Date night
- Review
- South Yarra
This Melbourne icon divides food snobs – but our critic keeps going back
It may not be Melbourne’s best French restaurant. But it might be the city’s best-loved bistro.
- Besha Rodell
- Review
- Barangaroo
This cosy Japanese-Korean cook-your-own grill house channels campfire vibes in the city
Grab a booth and cover the table with small, funky dishes and beautiful meats to grill over your own communal fire.
- Terry Durack
- Review
- Marrickville
Stonkingly good bar food and Euro aesthetic set this stylish inner west spot apart
Pets and children are welcome at new Marrickville small bar We Three, run by a mother-and-daughter duo serving excellent snacks.
- Lenny Ann Low
- Review
- Thornbury
Meet the meaty main that’s so convincing, vegans have sent it back to the kitchen
Restaurant-bar Ballard’s, and its plant-based food, is anything but bland.
- Dani Valent
- Review
- St Kilda
There isn’t a house wine here, but there are ‘house oysters’ (and they don’t get better)
Let yourself be steered off-road and try a different pairing at oyster and wine bar The Walrus.
- Dani Valent
- Review
- Carlton
Not too fancy, not too casual, this bistro finds the Goldilocks zone (and brings the ’90s back)
Nostalgic for those elegant bistros of the not-too-distant past? Even if you weren’t there, you’ll recognise the appeal of this Carlton newcomer.
- Besha Rodell
- Review
- Sydney
Does Merivale magic strike again at Good Luck Restaurant Lounge?
Justin Hemmes’ latest venue is a high-energy rabbit warren of a space with a menu that’s just as super-charged.
- Terry Durack
- Review
- Chippendale
Good Food Guide editor reveals his go-to spot for a slap-up meal (and it’s Nigella approved)
There’s nothing quite like this caviar-topped dish in Sydney, and there isn’t a restaurant quite like Ester either.
- Callan Boys
- Review
- Armadale
A little Japanese, a little French but a lot to love at this Armadale passion project
Don’t be deterred by the words “fusion food”. At this High Street newcomer, two cuisines meld with sensitivity and purpose.
- Dani Valent
- Review
- Fitzroy
‘One of the more affordable omakase restaurants, up there with those that cost double’
Shusai Mijo’s midweek “cut and cook” menu is a hot proposition, no wonder it’s booked out through May already.
- Besha Rodell