Melbourne
- Review
- South Yarra
This Melbourne icon divides food snobs – but our critic keeps going back
It may not be Melbourne’s best French restaurant. But it might be the city’s best-loved bistro.
- Besha Rodell
- Review
- Thornbury
Meet the meaty main that’s so convincing, vegans have sent it back to the kitchen
Restaurant-bar Ballard’s, and its plant-based food, is anything but bland.
- Dani Valent
- Review
- St Kilda
There isn’t a house wine here, but there are ‘house oysters’ (and they don’t get better)
Let yourself be steered off-road and try a different pairing at oyster and wine bar The Walrus.
- Dani Valent
- Review
- Oakleigh
This self-serve bakery’s sweet-savoury ‘sausage roll’ snack pushes every button
Pick up a tray and try Korean baked goods at this humble but bustling family-run bakery in the ’burbs.
- Dani Valent
- Review
- Carlton
Not too fancy, not too casual, this bistro finds the Goldilocks zone (and brings the ’90s back)
Nostalgic for those elegant bistros of the not-too-distant past? Even if you weren’t there, you’ll recognise the appeal of this Carlton newcomer.
- Besha Rodell
- Review
- Coburg
‘Tough economic climates are temporary, but community is forever’: Why Gemini is a gem
This crowd-funded cafe, bar, restaurant and pantry has changed Coburg for the better. If you’re local, you’re lucky.
- Dani Valent
- Review
- Footscray
This humble Footscray market eatery serves the South American version of a halal snack pack
I was full about five seconds after starting but kept diving back in, writes Dani Valent.
- Dani Valent
- Review
- St Kilda
These ‘genius’ dumplings are not what you might expect at a typical suburban Thai
Charlong is clever, creative, run by women and could only be in Melbourne.
- Dani Valent
- Review
- Brunswick East
This retro cafe is all about ’90s vibes and honest food with 101 per cent heart
Affordable sandwiches, sunset-coloured walls and sweet bakes are the order of the day at Suntop Plaza in Brunswick East.
- Dani Valent
- Review
- Armadale
A little Japanese, a little French but a lot to love at this Armadale passion project
Don’t be deterred by the words “fusion food”. At this High Street newcomer, two cuisines meld with sensitivity and purpose.
- Dani Valent