Richmond

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.

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.

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 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.

There’s always action in the Prince’s grand front bar, but it’s the breezy, shaded beer garden that really commands the crowds. It’s a south-side magnet, so get down early if you plan to eat your burger or a steak at a table.

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.

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.

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

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.

Casual, non-traditional Mexican served quickly, sans any hospo pomp. Grab a chargrilled chicken burrito on your lunch break or sample street snacks and a couple of cervezas for a more casual dinner.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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

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

Basic Roman-style pizza done well.

All-day dining room with an expansive menu.

A tiny, light-filled cafe by a trio of local hospo legends. It’s small but mighty, turning out tiramisu croissants, macarons and deli-style Reuben sandwiches. Plus, top-quality coffee including cold brew and hot batch brew on tap.

Warkop is a snug, laid-back sandwich shop headed by Indonesian chef Barry Susanto. On the menu, you’ll find a line-up of bready classics, from the aromatic chicken sanga, to a beef pastrami with coconutty rendang sauce, and a soft grilled brioche with custard-like coconut jam.

Croissants are baked four times a day at this popular bakery, which has been a locals’ favourite since 2018. Go for its hot coffee alongside doughnuts, fancy cakes by the slice, boeuf bourguignon pies and pork and fennel sauso rolls.

An all-day every-day cafe with a solid list of brunch cocktails.

At this “cellar door” for coffee you can taste up to five single-origin brews in a single visit.

A classic sandwich shop with elevated ingredients and credentials.

Providing the Richmond community with its daily newspaper, milk and bread since 1956. Go for classics alongside Mediterranean-style plates like Turkish cilbir and Greek kaski. Plus, Small Batch coffee and nostalgic thickshakes.

A social-enterprise cafe upholding the idea of a fair go.

This peachy space is designed for takeovers by cakers, floral artists and other creatives. Expect lacy vintage cakes, floral sculptures and watercolour cakes, plus workshops, tastings and lots of collaborations.

Stop in to this sleek, concrete-clad cafe from the team behind Fitzroy favourite Burnside. It's serving up Seven Seeds coffee, snatch-and-grab sandwiches and stellar bagels.

Run by a sibling duo, Bissel B Bagels is an emerald-hued Richmond bagelry serving soft, fluffy stacked bagels inspired by a love of all things New York.

A local landmark from Melbourne cafe royalty.

Join the queue at this locally-minded sandwich shop for fried chicken sangas on shokupan, or a classic Reuben featuring Uncle’s Smallgoods pastrami. Pair with a coffee on tap (served hot or cold) and you've got a hot contender in the city's sandwich boom.

A Noma alumnus – and one of the city's best bakers – has a sleek operation inside the Richmond Traders precinct, turning out exemplary European-style sourdough breads, Danish pastries, cookies and more.

Like the milk bars of yore; a place to drop in for coffee, breakfast or a sandwich.

This Greek deli’s third-generation owner is serving contemporary takes on his mother’s recipes.

Enter for superb single origin and filter, or invest in a $10 shot of espresso.

Taste, watch and learn at this longstanding coffee roaster's shiny, voyeuristic HQ.

It’s easy to while away an entire afternoon here on a wet weekend ... if you can find it.

As solid as the immovable pillar in the middle of the seating area.

120 seats and a huge menu to match. This is one seriously ambitious cafe.

This backstreets spot is dedicated to using the freshest local and organic produce in a way few others are.

Simplicity and class are the hallmarks of this cafe.

A tranquil cafe on an otherwise hectic strip.

Camel-milk lattes and bowls of crickets. This isn't your average cafe.

It’s designed to feel like your lounge room. But you could never make food this good at home.

Daytime staples and intriguing sit-down dishes.

Indian-inspired dishes matched with Padre coffee.

Like many bars, the idea for Lenny’s formed over a drinks with friends. Buy a bottle to drink in or takeaway. You can order pizza from neighbouring Homeslice and enjoy it in the courtyard, on the footpath or inside.

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.

The crowd-pleasing pizzas are a big draw here, as are the customisable parmas (we like it spicy). And on weekends, the open-air courtyard is where it’s at, especially if there’s a DJ around.

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.

A bright modern boozer with plenty of fun across three levels. Head to the rooftop for pub fare, city views and the odd drag brunch. Or down to the basement cocktail bar, a function space with room for up to 160.

You’re not a live music fan in Melbourne unless you’ve been to the Corner. The room – and its infamous solitary column – is rightfully an icon. But did you know it also has a killer rooftop and beer garden upstairs?

Victoria’s second-oldest craft brewery is still one of its best. Head here for pizza and drinks to find out for yourself.

The father-daughter duo behind Brogan’s Way believe there’s a gin for everyone. Yours may well be the distillery’s Strawberries and Cream gin, served in a Martini or G&T. Watch the distillers in action over plates of crisp, European-style flatbreads and gin-friendly bar snacks.

This former Commonwealth Bank branch is now 200-seat double-level bar. Come here for classic pub grub and beers. It's also well known for its rooftop terrace, which plays host to bottomless brunches during the day and boozy cocktail session in the evenings.

Tricked up Cuban cocktails in a vibrant space.

This curated Californian vintage store feels like it’s on Melrose Avenue in LA, not in the middle of Richmond. Whether you've set your heart on a pair of original cowboy boots, a bejewelled bolero, US army dead stock or some classic Levi’s, you’re unlikely to leave empty-handed.

An ambitious bar and bottle shop showcasing rare drops from around the world. Buy a bottle, pay corkage and park on a stool at the long countertop bar, or hop on a three-glass wine flight if you're feeling adventurous.

A high-end furniture showroom featuring European labels such as Cassina, Kettal, Moroso and Poltrona Frau. There's even a Le Corbusier on display.

This shop is stocked full of outerwear staples from the Melbourne label, which is best known for its winter coats. Think classic cuts in wool-cashmere blends, and reversible jackets made from faux shearling.

Grab-and-go health food for the post-gym set.

Creative nail art in Richmond.

A butcher and cafe where provenance means everything.

This local and environmentally conscious furniture company has a flagship store in Richmond you’ll wish you could live in.

Outlet number two for one Melbourne’s first beer specialists.