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.

Fresh, handmade pasta rolled from the best possible ingredients is the draw at this intimate osteria.

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.

Take a break from market shopping with a hit list of filling dishes from across South East Asia.

Gastropub fare in plush surrounds.

A Turkish cafe and restaurant right in the middle of the South Melbourne Market.

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.

Wood-fire sourdough pizza is the star at this wine bar, which pours natural wine, wild brews and coffee. Plus, grab sourdough rolls for lunch loaded with fillings such as mortadella, or a fancy omelette on the weekend.

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.