1. The Rooftop at QT

It’s fair to say that Aussies like a refreshing drink after work and few places in Melbourne are as hot right now as the rooftop at the swish and funky QT hotel. Libations and city views are one thing, but the plates are also a very good reason to head there.

Calamari is lifted with classic Spanish Romesco sauce and pretty nasturtium, while the wing and cheek of kingfish get a whack of spice from the Sicilian spreadable salami, n’duja. Don’t miss sinful triple-cooked fries on the side with spicy ketchup.

As a bonus, a spot called Secret Garden within the Rooftop offers bespoke dining using ingredients from their own herb and vegetable garden.

Address: 11/133 Russell St

2. Congress 

The busy central suburb of Collingwood is home to a new cafe and wine bar with an eclectic modern Australian menu.

How does that translate on the plate? Kangaroo pastrami with cultured cream and fried onions, Ox tongue skewer with vibrant chermoula or tomatoes with whipped garlic and curry leaves are some of the temptations on offer. Dutch spice cake with rosemary ice cream and blood plums seems a lovely way to finish.

Address: 49 Peel Street, Collingwood

3. Sunda 

The vibrant and familiar flavours of Southeast Asia are matched with native Australian ingredients to brilliant effect at Sunda. The funky interiors and largely communal tables are one option, but seats at the pass let you see chef Khanh Nguyen plate up a series of cracking dishes.

The Wagyu rendang pie is as decadent and delicious as you’d hope, but a lamb rump with native curry and cashewnut cream is truly a thing of beauty. One of the city’s best new choices, bar none, as borne out by them receiving one hat – the local equivalent of Michelin stars from the Good Food Guide.

Address: 18 Punch Lane Melbourne

4. Matilda 159 Domain 

South Yarra is one of Melbourne’s swankiest neighbourhoods and home to Matilda 159, run by chef Scott Pickett who worked at Sydney’s NOMA residency. Cooking over open fire delivers a new aspect to dishes, but it’s likely that fresh roti with a curry made with Vegemite will be a first for most diners.

If baby octopus with smoked tomato and smoked Wagyu fat doesn’t light your fire, maybe Macedon Ranges duck with cherry and kohlrabi will win you over.

Address: 159 Domain Rd, South Yarra

5. Cheek 

Barbecue restaurants are arguably yesterday’s trend, but Cheek take a no-rules approach, which makes for plates that are fun and delicious. Their barbecue styles are American, Chinese and Korean, all using local Aussie meat.

Smoked short rib with sesame and caramel sounds sublime, while an intriguing mash-up of mapo tofu empanada mixes Sichuan with South America. Sides include mash and gravy “with heaps of bone marrow” – just because. Potent but creative cocktails and largely Aussie wines accompany.

Address: 1/301 Swanston St

6. Iki-Jime Seafood by Vue

Finally to a new joint familiar to Masterchef Australia viewers, in the form of Shannon Bennett’s Iki-Jime Seafood by Vue, where chef Jodie Odrowa runs the show.

A tart of Moreton Bay bugs – they’re a type of lobster – is their special take on a prawn cocktail, while oysters with lemon myrtle or octopus with coastal green dressing will doubtless tempt committed seafood fans. Vegetarians are also well looked after with dishes like charred aubergine or grilled asparagus with preserved Meyer lemon.

The Aussie classic pavlova then comes with rhubarb and lime curd for those with a sweet tooth.

Address: 430 Little Collins St

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