Nominally it’s a wine bar, but Embla’s charms are far more profound than those two words suggest. Come here for some of the city’s best food, paired with an idiosyncratic wine list poured by staff who give a damn.

This restaurant eschews the quick, noisy, share-plate format. Slow down with the important people in your life, aided by some of the best food and wine Melbourne has to offer.

Tipo 00 has an offering too good to refuse: carb-loaded, butter-drenched pasta.

A largely pasta-free zone next door to wildly popular older sibling, Tipo 00.

Melbourne's first proper taqueria still has it.

Some of the best dining and views in the country.

The restaurant responsible for setting off Melbourne's love of Modern Spanish tapas.

Restaurateur Rinaldo Di Stasio is back in the city with an extraordinary restaurant that blends high art, high drama and high cuisine.

The fiery Thai diner Melburnians and tourists have been queuing for since 2011.

Moving from Collingwood to the city has only taken this energetic Chinese restaurant to greater heights.

A long, narrow, cement and wood underground Japanese-inspired bar.

Try raw Wagyu kofta and cardamom-spiked coffee at this bar/restaurant serving up lesser-known Middle Eastern.

Clever dining with a nod to a Greek-Australian heritage.

Tasia and Gracia Seger might be reality TV stars, but their Indonesian restaurant proves their talent is definitely not just for show.

This venue from the European Group is not quite a pub, not quite a wine bar. And it’s open late.

At the forefront of contemporary Thai dining.

Eyal Shani’s Israeli pita haven came to Melbourne, via Paris and Vienna.

Fun and a little brash, QT’s restaurant raises the bar on hotel dining.

After 19 years behind the counter at Pellegrini’s, Matt Picone opened this pasta bar dedicated to his late father.

Hellenic street food with style.