Sydney couple Ross and Sunny Lusted (formerly of The Bridge Room, the lauded Sydney fine diner that closed in 2020, and Woodcut, a high-concept restaurant at Crown Sydney) made waves when they decided to open in Melbourne last year.

They arrived with the Hot-Listed Portuguese restaurant Marmelo and sibling Spanish basement bar Mr Mills, both in the CBD.

We caught up with Ross to find out where (and what) he’s been eating in Melbourne lately.

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What’s your favourite bakery?
Mike and Mia Russell’s Baker Bleu in Caufield North. I love the sourdough, and it is our bread of choice for Marmelo. My favourite pastries are from Publique in Queen Victoria Market.

What’s your go-to breakfast spot?
South Melbourne Market. I lived in Asia for years, so dumplings are my go-to for breakfast. Mama Tran’s prawn and water chestnut dumplings (rolled and steamed while you wait) with a little chilli hit the spot. Then a coffee from La Central.

What’s the best place for a drink and snacks?
Suze in Fitzroy North. There’s a great wine list and small plates – it always feels fresh and familiar.

What’s something you enjoy in Melbourne that you can’t easily find in Sydney?
I love the markets, they all have their own quirks, but the daily ritual reminds me of my time living in Europe.

What’s your favourite ice-cream or gelato spot?
Gelato Messina in Fitzroy. I order the chocolate and hazelnut. Messina produces the chocolate [from cocoa grown in the] Daintree Forest, grows its own hazelnuts, and the milk is all from Victoria. It is truly a great Australian product.

Where do you go for a special occasion?
Cutler. This has been a favourite for many years. There is something about a generosity of space in a restaurant, a large table and great acoustics, the food is always delicious and there’s a very interesting wine list.

What’s the best place to eat with a big group?
Supernormal. The atmosphere is always lively, and the food is a crowd pleaser.

What’s the most underrated restaurant in Melbourne?
Kakilang Char Koay Teow on Bourke Street. Penang-style flat rice noodles with the perfect amount of wok hei. And they have Malaysian-style coffee.

What’s the best place to eat as a solo diner?
The Matsuyama pop-up at Near & Far in Fitzroy. There’s fantastic yakitori and craft beer, and a real Ginza vibe.

What’s the best place for a late-night feed?
Butchers Diner is the only place for a late-night steak. It is a hospo favourite, so you always bump into someone.

What’s your bucket list restaurant?
Simon Rogan L’Enclume – it is everything a restaurant should be.