The go-to dish:Chilli oil parfait is a riot of bold flavours.
Good Food hat15/20

Lygon Street favourite gets a new chef,and a hot new ‘mind-bending’ chilli oil dessert

Always a place that showcases Melbourne dining,Etta has been reinvigorated by a new chef bringing Asian-influenced flavours to the fore.

  • Besha Rodell
Plate 2 with beef brisket,pork belly and fries and hot wings.

Y’all are welcome to join the smoky,charry action at this Texas-inspired brisket joint

The co-owners of Brisket Boys travelled to the US to try every style of American-style barbecue. Now they’ve brought melty slow-cooked meats to Penrith.

  • Lenny Ann Low
Donovans in St Kilda.
Good Food hat15/20

Birthdays,parties,anything:This beloved bayside restaurant is the definition of dependable

Dismiss Donovans as outdated at your peril. The classic food and charming service make it ideal for young and old.

  • Besha Rodell
The new-look Dry Dock in Balmain.
14.5/20

This new-look Balmain boozer feels like an entirely new venue. So,how’s the food?

There’s no chicken schnitzel,but there is a juicy pork chop at The Dry Dock. Just don’t wear your thongs.

  • Callan Boys
The interior at Maggie’s Snacks and Liquor,Brunswick East.
14/20

This under-the-radar newcomer is one of Melbourne’s best cocktail bars right now

Bloody delicious cocktails. Hyper-elevated bar snacks. Friendly staff. All this wine bar needs is a crowd.

  • Besha Rodell
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The hotel restaurant looks out over Hyde Park,“a giant lozenge of Victoriana greenery”.
Good Food hat15/20

Why new hotel restaurant Sydney Common is ‘uncommonly good’

Up-and-coming talent Jamie Robertson works with former Sepia chef Martin Benn to create a seasonal menu that’s wood-fired and Japanese-inflected.

  • Terry Durack
Good Food hatGood Food hat16.5/20

New chef,new reason to visit Balmoral Beach’s majestic Bathers’ Pavilion restaurant

Two- and three-course set menus deliver surprisingly good value at Mosman’s luxurious seaside fine-diner.

  • Terry Durack
Hoppers,served plain or with an egg,are a must.
14.5/20

This family-run Sri Lankan in a Surry Hills terrace is as exciting as any concept restaurant around

Don’t miss the delicate hoppers,killer hot butter soft-shell crab and push-the-boat-out lobster at this new restaurant and wine bar in Sydney’s east.

  • Terry Durack
Pork belly with pipis and XO broth.

Pork belly,pipis,parma:Ambergris’ menu straddles new and old Geelong (and pub and restaurant)

There’s safety in the elevated chicken parma,meanwhile other plates showcase modern Asian flavours from the chef’s time at Coda and Tonka.

  • Dani Valent
The go-to dish:Coq au vin for two.
13.5/20

North Melbourne’s new-look The Courthouse Hotel is all class,but does the menu revive its gastropub glory days?

The menu needs a gentle tweak but it’s already one of Melbourne’s loveliest classic pub experiences.

  • Besha Rodell