In the face of new financial year and the middle of winter, Melbourne’s dining scene is thriving. This month Melbourne cafes upped the ante with restaurant-style plates and Asian influences, while the city kept dishes diverse with healthy options, pop ups and even a multi-level karaoke bar. Most excitingly, a restaurant in Caulfield North is finally giving kosher food a moment in the spotlight. Scroll through and make some bookings.
Shiloh, Caulfield North
Contemporary Israeli restaurant in the old Limor’s spot, on a mission to prove that kosher food makes for some serious competition.
Heroes, CBD
Fancy Hanks has opened a multi-level karaoke venue, rooftop bar and Singaporean street food concept in the heart of the city. Come for the snacks and beer selection, stay for Mariah Carey impersonations.
Master Den’s Poppu Uppu, CBD
A pop-up restaurant beneath Hihou that replaced Kappo, serving shabu shabu, a Hokkaido-style seafood nabe and a mushroom hot pot. Add ingredients to the broth at the table and slurp away.
Pentolina, CBD
Following in his Pugliese father’s footsteps, Matt Picone has opened a pasta bar in the city with a focus on the hand-made stuff.
Hiatus, Kew
Kew Junction’s newest cafe puts a restaurant spin on brunch and sells a selection of
accoutrements, like seasonal preserves and house “co-yo”
Rina’s Casa del Popolo, Armadale
After Rina D’Alessandro passed away last year, her cousin and former head chef at Neptune Wine Bar, Danny Natoli, took over Rina’s Cucina, alongside Adrian Li from Tokyo Tina. The restaurant reopened in June with a refreshed menu and name change.
Lenny, Albert Park
The Moby team has opened Lenny on a sunny corner of Albert Park, with bright white walls and a colourful, daytime menu.
Project281, Brunswick
A lofty cafe and coffee roaster in an old printing factory with a Japanese-Korean menu.
GT’s Burgers, Bentleigh
A new burger window attached to Good Times Milk Bar serving seven burgers and carb-tastic sides. Open Thursday to Sunday, 4pm until 9pm.
Foxxy Dolphin, Collingwood
Formerly Mr. Scruff’s, Foxxy Dolphin is big on burgers (one’s s called Vladmir Poutine) but also has salads and vegan bowls on offer. Bands and DJs play Thursday through Saturday until 4am.
Real Fine, Northcote
Rustica, CBD
The popular bakery-cafe has opened another outlet at Melbourne Central shopping centre bringing bread, pastries and brunch to hungry shoppers.
Laneway Greens, CBD
Clean eats hub Laneway Greens opened their third store on Exhibition Street this month, launching a new winter menu to queues out the door. Swing by if you like big bowls and you cannot lie.