Just open: Araliya, St Kilda

The team behind Hawthorn's long-running Sri Lankan restaurant Araliya is spicing up Fitzroy Street with a smart new spot serving fragrant rice and lentil pancakes, zingy vegetable dishes and pungent, meaty curries. Owners Sam and Dee Wedande have adapted their menu to suit the pacier St Kilda crowd: "We will serve smaller portions, including bar food and short eats, but we will also serve bigger sharing plates as we do in Hawthorn," says Dee Wedande. The space was designed by architect Emily Gilfillan; seating options include leather banquettes, a chef's table and a long bar serving cocktails such as chilli-grapefruit margarita, craft beers, wine and single-origin teas. Open daily from lunch until late.

Details: 157 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda, 9078 6757, araliyastkilda.com.