John Lethlean

George Calombaris gives classic taverna dining a baby-boomer twist that’s confident, exciting and rekindles diners’ memories of their Grecian adventures, says John Lethlean.

Quixotic, exotic and yet strangely familiar, Gigibaba has emerged as a diamond in the rough in one of Melbourne’s most unlikely inner-city locations, reveals John Lethlean.

Paul Wilson has made his mark at The Botanical and now brings the same magic to Half Moon in Brighton, a reborn pub where seafood rules, writes John Lethlean.

When struck with a relentless craving for duck, John Lethlean heads to China Tea House. This Chapel Street newcomer is surprisingly impressive, and its Peking duck excellent.

Añada has a winning way with food and wine, not to mention its warm welcome, says John Lethlean, and much of it has to do with its predilection for specialty produce.

Every cloud has one, so the saying goes, but Andrew McConnell’s latest venture, Cumulus Inc., seems to have more than its fair share. John Lethlean takes a trip to seventh heaven.

Roberto Scheriani hits the big time with Melbourne’s power dining set in the CBD, reports John Lethlean.

Guillaume Brahimi and his team have made their mark at Melbourne’s Crown, reports John Lethlean.

It’s Middle Eastern, but not as you know it. Maha merges a slick, masculine interior with culinary authenticity for a captivating experience. John Lethlean can’t wait to return.

A weekends-only trattoria has put the Victorian country town of Yarck on the culinary map.

Melbourne’s Chinatown has a new designer kid on the block. Seamstress has the funked-up Asian food and cool cocktail scene all stitched up.

The Royal Mail Hotel could well be Australia’s most exciting regional restaurant. Book a room, it’s well worth the trip.

It’s not for everyone, but Ray Capaldi’s new-wave molecular gastronomy at Fenix is brave, inspired and often brilliant. Go with an open mind and prepare to be awed.

Hako’s slick new inner-city space has taken the this unassuming Japanese fave from hidden gem to cult-dining status.

This is an inner-city dining room with a difference; a part-time restaurant with full-bore home cooking. Pull up a stool at Journal Canteen.

Neil Perry’s foray into the Melbourne market with Rockpool Bar & Grill is a powerhouse.

In an area short on fine dining, a defiant restaurant is bucking the trend. Soulful cooking, chic room... Is Delizia the best in the west?

There’s a timeless appeal in the honest and generous food of France-Soir, the unpretentious, bustling French bistro which has become a bona fide Melbourne institution.

Teage Ezard’s funky and fun Asian spin-off, Gingerboy, goes beyond the usual wok-mongers – it’s Thai, Malaysian and Chinese street fare with a style all its own.

George Calombaris’ The Press Club is not only turning heads, his modern Greek cuisine is turning upside down what we know about feta, olives, oregano and all other things Hellenic, too.

A St Kilda stalwart re-opens with a fresh face and a nostalgic ‘Continental’ menu. It’s Mirka at Tolarno Hotel and its custodian is leading Melbourne restaurateur Guy Grossi.

Yarra Valley’s newest addition, the Giant Steps/Innocent Bystander Winery, is more than the sum of its café, pizzeria and cellar door parts, thanks to a passionate and savvy wine entrepreneur.

Bistro Vue is the third act in Shannon Bennett’s CBD trilogy. He’s reworking the classics in a shamelessly faux Parisian setting.

Nobu Melbourne has arrived at Crown and it’s rollicking good times whether on a budget or a blow-out.