Are you a laneway dining expert? Do you know the breweries in Brunswick like the back of your hand? With so many amazing new restaurants popping up every month in Melbourne, it can be hard to keep track! We’ve got you covered, with 8 of the must-see new cafes, bars and restaurants to try this September.
Address: 436-438 High St, Prahran VIC 3181
Want to level up your next date night? Osteria Renata is the perfect setting – a beautiful, intimate venue with simple but striking Italian fare. You won’t find a cream-heavy Carbonara here, but you will find expertly crafted pasta that heroes local ingredients, like the Paccheri with Skull Island prawns, Spring Bay mussels, squid, smoked butter and confit tomato.
The antipasti menu is fresh and bold, with plenty of fresh seafood, lemon and olives. The dishes are like a reimagined, modern and minimalist take on lunch in a Southern Italian seaside town. Almost as good as a holiday!
Book Osteria Renata now
Address: 135 Greeves St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
With cobbled walls and moody, amber lighting, Oko feels like an extension of the unique laneways that make Melbourne so special. The menu at Oko is a modern take on Mediterranean classics, designed to be shared.
There are fantastic seafood options like the Whole Baby Snapper, or meat-free items like the Harissa Roasted Pumpkin with couscous and currents. Spoilt for choice? Grab a group of 7 or more and head down for the ‘Feed Me’ menu, where the chefs create a banquet meal specially for you.
Book Oko Restaurant now
Address: 279 Wellington St, Collingwood VIC 3066
You might have been to a lot of breweries in Melbourne before, but Molly Rose is the new kid on the block who’s changing the game. There’s always something happening, with monthly Sunday markets and their popular “Hour of Sour” guided tasting sessions.
On offer alongside their inventive beers, the bar-snacks menu features leveled-up staples like Potato Crisps with White Bean and Truffle dip, and a classic Ploughman’s Plate. Recently they have launched an amazing toastie menu in partnership with other local chefs and restaurants with old favourites like a three-cheese toastie and tomato soup, as well as creative combos like the Eggplant Toastie with pesto, ricotta, chilli and rocket.
Book Molly Rose Brewery now
Address: 262 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053
The dishes at Kahaani showcase the range in cuisine from all over India – from street-food staples like Pani Puri and Mangalorean Fried Chicken, to South and North Indian curries and Tandoor oven specials.
Feeling hungry? You can order two smaller dishes, two curries and one side for $39 per person, and if you want something sweet to finish on, try one of the authentic desserts like the Gulabh Jamun, brown flavoured dumplings simmered in sweet chashni.
Book Kahaani now
Address: 296 Carlisle St, Balaclava VIC 3183
Carlisle street is packed with local gems, and Pretty Little is more of a dining experience than simply a restaurant. Meals are prepared and served at a communal table in front of an open plan kitchen, and you can choose between a four or six course menu option.
The dishes are seasonally inspired, innovative and change regularly, and the chef can cater for plant-based guests and most other dietary requirements. The experience is intimate, with a homely feel, and bookings are essentially as seats are limited, so don’t miss out!
Book Pretty Little now
Address: 175-177 Lygon St, Brunswick East VIC 3057
For unforgettable Mezze, experience a taste of Lebanon at Mama Manoush. With an extensive shared plates menu as well as larger main dishes and plenty of vegetarian options, the whole family will find something that they love at Mama Manoush.
If you’ve got a group to feed, choose one of the banquet options, and sit back as a Lebanese feast is laid out. Choose from two different banquets, and sample a wide range of dishes.
Book Mama Manoush now
Address: 45 Spring St, Melbourne VIC 3004
Image credit: Hassel Studios
The team at Di Stasio Citta were the recipients of an interior design award, and it’s no surprise why. With striking architecture and brutalist concrete fittings, the fit out strikes the optimal balance between sharp and inviting.
The menu is authentic and traditional Italian fare, taking inspiration from both northern and southern Italy. There are weekend set menus offered with two different price points for 3 or 5 courses, and you can wrap the night up with a classic Italian dessert like the Torta Di Vaniglia, a white chocolate and mascarpone tart.
Book Di Stasio Citta now
Address: 412a Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Always wanted to ‘grab a slice’ in America? Well now you can (sort-of), at Deep End. Serving up the best of regional American style pizza, you can grab a slice to go from the slice window at lunch time every day, or head in for the dine in only menu for dinner Wednesday to Sunday.
Feeling extra hungry? Grab the whole gang to tackle their signature Chicago Deep Dish, a rich and hearty pizza, packed with ingredients. Or, go on the lighter side with a classic Neapolitan style slice, thin and bubbly with the perfect ratio of cheese-to-sauce.
Book Deep End Pizza now
From breweries to traditional Indian or Lebanese, there isn’t a dull moment at these standout new restaurants. But make sure that you book early to avoid disappointment – these venues won’t stay as our little secret for long!
