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Contemporary

Various dishes from Eightysix.

Eightysix

A lively hotspot for shared dining.

  • David Matthews
The warehouse space on Flinders Lane trades from noon until late.
Good Food hat15.5/20

Andrew McConnell’s genre-defining dining room comes of age, and is as buzzy as ever

Cumulus Inc. invented the Melbourne wine-bar-slash-restaurant game, and remains a standard-bearer of great service, fantastic wine and exciting share plates.

  • Besha Rodell
Found Subiaco.
14.5/20

WA pioneered the modern craft brew pub. Venues like this are leading the way forward

Led by a promising new cooking talent, this 300-person Subiaco address is both preserving and advancing local (brew) pub culture.

  • Max Veenhuyzen
Whole Beast Butchery.

Whole Beast Butchery

A nose-to-tail butcher shop selling dry-aged cuts and deli goods.

  • Bianca Hrovat

If you’re looking for new, fun and exciting date night options, this bar nails the brief

Live jazz, a friendly crowd and a crisp, briny and savoury spin on the daiquiri are the order of the day at Odd Culture’s brand new York Street bar.

  • Myffy Rigby
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Chauvel citrus-fed wagyu rib-eye steak, pictured with beans with tarragon and feta.
Good Food hat15/20

Does Rockpool still sizzle? Good Food revisits the riverside steak stalwart 20 years on

Fewer venues in town boast such a massive menu, and such wide appeal, but the exacting service has slipped.

  • Besha Rodell
Inside the cheery all-day cafe.

Bookings, hash browns, all-day breakfast: Cheery cafe a return to Melbourne’s glory days

Beautiful Jim Key’s menu and bookings policy will remind you why you go out for brunch.

  • Emma Breheny
Atmosphere is always on the menu at Agnes.

Agnes

Flame-licked dining in a former dairy co-op.

  • Matt Shea
Thirstville is a bottle shop and bar in Marrickville.

Thirstville Bottleshop & Bar

Browse 1200 boutique wines and 250 craft beers at this neighbourhood bottle-o.

  • Bianca Hrovat
Mishy's, Surry Hills.
14/20

Mishy’s is like a big-hearted dinner party. So why aren’t more people talking about it?

With hand-selected market fare, $600 worth of crystals and a menu reminiscent of Three Blue Ducks, this beautiful, sunlit restaurant has a bright creativity and personality all its own.

  • Bianca Hrovat