Post-covid, Melbourne has seen a spate of exciting restaurant and bar openings. Some restaurateurs are opening their second, or third restaurant, some spots have relocated to larger spaces, and a group of first-time owners are joining the fray. Prahran has an Italian destination offering modern spins on classics, a casual spot inspired by Singaporean hawker fare has arrived in Thornbury, and two Melbourne restaurant icons have debuted a pizzeria. Read on for the full list of hot new restaurants worth booking in Melbourne.
Osteria Renata (Prahran)
Osteria Renata opened in June in Prahran with modern spins on Italian classics. Start with the croquettes stuffed with scamorza, a southern Italian cow milk’s cheese. Move on to one of the mains such as the lobster spaghetti brodetto (a seafood pasta that requires a 48-hour preorder) or the veal cutlet served with crispy capers and a bitter leaf salad side, that perfectly balances the meat dish. Pair your meal with a renata spritz, a cocktail featuring limoncello, blood orange, and a bay leaf garnish. And don’t forget to order the chocolate olive oil tart with whipped ricotta to end the meal. Renata is the newest project for the hit team behind Park Street Pasta & Wine. At the Prahran spot, they’ve created a sleek space with a pasta lab that spins creations for both restaurants. Take a peek at the space from the back courtyard on your way out.
Zaubertrank (Thornbury)
The food at Zaubertrank, which opened in May, is inspired by Malaysian pubs and Singaporean hawker fare. Order the ikan bilis, dried, fried anchovies that are served with a mix of potato, onion, peanuts, and curry leaves. For something bigger, go for the green tomato dahl topped with fiery sambal and served with a side of roti or get the fried prawns bathed in butter and egg floss. The Thornbury restaurant has a wine list that leans more on whites than reds with Austrian and German varietals featuring prominently on the menu. Or order one of the beers or herbal schnapps. The all-star team behind the restaurant include friends Ben Duval and Alex Schulz, and Carwyn Cellars owner Ben Carwyn, so plan ahead when you make a reservation.
Smith and Daughter’s (Collingwood)
Melbourne vegan favourite Smith and Daughter’s relocated to its new home, a former fire station in Collingwood, in February this year. A larger space means a more ambitious food program: The restaurant now has four different menus including an aperitivo hour, a set menu, several a la carte options, and a chef’s table option where dinner is tailored to diners’ requests. Highlights on the tasting menu include a tomato focaccia, casarecce pasta with lamb ragu, made from signature mock meat, and tiramisu. The drinks menu is just as impressive with options such as a martini with a tomato consomme, along with a selection of wines and beers. The space fills with natural light that passes in through large vertical windows, highlighting the original red brick walls and entirely vegan fit-out of the warehouse style space.
Di Stasio Pizzeria (Carlton)
From restaurateurs Rinaldo Di Stastio and Mallory Wall, Carlton’s Di Stasio Pizzeria has become a local mainstay since its late-2021 debut. That’s in large part due to chef Federico Congiu’s obsessive attention to the ingredients. He makes mozzarella from Jersey cow milk, uses tomatoes from various growers in the Yarra Valley, and mills different kinds of wheat for his pizza bases. Choose between nine pizzas at the restaurant, including a margherita and a lobster option or go for one of the classic pastas such as the lasagna or the carbonara. The smart casual spot is divided into three spaces, a front bar area, a lounge, and the Caravaggio room, named after the Italian painter. The restaurant walls resemble an art gallery, featuring artworks from Melbourne-born artist Reko Rennie. Diners can also eat outside in the spacious courtyard built around a 17th century stone fountain, all of which make it a leisurely lunch spot.
Kura Robata & Sake (Brunswick East)
Kura is the Japanese word for cellar and diners visiting this Brunswick East spot will find a vast collection of sake here. It is home to one of the best premium sake offerings across all of Melbourne. The robata grill, where food is over a charcoal flame, is one of the highlights at the restaurant, which opened in April. The Murray River pork loin smothered in a black garlic miso sauce is a standout here. There’s also a wide selection of appetisers, sashimi, and dessert. The space is simple but inviting, with the best seats in the house at the counter, where you can view the open kitchen in action.
Bird (Brunswick East)
Bird opened in July bringing buttermilk brined fried chicken and Brunswick’s largest all-Australian beer selection to the neighbourhood. Choose between a selection of sauces to pair with your chicken such as a smoky hot sauce, chipotle mayonnaise, and blue cheese buttermilk. There are also a host of sides including a charred cabbage dish with lentils and peas. Grab a seat at the large, low-lit wooden bar and pair your meal with local lager from Stomping Ground Brewery or a Bodriggy pale ale, or opt for one of cocktails, wines, and housemade sodas.
