The best new restaurants in Melbourne

Whether it’s your first date or 10th anniversary, Society promises a night to remember. Melbourne’s new supper-club has been brewing for four years and the doors are finally open. Statement crystal chandeliers twinkle above as lamplight glows on curvaceous booth seating. Sip caviar-topped martinis in the lounge before succumbing to Japanese-inspired or Euro-style cuisine. Back open 5 November.

Head to Hosier Lane to visit this new Mexican Cantina. Fresh bites like herb loaded tostada, jalapeno agave oysters and crispy fish tacos make for a refined street food feast. The marg menu is just as stacked, with eight different styles on rotation. Reopening from 5 November, book now.

From the legends behind Sunda comes Melbourne's latest Little Collins hideaway. The menu of hearty feeds ranges from turmeric mayo mussels to grass-fed rib eye and dry aged duck. There's also fusion delights like black garlic egg noodles, spanner crab fried rice and kaya jam waffles. Reopening from 5 November, book online.

Named for that classic gin cocktail, Gimlet is all class. An airy, elegant space in the 1920s Cavendish House building, it features a marble bar and plush booth seating. This recent addition to Andrew McConnell’s empire offers contemporary, European-inspired fare. The menu is driven by the seasons – as is the gin and tonic, which is tweaked through the year. Reopening from November, bookings open online 11 October.

Nitro theatrics, neon signs and immersive projections await in this Sichuan foodie paradise. Book in for an Asian fusion feast of deluxe sashimi, premium wagyu, Peking duck and chargrilled BBQ. The signature grilled fish is served whole, arriving at your table in a bubbling tray of all things spicy and delicious. Back open from 6 November.

Farmer's Daughter is a three-storey culinary wonderland dedicated to all things local and delicious. Food is sourced from Gippsland's finest producers, and they even grow their own garnishes on the rooftop bar. Start with a spicy margarita, feast on slow-roasted lamb shoulder then finish with house-made campfire berry marshmallow. Reopening from 26 October, book online now.

Visit the historic Normanby Chambers Building for Scott Pickett's latest dining experience. The bistro fitout has a touch of old world opulence while the menu brings classic Euro fine-dining. House dry-aged meats, Hervey bay scallops with finger lime and an exquisite gin-soaked raspberry baba are just a sample of what's on offer. Reopening from 5 November, book online.

Just opened in Melbourne's 1.24 billion dollar Collins Arch Building is the city's first ever W Hotel. Inside you'll find Lollo, the hotel's main dining room with a menu from renowned local chef Adam D'Sylva. Classic fine dining dishes like steak tartare, ricotta tortellini and confit tomato tart are menu staples. But there's also some fancy fusion on offer - like the popular duck lasagne. Reopening from 5 November.

What started as a tiny hawker stall is now an epic noodle wonderland in Hardware Lane. As the name suggests, Lulu's specialises in char koay tweo - the smoky, sticky flat noodle fave from Malaysia. Other must-try dishes include the white curry mee, a rich laksa broth served with crispy pork belly. Or try the mee jawa, a noodle dish served with blood clams, prawns and fresh lime. Open now for takeaway, or walk ins after lockdown.

Reopening for bookings soon

Read up on these new foodie faves, then stay tuned to their socials for more info on when they'll be back.

Traditional interiors, a modern menu and world-famous Peking duck. You're in for a feast at Old Beijing. Start with plump xiao long bao and mountainous spicy noodles. Then move onto slow braised pork belly, fresh oysters and the signature duck. The drinks menu is classic with a twist. We'll be ordering shiso gimlets and Szechuan sours until closing time. Back open soon - stay tuned to their social media for info.

From boozy bircher to condensed coconut milk cocktails, La Madonna is a foodie mecca for any time of day. Luxe menu items include spanner crab pasta, dry aged roast duck and a sinful dark chocolate cannoli. Or grab something light to go with their house-made liqueurs, like charred broccolini, kingfish crudo or chicken wing parmagiana.

Part of ACMI's mammoth new makeover includes a sleek all day diner, led by celebrated chef Karen Martini. Interiors are clean, crisp and perfectly mood-lit, with quirky portraits adorning the walls. The menu focuses on seasonal, organic produce, from delicate pasta dishes to Cape Grim steak and fresh chocolate babka.