Jacqui Challinor is one of the best chefs in the country. The Reine, La Rue and Nomad Melbourne executive chef made the move from Sydney in 2022 and we’re happily claiming her.

Now she’s been in Melbourne for two years, we wanted to find out where the chef has been eating.

What’s your go-to for a quick takeaway?
Zelda Bakery in Ripponlea for breakfast or lunch. Everything Maaryasha [Werdiger] touches is magic, but my favourites are the potato knish and the broccoli and cheddar pie. I also love Pa Tong on Flinders Lane for a quick post-work dinner. It nails the classics, but there are a lot of lesser-known dishes which allow you to delve a little bit deeper into traditional Thai cuisine.

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How about lunch on the go?
I’m a big fan of delicious things in bread, so Ca Com for banh mi. Thi [Le] is one of the great food minds in the country and I love seeing chefs take on street food.

Also on theme with delicious things in bread, Waffle On, tucked in a little corner on Degraves Street. It’s a tiny hole in the wall that makes the best French baguettes that are big enough to keep you going through lunch and dinner.

And for a drink and snacks?
The bar at Gimlet or Apollo Inn. The food being good is a given, but their non-alcoholic drinks are the best in town. I think they put a lot of work into creating sophisticated options that don’t make you feel like you’re missing out.

If it’s a special occasion where do you go?
Du Fermier. I love the dining room, I love Bron and her hospitality, but most of all I love Annie [Smithers] and her food philosophy. It’s just a really special place that leaves you walking out with a very full heart.

If you’re looking for inspiration?
Has to be Du Fermier again for the ever-important reminder of what it means to cook with love; Annie is the epitome of it!

If you’re recommending a spot for a first date?
Bar Liberty. Great spot, great food and a relaxed atmosphere, so there isn’t too much pressure. Another fun option is to wander around any of Melbourne’s wonderful markets for coffee and a graze, it’s casual and gives lots of opportunity for conversation starters in case things get awkward!

Where did you go for your last birthday?
Prahran Market has all the delicious things under one roof. My mum and dad were in town from Sydney, so I’d been looking forward to taking them there. We had a spread from Anatolia Gozleme Kitchen, followed by treats from La Colmena.

What’s your favourite ice-cream or gelato shop?
It’s too tough a decision to make – I have to split the love between Pidapipo and Piccolina. From Pidapipo, I always get the Nutella swirl and hazelnut. And from Piccolina, it’s the stracciatella and pistachio.

Where can you find your favourite dessert or sweet treat?
La Colmena at Prahran Market is my favourite spot for a sweet fix, their ensaimada is my weakness. It’s a traditional Spanish sourdough pastry, filled with cream and made with so much love, you can taste it.

Best meal you’ve had this year?
Tedesca Osteria, for much the same reasoning behind why I love Du Fermier. The dining room, the hospitality, the food and the philosophy behind it; it’s all just warm and done with so much love. I find myself really drawn to the restaurants that exemplify cooking with love, Osteria Tedesca is one of those special places.

Where do you go for Maltese food in Melbourne?
The Original Maltese Pastizzi Co in Sunshine North, the best pastizzi I’ve ever had!

What’s a Melbourne venue that you think is underrated?
There’s not enough noise made about Jeow. Thi [Le]’s food is so damn good. Big, bold and interesting flavours, and – in case you haven’t picked up on the common theme here – cooked with lots of love.

Bucket list restaurant?
Burnt Ends in Singapore, Dave [Pynt]’s food looks mouth-wateringly good. I always seem to be over there on the days they’re closed – I think I need to plan my travel dates a little better next time!