Lauren Dinse

Looking to plan a special meal for mum this Mother's Day? Whether you're thinking a casual afternoon lunch, or you'd rather splash out on something a bit extra like a fancy dinner with flowers delivered to the table, you'll get loads of ideas from this list. We've rounded up our favourite restaurants around Melbourne that have created set menus, exclusive cocktails, sweets and more – all in honour of mum. Want to send mum a thoughtful gift, or plan something fun to do together? Check out our round-up of the best presents, pampering ideas and things to do this Mother's Day. Does your mum love fresh blooms? These are the best flower delivery services in Melbourne.

Sometimes a brown bag packed with last night’s leftovers or a peanut butter sandwich just isn't going to cut it for lunch. And in a city with so many options for reasonably priced, tasty and interesting food, you shouldn't have to settle. However, with the cost of living constantly rising, it would be remiss of us not to mention that scouring the city for dishes that come in strictly under $15 has never been harder. While some of your favourites may have slipped off the list, we empathise with the hospitality industry trying to keep up with costs while still trying to retain customers with fair prices.  We've stuck to our budget and rounded up a list of the best cheap lunches in the CBD for under $15, so you can take your next mundane workday up a notch. Keep your week interesting and go for a gözleme on Monday, a noodle soup on Tuesday, a tofu curry on Wednesday, a bánh mì on Thursday and dumplings on Friday.   Work your way through all the best budget-friendly spots in town, with our list of the 50 best cheap eats in Melbourne. 

Well, Melbourne, let's face it: summer's long gone and it's going to be a long, chilly few months ahead. Luckily, Melbourne's best pubs are lighting their fireplaces so you can beat those winter blues. Our advice? Pull up a pew, grab a pint, gather your friends by the fire and get cosy.  For more winter warmers, take a look at our guides to Melbourne's best hot chocolates and mulled wines. And if you'd like to start planning lots of other fun things to do in the months ahead, this guide is the place to start.

As all freelance workers would know, finding a café to work from isn’t always so easy. There are obvious prerequisites, like Wi-Fi and a not-too-busy space where you’re guaranteed to find a seat. But there are other considerations that make the experience all the more comfortable – think booths (not stools) to keep your back supported all day; seats near a charging point in case your laptop battery runs low; quiet areas for those days when you don’t want bustle and need to concentrate. The list goes on. While you may have a favourite spot you frequent from time to time, you may also want to switch things up and work from somewhere new. In any event, we’ve done the trying-and-testing for you and found the best cafés for freelance workers, from lush greenhouses to warehouse-style roasteries. Time to get to work.  If you are looking for some fuel to get you through the day, check out Melbourne's best breakfasts here. 

Many cheese lovers can agree that a cheeseboard is only complete with its counterpart – a bottle of wine. Both cheese and wine have countless variations, so when you're looking for a place in Melbourne to enjoy this dynamic duo, it's essential that locations can cater to wine and cheese enthusiasts of all predilections. After all, one person's yum is another's "wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole" (I'm looking at you, blue). So we've scouted the city to find the best venues that treat this double act with the equitable esteem they deserve.   Looking for more of the city's great drinking holes? Check out the 50 best bars in Melbourne. Keen to kick on? Check out the best late-night bars around town. 

Melburnians are spoilt for choice when it comes to finding an ideal drinking spot to catch up with mates, toast to the weekend or celebrate a special occasion. But while most bars and pubs offer up a cheap vino or half-price pint in the early hours of the evening, there are some venues where you can get the biggest bang for your buck. From a sky-high staple to a bayside behemoth and inner-city institution, we’ve rounded up the best happy hours on offer across the city to help you make the most out of your hard-earned cash. After more fun for less? Check out our guides to the best cheap eats and BYO restaurants in Melbourne.

Cooking a whole brisket, complete with a pepper-crusted bark, is a very different undertaking to chucking a quick snag on the barbie. That's why when the craving for slow-cooked, smoked meats hits you, it's best to leave the hours of cooking time to the experts. For some American-style barbecue action, head to these Melbourne hot spots dishing up brisket, wings, ribs and all the sides, plus smashable beers and sodas to wash that hearty goodness down.  Looking for more ideas? Get your meat between bread with Melbourne's best burgers, or perhaps you just want some tasty late-night eats to bookend a night on the town.

Mexican food used to be tough to find in Melbourne, but those days are no more – today, our city is blessed with everything from lively cantinas to late-night mezcal bars, and everything in between. If you're craving a taco (or several) and a spicy Margarita, turn up the heat with our guide to Melbourne's hottest Mexican joints.  Looking for Melbourne's best Italian, too? We've also got you sorted for Japanese and Korean restaurants as well. 

What is it with corporate cafes in the CBD and high-calorie focaccias the size of your face that somehow still taste like nothing? To love your lunchtimes again, let's liven it up a bit. Whether you’re watching your waistline or simply searching for a light and fresh meal that won’t plonk you into an afternoon slump, this is the list to bookmark. Looking for something lighter on the wallet? Check out the 20 best lunches in the CBD for less than $15. 

You swipe right and hit it off, but then what? Picking the right bar for a first date isn't easy, especially in a city like ours with so many options. To take the stress out of finding the perfect spot to get to know someone, we've put together a list of Melbourne's most romantic bars to ensure you have a memorable first date. And hopefully, if things go well, you can plan your next date at one of the best date night restaurants in Melbourne.  Take your next date night up a notch at one of the 50 best restaurants in Melbourne. 

April 2024 update: This month, we loved visiting Pirate Life's first ever Melbourne venue to check out the fresh market produce-driven menu – and rivers of their awesome craft beer, of course. Eat Pierogi Make Love bowled us over with their house party vibes and famous Polish dumplings, and we were also impressed by the friendly service and Latin American-inspired fare at Collingwood's newly restored Albion Hotel. Here's your ultimate guide to Melbourne's most exciting recent restaurant and bar openings, updated monthly for your reading (and tasting) pleasure. With this list on hand, you'll be the first to know where to find the hottest brunch spot, vino bar or fine diner – all sussed out by our fastidious team of writers and critics. Note: we generally include venues that are only six months (give or take) young in this list.  Ready to make a booking somewhere spesh? Read on. Still hungry? These are the 50 best restaurants in Melbourne right now. Fancy a tipple? Check out the 50 best bars in Melbourne.

April 2024: With the weather cooling down in Melbourne (hello rain and random thunderstorms), we may be tempted to stay on the couch and order food in – but when that gets old, there's nothing quite like getting dressed up, heading out into town for dinner and making a proper night of it. Whether you're planning a special catch-up or simply curious about which restaurants are ahead of the curve in Melbourne right now, this guide is your trusty resource.  The continually evolving and expanding dining scene in Melbourne is both a blessing and a curse: how do you choose between so many incredible restaurants? Well, that's where we come in. Stop endlessly scrolling, and commit to making your way through Time Out’s list of the best restaurants in the state right now. Our always-hungry local experts and editors have curated 2024's most delicious and divine, innovative and imaginative, comforting and familiar, memorable and magical dining experiences right here at your fingertips. From old favourites and culinary institutions such as Attica, Stokehouse and Flower Drum, to emerging standouts and instant icons such as Serai, Gimlet, Amaru and Reine and La Rue, we've got it all covered here. And as for the brand new restaurant and bar openings catching our eye? Check out this guide instead. Get out, and get eating! You've got a lot to get through!  Prefer a tipple-focused adventure? These are the best bars in Melbourne. Looking for a knock-out dining experience that won't break the ban

If it’s been a while since you last headed upstairs to Lygon Street’s Johnny’s Green Room, you’re in for a surprise. The trendy rooftop bar reopened the summer just gone with a fresh Tuscan terrace-inspired look, menu and vibrant year-round music program in collaboration with Hope St Radio and some of Melbourne’s most sought after DJs. Award-winning designer Dion Hall (Music Room, Supernormal, Rare Hare, Pidapipo Laboratorio) has lent his creative hand to the renovations, which include an extended capacity for 260 patrons (and yep, this place sure gets busy), plus a semi-retractable roof that keeps the bar weather-friendly all twelve months of the year.  In addition, renowned chef and author Karen Martini has swooped in to lead the kitchen as the new culinary director, while one of Australia’s top cocktail mavericks, Matthew Bax (Bar Americano, Tippling Club), spearheads the drinks.  “We wanted to celebrate the sprezzatura of Italian terrazza drinking and entertaining with a list that’s fresh, spritzy and smashable,” says Bax. “The list will be seasonal and something of a flavour map, where you can taste the different regions of Italy.”  Think Amalfi-inspired Limoncello Margaritas, Negronis good enough to rival the best of ‘em in town and Spritzes galore. Of course, there’s a solid list of wines swill and sip, too, thanks to sommelier George McCullough, plus local craft brews to keep the beer lovers happy.  And for those off the grog, don’t think you’ll miss out on a damn goo

From 68 metres high, the sight of Crown Casino's nightly fire show and its reflection dancing off the Yarra River is mesmerizing. It's just one of the views you can enjoy at Fleet, a new rooftop bar perched on level 22 of the Vibe Hotel Melbourne, affording spectacular views of Southbank, the city skyline and beyond. Fleet exudes more of an '80s private penthouse vibe than that of a noisy CBD rooftop, thanks to the interior design smarts of Paul Kelly Design (Black Star Pastry, Crown Casino). The creative team has transformed the former apartments into a sleek, 90-person watering hole with amber and dusty pink tones and custom-made furniture.  Settle in on an indoor lounge to sample one of the 70 rums from around the world, or venture onto the wrap-around terrace to take in the stunning sunset and night-sky views. A retractable roof and glass panelling caters to all of Melbourne's unpredictable weather turns so that visitors can enjoy the space all year long. Award-winning mixologist Grant Collins has curated the rum-centric drinks list,  showcasing nostalgic classics that nod to the past. Made using Fleet's signature blends, you can try the Hurricane with gold rum, navy rum, pineapple, orange, lime and passionfruit, or a Manhattan with barrel-aged tequila, sweet vermouth, bitters and maraschino. There's even a Martini trolley that's wheeled between tables throughout the night, offering your choice of Classic, Dry, Olive Leaf or Oyster Shell. To round out the offerings of loc

How good are boozy brunches and lunches? Whether they're one of the best bottomless feasts in town or one of these bougie brekkies rounded out with a coupla Bloody Mary cocktails, one things's for sure: Melbourne sure loves a mid-arvo tipple and feed.  This weekend on Sunday, April 14, North Melbourne’s cafe-wine-bar hybrid Lumen People is taking theirs to the next level. Chef Steve Chan from fellow cafe-wine-bar, Sleepy's, is swooping in with a bit of extra culinary magic, while ARIA-winning DJ Stephen Charles and professional Italian sommelier Raffaele Mastrovincenzo will also be joining the party. Expect paddock-to-plate fare from Chan – think fresh tomato and egg soup with drop dumplings and seasonal small plates dressed up with Asian-Aussie flair. In the vino world, Raf has earnt his stripes from working at some of Melbourne's finest restaurants (Ides, Vue de Monde, Attica), and for this occasion, he's handpicked some A-grade wines to pair with your lunch. Lastly, with Stephen Charles grooving away on the decks? It's going to be a vibe. If there's anything that will cure your case of the Sunday Scaries, it'll be this. Visit the website to snag a reservation while there's still a table left.  Keen to check out somewhere new to eat? Here are Melbourne's hottest new restaurant and bar openings. For great wine bars in town, check out our guide.

Famous on Tik Tok for their carnivorous food porn, the American barbecue masters at Third Wave Café have been steadily garnering rave reviews for their juicy burgs, steaks and ribs since the grand opening in 2010. Inspired by the classic smokehouses popular in America's southern states, the menu features a diverse array of barbecued delights, all marinated for 24 to 48 hours (in both dry rubs and wet marinades) and smoked for up to 12 hours. If tender meat that falls off the bone is what you're after, you'll be in heaven here. The Third Wave crew also have a second location in Moorabbin. For more information, visit the website. Searching for more delicious American barbecue options? Check out our ultimate guide to the tastiest in town.

Attention, sweet tooths: Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and the Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie are bringing back the annual Rocky Road Festival this May. It’s predicted that over a whopping 100,000 handmade blocks will be churned out across the 31 days, from a base recipe that’s every rocky road lover’s match made in heaven: fluffy housemade marshmallow and smoother-than-satin couverture chocolate. Sample something new, get your hands on made-to-order 1kg blocks or try a gourmet rocky road-infused creation at an interactive tasting session. How does a rocky road hot chocolate sound? The European chocolatiers plan to rock your palate with 31 distinct festival flavours, yet to be announced. Last year's flavours included Oriental Brittle, Caramel Mudcake, Turkish Toblerone, Strawberry Margarita, Honeycomb Macadamia, Tahitian Lime and Chilli, and much more. This year, the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie are also promising Rocky Road-inspired pastries, ice creams, sundaes, waffles and coffee.  Those with the unfortunate dual diagnosis of an intolerance and a sweet tooth are in luck. Vegan and gluten-free creations will be available for tasting across the three chocolateries so nobody needs to miss out. Could it get any sweeter?  Click through to the website here for more information. Those who can’t venture out to the Yarra Valley, Surf Coast and Mornington Peninsula this year can get their fill of the festival’s chocolates straight to their door thanks

It seems Victoria has a foodie fest for every type of eat: ice cream, dumplings, rocky road, mussels – heck, even garlic bread! But if it's the humble potato that holds the key to your heart, then make sure you check out the Great Trentham Spudfest this year.  This annual tater-ific festival takes place in the charming small town of Trentham from May 4 to 5, with a program packed with fun, food, wine, music, kids' activities, history, potato eats and tons more. Spud and spoon race? Of course, that's on the agenda. Blind spud tasting challenges? Yep, you'll get the chance to discern your désirées and Dutch cream tots in the 'Name that Spud' game. Proceedings kick off at 10am on the Saturday – known traditionally as the festival's Carnival Day – with a Welcome to Country ceremony and an official welcome from Hepburn Shire Council. From there, there are four fabulous foodie precincts to explore. Check out what's happening on the main stage or enjoy a potato scone at the Railway Precinct, then make your way to the Market Street Precinct to meet some artisan makers and stock up on gifts and goodies. Brimming with lively bars and eateries, the High Street Precinct is perfect for lunch and a drink or two, while the Town Square Precinct is where you can fill a basket with some of the finest fresh produce from the region.  There are free potato-related activities and the spud Olympics, a music program, and even the Spudfest Ceilidh (traditional Gaelic dance). On Sunday, highlights inc

When you're looking for Japanese fine dining, it doesn't get much more luxe than Nobu. The internationally acclaimed restaurant chain, which started in New York in 1994, has become known as the go-to eatery for celebrities across the globe. Luckily for Melburnians, Nobu opened up on the Crown Riverwalk in 2015, and it's been delighting locals with its expansive and creative menu ever since. You can't really go wrong by booking in and trying whatever strikes your fancy as, despite its glamourous reputation, it's a restaurant that welcomes this sort of spontaneity. But if you want to make sure you're getting the best signature dishes that Nobu has to offer, do yourself a favour and book in for the limited Petaluma x Nobu dinner experience. Partnering with Petaluma, a leading Australian winery based in the Adelaide Hills, Nobu has put together a seven-course omakase menu with wine pairings handpicked by winemaker Ben Thoman for their delicacy and character.  For $170 per person (plus $60 for an optional wine pairing), you'll get a taste of the salmon tartare with caviar, wasabi and yuzu salad, fresh nigiri selection, beef tenderloin and truffle amazu with crispy onion, and of course, the famous black cod miso. The cod has been a signature on chef Nobu's menu since his stint in Alaska in 1977, and no trip to Nobu is complete without a serving of the buttery, succulent fish. To cap off your meal, dessert is a Japanese take on a cappucino, infused with whisky.  This exclusive dinin

If you've got a thing for rare sake, French wines, A-grade sashimi or elevated fusion fare, then there's a new spot in Armadale that deserves a spot at the top of your dining-out list. Bansho is a luxe bistro that's nailing all of the above, aided by the genius of executive chef Tomotaka Ishizuka (Ishizuka, Kisumé, Koko), whose creative menu blends the finesse of modern French cooking methods with traditional Japanese technique. Think koji-marinated duck breast that’s been dry-aged for one week and served with a black garlic and beetroot puree, smoked eggplant and mirin red wine reduction sauce. Or the sumptuously silky chawanmushi (Japanese egg custard dish) with spanner crab, celeriac, vichyssoise and Avruga caviar. Yes, it's premium stuff, but the environment is too comfy to be ultra-formal.  At the tail end of 2023, passionate husband-and-wife duo Larry Xie and Mira Wu opened the neighbourhood restaurant on High Street. It’s their first foray into Melbourne’s food scene – they previously ran two Mugen House Japanese restaurants in Adelaide – and an homage to their twin loves of dining and design. ​“My wife Mira and I both absolutely love French cuisine – we have had a lot of beautiful meals at French restaurants around the globe in cities like New York, Chicago, Tokyo, Shanghai and many more,” shares Xie. “We also share a deep love for Japanese cuisine, and we wanted to combine the two in a non-traditional way in a new concept here in Melbourne.” An expert sushi team com

Effervescence enthusiasts and bubbles buffs, it's time to whip out your flutes. A popular festival entirely dedicated to sparkling wine and Champers is returning to Melbourne this year, and yes, we'd like a top up, please. Melbourne first hosted the Bubbles Festival in 2017, and since 2021 it’s cemented itself as a national festival, with this year’s shindig branching out from our fair city to also make a splash (slosh?) in Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. Gather your fellow bubble-loving friends: the event is taking place on April 20 at Bells Hotel, a historic pub and rooftop bar in South Melbourne with city skyline views. Sparkling wines from Victorian producers will be showcased at The Bubbles Festival, as will bubbles from across Australia, and international sparkling wines including Champagne. Each ticket includes a two-hour tasting session where you’ll enjoy more than ten types of sparkling in a Riedel Champagne tasting glass, and get to meet and chat to the growers and producers. Plus, tasty canapés will be on offer to pair with your glasses. Natalie Pickett, the founder of The Bubbles Festival, said: "I think that Champagne and sparkling wine are one of the joys of life and something to be shared. We love bringing all of these superb sparkling wines together with our followers at The Bubbles Festival”. Whether you’re a fizz connoisseur or looking for something fun to do with a fellow wine-loving pal, it's sure to be a luxe day out. Tickets to the fizz fest cost $

10 April 2024 update: Cowboys, hold your horses! A previous version of this article stated the opening date as April 12. We've just been informed that the launch has now been moved to April 18, which the updated article now reflects. For any enquiries regarding bookings or other concerns, you can contact the Moon Dog team on (03) 9428 2307. Saddle up, partner. On April 18, Moon Dog Wild West is storming into the old Franco Cozzo building in Footscray with plans to be the biggest beer lover's venue in Melbourne's west. At an impressive twice the size of Preston's Moon Dog World, the venue will span three levels with more than 100 taps and enough space for a merry flock of up to 800 patrons. We haven't been this excited about a new beer venue since, well, the last opening from the Moon Dog crew. After all, these guys sure know how to put on a good time – and the Wild West outpost is going to be the biggest and most ambitious booze-soaked wonderland of the lot.  You can anticipate a fun Wild West theme throughout, with swinging saloon doors, a bucking bull, horseshoe booths, a games arcade, a ranch-themed kids' play area and a barrel ageing room. But that's only the first floor, with the fun continuing upstairs.  Head to the second floor and you'll discover a honky tonk bar and live music stage, with pool tables, a jukebox and a balcony lounge. There's even a secret 'pianola bar' to swill a tipple of bourbon with others in the know. In good news for those who prefer their cockta

On the occasion a restaurant with national cult status makes its move to Melbourne, our enthusiasm isn’t always instantaneous. Sure, Sydney might rave on about a particular Italian lunch spot or buzzy bar crew, but does that mean it will be a surefire hit here in Victoria? Not necessarily. It’s with open minds my partner and I hit the road to visit the new Totti’s from hospo supergroup Merivale – 12 months young on the ground level of the Lorne Hotel, and the first interstate outpost for the Bondi-based brand.  We know the abridged version of the Totti’s story: this is fun, flavour-packed Italian fare that doesn’t take itself too seriously, with a glam roll call of cocktails and wood-fired flatbread that’s (supposedly) so good it’s gone viral on social media. We’re ready to see – and taste – if it all lives up to the hype.  The host is warm and welcoming and we’re escorted to a table by the open window. There’s a cruisy al fresco feeling to the space, despite the fact we’re technically sitting inside. The eatery itself is airy and modern, though there’s a hint of traditional Italian trattoria about it too, evident in long salami links that hang by the bar and handsome wooden chairs. You probably wouldn’t want to walk in wearing bathers and thongs, but true to Lorne’s vibe, the overall impression is easygoing and relaxed. I can see myself slipping in for a cocktail and a plate of antipasti, post-swim. We settle in and start with cocktails: a signature Totti’s Margarita and Ipe

Joining the leafy Greville Street strip in Prahran, Hopper Joint is a brand new Sri Lankan diner spotlighting – you guessed it – hoppers. For the uninitiated, a hopper is a thin, bowl-like pancake, named after the pan that lends the brekky staple its unique shape. It’s one of Sri Lanka’s best loved street foods and a tasty vehicle for curries, sambols and other traditional condiments celebrated in the cuisine.  Here, you'll be spoilt for choice at this self-proclaimed "hopper party every night", as each set comes with an array of flavourful accompaniments like okra curry, spicy prawn curry and coconut sambol, for example. You'll also spot string hoppers on the menu – soft discs of thin strands of batter that are just as delicious as their bowl-shaped relatives.    The vibrant 80-seat eatery is from restaurateur Jason Jones and interior designer Brahman Perera (known for collaborating on Entrecote across the road), so while the food might leave your hands a little messy, you can expect an exciting and elevated dining experience. The head chef is none other than Ronith Victor Arlikatti (Lakehouse, Marion, Sunda) who contributes his own family’s recipes to the mix, delivering genuine Sri Lankan heritage with a local Victorian twist. Start with small snacks like curried beef brisket pan rolls, barbecued jackfruit cutlets and bonda (potato and green chilli fritters) before moving onto your hopper set. It's $45.90 a head and you'll want to wash down all that saucy goodness down wi

For those who love the thrill of discovery, Melbourne’s a city that reads like a treasure map. From its laneways and hidden rooftops to its newly revived historic buildings, it seems that almost every nook and cranny in town conceals an exciting secret: some mysterious cocktail bar or subterranean eatery that rewards both those in the know and curious passers by alike. There’s now another such spot to add to your city hit list: Mill Place Merchants, a brand new speakeasy that harks back to Melbourne’s golden age. It’s tucked away in a heritage-listed 19th century building, down a laneway that was once known as a bustling hive for hat, soap, clothing and candle makers and traders. You enter the bar via a space disguised as a Victorian-era dressing room. Do a final fit check in front of a full-length mirror door, before entering a wardrobe that conceals the secret watering hole inside. Here, you’ll be entranced by opulent chandeliers and marine lights set against a backdrop of exposed stone walls. The room is adorned with a tasteful curation of vintage furniture and knick knacks that merchants would have collected on their various journeys. Photograph: Bonnie Savage The bar’s team is led by Paawan Engineer, who shares: “There has been a long history of speakeasies in Australia going back to the 1800s – working with a building from this time, we were inspired by the building’s history. It’s not retro or old fashioned, it’s original but pays homage to the classic.” Once you’ve

After weaving through the chaos of a garishly lit shopping centre, all you want is a bit of sun, peace, and a good coffee or bite to eat. Last year, Chadstone got the airy, light-filled Cityfields – a welcoming sky-high diner away from the noise.  Now, this year, Burwood Brickworks has scored a rooftop oasis of its own: Rombe. The tranquil all-day eatery has sprung up on the rooftop, affording visitors a nature-immersed dining experience with stunning vistas of the Dandenong Ranges.  Photograph: Supplied / Rombe The 2,500 sqm venue boasts an urban farm – an initiative from the shopping complex to further its sustainability measures – and three dedicated sections, including a restaurant, lush gardens and a former glass house that's been transformed into an event space. The garden is looked after by Cultivating Community, which is a local gardening organisation that provides employment and social connection for culturally and linguistically diverse communities.  It's the perfect set-up for Rombe's farm-to-table ethos, which sees chef Jerry Yi (Shihuishi, Red Spice Road) and his team source seasonal produce from the eatery’s garden for their cocktails and salads. Photograph: Supplied / Rombe For breakfast, dishes might include a salmon pastrami with soft egg, potato rosti and pickled fennel salad, with plenty of scope in the menu, too, to graze on classics like avocado toast, ricotta hotcakes and vadouvan eggs. Lunch plates feature daily made salads and mains like charcoal-

Want to escape to wine country? We’ve got plenty of places to pick from Down Under – Yarra Valley, McClaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Margaret River or the Hunter Valley, just to name a few. Within each region, you’ll find plenty of world-class vineyards and estates, offering top-tier drops at every price point. We're here to steer you in the right direction with our guide to the best wineries in Australia, but you can also take advice from The Real Review, one of Australia’s leading authorities in wine, who has just unveiled its highly anticipated annual list of the Top Wineries in Australia. Taking out the top spot for Winery of the Year Australia 2024 was Yarra Valley winery Yarra Yering. It's the fourth year in a row that a Victorian winery has taken out first prize. And it's not the first time Yarra Yering has taken the crown, having won it back in 2021. The judges gave special mention to Yarra Yering’s Carrodus Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, which achieved an almost-perfect score of 99 points, along with its 2022 Chardonnay and its Dry Red Wine No 1 Cabernet Blend. We'll take a case of each, please. And maybe the vino-tasting job, too?  Photograph: Supplied | Yarra YeringWinemaker Sarah Crowe This prestigious prize was awarded by a panel of the nation's top critics who sampled more than 10,000 wines around the country – but their final decision isn't made lightly. To ensure consistency, the ranking is determined by a proprietary algorithm, which considers the rating and recency

Joining the likes of Polly, Siglo and Candela Nuevo, there's a new rooftop bar in Melbourne serving up luxury cigars alongside its drinks. Christened Santana, the venue is a project from Abjar Kasho, the owner and founder of Bouvardia, which won our Best Cocktail Bar award in 2023. Abjar and his team soft-launched Santana near the end of March after planning the space for over a year in collaboration with sister duo design team Studio Martin. The bright Miami Art Deco fitout of former occupant Pomelo Rooftop (since closed) has been replaced with a slinky dark haven with neon red signage, warm accents and Melbourne weather-friendly touches for the cooler months. Yes, we can totally see ourselves heading upstairs for a spicy rum potion or two this winter. Aside from cigars, the bar also specialises in South American wine, cocktails and premium brown spirits.  Photograph: Supplied / Santana Rooftop Get your caffeine fix with a Dominicana, a blend of dark rum, Okar mocha coffee liqueur and cream, or cosy up with the Canelazo, a mix of white rum with orange, lime, cloves and cinnamon – this one's served warm. On the vino front, all bottles hail from Argentina and Chile, except two bubbly choices from Italy and France. The beer list is small, but it’s the spirits list where you can go wild and discover new territory – from Scottish whisky and Venezuelan rum to tequila, brandy and Cognac.  Located at Level 3, 169 Melbourne Place, the bar is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 4pm to

Get your wine glasses ready. The Real Review, one of Australia’s leading authorities in wine, has just unveiled its highly anticipated annual list that ranks the finest grape juice purveyors in the country – and some gorgeous New South Wales wineries (that are a reasonably short drive from Sydney) have made the cut.  The family-owned Tyrrell's Wines, located in the Lower Hunter’s Pokolbin, has been awarded the best winery in NSW for 2024, and also placed as the 12th-best winery in the country. By now, you’re probably well acquainted with the Tyrrell’s name, which is loved for their affordable yet quality vino. Meanwhile, Mount Pleasant took home 14th place, followed by fellow Hunter Valley cellar door, Brokenwood Wines, in 17th place. This can only mean one thing: our arms are twisted, and we're heading to the Hunter Valley. Photograph: Avril Treasure While, yes, it’s true that Victorian winery Yarra Yering did take home the coveted number one spot, and NSW didn't manage to get any wineries in the top 10, we’re choosing not to focus on that, and to celebrate our wines – sorry, I mean wins – because there are a bunch of them. Completing the top five of this year’s list was Henschke in second place (Eden Valley, South Australia), Wine by Farr in third (Geelong, Victoria), Penfolds in fourth (South Australia), and Oakridge in fifth (Yarra Valley, Victoria), which was last year's winner. Each year, a panel of the nation's top critics try more than 10,000 wines – but their fina

If you know, you know: Niku Shiki in Glen Waverley is a one-stop shop for some of the tastiest premium Wagyu available in Melbourne. Well, in good news for steak enthusiasts living or working closer to the CBD, the fresh meat specialist has just opened a sleek outlet at Melbourne Central. A butcher, contemporary Japanese diner and takeaway grocer all in one, the brand new venue is a carnivore’s paradise. Niku Shiki translates to ‘meat for all seasons’ in Japanese, and along with founder Kai Gu, hatted chef Ken Kee (Marble Yakiniku, Shoya, Shira Nui) has definitely made the venue live up to its name and pulled out all the stops. The high quality cuts are sourced from none other than Pardoo Wagyu in Western Australia and Stone Axe Wagyu, both renowned award-winners in the Wagyu world.  Photograph: Supplied / Niku Shiki If you’re on the go, stop in at the grab ‘n’ go kiosk and take your pick: we’re talking an epic range of premium Wagyu nigiri, tataki salads and other luxe sushi and sashimi bites. Alternatively, you can choose to dine in at the relaxed restaurant, where Kee has designed a menu to entice Japanese food enthusiasts and meat lovers alike. Steaming Wagyu sukiyaki hot pots make the perfect sharing dish for families and friends, while a diverse array of Wagyu donburi bowls combine melt-in-your mouth M9 Wagyu with perfectly cooked rice and condiments. You’ll also spot sandos, tacos, katsu rolls and more seafood-driven delights on the menu, plus a super tasty bento set

Planning a trip to the Yarra Valley? You'll definitely want to stop at Yarra Yering, which has just received the prestigious Winery of the Year Australia award for 2024. The Real Review, one of Australia’s leading authorities in wine, has just unveiled its highly anticipated annual rankings list and it's the fourth year in a row that a Victorian winery has taken out the top spot. And it's not the first time Yarra Yering has taken the crown, having won it back in 2021. Cheers to them! Photograph: Supplied / Yarra Yering “Achieving ‘Winery of the Year Australia’ status for the second time is a testament to winemaker Sarah Crowe’s exceptional talent, the hard work of the vineyard team led by Andrew George, and the consistent outstanding calibre of wines that Yarra Yering deliver year after year,” says the Real Review’s principal wine writer Huon Hooke.  “In the 2024 ranking, several of Yarra Yering’s wines separated them from the pack, including its Carrodus Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, which achieved a jaw-dropping 99 points, its stellar 2022 Chardonnay and its famous Dry Red Wine No 1 Cabernet Blend.” We'll take a case of each, please. And maybe the vino-tasting job, too? Each year, a panel of the nation's top critics try more than 10,000 wines – but their final decision isn't made lightly. To ensure consistency, the ranking is determined by a proprietary algorithm, which considers the rating and recency of reviews by the Real Review’s panel over two years.  Completing the top

When it comes to coffee, we Melburnians have long believed we’re home to some of the best in the world. And now, we've got the big guns to back it up: an expert panel from leading international dining publication Food & Wine has ranked the best cities in the world for coffee – and Melbourne nabbed tenth place.  The experts noted: "Melbourne's coffee scene is one more eclectic mix of cafés that each take their coffee just as seriously as those in Sydney. Proud Mary is a standout, offering not just exceptional coffee but also a little education around bean sourcing with every cup, and Acoffee offers on-site roasted coffee, making it some of the freshest you'll find in the city." Oh, and let's not forget one of our baristas from Axil's Coffee Roasters was just crowned the best in Australia this year. Photograph: Supplied / Axil Coffee Roasters But you might want to don your most mournful Melbourne blacks today, folks. While we've been recognised for our world-class bean brews – and yes, that's excellent news (and duh, didn't we know it already) – Sydney has outranked us.  Sydney came in swinging at third place thanks to its cafés like Single O, while the number one spot was taken out by Copenhagen in Denmark. The judges said: “The Danish capital is renowned for its quality-over-quantity approach, with coffee shops serving meticulously sourced beans and brewing award-winning cups.” Tokyo came in second place, winning marks for its range of coffee offerings, which include eve

We’re close enough to Easter now that we can taste it. No seriously, we can. It seems every bakery, café or eatery is doing an Easter special this year and who could blame them? Easter brings out the very best flavours: sugar, spice and lots and lots of chocolate. Below are our favourite Easter eats in town for 2024. Churro and chocolate Easter egg from Beatrix Bakes x Melbourne Cocoa Photograph: Supplied / Beatrix Bakes Natalie Paull from Beatrix Bakes has collaborated with Melbourne Cocoa this year to craft a milk and white chocolate egg. You'll detect festive notes of cinnamon, sweet vanilla and caramelised waffle in the delicious egg – all inspired by the flavour of churros, one of the recipes from Beatrix Bakes' new cookbook, Another Slice. They’re available for a limited time only at select retailers or online at the Melbourne Cocoa website. Gelato-filled Easter eggs from Pidapipo Photograph: Supplied / Piccolina It's always an egg-citing time when Piccolina launches a new delicious gelato creation. This Easter, the beloved ice cream shop has released its much loved, limited edition gelato-filled Easter eggs. There are three new nostalgic flavours to choose from, including Milo, Banoffee and Baileys Cheesecake, meticulously designed and handmade by Piccolina's team of pastry chefs and gelato makers. Each egg will set you back $39, serves at least two to four chocaholics, and comes in a limited edition gift box. Purchase one in-store or online.   Good Friday fish pi

In a city as ridiculously beautiful as Sydney – home of turquoise seas, lush bushland and a sparkling harbour, not to mention a certain bridge and a house with sails – why settle for a drink when you can have a drink and a view? Us Sydneysiders know our city is home to some bloody great rooftop bars. Now, we can lay claim to having some of the best in the whole wide world, thanks to a brand-new ranking of the globe’s top sky-high drinking spots. If that doesn’t call for a cheers, we don’t know what will. Ten of our beloved Sydney rooftop bars nabbed a spot on the list, the result of an intensive study by Mandoe Media. The company analysed 703,289 online customer reviews from 997 bars across 135 global cities to come up with a definitive grading of the 200 best watering holes on the planet. TripAdvisor ratings, drinks prices and Instagram shares were all taken into account, and the results are now in. Ready? The highest Sydney bar to rank on the list at number ten was Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, the sprawling waterfront venue where the rosé is always crisp, the Eastern Suburb bros are out in full force and the prawns are fresh. (And we’re not saying everything is a competition, but we beat Melbourne, as their top bar came in 15th place.) Coming in at 34th place, Coogee Pavilion is the breezy oceanfront boozer with delicious eats, drinks and cracking sea views. Photograph: Anna Kucera Next up in 43rd spot was Sydney favourite The Glenmore Hotel in The Rocks, which is an ever-

The world’s largest marketplace for surplus food, Too Good To Go, is coming to Australia with an exclusive launch soon in Melbourne. The genius idea (the brainchild of a Danish-born social impact company) is a free mobile marketplace that retailers, restaurants, bakeries and cafés can use to sell their surplus food. It's currently active in 17 countries including the US, Canada, the UK and nations across Europe, with 90 million registered users.  All you need to do is download the app, where you can order 'Too Good To Go Surprise Bags' full of delicious unsold food at half of the original price or less. It's a win-win situation for everyone.  It's no secret that food waste is a massive problem across the globe. From bakeries shovelling unsold bread into bins at the end of the day to supermarkets throwing out fast-expiring stock, it's a heartbreaking sight. Especially when we think about the issues around hunger and food affordability facing disadvantaged communities – not to mention the harmful effect waste has on our climate. In 2021, the National Food Waste Baseline reported that Australia produces 7.6 million tonnes of food waste per year. That's the equivalent of 312 kilograms per capita. Food waste also contributes to ten per cent of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. According to research from Project Drawdown, reducing food waste is the number one action people can take to help tackle climate change. The launch of Too Good To Go will support the Australian government’

Update March 28: Y'all must've been thirsty, because CBCo Brewery sold out of Goldy's within 16 minutes, so unfortunately the giveaway won't be running for the second day. If you're anything like us, your Easter plans include sinking a cold frothy in the sun. You could grab a pint at a beer garden or one of these pubs and restaurants keeping their doors open over the long weekend. Or if you're saving your hard-earned pennies, you could get a free slab from CBCo Brewery in Port Melbourne instead. No kidding! To celebrate the launch of their newly released beer, Goldy Lager, these brewing legends will be giving it away on both Wednesday, March 27 and Thursday, March 28 from noon until sold out. All you need to do is cart along an esky and they'll fill it up with ice and a maximum of 24 cans of the good stuff. How's that for a generous offer? Goldy Lager is a refreshing, easy-drinking type of beer that's been brewed for longer to create a smooth taste – yep, we can definitely see ourselves sipping on several of these bad boys in the park with friends. Photograph: Supplied / CBCo Brewing Perhaps you're wondering what's in the fine print. Well, there's a maximum of 24 cans (or one standard esky) per person per day, so don't try any funny business (you know, like wearing a fake moustache to go back for seconds, etc.) But other than that, you're good to go. All up, the Goldy crew is expecting to give away 100 cartons of beer (that's 2,400 cans) over the campaign. The 'Fill Your E