This once-esoteric fine diner has a more approachable format under executive chef Elijah Holland. It’s serving chic, accessible food that defies any one cultural influence.

This multifaceted space couples the drop-in spirit of a pub with the food of a more polished eatery.

This intimate restaurant – with a nondescript entrance under an office building – specialises in the Japanese tradition of tempura: a battering and frying technique that leads to surprisingly light and refreshing dishes.

Gastropub fare in plush surrounds.

A pub with a softer side.

Claypots romance: live music, seafood and drinks every night of the week.

A smoke and meat-driven restaurant inspired by a chance encounter at a market in Spain.

Take a seat at the stone counter for a 10-course sushi degustation, or order fish-skin crackling, miso-marinated black cod, and savoury steamed custard topped with foie gras à la carte.

This playful Taiwanese-Japanese restaurant in South Melbourne (no relation to Fitzroy's Peko Peko) is a fun eatery that doesn't take itself or its delicious menu too seriously.

This pub has a bar on each eclectic level including one on the roof with city views – with more than 1000 beers, pét-nat on tap, and curry chips, vindaloo pies, samosa burgers and butter chicken-stuffed rolls on the menu.