New Restaurants in Melbourne

The Smith is a hot new look for the once tired ETs with flare behind a great team.

Category: Restaurants, Bars & Clubs, Restaurants // Cuisine: Modern Australian, Fusion

It is a joy to see the return of Thai food. However, this is not the Thai food of the early 90’s that was so ubiquitous in Melbourne. While the menu crosses into various other Asian cuisines, the focus remains on a more authentic version of Thai than most of us would be used to. This elegant dining hall has hipville written all over it. It is also laden with cred. Owner Chris Lucas (Pearl) is joined by Sydney’s Andrew Gimber (ex-Jimmy Liks) and Ben Cooper (St Ali). The food is dangerously good. Must-tries include their signature dish, Mandarin Duck.

Category: Restaurants // Mains from: $25.00 // Cuisine: Thai

Cumulus and Cutler have a young new sibling in Golden Fields, and St Kilda's all the richer for it.

Category: Restaurants // Cuisine: Asian, Modern Australian

Richmond has always been one of those suburbs that doesn’t shout as loud as the others, but instead keeps their best eateries to themselves for as long as they can. However, word was out about the Union Dining Room before they even opened their doors due to the calibre of its owners, chef Nicky Reimer (Melbourne Wine Room) and Adam Cash (Cutler & Co.). While it’s a take on that Melbourne favourite, 'provincial European', they are doing it exceedingly well. Think prosciutto figs and gorgonzola, steak tartare, smoked ham hock, spatchcock in red wine and citrus semifreddo. Located in the heritage-listed Union House.

Category: Restaurants // Mains from: $32.00 // Cuisine: European

Not your average Vietnamese restaurant, this is a swish Elwood eatery.

Category: Restaurants // Mains from: $18.00 // Cuisine: Vietnamese

George Calombaris doesn’t seem to put a foot wrong these days. His empire is growing at an impressive rate and no-one seems to get enough of him or his food. His latest venture with Shane Delia is already garnering a following and it’s easy to see why. Combining Greek, Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisine, expect dishes such as BBQ quail with crunchy chick peas, Maltese pork sausage with pickled beetroot and almonds and quirky dishes such as Coca Cola lamb ribs with candied coconut. The menu is designed with sharing in mind. An excellent drinks compliments the food perfectly.

Category: Restaurants // Cuisine: Greek