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Bar

The interior at Maggie’s Snacks and Liquor, Brunswick East.
14/20

This under-the-radar newcomer is one of Melbourne’s best cocktail bars, right now

Bloody delicious cocktails. Hyper-elevated bar snacks. Friendly staff. All this wine bar needs is a crowd.

  • Besha Rodell
Mr and Mrs P in Brighton.

From smashed avo to smashing bar snacks, Mr & Mrs P is a very Melbourne love story

The devil is in the detail at this husband and wife’s “special” bayside bar and eatery.

  • Dani Valent
Casa Esquina’s sprawling indoor-outdoor vibe has a special sense of freedom.
14/20

This indoor-outdoor Argentinian-inspired grillfest boasts Balmain-to-Buenos Aires vibes

Casa Esquina’s menu includes 10 different dishes from the parrilla, from Gundagai lamb tomahawk chops to a one-kilo dry-aged Ranger’s Valley Black Market rib-eye.

  • Terry Durack
The decor has barely changed since Supper Club became Kafeneion.
14.5/20

This Greek restaurant is a window into Melbourne’s heart

For more than 25 years, Supper Club has been a haven for night owls. Now, Kafeneion is occupying the space, delivering Greek comfort food and excellent drinks.

  • Besha Rodell
The hotel restaurant looks out over Hyde Park, “a giant lozenge of Victoriana greenery”.
Good Food hat15/20

Why new hotel restaurant Sydney Common is ‘uncommonly good’

Up-and-coming talent Jamie Robertson works with former Sepia chef Martin Benn to create a seasonal menu that’s wood-fired and Japanese-inflected.

  • Terry Durack
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Go-to dish: Fritto misto, a tumble of seafood, fried lemon and crisped sage leaves.
Good Food hat15/20

A celebrity chef brings a party (and a Good Food hat) to this St Kilda pub

Saint George’s beachy cocktails, proteins with pizazz and cared-for fish dishes may finally help revive Fitzroy Street’s fortunes.

  • Besha Rodell
Twelve piece sashimi selection.
14/20

This glam Japanese-inspired spot aims to be Double Bay’s Nobu. Does it succeed?

The team behind Matteo has opened Tanuki, an Expensive Handbag sort of place serving popcorn shrimp, tuna tacos and “new style” sashimi.

  • Terry Durack
The go-to dish: Mushroom pierogi.
14/20

‘A meal for two of this quality for less than $100 is downright astounding’

Eastern European delights (including vodka) are brightened up in this vibrant venue.

  • Besha Rodell
Gerald’s Bar in Carlton North is one of the city’s best date spots.
14.5/20

The romantic Carlton North wine bar that’s often imitated, but never beaten

Much-loved Melbourne stalwart Gerald’s Bar is almost impossible to score with numbers and hats, says Besha Rodell. But she gives it her best shot.

  • Besha Rodell
Salted calamari, seasoned rice, Geraldton wax.
14/20

Our Korean-Australian food scene is utterly unique, and this new restaurant is no exception

Doju serves a calamari starter, but not as you know it. And that’s just the beginning.

  • Dani Valent