The best new restaurants, bars and cafes opening in Melbourne: all the fancy fooderies, eating houses, must-try dining hotspots, and the coolest new watering holes.
We all know Melbourne is a great melting pot for different cultures, people and backgrounds – our gastronomy scene is acclaimed for its dedication to multiculturalism. That is the bedrock of our hospo culture, so in every monthly guide to the best new restaurants and bars opening in Melbourne, expect to embark on a little sojourn around the world (from Brunswick to St Kilda).
Today we’re looking around Melbourne’s streets at some of the best new spots for all things food and drinks that you must try this month. Here’s our latest edition of the greatest new eateries, the must-try dining and drinking hotspots, plus your monthly guide to all the best new bars and watering holes. If you’re keen to journey somewhere a little bit secret and ‘underground’ instead, check out our list of the best hidden bars.
You can check out Melbourne’s most comprehensive guides to the best bars and pubs in each suburb and street here.
Best new restaurants in Melbourne
Dolly at Le Meridien
Located in the stunning Le Meridien hotel on Bourke St, Dolly is a brand new dining establishment focused on slinging high quality European cuisine, inspired by classic theatres. This location is situated perfectly for a pre or post show aperitif.
Yan
If you’ve experienced the Sydney food scene, there’s no doubt you’ve come across Yan, and now we’re getting a Melbourne version. Located in South Yarra, Yan is an Asian smokehouse, providing customers with a variety of share plates.
Alta Trattoria
Recently opened in Fitzroy, Alta Trattoria is an Italian restaurant that brings something new to the scene. There’s all the best food and when paired with equally tasty wines, you’ll feel like you’re in Italy.
Stokehouse Pasta and Bar
Located in St Kilda, Stokehouse is focused on bringing Melbourne customers the best in pasta and alcohol. There are killer deals weekly here, like $30 express lunches, and fish nights, among much more.
Chilpa
If you’re looking for something outside of the city circle, look no further than Highett’s newest food spot, Chilpa. They focus on providing customers with a bevy of delicious Mexican fare.
Beverly Rooftop
Yet another new establishment opening up in South Yarra, the Beverly Rooftop brings vibes of America to the education state. Some of the highlighted items include lamb meatballs, yellowfin tuna, and lamb ragu, among much more.
Cinder
In this day and age, it’s quite hard to maintain a perfect rating on Google, but with a 4.9 rating, Cinder’s managed to ace it on the service front. This spot focuses on the grill, check out their full menu here.
Maalu Maalu
Brunswick’s home to many of the coolest restaurants on this side of the city, and recently, yet another has been added to the list, Maalu Maalu, a Sri Lankan-inspired foodery and bar. You can find additional info on Maalu Maalu can be found here.
Prince Dining Room
- Address: 2 Acland St, St Kilda
Prince Dining Room is as intimate as dinner at a friend’s house – you’ll find a different type of relaxation during a visit here. Their Mediterranean menu is sourced using only the best ingredients, so you’ll know you be spending your money well.
KIN at All Saints Estate
- Address: Rutherglen Wine Region, 205 All Saints Rd, Wahgunyah
If you’re keen for a bit of a drive for a new dining experience, KIN is opening up in the Rutherglen wine region, offering the best of modern dining.
Al Dente Sapori
- Address: 161 Nicholson St, Carlton
Fine dining can be found at Al Dente Sapori this March: indulge in high class Italian fare like lasagne, tagliata, and much more. If you love the food after a visit here, you can even grab a collection of their ingredients to take home.
WoodsYard
- Address: 74 Eastern Rd, South Melbourne
A brand new wine bar is coming to South Melbourne, offering delicious menu items such as sourdough pizza, like Calabrian sausage pizza, caramelised onion and blue cheese pizza, and even honey and chilli pizza.
Stokehouse Pasta and Bar
- Address: 30 Jacka Blvd, St Kilda
Located in St Kilda, Stokehouse is focused on bringing Melbourne customers the best in pasta and alcohol. There’s killer deals weekly here, like $30 express lunches, and fish nights, among much more.
Check out Melbourne’s most comprehensive gig guide here.
Matsu
- Address: 157A Barkly St, Footscray
Opening later this March, Matsu is a brand new restaurant offering delicious Asian inspired fare. This is one of the most interesting dining experiences, the location only having four seats. Keep an eye on their Instagram here for any updates.
Tortas and Tacos
- Address: 30 Johnston St, Fitzroy
A hip new Taco shop has opened up in Fitzroy, entering in here, you’ll know you’ve walked into somewhere fun. If you love your visit here too much, there’s also merch on offer, so you can rep Tortas and Tacos wherever you go.
Thai Tide
- Address: 171 Bourke St, Melbourne
Melbourne’s an amazing melting pot of different cultures, with many different restaurants opening up, offering different menus from different countries. Thai Tide offers regional thai meals, the full menu can be checked out here.
The Singleton Delicious Discoveries
- Address: 133 Russell St, Melbourne
Popular celebrity chef Poh Ling Yeow is best known for her role as a contestant in Masterchef, but since, she’s been a staple of TV. Now she’s got a new restaurant in Melbourne, offering a bevy of delicious meals to Melbournites.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.
Victor Churchill
- Address: 953 High St, Armadale
Victor Churchill would have to be one of the best looking spots across the state, with a stunning interior with wine bottles surrounding the tables. Their main bar has 12 seats, perfect for classy parties.
Rice Paper Scissors
- Address: 307 Brunswick St, Fitzroy
Rice Paper Scissors brings the best of Asian cuisine into Melbourne, specifically, slinging delicious street food. Check out their stacked menu online here.
Hole in the Wall
- Address: 5 Norwood Cres, Moonee Ponds
Found in Moonee Ponds, Hole in The Wall is a new café slinging delicious bagels and equally mouthwatering coffees. If they aren’t up your alley, there’s also juices, café treats, and more.
Alt Pasta Bar
- Address: 30 Niagara Ln, Melbourne
If you’ve tried every restaurant on Lygon St and still haven’t found that one that reminds you of grandma’s, look no further than Alt, a new pasta spot that’s just opened in Melbourne. As you’d expect, there’s a variety of pasta dishes on offer, the highlighted meals include the crab, squid ink and bisque pasta, abalone pasta, and ragu lasagne.
Maalu Maalu
- Address: 246 Sydney Rd, Brunswick
Brunswick’s home to many of the coolest restaurants on this side of the city, and recently, one more has been added to the list, Maalu Maalu, a Sri Lankan inspired foodery and bar. More info on Maalu Maalu can be found here.
Yugen Dining
- Address: 605 Chapel St, South Yarra
You’ve probably come across the Yugen Tea Bar, which has been a staple of Chapel St for a number of years. A sister venue is now opening, a classy venue focused on providing tasty Asian inspired meals.
Check out Melbourne’s latest stage shows and theatrical events here.
Freyja
- Address: 477 Collins St, Melbourne
We’re quite lucky here in Melbourne, there’s thousands of venues providing many cuisines from across the world, but there’s a rare new one in Melbourne, Freyja providing Nordic inspired Australian dining.
Chae
- Address: 33 Mountain Road, Cockatoo
If you’re keen to venture a little bit out of Melbourne’s city circle for a new food journey, look no further than Chae. The Cockatoo restaurant features Korean delicacies that you can’t find in many other places out there.
The Keys
- Address: 1/188 Plenty Rd, Preston
Now that a lot of Melburnians have time off, it’s an opportunity to organise catchups with mates. A venue for it has just opened up in Melbourne, The Keys is a one stop shop for gaming, food, and beers.
Keep up to date with Melbourne’s latest art events, exhibitions and performances here.
Jeow
- Address: 338 Bridge Rd, Richmond
Once again, showing why Melbourne is a wonderful melting pot for cuisines of all different types, Jeow is a Laotian restraint that has just opened up in Richmond.
Bar Bombay Yacht Club
- Address: 88 Flinders Ln, Melbourne
Renowned chef Jessi Singh is behind this new eatery, providing food of the Indian, Thai, Sri Lankan and Malay variety.
Serai
- Address: Racing Club Ln, Melbourne
Filipino inspired restaurant Serai reimagines a lot of the nation’s most popular meals, you can grab items like cod, lamb ribs, and kare kare, among much more.
Figlia
- Address: 335 Lygon St, Brunswick East
Located in the Italian hub of Lygon St, Figlia is a new Italian restaurant bringing something interesting to the world of pizza. You won’t get you standard ‘za here, rather they’re topped with things like Moreton Bay bugs or shallots. Check out more info on Figlia here.
Moonhouse
Moonhouse will delight your senses, serving up some great Cantonese inspired meals. Some of the mouth watering meals include prawn toast, pan fried dumplings, and a sponge cake for dessert. Book in your visit and check out more info on Moonhouse here.
Enter Via Laundry
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- Address: Disclosed on Booking, Nicholson St, Carlton North
This new eatery is the brainchild of popular chef Holly Raichura, who has brought this dining concept to a few pop-up spots in the past. For $210, you’ll get to enjoy an Indian-inspired degustation menu, featuring around 20 different items of all different types
Osteria Renata
- Address: 436-438 High St, Prahran
Prahran’s Osteria Renata is committed to offering up some high-quality ingredients, with a menu that is always changing based on seasons. Their stacked menu at the moment will likely please everyone in your group. For more info on Osteria Renata, check out their menu here.
Fenton
- Address: 158 Rathdowne St, Carlton
If fancy dining isn’t your cup of tea, Fenton offers a chill experience that’ll still delight your tastebuds. Their menu contains a great deal of fresh ingredients, so you know you’ll be eating something that’ll make you feel good. Check out more info on Fenton here.
Rufio
- Address: 188 Carlisle St, St Kilda
Rufio is a new St Kilda eatery, focused on providing customers with the tastiest gluten-free meals in the region. Coming to Melbourne’s nightlife from the same group that was behind Repeat Offender in Elwood, Rufio brings a chill, laid-back vibe to the region. Rufio’s highlighted menu items include the Gulf King Prawns, Glazed Pork Belly, and the 300g Picanha Steak, among much more.
Bobbie Peels
- Address: 351 Queensberry St, North Melbourne
Coming to life inside a century-old building, Bobbie Peels is a laid-back spot that you’d wish you’d heard about sooner. Bobbie Peels offers customers many different items; a stacked wine list featuring wines from Australia’s nicest regions, and meals such as a saddle of lamb, Paris crapes, pork ravioli, and plenty more. Check out more information on Bobbie Peels’ menu and info on booking here.
New farm restaurants in Melbourne
Parcs
- Address: 198 Little Collins St, Melbourne
Parcs is a new restaurant located in the middle of the CBD on Collins St. They are dedicated to sustainable dining, and being “informed by fermentation”. They’ve got a great menu, which can be found with more info here.
Archie’s Farm Restaurant and Bar
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- Address: 38 Dalmore Dr, Scoresby
If you’re keen for a little bit of a venture outside of Melbourne’s inner circle, Scoresby has a great new Farm restaurant ready for you to check out. Opened in the beautiful Hyatt Place, Archie’s Farm Restaurant and Bar brings customers some great classic grub.
New bars in Melbourne
Oche
- Address: 263-269 Elizabeth St, Melbourne
If all the spots so far don’t seem like they offer anything new and original to the world of Nightlife in Melbourne, just wait until you hear more about Oche. Oche is a bar that features semi-private dart booths for hire. So get a group together, order Oche’s popular pizzas, a cocktail from Oche’s very own Adam McDonald, the ‘world bartender of the year’, and play darts until the early hours of the morning.
Jayda
- Address: 19 Bond St, Melbourne
Not too often does a bar come along as trendy as Jayda. It’s the brainchild of popular celebrity chef Shane Delia, who named it after his daughter. Jayda is a cocktail bar, offering patrons drinks that you really can’t find anywhere else. Featured drinks include the olive oil martini, strawberry and yoghurt negroni, and even the cherry and cacao Manhattan. On top of all those delicious sounding drinks, Jayda has food too, including premium cold meats, and a bunch of different finger foods.
The Stolen Gem
- Address: 8/388 Bourke St, Melbourne
While the weather’s still relatively warm, there’s no better time to enjoy The Stolen Gem, a new outdoor bar. With a view to die for, you can add quality photos to the ‘gram while enjoying the Stolen Gem’s signature cocktails, things like the Bourke Blazer, which includes Hennessey and Agave Nectar, the New Juleys, which features Bacardi and mint or even the pavlova Sptirz, which is like an alcoholic dessert. There’s all your other favourties too – spirits, wines, beers, everything.
Myrtle
- Address: 15 Warburton Ln, Melbourne
As the name suggests, Myrtle is an Australian inspired bar, bringing customers “native produce and Australian wines.” Found in Warburton Lane in the heart of the city, Myrtle features our best wines from our most well-known and respected regions, such as Bright, Pyrenees, and Heathcote, among many more. Myrtle also has a decent food offering, include a butchers board, octopus salami, and even potato cakes.
Amphlett House
- Address: 19-25 Little Bourke St, Melbourne
Found in the always popular theatre district of Melbourne, Amphlett is a brand new drinks spot offering something a little bit different to the world of nightlife. They focus on local stuff first, bringing customers craft beer, local cocktails, and stunning wines. Amphlett house also has food offerings, stuff like fish and chips, steak, and even all day breakfast, matching perfectly with your drink of choice.
Hotel Railway
- Address: 291 Albert St, Brunswick
While lockdown and capacity restrictions seem like ancient history, there’s still a bunch of events we all missed out on that we need to catch up on. This is where Hotel Railway can come in, a new bar that aces it in the events space. But if you want to head there for a bite and drink, they do that too, check out more info here.
Music Room
- Address: Level 1/270 Lonsdale St, Melbourne
If you love sound and drinking, this is the new bar for you. Located within the HER restaurant, Music Room offers up some great cocktails, to name a few, there’s a Golden Gaytime-inspired cocktail, a pavlova flavoured drink, and your classics like Negroni and Manhattans. Check out more info on Music Room here.
Her Rooftop
- Address: 270 Lonsdale St, Melbourne
Also located within the Her restaurant spot is the rooftop, which as the name suggests, sits on the top level of the establishment. You can grab some great drinks and food here. It’s walk-in only, so check out more info on the rooftop here before you head in.
Caretaker’s Cottage
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- Address: 139-141 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne
If you’re looking for a place to keep warm this winter, the new Caretaker Cottage bar is a nice cosy spot ready for you to check out. You can find the Caretaker’s Cottage on Little Lonsdale St, Check out some more info on it here.
V Wine Salon
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- Address: Ground Floor, 673 Bourke St, Melbourne
The V Wine Salon has a skilled team behind the scenes, making sure all visitors have a great experience. They are dedicated to all things wine, with regular masterclasses and wine events. Check out some more info on the V Wine Salon here.
Jamsheed Urban Winery
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- Address: 4 Albert St, Preston
It’s not too often you find a great winery within Melbourne. But Preston is turning that on its head with their Jamsheed Winery. Jamsheed also allows you to experience the wine making experience, check out more info on that here.
Otōto
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- Address: 349-351 Flinders Ln, Melbourne
A new speakeasy has just hit Melbourne’s scene, Otōto is the ‘younger brother’ of the popular Akaiito restaurant. This underground establishment is great for a chilled catch-up with some mates, where you can enjoy their great Asian-inspired food and drinks. More information on Otōto is available here.
Lane’s Edge Wine Bar
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- Address: 39 Bourke St, Melbourne
Yet another great wine bar has made its way into Melbourne, Lane’s Edge is sure to be a staple as we move into the warmer seasons. Nestled away in one of Melbourne’s beautiful alleys, you can enjoy some of Australia’s nicest wines at this spot. Check out the full menu here.
Auterra Wine Bar
- Address: 1160 High St, Armadale
It’s the season for wine bar openings, Auterra being one making its way to the Armadale region. To pair up with their many great wines, you can grab some great small plates at Auterra, there’s things like smoked kangaroo tartare, octopus, or even a doughnut. Check out the full menu here.
Pearl Chablis & Oyster Bar
- Address: L1 Shop 108/200 Bourke St, Melbourne
With so many people back out after time at home, it’s great to see the nightlife getting back to normal. But you wouldn’t be blamed for wanting a bit of privacy back, that’s where the new Pearl Chablis and Oyster bar can come back in, they offer a great intimate dining space so you can really focus on their high-quality offerings. Check out some more info on this spot here.
New cafes in Melbourne
Operator Diner
- Address: Shop 2/130 Lonsdale St, Melbourne
Open till early afternoon each day, Operator Diner is a newer spot that has come to life from the team behind Operator25. Operator Diner will sling all day breakfast, high quality coffee and tasty sandwiches for that lunch rush, is there anything else you need? Operator Diners’ their highlighted meals include French toast, pancakes, bacon and egg muffins, pork sandwiches, hot dogs, and plenty more.
Standing Room Coffee
- Address: 187 St Georges Rd, Fitzroy North
There’s no question that when it comes to coffee, Melbourne knows how to do it best. Our city is home to many of the most well-regarded award-winning coffee makers, and with the new Standing Room Coffee opening, there’s one more contender that’s been added to the list. They’ve got all the trimmings, laid back atmosphere, there’s no reason you shouldn’t head hear for a visit.
Nonna’s House
- Address: 550 Nicholson St, Fitzroy North
Found in Fitzroy North, Nonna’s House is a new takeaway café providing patrons with mouth-watering Italian subs. The top subs feature mushrooms, meatballs, chickpea fritters, eggplant, and much more. On top of that, of course you can add in fries, even loaded versions featuring Carbonara or Bolognese.
Kudo
- Address: 8 Little Collins St, Melbourne
Placed in the upper class space of Little Collins St, Kudo is a brand new café with a bakery slant. There’s all the popular stuff like cakes and baguettes, plus hot drinks too, so you can enjoy a lazy afternoon. It’s also an easy spot to pop into for lunch, with delicious toasties on offer. More information and a full menu for Kudo can be found here.
Convoy
- Address: 109 Pascoe Vale Rd, Moonee Ponds
This massive new café has enough space for 75 people, perfect for a brunch catchup with all of your Facebook friends. You can grab all your favourite classics, like pancakes, eggs, and much more.
Hugo’s Deli
- Address: 119 Swan St, Richmond
Located in the heart of the city, Hugo’s Deli is an ideal spot for a lunch break hang. There’s all the café favourites – English muffins, sandwiches, toasted sandwiches, and much more.
Dame
- Address: 35 Collins St, Melbourne
If a fancy breakfast is what you’re after, look no further than Dame. This new café looks at breakfast in an original way, their menu full of interesting items. One of the highlights being the Dame Breakfast set – sourdough complete with Bloody Mary flavoured tomatoes. Is your mouth watering too?
Holy Sugar
- Address: 236 High St, Northcote
If you’re more of a sweet tooth when it comes to cafés, Holy Sugar is the spot for you. There’s all the tasty sugar filled treats available – meringues, cakes, tarts, and much more.
Hi Fi
- Address: 316 Smith St, Collingwood
There probably hasn’t been a more suited café to Beat readers than Hi Fi. Their website says they focus on three things – sandwiches, coffee and vinyl. Stop reading and visit this new Collingwood café today.
Moon Cruller
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- Address: 50 Rose St, Fitzroy
They might be a bit more popular in the US, but there’s a massive gap in the market for these decadent sweet treats on home soil. For an easy $5.50, you can grab one of their great flavours, to name a few, passionfruit, raspberry, vanilla, or even a cappuccino flavour. Check out more info on Moon Cruller here.
Warkop Coffee + Sandwiches
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- Address: 12 Risley St, Richmond
Richmond’s Warkop has a pretty limited menu, but that’s always a great sign, you know that they are experts in it. Some of the highlights are eggplant sandwiches and black coffees, among some other stuff you can check out here.
Jerry’s Milk Bar
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- Address: 345 Barkly St, Elwood
Jerry’s Milk Bar comes into an already packed café industry, but with some pretty cool and interesting things. This spot has been around for decades, but after some difficulties during COVID, they shut their doors. Some mates took over the space in the last little bit and have made it a key café in Melbourne’s scene. Check out more info on Jerry’s Milk Bar here.
New takeaway in Melbourne
Hareruya Pantry
Hareruya Pantry is a new takeaway joint slinging all things Japanese. There’s bento, gelato, and plenty of other tasty items.
Stan’s Deli and Sandwiches
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If you’re looking for a bit of a New York vibe down the road, look no further than Malvern’s Stan’s Deli. They aren’t your ordinary sandwich shop, a quick glance on their Instagram shows their great selection of gourmet delicacies. Of course, to pair up with your sandwich, there’s a great range of beers and chips that match up great. Check out some more info on Stan’s Deli and Sandwiches here.
You can also check out our Melbourne directory here or Melbourne’s most comprehensive guides to the best bars and pubs in each suburb and street here.
