Critics’ Pick
- Review
- Collingwood
This all-day wine bar and its handwritten little black book has our reviewer hooked
Lunch, dinner or snacks and drinks at Bar Local Drop can stretch happily from “a quick one” to “one more” to “we might as well”...
- Dani Valent
- Review
- Carlton North
Opened in the shadow of its predecessor Gerald’s, Bar Carnation is startlingly bright
Gerald’s Bar’s successor continues the successful formula of good drinks plus good people plus good food equals the best times.
- Besha Rodell
- Review
- North Melbourne
Freshly shucked restaurant − and its $98 giant oyster − a treat for seafood lovers
Newcomer Olala is a “genuinely odd” restaurant from a family that really, truly loves shellfish and wants to tell you all about it.
- Besha Rodell
- Review
- Canley Vale
Hai Au Lang Nuong
A bright spark on Canley Vale’s main drag for street-style Vietnamese cooking.
- David Matthews
- Review
- Melbourne
Melbourne’s iconic Florentino enters a new era, but it has never been of this era
The Italian fine diner is a piece of living history. Its new stewards are leaning into its Old World spirit, but can they meet the expectations of modern diners?
- Besha Rodell
- Review
- South Melbourne
As Melburnians, we know our coffee, but have you tried this strong coconut one?
There are a dozen different coffees and meals are mostly under $20 at this cosy new Indonesian eatery.
- Dani Valent
- Review
- Brunswick East
With a flexible menu built for maximum flavour, Etta’s sister Daphne is easy to love
The friendly Lygon Street venue is the perfect neighbourhood restaurant, but she has some growing to do, reviews Besha Rodell.
- Besha Rodell
- Review
- Carlton North
Gerald’s Bar
One of Melbourne’s defining wine bars dials up the deliciousness in big new digs.
- Besha Rodell