Melbourne’s Thriving Food Scene: What’s New and What’s Next
Melbourne is known for its vibrant food scene, and this year is no exception. With a plethora of new restaurants, cafes, and bars opening across the city, there’s never been a better time to get out and explore what Melbourne has to offer.
Upcoming Openings in Melbourne’s CBD
Con Christopoulos, a well-known restaurateur, is set to open three new venues in Melbourne’s CBD this April. The first, Eddie Jim Roma Snack Bar and Restaurant, will be an all-day Italian snack bar, followed by the flagship restaurant Roma in May, and late-night diner Sergio’s in June.
Meanwhile, Pope Joan founder Matt Wilkinson is teaming up with Con Christopoulos as chef and co-owner of the new venues. The trio of venues will be located at 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, and can be found on Instagram at instagram.com/roma.melbourne and instagram.com/sergios.melbourne.
New Hospo Group Refinery Brings The Angel of Malvern to Life
An 1856-built Malvern pub is being revitalized by new hospo group Refinery, an offshoot of property developer Kokoda. The ground-floor public bar is set to open in April, with a Med-inspired wine-diner and a late-night speakeasy to follow. The Angel of Malvern can be found at 641 Dandenong Road, Malvern, and online at theangelofmalvern.com.au.
Daybaker: A New Neighbourhood Bakery in Abbotsford
Talented pastry chef Charlie Duffy, formerly of Small Batch and Tivoli Road, is opening his own neighbourhood bakery, Daybaker, in Abbotsford this April. The bakery will feature floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing customers to peer into the kitchen and witness the creation of delicious viennoiserie and other sweet and savoury bakes.
Daybaker will be located at 66 Nicholson Street, Abbotsford, and can be found online at daybaker.com.au.
Spaghetti Club: A New Italian Restaurant in Richmond
Mamas Dining Group, known for their Asian-inspired restaurants such as Hochi Mama and Disuko, is set to open a new Italian restaurant, Spaghetti Club, in Richmond this late April. The restaurant will feature handmade pasta, ‘nonna-style’ share plates, and open-fire cooking, all inspired by group co-owner Lucas Gugliandolo’s Italian roots.
Spaghetti Club will be located at 95 Swan Street, Richmond, and can be found online at mamasdininggroup.com.au.
Patricia Coffee Shop Expands to the CBD
One of Melbourne’s most renowned coffee shops, Patricia, is expanding to the CBD with a new venue near Spring Street. The coffee shop will feature a room dedicated to pour-over coffee, as well as an extended range of filter options, all courtesy of Patricia’s Coburg North roastery.
The new Patricia coffee shop will be located at 44 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, and can be found online at patriciacoffee.com.au.
Jess Lemon: A New Cake Shop in Nunawading
MasterChef alum Jessica Liemantara, also known as Jess Lemon, is opening her own cake shop, Jess Lemon, in Nunawading this late April. The shop will feature a colourful array of tarts, macarons, and chiffon cakes, as well as laminated pastries.
Jess Lemon can be found at 10 Market Street, Nunawading, and online at jesslemon.com.au.
Smith & Deli Expands to the CBD
Plant-based pioneer Shannon Martinez is bringing her popular Smith & Deli to the CBD, with a new venue on Degraves Street. The laneway location will have a ‘cafeteria vibe’, selling grab-and-go soups, salads, and sandwiches for lunch, as well as tapas and drinks for the after-work crowd.
Smith & Deli CBD will be located at 16 Degraves Street, Melbourne, and can be found online at smithanddeli.com.
The Florence: A New Wine and Cocktail Bar in the CBD
Above its Flinders Lane meatball bar, the Valarc Group is readying a new wine and cocktail bar, The Florence, inspired by Florence. The bar will feature snacks such as vitello and caperberry sandwiches, Tuscan wines, and a daily happy hour with $10 mini negronis.
The Florence will be located at 133 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, and can be found online at theflorence.com.au.
Dingo Ate My Taco: A New Mexican Restaurant in Abbotsford
Popular Mexican food truck Dingo Ate My Taco is putting down roots in the former Range Brewing site in Abbotsford, with a new restaurant set to open in early May. The menu will feature breakfast and birria tacos, as well as a bar centred on agave-based drinks.
Dingo Ate My Taco will be located at 272 Johnston Street, Abbotsford, and can be found online at dingoatemytaco.com.
King & Godfree Venues: A New Restaurant, Pizzeria, and Bar in Carlton
The family behind legendary Carlton deli King & Godfree is opening three new venues in the site this year. Counter-service Garfield Pizzeria has already arrived, and while details about the other two venues are scarce, we know that a corner restaurant is coming in late May and a basement bar will follow later in the year.
King & Godfree venues will be located at 293-297 Lygon Street, Carlton, and can be found online at kingandgodfree.com.
Cote Basque: A New European Grill in the CBD
Still on track to open this winter is the latest restaurant from Andrew McConnell and Jo McGann, Cote Basque. The European grill will be inspired by the Basque coast and will feature wood-fired cooking. Cote Basque will be located at 25 Crossley Street, Melbourne, and can be found online at cotebasque.com.au.