Lauren Dinse

What’s the secret recipe for crafting an exceptional dining experience? In coming up with Time Out’s list of the best restaurants in Australia we considered a mix of ingredients. Talented chefs? Stylish decor? Lively ambience? Top-notch drinks? And of course, food that you can’t stop thinking about for days, months, or even years. Luckily, Australia’s restaurant scene is sizzling with spots that check all these boxes, plus so much more. Our nation’s top restaurants are a celebration of Australia’s native ingredients too. From an intimate 40-seat dining room cut into the rolling hills of Tasmania’s countryside to a 30-year-old institution overlooking Sydney’s sparkling Bondi Beach, these are the restaurants Time Out Australia’s team, including resident foodie Melissa Woodley, recommends for your next culinary adventure. 🍹 The best bars in Australia⭐️ Australia's most luxurious hotels🥐 The best bakeries Down Under

Nicknamed the "coffee capital of the world", Melbourne has no shortage of excellent coffee shops. Thanks to an influx of Greek and Italian immigrants who introduced espresso to our city after WWII, we now have more coffee shops per person than any other city in the world. This makes writing a list of the best coffee shops in the CBD almost redundant, as you'll be hard "pressed" to find an energising bean juice that doesn't put a pep in your step. However, as with everything we do, we aim to make your life easier, so we've compiled a list of our personal favourite CBD coffee joints to ensure your morning (or arvo) caffeine hit is the best it can be.  Travelling interstate? Don't go without your caffeine fix – check out our guide to Australia's best coffee shops instead. 

Whether you're looking for a bar in the north, south, east, or west of our fair city, Time Out Melbourne has got all points of the compass covered. Walk into any of these top-notch wine bars and you're guaranteed service by staff who know what they're talking about, a great atmosphere, and of course, a solid wine list. And being the snack-loving city we are, you can bet these venues are no slouch in the kitchen, either. For more carefully curated guides to Melbourne's drinking culture, head to our favourite cocktail bars, rooftop bars and whisky bars.  

There’s no denying it – Australia is one of the world’s most incredible destinations for travellers. We might be biased, but you can’t argue with our stunning turquoise beaches, ancient tropical rainforests, flaming red desserts and buzzy metropolitan cities. Choosing where to go and what to see on your next trip around Australia is as challenging as finding a shady spot at Bondi Beach on a warm, summer’s day. But don’t worry, our editors at Time Out are here to help with their personal recommendations of the best places to visit in Australia.  RECOMMENDED: How many of Australia's most popular travel spots have you ticked off this list?

The basis of any self-respecting bowl of ramen is the happy union of broth, noodles and toppings. But essential to a good swallow is the tare; not unlike the mirepoix in a soup, this is the shio (salt), shoyu (soy) or miso base that gives ramen its distinct flavour profile. With this in mind, we slurped our way through Melbourne’s finest ramen purveyors to pick the best of the bunch. Still hungry? Try one of Melbourne's best Japanese restaurants or Korean barbecue restaurants instead.

August 2024: There's a mysteriously indefinable formula that elevates some watering holes to top tier status in this town. A secret mojo that only Melbourne's most tatted-up mixologists and mavericks of late-night mayhem know about. Or hey, maybe it's just that absinthe talking again.  Melbourne has some of the best bars in the world, whether you're looking for the laser-like focus of 16-seater Above Board or the rock ‘n’ roll ‘she’ll be right’ of Heartbreaker. You can find temples heroing whisky and palaces dedicated to gin; you can sip naked wines or suited-and-booted cocktails, grab a craft beer and a parma or a late-night Gimlet and a Euro-leaning cheese platter. Or how about a prawn club sanga and a bottle of Champers from tiny charmer Apollo Inn?  If you're looking for a bar to head to, we've rounded up the top 50 bars that we're really loving right now – we're sure you will, too.

August 2024: Eating is fun but emptying your bank account is not. If you need to chill on the spending but still want to experience some of the tastiest meals this city has to offer, you're in luck. We've discovered heaps to love in the past few months, most of which won't set you back more than $20. Thank heavens for our cheap eat champs! The late and great respected chef Anthony Bourdain once famously said: “I'd rather eat in Melbourne than Paris." It goes without saying that Melbourne has long been revered as one of Asia Pacific's most exciting food cities, but that status isn't just attributed to our fancy restaurants – special as many of those upper crust institutions may be. Our laneaways and hidden alcoves are brimming with cheap street eats, smashable pub deals and dinner options you can enjoy for $20, $15 or even under $10, so you can stop counting your hard-earned pennies and start eating instead. Looking for a drink to wash it all down? These are the best happy hour deals right now. Curious about other yummy specials? Here's how to get a cheap meal in Melbourne every night of the week.

August 2024: In the last month of winter, it's your final chance to experience Melbourne's pubs in their cosiest mode: fireplaces ablaze or outdoor heat lamps on, aromatic with hearty roasts and serving up great drinks like mulled wine and hot toddies.  Trying to choose the 50 best pubs in Melbourne is like trying to choose the 50 best taco stands in Guadalajara or the 50 best sushi joints in Tokyo. That is, it’s near impossible because there are just so many damn good ones. From the casual local boozers to the world-class gastropubs and rocking live music venues, we believe that our great city boasts some of the best pub culture in the world outside the British Isles (you win Dublin, we guess), and we’ll gladly die on that hill.  What makes each of these pubs great is variable - perhaps it's located in a historic building, offers entertainment such as live music and trivia, and serves up quality food that you want to keep coming back for. Perhaps it has a stellar selection of beers on tap, great service and a community feel, or maybe it's welcoming to your four-legged furry friends or kids. No matter what the reason, these 50 pubs are the ones that we rely on, that we depend on like a close mate, that we keep coming back to again and again for just one more frothy, and that we are so thankful to have in our neighbourhoods.  Take your drinking to new heights at the best rooftop bars in Melbourne, or explore the best beer gardens across the city.  

August 2024: Is an aesthetic brunch even in vogue anymore? Who knows, and who cares. All we believe is that after a weekend sleep-in, when you're craving a hearty feed and a freshly brewed caffeine fix, nothing beats a friendly neighbourhood café. Yes, even when it's the last month of winter and you've got to put pants on. There's a lot to love about Melbourne's world-class café scene. Wickedly good coffee. Creative brunch dishes that taste as good as they look, fresh from the minds of some of the city's top talent. And of course, the vibes. Discovering hot new cafés is almost a competitive sport in a city with AM dining of this calibre, so we've scoured Melbourne to bring you a guide to the best of the best. Looking for dessert that masquerades as breakfast? Check out the best doughnuts in Melbourne. Prefer a healthier feed? Try our pick of the best healthy lunch eats in the CBD.

August 2024: Need to loosen your belt a little this time of year? So do we. It's only a few months until restaurant awards season and our reviews are ramping up fast – which means a LOT of eating out. We're looking at all-time legends, dreamy wine bars, fabulous fine diners, cheap eats and daring newcomers alike. Hungry for inspiration? The below list is a snapshot of our favourite 50 restaurants in town today.  The continually evolving and expanding dining scene in Melbourne is both a blessing and a curse: how do you choose between so many incredible restaurants? Well, that's where we come in. Stop endlessly scrolling, and commit to making your way through Time Out’s list of the best restaurants in the state right now. Our always-hungry local experts and editors have curated 2024's most delicious and divine, innovative and imaginative, comforting and familiar, memorable and magical dining experiences right here at your fingertips. From old favourites and culinary institutions such as Attica, Stokehouse and Flower Drum, to emerging standouts and instant icons such as Serai, Gimlet, Amaru and Reine and La Rue, we've got it all covered here. And as for the brand new restaurant and bar openings catching our eye? Check out this guide instead. Get out, and get eating! You've got a lot to get through!  Prefer a tipple-focused adventure? These are the best bars in Melbourne. Looking for a knock-out dining experience that won't break the bank? Look no further than our list of Melbour

For dog owners, one of the hardest parts of a night out on the town is thinking about your beloved furry friend sitting at home alone. Luckily, these pubs let you bring Fido along while you relax with a pint and a parma. And even if you don't have a four-legged companion of your own, these are the best spots to sneak in some pats and get some slobbery kisses.  More of a cat person? Check out these cat cafés for a purrfect way to spend your afternoon. 

August 2024 update: It's the last month of winter and still pretty fresh outside, but the weather hasn't stopped the Time Out team from venturing out to check out lots of new restaurant and bar openings – especially as our pre-awards review season ramps up. We've especially loved dining out at Carlton's elegant new Bistra, Luke Mangan's French-inspired Bistrot Bisous, Enoteca Zingara from the Alta Trattoria crew and West Melbourne's hybrid newcomer Earth Angels. Here's your ultimate guide to Melbourne's most exciting recent restaurant and bar openings, updated monthly for your reading (and tasting) pleasure. With this list on hand, you'll be the first to know where to find the hottest brunch spot, vino bar or fine diner – all sussed out by our fastidious team of writers and critics. Note: we generally include venues that are only six months (give or take) young in this list.  Ready to make a booking somewhere spesh? Read on. Still hungry? These are the 50 best restaurants in Melbourne right now. Fancy a tipple? Check out the 50 best bars in Melbourne.

Need a good excuse to dress up and indulge in a night that’s all glitz, glamour, and gourmet delights? Dolly is bringing the magic of 1920s Paris right to Melbourne with its swish 'Paris After Dark' theme. Picture this: a hidden cocktail bar beneath Melbourne's swish Le Méridien hotel, transformed into a chic Parisian bistro where the conversation flows and so does the Champagne. When you walk down the stairs, it'll feel as if you've walzted straight onto the screen of a French cinema classic. The vibe is vintage chic with Dolly's dapper waiters dressed in snazzy black and white, and just the right amount of "ooh la la" to keep you swooning all night long.  But what about the feast? Well, that's the most delicious part! Executive Chef Hervé Borghini, straight from Bordeaux (the land of wine and divine cuisine), has crafted a five-course menu that’s nothing less than a love letter to French food. Think succulent sole Meunière, mouthwatering duck confit, and a crémeux de brie and truffle cheese dish that’ll send you straight to Cloud Nine. And because no Parisian soirée is complete without bubbly, you can choose between a fabulous five-course French wine pairing or keep the champagne flowing all night long.  Perfect for girly catch-ups, romantic dates (even proposals!) and everything in between, the event is only running until the end of August. Book a table at the website.  Got the hots for French food? Check out Melbourne's best French restaurants right now.

Arm yourself with a backpack full of breath mints and an empty stomach: the fifth annual Garlic Bread Festival is coming to town on Saturday, April 31.  If you’ve ever found yourself rummaging through a Woollies freezer late at night for your fave frozen g-bread and you’re the only one at your table who dares ask for a second basket, this eight and a half-hour ode to the holy trinity of comfort foods - bread, butter and garlic - has your name written all over it.  Hosted by every Northsider's fave food truck park Welcome to Thornbury, the ultimate carb-fest promises to be even bigger and better this year with truckloads of classic and experimental garlic breads. Take your pick from beloved food trucks like Mr Burger, Woking Amazing, Pasta Face, Via Gianlu, plus more. There'll even be garlic and rosemary Martini cocktails and a Soup Bar! If you’re nervous about the moment your date leans in for a kiss, we’d recommend bringing along some breath mints. Entry is free and you can book a table here. While you've let your hair down, tick your way through the list of our guiltiest pleasures in Melbourne.  

If we were to rank Melbourne’s most talked-about restaurants by frequency of mention last year, Kafeneion would surely land in the top five. The tragic thing was, this interesting new Greek eatery from acclaimed restaurateur Con Christopoulos (City Wine Shop, The European, Siglo) initially advertised itself as a winter pop-up. So we didn’t know if it would stay or leave or where it would move to next – if anywhere. Given its widespread praise, I was a little embarrassed that I personally hadn’t checked out its temporary Bourke Street location. So news that the homestyle diner was living on upstairs at Spring Street’s Melbourne Supper Club was a relief. Kafeneion (a play on the Greek term ‘kafeneio’, which refers to a traditional coffee house) aims to serve Melburnians a taste of true, traditional Greek comfort food. Think homestyle soups and hearty meat and vegetable dishes made from authentic village recipes you’re unlikely to find outside of the Hellenic motherland. The place itself has a touch of taverna about it, too, with basic white tablecloths and Supper Club’s home-y wood panelling. It’s easy to imagine merrily hanging out here until long after dinner as the Athenians do – and you absolutely can, for it serves supper and drinks most nights until 3am.   But it’s just after work that a friend and I have blown in from the cold. The pallid, overcast sky in the CBD is only beginning to darken, and after a long, busy day, we’re in need of something comforting to eat. The w

Earth Angels is a small West Melbourne newcomer that’s seizing the chance to do things its own way. Co-owners Sasha Chifura and Emmanuel John have connected with Narit Kimsat (La Pinta) to lead a vibrant kitchen focusing on funky Southeast Asian small plates, minimal intervention wines and innovative cocktails. Have they manifested a bar? A restaurant? It’s a yes to both – but it’s also a live performance venue, an art gallery and even plays host to a farmers’ market on occasion. If Melbourne’s bar scene continues to embrace hybridity, then Earth Angels is the future. In any case, none of this shape-shifting means diddly squat if it ain’t a fun place to spend time in, so the boyfriend and I go and check it out one Thursday night. Arriving at Earth Angels’ street corner, we see its small heritage front and think: “Where the heck do they fit it all?” Alas, they haven’t magically bent gravity as actual angels could perhaps do; they’ve simply made do with the space by filling its nooks as characterfully and functionally as possible. We’ve gotta hand it to them: the minimalist timber walls and framed art makes the space feel like a creative student’s dream café-cum-gallery conversion. After the lovely waiter shows us a chalkboard detailing tonight’s specials, we’re led to our table. It’s by a large bookshelf where warm accent lighting cascades over a range of literary classics, vintage travel guides and pre-loved cookbooks. The chef’s personal collection, perhaps? There’s only a f

What exactly is a bistro, anyway? When Bistra was first announced as Carlton’s newest hot thing, that was its decided classification. The Oxford Dictionary’s definition for the word is “a small, relatively simple restaurant, especially one offering French or French-style food”. Everyone knows we’ve got quite a few of those around Melbourne. There’s Smith St Bistrot, Bistro Thierry, Bon Ap’ Petit Bistro, Bistro Gitan, Bistrot D’Orsay, Paris Go Bistro… do we really need another one? Well, Bistra’s not quite one of those, to be fair. Though it borrows a little inspiration from France, to be sure, there aren’t any rules at this relaxed yet refined Elgin Street restaurant. On the menu you’ll find classically Gallic dishes like French onion soup, mussels with dijon and panisse (a kind of chickpea fritter from the south of France). But you might also find eye battered king prawns with pickled ginger and macadamia, cacio e pepe spaghetti or curried fish with coconut, depending on the season. The concept is unchallenging food, delivered with a degree of finesse reminiscent of our city’s semi-formal bistros of the ‘90s – if you can remember such places.  A suitably dressed-up pair of friends and I head in one Thursday night to suss out the food. Straight up, the energy inside is great. Picture a sleek, two-storey hive that’s all mirrors, tasteful lighting (read: not too warm, not too cool), sheer curtains and white tablecloths. Then fill it with groups of people having a good time and

Those who've been following along Mercato Centrale's two-year journey to open its doors in Melbourne can finally pop a cork and say "saluti!" The famous Italian mega-market and food hall has revealed it will welcome the public for the very first time at 4pm on Thursday, September 19.  Its new Aussie home is none other than the Collins Street landmark, McPherson's Building, which dates back to 1935 and spans an impressive three storeys. Just imagine it: a fragrant, multi-level wonderland of cheese, pizza, pasta, cannoli, coffee, freshly baked bread, wine, cocktails and so much more – all made and shared between vendors in-house!   Making use of every inch of the historic building and clocking in at 3,500 square metres, Mercato Centrale will be home to 23 artisan stalls where you can shop and eat to your heart's content. This isn't just a food hall or a spot to grab a bite to eat; it’s the kind of place that you can visit for your weekly grocery shop and catch up with friends over a meal while you’re at it. Specifically, there'll be a butcher, bakery, piadina purveyor, charcuterie and cheese stations, coffee roaster, pasta bar and cannoli shop. And that's only the ground floor! Up a level, you've got a separate fine dining restaurant, cocktail bar, wine bar and even a bottle shop and distillery. And we haven't even yet covered the gelateria, spanking brand new pizza ovens ("you've never seen anything like these before", we were told during an exclusive site visit after noticing

Situated along the picturesque banks of the Yarra River, Studley Park Boathouse is always an idyllic spot for catch-ups – especially since its beautiful $5.8 million makeover in 2023. This winter, the venue has stepped it up a notch with its exclusive pop-up winter wonderland packages. You can now book your own private igloo for a cosy high tea with friends, family or that special someone. With a dedicated kids' menu, even the little ones are welcome to nestle inside for a special (and very snug) feast! Imagine sipping a glass of sparkling, surrounded by twinkling lights and nature views more enchanting than a snow globe. With a menu of delicious eats, including generous picnic boards, finger sandwiches, prawn rolls and sweet dessert tartlets, the igloo packages are the perfect way to make magical winter memories. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic packages are available. Sound dreamy? Reserve an igloo here. Not fussed about the fancy weekend package and all its accoutrements? The igloos are also available from Monday to Thursday, and you can dine on the a la carte menu instead. For more information, visit the website. For another interesting high tea this season, check out this hotel's extravagant 'high cheese'.

The Mornington Peninsula, Great Ocean Road and Yarra Valley Chocolateries are famous for their month-long festival dedicated to hot chocolate in all its irresistible forms, and this year’s no different. A total of 31 limited-edition hot chocolate flavours will be available to try throughout August, featuring sweet and indulgent treats like torched crème brûlée, boozy truffles, melting chocolate emoji discs and so much more! Each steamy creation is barista-made with a shot of either dark, milk, white, ruby or caramelised warm couverture chocolate, served in a large glass with a giant fluffy hand-crafted marshmallow and a selection of artisan ingredients. No reservations are needed so all you need to do is drive out to one of the participating locations, pop in for a browse and try one of the eight flavours available that day! “Our annual Hot Chocolate Festival has become a real feature on the calendar for our destinations and we've loved coming up with even more decadent and over the top concoctions,” says the Chocolateries' founder, Leanne Neeland.   The revolving weekly menu of eight hot choccy flavours is available at each chocolaterie's cafe daily, including a few boozy options for adults. Music to your ears if you’ve just spent a drive with noisy kids, right?  Can’t decide on just one flavour? Then the Tasting Session has your name on it. At $28 per person, it’s a 45-minute hands-on event where you’ll get to sip and sample all eight fabulous flavours available on the day.

July 2024 update: This event has unfortunately been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. All current ticketholders will receive a refund in the coming days. The organisers have revealed they are working on schedule new dates soon, so stay tuned. Though the weather may be a little bitter right now, there are plenty of cute events this winter to keep us out and about on the town. One of those is the Winter Gin Market in Collingwood, which will be hosted at the Craft and Co from Friday, July 26 to Saturday, July 27. If you're a big fan of gin, you'll want to mark your calendar because this one-stop shop – Australia's original and longest-running gin market – will be brimming with the stuff. Some of the country's best distillers are bringing their bottles of local craft spirits to the party, and there'll be plenty of opportunities to meet the makers, indulge in tastings and stock up on your favourite drops. Food and drinks will also be available at the Craft and Co's bar and eatery. The event itself will work a bit like speed dating for gin makers – all you need to do is take a seat and enjoy the presentations, as a rotation of distilleries make the rounds to show you their best tipples. You're then invited to mingle with fellow gin enthusiasts and visit the pop-up bottle shop where you'll discover exclusive specials and products unavailable anywhere else.  Keen to join the fun? All you need to do is head to the website to book your session and purchase a ticket. It's only

Do you know the differences between a trattoria, an osteria, a ristorante and an enoteca? Most of us have heard Italian eateries being described using these very words, but how many of us know the exact translations? That's the sort of stuff you might hear top sommelier James Tait happily chatting away about with his guests at Enoteca Zingara, a humble new Fitzroy wine bar and bottle-o fresh from the Alta Trattoria crew. Similar to its elegant big sister in the same neighbourhood, this venue treats guests to an experience that speaks to Italy's regional distinctions authentically. The point of difference, however, is that Enoteca Zingara doesn't zero in on the Piedmont region like Alta, preferring to cover the entire gamut of the boot-shaped nation in its food and drinks menu. And as its name suggests, Zingara (Italian for 'gypsy', an homage to the building's history) is an enoteca – not a restaurant.  While Alta may be more ideal for a refined, sit-down dinner, here you can embark on all sorts of culinary (and less pricey) endeavours: a casual aperitivo hour with a friend – drinks range from $6 to $12 and come with complimentary snacks; a spot of vino retail therapy for a takeaway bottle of something special; or a proper multi-course dinner with sommelier-paired wines. Highlights of the menu include crostini with braised chicken livers and pickled baby onions, panzerotti (pizza-flavoured pockets), the in-house baker and chef's perfect pizzette and rich, tomatoey polpette (me

After the huge success of its previous parmesan wheel events, refined Italian eatery Cucinetta has brought back its famous cheese wheel. Once again, the team is serving the traditional meal of fettuccine cacio e pepe, a simple yet sophisticated traditional pasta dish made with quality cheese and lashings of pepper. Served out of a wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano (as all pasta should be served), it’s a cheese-on-cheese affair. Why, you may ask? Well, no raison d'etre is needed because who doesn't love a cheese wheel? To get your share of the marvelous cheese-sauced ribbons, all you need to do is make a booking and head down to Cucinetta's dining room in South Yarra on your chosen date. The wheel will be up and running July 28. A serving costs $36.90 per head and it's available on the menu over lunch and dinner from Monday to Thursday, and over dinner only on the weekends from 5pm until the restaurant closes.  Want to get in on the carby goodness? Stop salivating, start booking.  Craving Italian now? These are the best Italian restaurants in Melbourne.

Don’t give up if you’re finding it difficult to get a table at Navi. Once you’ve scored a booking, you’re in for a first-rate culinary adventure that’s both rare and engaging – all while being joyously laidback.  Before dinner, our group of four begin with a few drinks in the adjoining cocktail bar Navi Lounge (hot tip: this intimate spot accepts a small number of walk-ins, and you can sample Navi’s genius via snacks for as low as $7 a pop). The service both here and in the restaurant is warm and serene, and after a non-alcoholic lavender and cherry ‘No-groni that’s good enough to make me shun liquor for the rest of the night, we’re led into a space that feels more like a cosy lounge room than a fancy fine diner.   But having heard extensively about Navi, we sit a little closer to the edge of our seats. We suspect a good deal of magic is coming our way – and we’re right. Take the very first snack, for instance: a perfectly formed, concrete-hued macaron. A dessert for starters? No, it’s a wildcard flavour explosion of fermented black garlic and salmon roe. The allium’s caramelised earthiness plays well with the fresh, vibrant roe in this chewy biscuit form.  The following snacks are small aesthetic parcels of ingenious flavour: the juicy leaf of a succulent plant (bower spinach) chauffeurs smoked eel, native thyme and apple gel into our mouths. A leathery curl of smoked carrot sings with the brightness of kombucha and nutty yeast. Our table is particularly in awe over a puffed

One of the most hotly anticipated Australian hotel openings of the year, Melbourne Place, is set to bring a spate of exciting dining offerings to town this October. First, we heard news that acclaimed restaurateurs Ross and Sunny Lusted are opening Marmelo, a vibrant bar and dining room inspired by the cuisines of coastal Portugal and Spain. And now, it's just been revealed that the brand new luxurious hotel will also host its very own rooftop restaurant, Mid-Air. The stunning dining destination will be led by hatted chef Nick Deligiannis, who was recently crowned Young Chef of the Year by Good Food and brings to the hotel invaluable hospitality experience working in Michelin-starred venues. Drawing from his Greek heritage, Nick's designed a menu featuring Hellenic-inspired signature dishes, such as marinated golden peppers with Kefalonion hot honey, feta and village herbs; Southern Rock lobster doughnuts with taramasalata and golden trout roe; and Petuna ocean trout crumpet, mandarin, horseradish. Image render: Supplied / Mid-Air We don't know about you, but the thought of feasting on these morsels in the sunshine – along with a Spritz or three – is definitely helping to squash our winter blues right now. (The unseasonal warmth this week doesn't hurt!) Situated at the rooftop on level 12 of the hotel, Mid-Air will serve brekky, brunch, aperitivo and dinner menus, so you can check it out at any time of the day.  Melbourne Place will open its doors in Melbourne CBD on Russe

Being a professional wine taster has gotta be up there on the coolest jobs in the world list, somewhere between waterslide reviewer and private island caretaker. But trying to discover the best wines in Australia is no easy feat. In fact, judges for the 2025 Halliday Wine Companion Awards tasted more than 7,500 wines in just three short boozy days. The prestigious national competition is serious business, this year culminating in an awards night at Melbourne’s Ormond Hall – arguably, the most exciting date of any Aussie winemaker’s calendar year. After all, The Halliday Wine Companion, founded by James Halliday almost 30 years ago, is the definitive guide to Australian wine. Its hallowed pages contain the nation's top wines, winemakers, viticulturists and wineries, and its panel tastes wines from more than 1,500 wineries.  That’s why a huge congrats is in order for Victoria’s very own Giant Steps, which took home the most coveted award of the night: Winery of the Year. The Yarra Valley legend also took home Pinot Noir of the Year for its Applejack Vineyard Pinot Noir 2023.  Photograph: Supplied / Giant Steps Out of the 16 varietal prizes up for grabs, a whopping ten were awarded to Victorian wineries, proof that our state really does make some of the best vino in the country. Oakridge's 864 Drive Block Funder and Diamond Vineyard Chardonnay 2022 won Chardonnay of the Year, White Wine of the Year and Wine of the Year; Yarra Yering's Dry Red Wine No. 2 2022 won Shiraz of the

Remember the Entertainment Book? Since 1994, this brick-like bible was a treasure trove of great deals on dining, travel, shopping and entertainment. Well, the Entertainment Book is no longer – it’s now just called Entertainment, and it’s all online. The good news is that you can still access those deals from your phone with one handy app. And these deals are super generous. Think: 25 per cent off your bill at Andrew McConnell's Fitzroy fine diner Cutler and Co (up to $50 off); 25 per cent off your bill at Italian stalwart Bottega (up to $50 off); and 25 per cent off all-day diner CBD Cumulus Inc (up to $50 off.) Fancy an even cheaper feed? There's tons of foodie deals to get around, such as buy one, get one free deals from the likes of Nene Chicken; 25 per cent off your bill at dumpling giant Din Tai Fung (up to $25 off); and 25 per cent discounts (up to $25 off) from beloved noodle purveyors like Bowltiful and Master Lanzhou. There’s no catch, just fun and delicious eats and drinks, not to mention other offers on tropical island holidays, airfares, theatre and movie tickets and more. Entertainment’s aim is to help Aussies get out and discover new spots as well as enjoy good-value deals. And considering we’re all feeling the effects of cozzie livs at the moment, we’d say that sounds pretty ace. Photograph: Vince Calligiuri This year marks 30 years of the Entertainment Group, and in that time they’ve done more than just help people eat and drink well: The Entertainment Prog

Adding to his stable of top restaurants around Melbourne, hotshot restaurateur Chris Lucas (Society, Kisume) has announced yet another new project to get excited about. Positioned on the Windsor end of Chapel Street, it's an izakaya-inspired, two-storey venue called Tombo Den – a snapshot of Japan's vibrant urban nightlife in the heart of Melbourne's hottest after-hours district. Not to be confused with this lovely furniture shop in Fitzroy North, which also features the Japanese word 'Tombo' (translating to 'dragonfly' in English) in its name, Tombo Den will neighbour Lucas’ popular pan-Asian eating house Hawker Hall and channel the raucous grit of Tokyo's alleyway eateries with a sophisticated, Lucas-style Melbourne twist. Expect a stunning sushi counter, a sake-centric beverage program, intimate dining and karaoke rooms and even a unique 'design your own cocktail' experience.  The food offering also appears promising, led by chef Dan Chan, a culinary gun whose impressive resume includes stints at Michelin-starred Yardbird in Hong Kong and Melbourne’s own Supernormal. Chan's menu will laser in on casual, street food-style eats from Tokyo, plus a range of mouthwatering small plates, fresh seafood, and charcoal-barbecued meat and vegetable dishes. Photograph: Supplied / Tombo Den At the sushi counter, you’ll find a rotating selection of nigiri, handrolls and other creations, carefully prepared by sushi masters Toaki Kyo and Carlos Lopez. The drinks list, a thoughtful select

Do you have a special place in your heart for instant noods? While some of you might be thinking about nude photographs right now (hey, get your mind outta the gutter!), the other half knows exactly what we're talking about. It's that remarkably satisfying, rectangular pack of squiggle-shaped carbs synonymous with cheap student dinners and at-home gourmet adventures that's famous the world over, of course.  Instant noodles. Whether you like yours topped with an egg and chilli flakes or cooked so hastily that the noodles are still a bit crunchy, there's no denying the convenience of a simple, tasty meal you can prepare in under five minutes. And if you've stepped foot in one of our city's many great Asian supermarkets, you would have discovered plenty of globally imported options to try beyond the much-loved Indomie and Shin Ramyun brands.  That's why Australia's very first instant noodle subscription service, the Ramen Club, has launched: to expose Aussies to the best of 'em. The fact is, there are some pretty dang impressive premium instant noodle varieties our international friends get to enjoy that many of us have likely never tried. So each month the Ramen Club sends six different types straight to your doorstep, along with aesthetic information cards, ramen condiments and sometimes even a seventh variety of packet noodles. In the information cards, you'll learn all about the taste profile, topping suggestions and cooking guidelines for each one.  Photograph: Supplied /

There's a sweet panacea to our winter blues, Melbourne, and it comes in the form of an elegant dessert bar straight from the sunny shores of Sydney. Koi Dessert Bar is a fresh new 42-seat haven in the CBD's swish Queen and Collins precinct for aesthetic treats, drinks and show-stopping celebration cakes unlike anything you'll find elsewhere in Melbourne. The luxe brand began six years ago, founded by the visionary Poernomo family, including Australia's very own 'Dessert King' and MasterChef alumnus, Reynold Poernomo.  Photograph: Supplied / Koi The family's high-end pastries and desserts fast developed a strong following in Sydney, while Melburnians were forced to fly cakes across the border for friends and family – until now. As you might guess, Koi Melbourne isn't just your average café for a coffee and cake date. Rather, it's a dessert lovers' heaven complete with 150 mouthwatering creations that rotate over time, meaning every visit guarantees something new and exciting to try. It also offers a unique in-kitchen dining setting, allowing you to sit, eat and watch all the culinary magic unfold before your very own eyes.  Photograph: Supplied / Koi Upon first sight, you'd be forgiven for thinking the impeccably crafted desserts are artistic sculptures and not cakes, such is the beauty of their presentation. But take a bite, and you'll be bowled over by fresh, local ingredients and innovative pastry techniques, combined to create flavours inspired by nature.  Indulge in t

If you've ever wanted to party with G Flip, drop everything and listen up! The superstar has landed Down Under to launch their new business venture, Box Alcoholic Juice, and you're invited to help celebrate. In true G Flip style, the celebration will take place as a public bar crawl – or as the singer's calling it, a 'Box' crawl – around Melbourne on Thursday, July 25. It kicks off at 6pm on the dot at the CBD's Garden State Hotel, before continuing to the charismatic musician's other favourite watering holes, like Harlow in Richmond and the Espy in St Kilda.  And if that news wasn't sweet enough, G Flip has also announced they'll be giving thirsty fans 300 free cans of Box. It's one per person while stocks last, so be there or be square! You can follow along via the brand's Instagram account to see when and where G is headed next on the night.  So what is Box, anyway? It's both G's first foray into the drinks market and a fruity collab with the Moon Dog crew.  “Box is the drink I always wished existed,” says G Flip. “My drink of choice has always been juice and alcohol, one because I like the flavour of juice, and two since becoming a singer, I stay away from carbonation – think burping on stage, nobody wants that. So juice and alcohol is what I drink before I perform – it’s my vibe. So, I decided to create the real deal. No word of a lie, it tastes amazing.”   Since it's available in two funky flavours, you can either go ga-ga over the Apple Guava or say ta-ta to tired and

When you were a kid, did you imagine the future would look like flying cars and personal robots? Most of us probably pictured something like Blade Runner. Well, take the dystopian aesthetic of that film (and forget about all the other scary stuff) and what you've got is a hot new venue on Chapel Street serving up all those cyberpunk vibes – plus good food, art, music and cocktails, of course. The brainchild of cousins Lee Theodoridis and Dimitri Degrenis, the space is enigmatically called 'the Chapel' and promises visitors the feeling of escaping to a different realm. As soon as you step inside, you're met with jaw-dropping custom art from tattooist extraordinaire Mayonaize, whose graphic novel-like work has graced the likes of Maha restaurant.  “Our vision is to create a full sensory journey for our customers, honing in on every detail to craft a unique experience that transports you to a different world. Driven by our love for music, fashion and art, we have infused these elements into every aspect of the Chapel,” says Dimitri Dengrenis. Photograph: Arianna Leggiero Bathed in an entrancing neon glow, the bar and kitchen beckon you to grab a table, while the pulsing beats of a DJ suck you further into this electric new dimension. But uber-cool aesthetics aside, what can you actually eat at this joint?  Very yummy things, as it turns out, and a generous assortment of them, too. The chef takes inspiration from Mediterranean cuisine and jazzes up popular classics with a mode

If aliens were to beam down to our city to pick up some Melbourne artefacts, no doubt they'd swing by the American Doughnut Kitchen van at Queen Victoria Market. These sugar-dusted hot jam doughnuts have been giving Melburnians their sweet-and-fried fix since 1950, and we've even crowned them as one of Melbourne's must-try eats. But this week marks a new and exciting chapter for the beloved vintage van, which has just announced its opening date for a new bricks-and-mortar store at Prahran Market: Saturday 6 July. Yippee! For the first time, you'll be able to pair your doughnut with a delicious cup of coffee for the ultimate market breakfast. And don't just expect another van. The new shop features a fit-out that pays homage to the truck, with the same open work station so you can watch all that glorious doughnut magic take place – from the cutting and cooking, to the royal jam and sugar treatment. It's an immersive in-store experience guaranteed to enthral old-timers, little ones and kids at heart alike.  Photograph: Tim Grey Photography As for the celebrity-status doughnuts, not much needs to be said if you've tried them. They've got the perfect Goldilocks level of oily crunch and they're piped with a sweet red dollop of classic raspberry plum jam (that's well worth getting your hands sticky for), then dusted in a generous snow of sugar. It's the taste of childhood in a single bite. American Doughnut Kitchen managing director Belinda Donaghey has shared her excitement at

Melbourne lovers of Latin American cuisine are in for a treat. After successfully launching his acclaimed dining concept Morena in Sydney earlier this year, renowned Peruvian chef Alejandro Saravia (Farmer's Daughters, Victoria) has announced plans to expand his empire with not one but two venues in Melbourne's swanky 80 Collins precinct. Famous for housing big restaurants from the Lucas stable such as Society, Lillian and Yakimono – as well as Saravia's own Farmer's Daughters – the duo of new restaurants joining the party will offer distinctly separate experiences. Morena Restaurant promises a journey through Latin American cuisine with options ranging from à la carte to chef’s selection menus. Morena Barra is slated to be an all-day dining destination with a vibrant bar as the centrepiece. Think fun signature cocktails crafted from premium spirits, plenty of Spanish and South American wines to explore, and exciting bites.  Both menus will include dishes from Saravia’s native Peru as well as from Cuba, Mexico, Venezuela, Argentina and Brazil. Since 2006, Saravia has been a widely recognised leader in introducing Aussie diners to the diverse and regionally distinct flavours of Latin America.  “After the outstanding reception to Morena Sydney, I am so excited to be bringing the Morena concept to life in the heart of Melbourne,” said Saravia. “With Farmer’s Daughters around the corner, Morena will be continuing to deliver warm hospitality and exciting culinary exp

We Aussies sure do love a good pie, so it checks out we've got an annual competition dedicated to searching for the best of 'em. Every year, the Baking Association of Australia hosts the Australia's Best Pie and Pastie Competition to crown local winners in a number of pastry-related categories, including Best Chicken Pie, Best Gourmet Pastie, Best Gourmet Pie and more. But there's one award that participating bakeries want to get their flour-dusted hands on the most: the highly coveted accolade of Australia's Best Pie. In 2024, the big win has gone to the Bellarine Peninsula's very own Rolling Pin Bakery for its flavourful prawn laksa pie. First of all, a big congrats to the Rolling Pin crew is in order! Secondly, we really want to drive out and go try that pie right now. It's the third time the Bellarine Peninsula business has taken out the coveted title, with its surf 'n' turf pie and its creamy mushroom and truffle pie winning the 2021 and 2022 competitions, respectively.  “Holy S$At! We have just been judged Australia’s Best Pie for the third time in four years,” Rolling Pin Pies wrote on social media. Interestingly, it's the second year in a row a seafood pie has been ranked the best in the nation. Could this be a sign Aussies' historic love for meat pies is evolving? Last year's winner of the Best Pie award, Kyneton's beloved Country Cob Bakery, took home the prize for its incredible fish amok pie. And while it may have missed out on the top gong this year around, thes

There's no denying the kebab is everyone's fave late-night snack, but where do you find the tastiest? Well, we reckon these ones around town are pretty primo but the Triple M Melbourne crew has taken things a step further by asking the people. And after an extensive survey as part of the radio station's rigorous 'Best of Melbourne' competition, one humble kebab shop in Pakenham has emerged victorious as the crème de la crème of Melbourne's kebab scene. Thousands of Melburnians voted Legend Kebabs as home to the best kebab in Melbourne – and it seems the name fits!  So what makes Legend Kebabs so special? Eddie, the owner of the shop, uses a special recipe he remembers from his grandparents when he was growing up in Türkiye.   "I can tell you over 100 kilograms of dough has been dumped trying to get exactly the same bread my grandmother did," Eddie told Triple M. Photograph: Supplied / Legend Kebabs Of his pies, HSPs and other delicious offerings, Eddie shared: "I give people Turkish street food. Everything is homemade – our dips, everything. It takes a lot of work, but it's worth it." It's safe to say Legend Kebabs isn’t just any run-of-the-mill kebab joint – it’s a labor of love and tradition.  Triple M's 'Best of Melbourne' competition saw an overwhelming response from the community, with more than 35,000 Melburnians passionately supporting their favourite local businesses. The radio station not only recognised the top kebab joint, but also highlighted Melbourne’s vibran