Broadsheet Reinvents the Restaurant Guide With the Hot List

Broadsheet has always aimed to bring you the best of Melbourne, whether it’s a neighbourhood coffee shop, a blockbuster art show or a fashion label on the rise.

Things have gotten a bit noisy over the past 15 years, though. Social media has overwhelmed us with recommendations from family, friends, brands, influencers, content creators, celebrities and, yes, professional publishers like Broadsheet.

In a world where everything is talked up somewhere, discovering new things has become the easy part. Wading through the sea of recommendations and figuring out which ones are most worth your time? That’s the challenge.

That’s why today we’re launching The Hot List, a tightly curated hit list of Melbourne’s most exciting eating and drinking experiences, regularly revised by Broadsheet ’s editors to reflect the city’s dynamic nature. It makes decision fatigue a thing of the past and continues our 15-year mission to bring you the best of the city.

“We’ve always sought to shine a light on the people and places that make Melbourne such a wonderful place to live,” says Nick Shelton, Broadsheet ’s founder and publisher. “But after 15 years our directory contains 2700 venues across the city.

“If someone visiting the city asks me where they should eat and drink, I’m not going to send them 2700 suggestions. I’m going to send them The Hot List – the places we’re most excited about right now. It reflects how people are eating and living, spotlighting venues that really capture the spirit of the city.”

Proudly sponsored by Square, The Hot List is your go-to for everything, regardless of cuisine, mood, budget or occasion. Unscored and unranked, it recognises that a pub can be just as good as a fine diner, depending on the situation. Think of it like a music chart, but tracking where everyone’s eating. We share detailed updates about the list each week, from what to order at a longstanding fave to why we’ve just added something new and what we think it brings to the city.

Every one of these recommendations is independent. Broadsheet is not paid by the restaurants, cafes and bars we write about. What does or doesn’t make The Hot List each week is decided by internal search data, wider industry insights and our editors’ own dining experiences – no one can pay for inclusion or to manipulate the list in any way.

Handy filters let you quickly zero in on what you’re after. Looking for an institution still at the top of its game? Hit the “Icon” shortcut. How about a buzzy new place everyone is talking about? Tap “Newly Added”. Ditto for notable service, cuisines, location and more. Continue onto an entry’s individual venue listing page for a full run-down of what it’s all about, plus an extensive gallery of original images captured by Broadsheet ’s photographers to give you a feel for the ambience.

“Whether you’re craving a special night out or a quick bite, every place on The Hot List is equally worth your time,” Shelton says. “It’s all about the moment and what you’re after.”

Watch: Plan Your Perfect Night Out in the City With the Hot List
Are you the person in your friend group always responsible for making the dinner reservation? Let the Hot List be your secret weapon – it’s the definitive guide to Melbourne’s most essential food and drink experiences.

Bookmark The Hot List or subscribe to our newsletter to stay in the loop via weekly Hot List updates.

broadsheet.com.au/hotlist/melbourne

The Hot List is proudly sponsored by Square. Also available in Sydney.