Sophisticated dining at Punch Lane in Melbourne’s CBD.
14.5/20

Punch Lane

If sophisti-casual was a word,this place would define it.

Prawn toast joins the snack-heavy menu at 81 Bay,the wine bar next to Baix.

Baix&81 Bay

Ian Curley’s luxe Brighton restaurant and wine bar.

  • Tomas Telegramma
Flora’s friendliness is so outsized,it ends up embracing everyone.
Good Food hat15/20

A second hat in a month for the Continental Deli crew in Newtown – and this time it’s vego

Sure,Flora’s menu is designed for vegetarians but the venue’s friendliness is so outsized,it ends up embracing everyone.

  • Lee Tran Lam
Arbory is a seasonal floating bar on the Yarra River.

Arbory Afloat

Seasonal floating bar for long,boozy lunches on the Yarra.

  • Quincy Malesovas
Bar Bellamy in Carlton is thriving,to the point where its owners are ready to expand.

Flying high or calling last drinks:What’s happening with your favourite Melbourne bars?

Some old favourites are closing for good while other spots are packed. What’s going on with Melbourne’s independent bar scene? And why are more venues opening in such a tough economy?

  • Fred Siggins
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Lunetta,Canberra.
Good Food hat15/20

Canberra’s newest hatted restaurant is a beacon of big-night energy

“Whatever the pasta is,order it,” says our critic of Lunetta,where a young chef is charcoal-grilling high on the hill.

  • David Matthews
14.5/20

Itching to get out of town? This cosy waterside restaurant is your new weekend destination

Chillis Cottage in Davistown is an excellent spot to enjoy oysters,cinnamon scrolls,breakfast omelettes and gelato sundaes.

  • Callan Boys
Baked vodka pasta and other dishes at Gambino’s rooftop bar.

Gambino Restaurant&Rooftop

A moody Italian restaurant with a casual rooftop bar one level up.

  • Emma Breheny
Outside Gracie’s on Toorak Road.

Gracie’s Wine Room

Chilled wine and share plates in a sun-drenched courtyard.

  • Emily Holgate andTomas Telegramma
Collingwood’s Bendigo Hotel.

Bendigo Hotel

Longtime live music haunt now home to a local craft brewery.

  • Daniela Frangos