Victor Liong has been busy. In the second half of the year the Lee Ho Fook chef has opened two spots in the CBD: sushi train Bossa Nova and new fast casual spot Silk Spoon. When he’s not opening venues, the top chef is refuelling. We took five minutes with Liong to find out where (and what) he’s eating in Melbourne these days.

What’s your go-to spot for breakfast?
Ondo in the city is an amazing Korean cafe. I get the pork neck galbi or the steamed barramundi set with a side of raw marinated prawns. There are very good beverages and coffee there, too.

What about a drink and snacks?
Di Stasio Citta. I love the little snacks here. Fried anchovies, mortadella sliders or just the olives with the Martini! A Negroni or an Americano is a must.

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How about lunch on the go?
Jang Go Mama. I get the spicy pork kimbap and eat it while walking to work.

Favourite Chinese restaurant?
Flower Drum. It’s such a great representation of Cantonese cuisine in Australia.

Best wine bar?
My new favourite is Circl. You get to drink very rare and exclusive wines by the glass.

What’s your favourite dessert in town?
Creme Brulee at France-Soir – so so good.

What’s your favourite ice-cream or gelato shop? What’s your order?
Spring Street Grocer. The fior di latte is outstanding, sometimes I get a scoop, sometimes I get an affogato with the chocolate sauce and crushed hazelnuts, which makes for a super nice touch.

Favourite bakery?
All Are Welcome in Northcote. [Boris Portnoy]’s bresaola sandwich with gorgonzola and rocket is a fantastic sandwich. It has it all – great bread, super nice ingredients – and it can sustain you the whole day!

If you’re recommending a venue for a first date, what do you say?
The Melbourne CBD is my venue of choice. Start with art at the NGV, walk over to Lui Bar for the view and a drink, walk down to Byrdi for an education on innovation and creativity, then over to Caretakers to try and “split the G on a perfectly poured Guinness – go via Muli Express for some amazing quality oysters – then end up at Embla for dinner.

Where did you go for your last birthday?
Rosa’s Canteen. Rosa was my first boss in Melbourne, it was my wife’s first time and she loved it. It’s always special to have Rosa Mitchell cook for you, even more special when it’s your birthday!

What’s your pick for the most underrated venue in Melbourne right now?
March, next to Ides. It’s a beautiful spot with a fantastic steak night, great wines and a super friendly team.

What’s an overseas restaurant you wish was in Melbourne?
Xin Rong Ji. It’s a fine dining restaurant group from China and everything it does is of amazing quality. Each venue has Xin Rong Ji signature dishes and each location has its own specialties that feature hyper local ingredients cooked in a modern Chinese style that’s framed in the group’s creative ethos and is exclusive to that outlet. It would be super cool to see Xin Rong Ji’s treatment of our local ingredients.

Bucket list restaurant?
The French Laundry. Chef Thomas Keller’s cookbook is where it all started for me. It’s still going strong and his focus and the restaurant’s evolution are still very inspiring.