France-Soir in South Yarra.
14/20

This Melbourne icon divides food snobs – but our critic keeps going back

It may not be Melbourne’s best French restaurant. But it might be the city’s best-loved bistro.

  • Besha Rodell
Galbi wagyu short rib on the grill.
14.5/20

This cosy Japanese-Korean cook-your-own grill house channels campfire vibes in the city

Grab a booth and cover the table with small,funky dishes and beautiful meats to grill over your own communal fire.

  • Terry Durack
Ali Gibson Roy behind the bar.

Stonkingly good bar food and Euro aesthetic set this stylish inner west spot apart

Pets and children are welcome at new Marrickville small bar We Three,run by a mother-and-daughter duo serving excellent snacks.

  • Lenny Ann Low
Go-to dish:The oyster selection is fun to slurp your way around the Australian coast.
14/20

There isn’t a house wine here,but there are ‘house oysters’ (and they don’t get better)

Let yourself be steered off-road and try a different pairing at oyster and wine bar The Walrus.

  • Dani Valent
Peek inside Bistra to find white-clothed tables and whitewashed walls.
14.5/20

Not too fancy,not too casual,this bistro finds the Goldilocks zone (and brings the ’90s back)

Nostalgic for those elegant bistros of the not-too-distant past? Even if you weren’t there,you’ll recognise the appeal of this Carlton newcomer.

  • Besha Rodell
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Energy levels are high across the vast rabbit warren of a space.
Good Food hatGood Food hat16/20

Does Merivale magic strike again at Good Luck Restaurant Lounge?

Justin Hemmes’ latest venue is a high-energy rabbit warren of a space with a menu that’s just as super-charged.

  • Terry Durack
Baked egg,caviar,sweet corn puree.
Good Food hatGood Food hat16.5/20

Good Food Guide editor reveals his go-to spot for a slap-up meal (and it’s Nigella approved)

There’s nothing quite like this caviar-topped dish in Sydney,and there isn’t a restaurant quite like Ester either.

  • Callan Boys
Gemini is a cafe by day,and wine bar by night.
13.5/20

‘Tough economic climates are temporary,but community is forever’:Why Gemini is a gem

This crowd-funded cafe,bar,restaurant and pantry has changed Coburg for the better. If you’re local,you’re lucky.

  • Dani Valent
King prawn dumplings with tapioca “caviar”.

These ‘genius’ dumplings are not what you might expect at a typical suburban Thai

Charlong is clever,creative,run by women and could only be in Melbourne.

  • Dani Valent
Sushi platter.
Good Food hat15/20

A little Japanese,a little French but a lot to love at this Armadale passion project

Don’t be deterred by the words “fusion food”. At this High Street newcomer,two cuisines meld with sensitivity and purpose.

  • Dani Valent