As the leaves begin to fall, Melbourne’s vibrant dining scene blossoms anew. Autumn has ushered in a wave of exciting new venues across the city—from elegant wine bars and sun-drenched cafés to noodle houses and bagel bakeries. With each bringing its own charm and culinary flair, there’s no better time to explore what Melbourne’s tastemakers have cooked up. Below, we round up the freshest additions to the city’s ever-evolving food scene.
Como Lane
South Yarra’s leafy surrounds now hold a romantic secret: Como Lane, the first full-service café by Scott Pickett. Set within the enchanting grounds of historic Como House and Garden, this cafe delivers Euro-inspired charm with a distinctly Melbourne twist. Picture pistachio-and-beige rattan chairs nestled among lush greenery, and a green-tiled counter welcoming guests into the reimagined garden shed-turned-dining delight.
Expect buttery buttermilk pancakes topped with whipped crème fraîche for breakfast, or a garden-fresh lunch of market fish or chicken schnitzel with celeriac. Whether you’re grabbing a pastry and coffee to go or lingering beneath the sunshine, Como Lane is pure café magic.
Suze
Bringing quiet sophistication and a deep love for wine to Fitzroy North is Suze, the brainchild of hospitality veterans Giulia Giorgetti and Steve Harry. The duo has distilled their experience from top venues like Gimlet, Marion, and Napier Quarter into a welcoming neighbourhood gem, complete with artisanal flair and refined comfort.
On the menu, small plates celebrate local Victorian produce with bold creativity—think marinated peppers with curry leaf or ricotta, persimmon and pepperberry. Mains lean into indulgence with chickpea agnolotti, dry-aged pork cutlet, and prawn spaghetti laced with sherry. Aperitif cocktails and a succinct wine list round out the offering, making Suze a must for date nights and deep conversations.
Yamamoto Udon
From the team behind Yakikami comes Yamamoto Udon, a hidden noodle sanctuary in the heart of the CBD. Specialising in handcrafted sanuki and himokawa udon—only 70 servings of each are made fresh daily—this sleek, minimalist space offers a tranquil break from the Bourke Street buzz.
Served in lacquerware bowls and surrounded by timber tones, diners can slurp their way through up to 18 udon variations, including dipping noodles and even a carbonara-inspired twist. Optional add-ons like agedashi tofu, chashu pork, and onsen eggs help elevate each bowl, while iPad ordering ensures a fast, fuss-free experience.
Cordelia
Slated to open this May in Carlton, Cordelia is a seafood-focused restaurant from the creators of Prahran’s beloved Don’s. With a menu inspired by sustainable sourcing and a breezy “long lunch with friends” vibe, Cordelia aims to redefine laid-back fine dining.
Expect linear-style courses starring the freshest catch alongside rotating pastas, organic beef, and even a revival of the humble chicken breast. Set within a minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired corner space—complete with a spiral staircase to a hidden bar—Cordelia promises both style and substance. Chef Josh Norris leads the kitchen, while co-owner Sarah Freudendal has shaped the serene, polished aesthetic.
Da Bao, Ho Jiak & Ho Liao
Chef Junda Khoo brings the bold flavours of Malaysia to Melbourne with a three-level venue on Bourke Street that’s part eatery, part culinary journey. Each level offers a different take: Da Bao on the ground floor is a vibrant street-food haven serving nasi lemak and Hainan chicken rice.
Level up at Ho Jiak, where inventive dishes like laksa bombs and wagyu with a wine pairing shine, while the rooftop space Ho Liao channels nostalgic, home-style meals in a beer hall atmosphere. Khoo’s multi-tiered approach to Malaysian cuisine is both authentic and inventive, giving Melbourne diners a whole new taste of Southeast Asia.
Le Splendide
Brought to life by the team behind France-Soir, Le Splendide offers a debonair French wine bar experience just next door to the iconic bistro. Envisioned as a phone-free haven for true bon vivants, it serves an elegant “grignotage” menu—from duck terrine and tuna tataki to oysters with raspberry vinaigrette and petite lobster rolls.
The drinks list leans heavily into natural wines, digestifs, and magnums, curated by a seasoned sommelier team. Designed as a serene, selfie-free zone where the focus is entirely on the food, the drink, and the company, Le Splendide is the place to be when the night deserves something special.
Masses Bagels
From cult market favourite to Fitzroy hotspot, Masses Bagels is now baking its wildly popular wild-fermented bagels in a permanent spot. Known for inventive, farm-to-table toppings and creative combos, the bagels here are anything but ordinary.
Savoury lovers can try trout-topped bagels with pickled zucchini and quark, or go all-in with a Rip’n’Dip pack complete with confit onion quark. Sweet selections like cardamom and ginger sugar, or a jammy mix of blackberry, rhubarb and thyme keep things interesting. Bagel season is officially on, and Masses is leading the charge.
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