Bay watch in Port Melbourne

Port Melbourne's Bay Street dining precinct is expanding at a rate of knots, with some notable newcomers sailing on to the strip.

Last week, former Lake House sommelier Tom Hogan launched his wine shop-bar Harry & Frankie at 317 Bay Street. It's a striking cave-like space via Foolscap Studio (Patricia, Uncle St Kilda), with a wine list of more than 600 bottles - to take home or enjoy in-house (add $15 corkage). Snacks include salumi, good cheese plus a varying handful of rustic Euro-influenced dishes.

At No. 359, Imbibe Wine Bar is aiming for an early January opening. Owner Matthew Peck will be emphasising boutique Victorian wine, craft beer and cider and offering a selection of charcuterie, cheese and bar snacks.

The Port's adopted a Latin accent, too. Sloaney Pony recently made way for tapas-focused Mardo's (1 Crockford Street), with Catalan chef Manuel Villegas (ex-Garcia & Son, Hairy Canary) on the pans; while at 115 Bay Street, Corte has locals flocking for its parilla (wood-fired Argentine grill) nights.