Sunday May 17 from 6pm to 9pm. Expect Cosmos, snacks and music from DJ Cazeaux O.S.L.O.

• On Saturday May 23, chef Harry Mangat’s Biji Dining will pop up at Merricks General Wine Store. Mangat will cook a four-course dinner for $120 per person, exploring different regions of India. Bookings essential.

The Hot List

• The viral dirty coffee at this Hot Listed cafe is anything but regular.

What we covered this week

• First look: O’Connell’s Hotel reawakens in a sleepy pocket of South Melbourne.

• First look: Chicky Boi’s viral fried chicken sangas find a permanent home on Brunswick Street.

• First look: Richmond’s Spaghetti Club has so much more to offer.

• Rosheen Kaul and Joe Jones’s pop-up French Asian bistro Little Rose has arrived.

• Torquay’s new Surf Hotel is a beachfront diner for all occasions, by top chef Jo Barrett.

• Italian sub shop Nonna’s House finally reopens in new digs on Nicholson Street, grandma vibes intact.

• Where Chefs Eat: Masterchef’s Khanh Ong has a new favourite banh mi shop.

• Historic Cremorne pub The Cherry Tree Hotel reopens this winter.

• Three new CBD bars for saké, Negronis and late-night pasta.

• Five food-focused Design Week events to check out in May.

• Rising’s pre-show and late-night food and drink program Moon Bites is back for 2026.

• Where to drink Victorian spirits right now. 

• Settle your pre-dinner snack cravings with The Espy’s cracker aperitivo hour.

You might have missed

• Supper Partying: How to host a French bistro-style dinner at home for less than $50.

• Everything we know about the Michelin Guide launching in Australia.

• Five Australian recipe books receive James Beard nominations.