Just open

• Road trips

New owners aim to return Healesville Hotel to its glory days

The gorgeous old country boozer is in new hands. Will handmade pasta and snacks like ’nduja sausage rolls restore its daytrip destination status?

• August 15, 2023
• Emma Breheny

• The scoop

The scoop: What to order and where to sit at Melbourne’s grand-new Reine (and La Rue)

There’s wow-factor from every angle at the ambitious, double-venue dining room and bar. Here’s the essential info you need to know.

• August 9, 2023
• Sofia Levin

• Hot & new

Glory-Us to Walrus: Four new daytime venues with interesting brunch menus

These new cafes and sandwich spots are shaking up our idea of breakfast and lunch with their not-so-predictable menus.

• August 9, 2023
• Emma Breheny

• Restaurant news

First look at MoVida Aqui’s slinky new interior after a two-month makeover

A serpentine booth and more polished finishes are part of an update to Frank Camorra’s 14-year-old Spanish restaurant in Melbourne’s legal district.

• August 9, 2023
• Emma Breheny

• Italian

All roads lead to Torquay’s Mortadeli Pasta Bar for Rome-inspired classics

Walk through the doors of a deli and discover a full-blown restaurant inside, with laminex, timber and a full line-up of antipasti and Roman pasta classics.

• August 2, 2023
• Emma Breheny

• Collection
• Hot & new

Melbourne hit list August 2023: Hot, new and just-reviewed places to check out, right now

Hawker stalls and Mexican street food spin-offs, top-quality lunchtime sushi bowls and more.

• Cocktails and spirits

Aboriginal-owned Interlude Bar spotlights the people behind native Australian ingredients

At this South Yarra spot, that finger lime in your drink and green ants on the plate are there for a more powerful reason than flavour. It’s all about culture.

• July 26, 2023
• Emma Breheny

• Hot & new

First look: New Brunswick East taqueria CDMX is the pure taco restaurant that Melbourne’s been missing

A taqueria inspired by those in Mexico City is now open, with a large bar to prop at with margaritas and tacos al pastor.

• July 16, 2023
• Emma Breheny

• Hot & new

Magnolia bistro brings French flair to a century-old space on Sydney Road

Behind leadlight windows lies a Euro-style bistro serving comforting classics like steak with Bordelaise sauce, creme brulee and more.

• July 14, 2023
• Emma Breheny

• Hot & new

Cult Melbourne CBD noodle shop Lulu’s expands with new Malaysian dessert bar and takeaway outlet

Step into the pandan-focused bar next door for a warm winter dessert, or walk one block for speedy takeaway char kwai teow.

• July 14, 2023
• Emma Breheny