The best new venues coming soon to Melbourne
Mark your diaries. These new restaurants and bars will be must-visits when they open in Melbourne.
Garfield Pizzeria
297 Lygon Street, Carlton (King & Godfree building)
What's happening to the King & Godfree building? Wonder no more. A new Japanese-inspired pizza shop will be launching there in January 2026. Garfield Pizzeria will serve the classics, along with some more inventive slices. Think fermented pineapple hawaiian pizzas and house-made barbecue sauce. As for the rest of the building? The basement cellar will soon host a late-night cocktail and music bar. And in the main space, expect an all-day neighbourhood osteria and wine bar. And yes — Pidapipo and Johnny's Green Room rooftop are sticking around!
Cleo
130 Russell Street, Melbourne
The glorious rooftop views above Hyde Melbourne Place will be back very soon. The former Mid Air bar has been replaced by Cleo, a sleek Mediterranean restaurant. The space is undergoing a refurbishment, with long communal dining tables and a new look on the way. Plus, a new head chef. Grab a seat by the iconic windows when it opens in December.
New venues from the Merivale Group
Various locations
A slew of new venues are coming soon from the hospo heavyweight behind Totti's. The team just launched LB's Record Bar in one of Melbourne's most iconic laneways. The Meyers Place bar boasts a vinyl-only soundtrack, live music and local DJs. It's the first Melbourne venue for Justin Hemme's Merivale, with more slated to open soon. The group's properties include Tomasetti House in Flinders Lane and the Parkade car park on Little Collins, watch this space to find out more! In the meantime, we'll keep dreaming about Totti's opening in Melbourne CBD.
Roma and Sergio's
120 Collins Street, Melbourne
Con Christopoulos is transforming a Collins Street courtyard into a little slice of Italy. The restaurateur is behind iconic Melbourne hotspots Siglo, Kirk's Wine Bar and Kafeneion. So you can expect the food and vibes to be equally exceptional. Opening in December, Roma will be a sophisticated yet laid-back trattoria, inspired by its namesake city. Next door you'll find Sergio's, a bar and record store. There'll also be a casual kiosk with gelato and toasties to follow.
Côte Basque
25 Crossley Street, Melbourne
Gimlet's Andrew McConnell is opening a new European grill in a heritage building. Located down a laneway in the former home of Becco, the restaurant will be inspired by the beautiful Basque Coast in northern Spain. We're imagining simple dishes teeming with fresh produce. The original green terrazzo floors will stay and the restaurant will spill out onto the street for alfresco dining. Côte Basque is due to open in winter 2026.
More of the best new spots in Melbourne
Disuko
A day-to-night Japanese rooftop, restaurant and vinyl-backed cocktail bar, inspired by 1980s Tokyo.
Waterside Hotel
Dine between destinations with a layered experience of Melbourne hospitality inspired by Asia.
1 Hotel Melbourne
The city's natural beauty and vibrant heritage converges on the serene banks of the Yarra River.
Maison Bâtard
Chris Lucas' Maison Bâtard heralds a grand new legacy for a heritage Bourke Street site.
The Lodge Dining Room
The pièce de résistance of Rodd & Gunn’s flagship — a destination for elevated hospitality.
Last updated on Tue 9 Dec 2025
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