From wood-fired Bengali delights to konbini-inspired bites and rooftop Italian glam, Melbourne’s dining scene is brimming with fresh faces and bold flavours. Whether you’re hunting down your next regular hangout or chasing inventive plates with international flair, these new openings are setting the tone for a delicious year ahead. Here’s your curated guide to some of the most talked-about newcomers making waves in the city’s ever-evolving foodscape.
Carnation Canteen
Nestled in pastel charm in Fitzroy, Carnation Canteen is a sweet, 20-seater that’s fast becoming a neighbourhood staple. Architect-turned-chef Audrey Shaw, alongside husband Alexander Di Stefano, brings a refined yet cozy touch to a weekly rotating menu. Having cut her teeth at the now-closed Michelin-starred Ellory in London, Shaw now works her magic here with seasonal produce, particularly organic vegetables sourced from Days Walk Farm in Keilor.
Expect light yet creative fare—perhaps ricotta gnudi in sage butter one week, or rabbit coniglio bianco the next. The pink marble bar and handmade tables create the perfect setting to enjoy wines that lean local, with some Spanish whites and Champagne thrown in for good measure. This is one of those places you’ll want to revisit again and again, if only to see what’s cooking next.
Kolkata Cricket Club
Chef Mischa Tropp of Toddy Shop fame is back with a bold and flavour-packed new concept—Kolkata Cricket Club. This sprawling 150-seater pays homage to old-school Bengali cricket clubs, blending nostalgia and novelty with a pan-Indian menu rich in texture and spice. With a kitchen equipped with a woodfire hearth and tandoor ovens, Tropp’s new venue offers dishes like saffron-braised duck, butter garlic mud crab, and turmeric-spiced king prawns.
The vibe isn’t just refined; it’s playful too. Grab a beer and some curry-drenched fries while watching the cricket, or go for a thali plate or Bombay sandwich. Designed by Min Chun Tseng, the warm-hued interiors wrap the experience in an embrace of stylish comfort, making it ideal for both big feasts and casual hangouts.
Amatrice Rooftop
Perched on the 10th floor of Cubitt Place in Cremorne, Amatrice Rooftop is a new Italian-leaning bar and restaurant with serious style. Thanks to interiors by Brahman Perera—winner of Belle’s Best Commercial Interior—the venue channels a Rome-meets-New York vibe, with aqua subway tiles, red marble, and velvet accents under a retractable glass roof.
This spot is made for long lunches or sunset cocktails. While full menu details are still under wraps, the elevated atmosphere and panoramic views promise a memorable experience, especially paired with Italian plates and drinks designed to impress.
Suupaa
Meet Suupaa, the konbini-style convenience store meets eatery that’s making a big impression in Cremorne. Co-created by Dennis Yong (ex-Parcs) and Atsushi Kawakami (Future Future), Suupaa blends Japanese staples with Melbourne edge. Think mortadella onigiri, fried egg sandos with curry ketchup and American cheese, and pork tonkatsu dressed in Vegemite-powered BBQ sauce.
With matcha mania still in full swing, Suupaa puts a signature twist on green tea—shaking it with Milo for a new cult classic. Located on Dover Street near Baker Bleu and The Commons, this multi-purpose space is your next go-to for finessed takeaway, sit-down comfort, or a cheeky tea-and-snack break.
Marmelo and Mr Mills
Hailing from hospitality heavyweights Ross and Sunny Lusted, Marmelo and its underground sibling Mr Mills are the latest sophisticated entries into Melbourne’s CBD. Marmelo, the upstairs 90-seater, is bright and elegant with tapestry-covered banquettes and a menu inspired by Iberian coasts. You’ll find pastel de nata stuffed with crab, grilled calamari in goat butter, and other artfully composed bites.
Downstairs, Mr Mills offers moody booths, a sleek bar, and a cocktail list as sharp as the design. Accessible via Melbourne Place Laneway, this secretive space offers small plates like padron peppers and baked cod, making it perfect for intimate drinks or stylish pre-dinner snacks.
Maison Bâtard
After eight years of anticipation, Maison Bâtard has finally landed at 23 Bourke Street—and it’s well worth the wait. Spread across four levels, the venue features a luxe brasserie, rooftop terrace, and supper club-style basement. The menu is unapologetically opulent, with seafood towers, sashimi, caviar omelettes, and rotisserie chicken brined for 12 hours.
Whether you’re indulging in confit salmon with sauce verte or trying their creative ode to The Bear with crisps-stuffed omelettes, Maison Bâtard pulls out all the stops. It’s a dazzling new cornerstone for high-end dining in Melbourne’s inner city.
Anchovy
Anchovy is back—and more assured than ever. After a two-year hiatus, Thi Le and Jia-Yen Lee have reopened their beloved Richmond restaurant with a renewed focus on Viet Kieu identity. Anchovy still lives at the intersection of Asian and Australian, but this time, the storytelling is even deeper. Expect mì xào giòn with crispy egg noodles and King Dory, casarecce with Lao sausage, and hoành thánh wontons in smoked pork broth.
Alongside their other ventures on Bridge Street—Jeow and Ca Com—Anchovy cements Le and Lee as forces in Melbourne’s culinary narrative. Come hungry a nd curious—Anchovy’s return is as rich in soul as it is in flavour.
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