Another polished pub by the Marquis of Lorne crew. As at its sibling spots, there are plenty of spaces to settle in, including a downstairs bar with craft and classic beers, a dining room with pub and bistro menus, and a rooftop.

Modern Greek food (dubbed “Gringlish”) from a former *Masterchef* contestant. Share plates might include soft pita, crisp and melty saganaki, or slow-roasted lamb shoulder. Enjoy a gamut of Greek wines and beers – plus ouzo if you’re so inclined.

Hearty, diner-style burgers stand out in this former charcoal chicken shop. Only two people know the recipe for the secret marinade – which laces the Angus beef patties with umami flavour. Enjoy burgers on a pillowy brioche bun alongside staple sides such as crisp fried chicken and fries.

Sip Martinis while overlooking 360-degree views of Melbourne, indulge in classic pizzas and pillowy house-made gnocchi or descend into the neon-lit basement for a signature late-night cheeseburger.

A slick all-day eatery from the Reymond siblings, with an emphasis on relaxed yet elegant dining.

Vietnamese street food with strong family ties.

Basic Roman-style pizza done well.

Come by day for loaded focaccias, or by night for fresh pasta (including a celebrity-favourite mafaldine spinoff from NYC). Plus, antipasto and Tim Tam Mocha Martinis.

The hushed, reverent atmosphere here is well suited to owner-chef Koichi Minamishima's awe-inspiring knife skills. He works with both local seafood and fish flown direct from Toyosu Fish Market in Tokyo to produce his peerless sushi. This is the best Japanese restaurant in Melbourne.

Thi Le and Jia-Yen Lee’s dynamic diner is where you’ll find modern spins on deep cuts and rarities from Vietnam’s regional cuisines. The team’s current focus is noodles, snacks and single-origin fish sauce made right here in Melbourne. There’s no telling where they’ll take Anchovy next.

Everything is made from scratch at this wine bar from a young owner-chef with experience at Michelin star restaurants. The menu changes each week (but retains a nostalgic, familiar slant) and the walls are covered with Australian art.

Colourful walls, colourful food. That's the proposition at this loosely South American eatery with a strong vegetarian slant.

Soft, blistering woodfired pizza and pillowy gnocchi are staples at this authentic Italian pizzeria. The flour, specialty cheeses and cured meats are imported from Italy. If you make it to their bottomless weeknight dinner, it’s best to tuck your napkin into your collar.

If it ain't broke, don’t fix it. That’s the thinking at this almost 60-year-old steakhouse. The impressive four-course set menu leaves you with one choice: your cut of steak. Otherwise, sit back and let the experienced waitstaff impress.

Inside this banh mi bar from the Jeow team, a woodfire hearth turns out turmeric chicken, jungle pork sausage and Manchurian pumpkin to fill the crusty baguettes.

The Terminus Hotel’s secluded little sister is a true locals’ haunt (spot them sprawled on couches and huddled around communal tables). It’s mastered pub staples like parmas and steaks, which pair well with the many beers on tap.

Neon signage and colourful murals line the walls of this playful Thai eatery. Enjoy modern takes on traditional Thai favourites – including soft-shell crab sliders, a hearty pad thai and flavourful curries.

If you’re after Italian with a fun, neighbourhood feel, head here. Restaurateur Chris Lucas’s buzzing southside spot turns out pizzas alongside salumi and traditional, crowd-pleasing pastas.

You might have seen the crimson Peking ducks hanging in the window. This affordable, bustling Cantonese barbeque and seafood restaurant is a Victoria Street institution. Rotating specials are handwritten on the wall, but don’t go past the Peking duck pancakes and char siew (barbeque pork).

The name says it all at this cosy, no-fuss Vietnamese diner. Here, they serve up some of the best pho on a street brimming with options. All the classic elements – tender meat, layered broth and fresh garnishes – keep the fans coming back for more. Their diner in the CBD is also worth your time.

Known for two Vietnamese specialties: sizzling pancake and steamed rice paper rolls filled with minced pork and wood-ear mushrooms.