New Melbourne spots that are worth the hype

Wondering if those lines are worth it? We've done the legwork to confirm these new hotspots live up to their reputation.

A floating bar with a pool and palm trees, on the river in the city on a sunny day.
A tray with two burgers in sesame seed buns with chicken poking out and sauce oozing down, loaded fries and patties.

Seoul Tiger 1988

Unique burgers inspired by Korean flavours and culture.

The inside of a carefully curated bookstore with shelves of books.

Books Kinokuniya

A real bookstore wth a curated selection of literature, manga, children's books and gifts.

The deck of Afloat on the Yarra River, with tables and chairs, a low wading pool, palm trees and views of city buildings in the background.

Afloat Yamas Greece

Melbourne’s favourite floating bar and restaurant has returned unveiling Yamas Greece.

A take-away box of six crullers, all with different flavoured icing.

Moon Cruller

Moon makes crullers, deep-fried choux pastry, glazed in rotating flavours.

Looking down at the bar counter at LB's Record Bar, with people drinking and socialising, under a large mirror ball, with warm and atmospheric reddish lighting.

LB's Record Bar

A vinyl-only, agave-forward cocktail bar featuring a rotation of local DJs and music talent.

Freshly baked French pastries and cookies, on display on gold platters.

Maison Bake

A homey little bakery cafe serving baked goods, coffee and matcha.

Vegan savoury dishes with a tall drink with straw and orange slice.

Smith + Deli

A plant-based deli-turned-tapas-bar on Degraves Street.

A very narrow shopfront with four stairs going up to the glass door, sandwiched between two other very narrow shopfronts.

Super Taco

A tiny taqueria inspired by Mexico City, where they make fresh corn tortillas and tacos every day.

Warmly lit restaurant interior with bench and table seating, open kitchen and overnight strip lights.

Delmonte

A neighbourhood wine room and restaurant in the heart of Carlton, built for any occasion.

Customers dining outside under an awning at a pizzeria.

Garfield Pizzeria

Serving simple, ingredient-led pizzas with seasonal toppings.

A spread of Singaporean dishes including noodles, chicken and sauces presented on white plates.

Wee Nam Kee

Singapore’s iconic Hainanese chicken rice, now serving authentic flavors in the heart of Melbourne.

Brick-lined wine bar with round tables and seating, with wall of windows opening onto a courtyard.

The Florence

A new wine bar serving fine Italian wines, cocktails and small plates.

More new spots to explore in Melbourne

A busy restaurant with people dining and drinking at a bar surrounded by purple neon lights

The best new restaurants in Melbourne

Find Melbourne's best new spots for drinking, dining and all-round good times.

A jewellery boutique with marble displays and pendant lights.

The best new shops in Melbourne

Break out of your shopping rut at Melbourne's new boutiques, blockbuster openings and local labels.

A man ordering from a laneway coffee window.

The best new cafes and bakeries in Melbourne

The best new spots for brunch, iced coffee, pastries and more.

A group of women dining outside a cafe among greenery.

The best new venues coming soon to Melbourne

Be first to know about these new restaurants, bars and cafes opening soon in Melbourne.

Last updated on Tue 29 Sep 2026

Only In The City

Only in the City
Inside a bustling market hall

Things you can only see in the city

Uncover secret rooms, historic architecture and iconic landmarks found only in the city.

A family of four standing in a grand library with antique desks, large white walls and a dome ceiling.

Things you can only do in the city

There's only one place to find these rare Melbourne experiences and secret spots.

Multiple plates on a white table cloth.

Things you can only eat in the city

Where to find the city's most iconic dishes.

Discover more

Bowl full of dumplings next to a drink.

Casual dining

From workday lunches to relaxed dinners, make the most of Melbourne's most affordable dining spots.

Sun lit city street with pedestrians

The ultimate guide to Flinders Lane

Where to eat, drink and shop on one of Melbourne's most iconic streets.

People walking past cafes in a busy laneway.

A foodie's guide to Equitable Place

Find hole-in-the-wall cafes and hidden gem lunch spots in this tiny dining strip.

Restaurant decorated with balloons.

Errol's Cafe

Homely and hearty meals in North Melbourne's bustling Errol Street.