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Melbourne

Red velvet seats and timber panelling has helped transform a onetime bike shop into a rococo bordello.
Critics' Pick

‘Glammed-up bordello appeal’: this southside bar is part of a trend we’ve fallen for

Come for the stellar French wine list and stay for the snacks at this exciting update to one of the city’s best-loved bistros.

  • Besha Rodell
The CKT at Lulu's Char Koay Teow in Melbourne's CBD.

Lulu’s Char Koay Teow

Squid char mee made with Hokkien noodles at Lulu’s Char Koay Teow.

Perry’s is an all-day cafe at Valley Lake estate, hosued in a former quarry.

One of Melbourne’s most perfectly situated cafes is hiding in plain sight

You’d never stumble upon this local hangout, on the banks of a picturesque lake, by accident.

  • Dani Valent
Go-to dish: Goat’s cheese souffle.
14/20

Discover fluffy souffle near Puffing Billy at this local favourite in the hills

Cognoscenti, a bistro from an ex-Donovans trio, is worth building into a day trip or a Dandenong Ranges weekend.

  • Dani Valent
Tortelli filled with asparagus, goat’s cheese and wild garlic sings of the fragility of seasons, food, life.
Good Food hat15/20

Eat it and weep: The pasta dish so good it brought our critic to tears

It’s been a decade of masterful pasta and good cheer from Tipo 00, the city Italian joint that’s become a Melbourne drawcard.

  • Besha Rodell
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Khao Man Gai

Convenient pit-stop for Bangkok-style chicken rice.

Takeaway kiosk Eek Charm is cute, cheap and convenient.

This hole-in-the-wall is one of the cutest (and cheapest) food spots in Melbourne

Thai noodle takeaway Eek Charm is wedged between an escape room and a hairdresser in a city laneway.

  • Dani Valent

Jojo Little Kitchen

Choose-your-own-adventure spot for Malaysia’s favourite noodles.

The Hardware Club is located in the heritage-listed Hardware House building.

The Hardware Club

Join up for hearty flavours and understated cool.

Garam Merica

Lunch treats wrapped in banana leaves.