The best new restaurants in Melbourne

A little bit of Paris comes to Melbourne at this charming sunlit bistro and wine bar. The in-house sommelier at Harriot has paid close attention to the wine list which features the very best European and Australian drops. For something to eat, keep it simple with plat du jur or go a la carte. For the latter start with confit duck toast or oysters with pumpkin and mandarin. As for the main event feast on beef tartar, kingfish with blood orange and polenta ravioli with black truffle. And in true French style finish with a cheese plate or a tarte tartin.

From a Collins Street courtyard to a little slice of Italy. Roma Ristorante is a sophisticated yet laid-back trattoria, inspired by its namesake city. This new spot comes from Con Christopoulos, the restaurateur behind iconic Melbourne hotspots Kirk's Wine Bar and Kafeneion. Start with a visit to the marble antipasti bar where you can fill a plate with salami, olives, cheese and anchovies. Then order whole fish, house made pastas and traditional Italian desserts. Come back for breakfast on the terrace, or grab gelato and toasties from the takeaway kiosk.

A new late-night French restaurant has opened and everything on the menu is just $14. And yes, that includes cocktails on tap! Expect classic bistro-style share plates, French Champagne and loud Parisian party vibes. There's also roaming trolleys and tableside service.

Hidden in a moody Flinders Lane basement is a steak house worth adding to your list. Select your cut – from Wagyu and T-bone to aged ribeye and grass-fed eye fillet. Then let the masters in the II.II.VI kitchen get to work on the flaming custom-built grill. Add your favourite sauce – peppercorn, bearnaise, red wine jus or chimichurri – and tuck in. Be sure to order sides to share like grilled asparagus, Dutch carrots and garlic aioli French fries.

Japanese-inspired hand rolls, Chinese-style claypot rice and miso-braised leek and lobster XO donuts. Lexy's menu is big on pan-Asian cuisine with a modern twist. Take a seat in one of the cosy booths or get amongst the action at the bar where theatrical, smoky cocktails bring the drama. Be sure to check out the special offers for dining deals, limited-time experiences and more. 

Calling all seafood lovers! We've found an entire restaurant dedicated to the beloved Australian mud crab. Ministry of Crab's Melbourne outpost offers up standout seafood dishes a big flavour punch. Start by choosing your preferred size – from medium all the way up Godzilla weighing in at a minimum of 2kg. Your crustacean will then be cooked in a blend of spices like garlic chilli or a fiery Sri Lankan curry. Add a side of kade bread and steamed rice to mop up the juices.

Melbourne's only restaurant with a focus on oden has just landed in the CBD. This Japanese stew features a simmering dashi broth loaded with ingredients like tofu, fish cakes, egg, radish and more. Warm up with this traditional dish then add a few sides to compliment your meal. Try chicken meatball skewers, lightly seared tuna and market fish with yuzu dressing. Then browse the drinks menu with a big emphasis on high-quality sake.