From the team behind Congress and Future Future, this Italian-leaning wine bar serves remixed pastas and classic Italian dishes in a room full of mid-century design flourishes. There's also an on-site bottle shop stocked with Australian and imported Italian booze to take away.

Hit this north-side favourite for Italian-leaning pub fare and a strong community vibe. When the sun is shining, the retractable roof peels back and the beer garden at The Empress teems with locals seeking shade among the palms.

Sit up at the bar or outside in the heart of Fitzroy North village over an unpretentious and affordable bowl of pasta. The owner of the neighbourhood spot is a self-professed wine lover, filling out the mostly Victorian wine list with ones she’d drink herself. Better yet, you can bring your own.

This craft beer destination also has a sophisticated steak restaurant. Head out back to Cinder for incredible Josper-grilled steaks, or settle into the carpeted public bar for quality pub grub.

Danish minimalism meets Italian wine bar. With a cinema.

Chef Chris Terlikar is best known for smoky slabs of Texas-style barbeque. But you’ll find none of that at this charming 140-year-old former pub. Instead? House-made charcuterie, luscious pasta and a roaming cocktail trolley.

Behind a tucked-away side door, the Terminus Hotel’s elegant dining room is powered by a Josper oven that turns out a tight but terrific steak selection. The pastas and desserts that are no afterthought, either. Try them all in an intimate chef’s table experience.