Bar Spontana’s fitout features brick walls,exposed roof trusses and colourful artwork.
14/20

Funk,fire and fantastic cocktails:This secret bar might be the Thai diner of your dreams

Bar Spontana is one of those spots that feels like a secret,and a really juicy secret at that.

  • Besha Rodell
Casa Chino is a moody space with a long list of cocktails to go with the Peruvian-Chinese food.

Fusion food gets a bad rap,but this beautiful new Brunswick restaurant breaks the mould

Behind a heavy wooden door you’ll find Casa Chino – a special new spot for chifa,Peru’s beloved mash-up of local ingredients with Cantonese cooking.

  • Emma Breheny
Bright blue noren (bunting) surrounds the bar counter.
14/20

One of the city’s standout Japanese cafes has a new home and new night moves

Asa yoru means day and night,which sums up the change for Ima Cafe,now in bigger premises with izakaya-style bar snacks.

  • Larissa Dubecki
Cosy French Bar Magnolia
14/20

‘Honest,interesting,fatty’:This cosy Brunswick newcomer is the stuff of French bistro fantasies

This is real,unpretentious French cooking,and it’s ‘bloody lovely’,reviews Larissa Dubecki.

  • Larissa Dubecki
French cooking technique is on show at Magnolia.

Magnolia bistro brings French flair to a century-old space on Sydney Road

Behind leadlight windows lies a Euro-style bistro serving comforting classics like steak with Bordelaise sauce,creme brulee and more.

  • Emma Breheny
Advertisement
Misoya Special ramen with pork belly,jammy egg and miso.

Fact:Melbourne winter goes better with ramen. Head to Misoya Sake Bar for proof

The Japanese noodle soup is made with appropriate dedication and there’s pay-off in every spoonful.

  • Dani Valent
Arepitas topped with confit duck.
14/20

Tino brings a taste of Latin America to Sydney Road

This Brunswick restaurant-bar presents a lovely overview of Central and South America (plus why you should visit on the 29th of each month).

  • Besha Rodell
Small Axe's signature breakfast pasta:maccaruni with guanciale,peas,mint,salted ricotta and a slow-cooked egg.

Small Axe serves one of Melbourne's most iconic brunches

Bacon and eggs on toast take a trip from Brunswick to Sicily and back again.

  • Dani Valent
Spinach chaat.

Brunswick's Bhang is a different kind of hit

Bhang's Indian food is based in tradition but it's happy to take some Melbourne hook turns too.

  • Dani Valent
Go-to dish:Hot and sweet chicken wings.
13.5/20

Rug up for a taste of Cameroon in a Melbourne gravel lot

The food coming out of this shipping container is dynamic,filling,comforting and,at times,thrilling.

  • Besha Rodell