The best new restaurants in Melbourne

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.

Hosier Lane just welcomed a tiny new Mexican cantina in the form of Tres a Cinco. 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 8 different styles on rotation. There's strawberry margs, passionfruit margs, frozen margs, classic margs, margs served with charred pineapple and so much more.

Who doesn't love authentic Italian comfort food? Probably all your GF and vegan friends - but now there's no need for them to miss out. This gorgeous new Lygon Street diner is serving plant-based, gluten-free versions of all your foodie faves. Think rich and creamy tiramisu, buckwheat gnocchi, handcrafted pasta and an innovative cocktail menu. Swing by on Fridays from 4pm to 6pm for $10 drinks and snacks during aperitivo hour.

Located in the historic Normanby Chambers Building, the latest from the Pickett hospo dynasty quietly opened just before Christmas. 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.

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, nibble on pork skewers and soda bread, feast with a juicy slow-roasted lamb shoulder then finish with house-made campfire berry marshmallow. Bliss.

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. Finish your evening in the basement bar for a neon-lit cocktail adventure.

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. Enjoy before or after the upcoming Disney exhibit.

In the former Peaches space, Dom's Pizzeria and Social Club kind of showed up out of nowhere. Follow the neon blue sign poking out onto Swanston Street up a narrow staircase and emerge in a three-level pizza wonderland. And yes, the rooftop bar is back in action.

B.EAST has finally landed with new digs on Swanston Street. Think retro decor, slushy margaritas and all your fave loaded burgers. Pair your bevs with the crispy tonkatsu pork burger, triple decker beef patty creations, crunchy pickle plates and sinful poutine. On Mondays the B.EAST crew offer OTT vegan soul food feasts, so plant-based burger lovers can indulge too.

A little sliver of building between Cartier and Christian Louboutin leads the way to INDU. Find Sri Lankan and Southern Indian fusion with crispy besan fritters, cured kingfish, gun powder barramundi curry and fresh lemon rice. Finish on signature mint granita and chocolate cardamom mousse for pure indulgence.

Looking ahead? The Lucas Group is set to open two new venues in the towering 80 Collins precinct. Stay tuned for the mysterious Society Restaurant, and a Japanese-inspired skewer spot called Yakimono.