In the heart of Carlton, where Lygon Street has long carried the soul of Melbourne's Italian heritage, a new force has arrived to reclaim its vibrancy. Sangaweech, the latest venture from the irrepressible Sooshi Mango crew - Carlo, Johnny, and Andrew - has transformed 300 Lygon into a pilgrimage site for sandwich devotees. What began as whispers of a panini bar has erupted into one of the city's most electric openings in years, with queues snaking down the block from the moment doors swung open on that late February Saturday. This isn't mere hype; it's a genuine revival, injecting fresh life into a strip that needed it most.
Fujifilm House of Photography has come to Melbourne for the first time, popping up at Chadstone to March 22nd.
To celebrate its debut in Australia’s fashion capital, the pop-up will be hosting a series of complimentary ‘Shoot Your Style’ fashion photography sessions on Saturday 14 March.
Led by local photographer Danielle Castano, the one-day-only sessions will give pairs of style-savvy shoppers expert tips on the angles, lighting and composition they need to take the perfect OOTD shot.
In celebration of its partnership with the McLaren F1 Team, Jack Daniel’s has unveiled its biggest Australian Grand Prix takeover yet - kicking off with a Warm-Up Party and special driver appearance at Middle Park Hotel on Thursday 5 March, before rolling into four days of fan celebrations across Melbourne.
Nestled on Nicholson Street in Fitzroy, the St Andrews Hotel is one of Victoria’s oldest pubs, a place where history seeps from the walls and genuine warmth greets every guest. Recently crowned the 2025 Best Hotel Restaurant in Victoria at the AHA Awards, it is living up to the accolade under the passionate new stewardship of Jasmin Vujic and her partner Rob Turner. The daughter of long-time patriarch Tony Vujic, Jasmin and Rob have taken the reins with care, honouring the pub’s legacy while stamping their own thoughtful blueprint on the venue. They call themselves “publicans of the people,” and it shows: this is a family-owned pub with real heart, a rare antidote to the polished anonymity of chain establishments.
An icon located on Bourke Street in the heart of Melbourne, Florentino stands as one of the city's most enduring culinary landmarks. Established in 1928, the heritage-listed venue at 80 Bourke Street has witnessed nearly a century of dining evolution, from its origins as an Italian institution to its latest chapter under the custodianship of Edition Group (also known as Edition Hospitality). This transition, announced and rolled out in early 2026 following the acquisition from the Grossi family, marks not a drastic overhaul but a thoughtful reinvigoration. The philosophy guiding this new era is clear: honor the legacy while embracing seasonality, precision, and the exceptional quality of Australian produce to elevate Florentino to its finest form yet.
n the heart of South Melbourne, where the buzz of the market fades into quieter streets, a historic pub has been reborn with remarkable flair. The Wayside Inn, dating back to 1868, now houses Lush 2.0 - a vibrant, jungle-inspired venue that marries the casual charm of a neighbourhood local with the polish of something far more ambitious. Stepping inside feels like entering a colourful oasis: lush greenery spills across walls, pool tables hum with friendly competition, and two bustling bars pour perfectly chilled Kirin pints alongside cocktails that demand attention.
Benchwarmer, the beloved craft beer haven in West Melbourne, has long been a local hero worth crossing town for, with its funky heritage building, welcoming vibe, and an extraordinary lineup of beers. Now, through an inspired collaboration with next-door neighbor Udom House, it has elevated to legendary status. This partnership brings authentic, bold Thai flavors directly into Benchwarmer's kitchen, creating a match made in heaven that pairs spicy, vibrant Thai dishes with world-class craft brews in ways that feel effortless and electric.
The Langham Melbourne's Melba Restaurant transformed into a vibrant celebration of Chinese New Year, delivering one of the most memorable dining experiences of the year. Attending the media preview set the stage for what would become an unforgettable feast (buffet is running from Feb 16-21), blending authentic Cantonese traditions with refined fine-dining execution.
In the sprawling culinary landscape of Melbourne, where Mexican fare often veers toward the predictable or the overly fused, Bar Mexico in Preston stands out as a vibrant revelation - a cantina that marries unapologetic fiesta energy with seriously accomplished food and drink. Tucked along the bustling High Street, this two-storey venue pulses with life from the moment you cross the threshold. High ceilings and an industrial-street aesthetic set the stage, amplified by thumping music and a mezzanine level that practically begs for birthday celebrations or large gatherings. The space accommodates up to 300 patrons without feeling cramped, offering ample seating amid warm lighting and a view of the street's foot traffic from the front windows. It's the kind of place where the buzz is immediate and infectious, drawing you in to linger far longer than intended.
Following a sold-out debut in Sydney last year, Fujifilm Australia is hosting the second annual Creator Summit: Powered by Fujifilm. On Saturday, 9 May 2026, Australia’s most exciting creators, storytellers and industry voices will come together for a jam-packed day of talks, workshops, live shoots and hands-on experiences.
For the first time, the one-day festival is heading to Melbourne, transforming The Timber Yard into an immersive creative hub. Attendees can step behind the lens, experiment with new techniques, and connect with like-minded photographers, filmmakers and content creators.
YOMG has done it again. The Melbourne burger legends and champions of frozen yogurt have just dropped their Surf ’n’ Turf range, and it’s pure bottled sunshine. Six weeks only, gone for good at 5pm on Thursday March 5, so if you haven’t tried it yet, move fast.
This menu is all the best bits of an Australian summer: surf club canteen classics remixed with YOMG’s big, bold burger energy, served in limited-edition blue-and-white packaging that’s basically begging for a beach picnic or a lazy park hang with mates.
Looking for a standout Lebanses dining experience in Melbourne? In the quiet suburban embrace of Fairfield, where Melbourne's inner north unfolds with unpretentious charm, a new star has risen. Sama Grandview, nestled within the storied walls of The Grandview Hotel - a heritage-listed pub dating back to 1888 - opened its doors in late 2025, and it already feels like a destination worth crossing the city for.
Lacoste, the iconic French brand and pioneer of fashion-sport with a rich tennis heritage, is bringing its celebrated LE CLUB LACOSTE experience to Australia for the very first time. We are excited to attend the launch of this exciting and historical experience! (Check out our social media later in the week).
Lexy Melbourne, the Asian-fusion restaurant anchoring Flinders Lane’s dining scene with its modern pan-Asian approach, has a vibrant new summer menu. As the temperature continues to soar, Lexy Melbourne is stepping up again with innovative fusion dishes to suit the season. With the exciting new dishes and drinks, Lexy Melbourne is the perfect place to visit before or after a visit to the Australian Open!
For a long time now we been adopting high grade olive oil as part of our healthy food choices. And especially in this season. Summer is all about fresh salads, BBQs, long lunches and visiting friends but it’s also the season when people are looking for ingredients that feel lighter, healthier and genuinely good for them, without sacrificing flavour. Enter Cobram Estate.
Global pantry icon Lee Kum Kee has partnered with one of Australia’s busiest Korean restaurant groups, Seoul Garden, to launch a new national signature menu celebrating bold, modern Korean flavours now available permanently across all Seoul Garden locations. The collaboration introduces a curated selection of hot, flavour-forward dishes that reimagine Korean classics through the depth, aroma and versatility of Lee Kum Kee’s most loved sauces.
Looking for a Melbourne bar that delivers on vibe, drinks, but also in terms of elevated small dishes? In the labyrinthine laneways of Melbourne’s CBD, where the city’s pulse beats loudest yet its secrets hide deepest, there exists a bold red door at the end of Mill Place that feels like a portal to another time. Push through it, and you leave the clamor of modern life behind, stepping into Mill Place Merchants - a speakeasy so perfectly realized that it feels less like a bar and more like a private indulgence preserved from the 19th century. Housed in a heritage-listed merchant building from the 1840s, this is not a contrived theme park of prohibition nostalgia but a genuine immersion into old-world elegance, executed with such conviction that it has swiftly become one of Melbourne’s most essential drinking and dining destinations.
Located in the industrial heart of Dandenong South at 7/134 Logis Boulevard, Pearl by P&D emerges as a radiant beacon for lovers of Sri Lankan cuisine in Melbourne. Named after Sri Lanka's enduring moniker as the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean" - evoking its teardrop shape, lush beauty, and precious gems - this relatively new restaurant transforms authentic island flavors into an elevated dining experience. Born from a family's 15 years of catering expertise, Pearl masterfully balances timeless traditions with modern refinement, delivering bold, layered heat and addictive complexity that captivates from the first bite.
In the heart of Melbourne suburbia, where authentic Italian dining often feels like a distant dream amid the sea of generic eateries, Pizzicotto Strathmore emerges as a genuine local hero. Tucked away in Strathmore, this unassuming gem, helmed by the passionate Sergio and his dedicated team, delivers a masterclass in traditional Italian cuisine that transports diners straight to the sun-drenched tables of Italy. From the moment you step inside, the warm, inviting vibe envelops you like a hug from a nonno, with impeccable service that makes every guest feel like family. It's the kind of place where fresh, high-quality ingredients shine, and every dish is crafted with heart and soul - a rare find that deserves to be celebrated.
In the ever-evolving landscape of Melbourne's culinary scene, few establishments have left as indelible a mark as 400 Gradi. When Johnny Di Francesco first flung open the doors of his pizzeria years ago, it felt nothing short of revolutionary. At a time when Melbourne's pizza offerings were often mediocre at best - greasy bases, uninspired toppings, and little regard for tradition - 400 Gradi arrived like a blistering wood-fired revelation. Di Francesco, a true pioneer, elevated the humble pizza to an art form, importing the soul of Naples directly to our shores. And now, in 2025, the world has taken notice once more: 400 Gradi has soared to an impressive #8 in the prestigious 50 Top Pizza's World's Top 50 Artisan Pizza Chains, while also claiming the coveted Best Customer Satisfaction award - the Maistà Award - for the year. This is not just a win for the restaurant; as Di Francesco himself notes, it's a huge moment for Melbourne, placing our city firmly on the global pizza map.
Mini-golf lover? Looking for a thrilling activity to enjoy with family or friends? This pop-up mini-golf sensation will take you to infinity…. And beyond! Situated within Marvel Stadium’s Stadium Square Gate 2/3, Pixar Putt is available for bookings, with only three weeks left until its close on Sunday 18 January.
In the heart of Melbourne, at the elegant Parisian-inspired brasserie Entrecôte, guests recently gathered for an unforgettable celebration marking the 200th anniversary of Champagne Joseph Perrier. Founded in 1825 in Châlons-en-Champagne, this family-owned house has woven a rich tapestry of history, from being a favorite of Queen Victoria and King Edward VII to gracing the tables of supersonic Concorde flights. Now under the stewardship of sixth-generation Chairman and CEO Benjamin Fourmon, who transitioned from a finance career to lead the maison with fresh vision, Joseph Perrier continues to evolve while honoring its heritage.
Southgate Melbourne stands as the quintessential starting point for an unforgettable evening blending exquisite dining with world-class culture. This vibrant precinct, with its panoramic views of the city skyline and the gentle flow of the river, effortlessly positions itself as the gateway to Melbourne's renowned arts district. A recent intimate media event titled "Prelude: A Night at Southgate" perfectly encapsulated why this riverside hub should be the first act in any sophisticated night out, offering a seamless transition from indulgent meals to captivating performances just steps away.
