Deep-fried chicken thigh with hot oil garlic sambal.

Choose from 20 chilli sambals at this hot and spicy eatery where most dishes are under $12

Australia’s first Waroeng SS Spesial Sambal restaurant celebrates the Indonesian obsession with the condiment.

  • Dani Valent
The building where Epocha is located has been put up for sale.

‘This was not just a restaurant’:Beloved Carlton stalwart to close after 12 years

Come September,Angie Giannakodakis and Guy Holder will turn off the lights at their European restaurant Epocha.

  • Tomas Telegramma
Luca Sbardella and Jamie Valmorbida inside historic King&Godfree.

Legendary Lygon Street deli,restaurant and cafe set for extended closure – again

Despite undergoing extensive renovations in 2018,the Lygon Street landmark is about to be shuttered for another overhaul.

  • Dani Valent
Peek inside Bistra to find white-clothed tables and whitewashed walls.
14.5/20

Not too fancy,not too casual,this bistro finds the Goldilocks zone (and brings the ’90s back)

Nostalgic for those elegant bistros of the not-too-distant past? Even if you weren’t there,you’ll recognise the appeal of this Carlton newcomer.

  • Besha Rodell
Entrees such as chicken liver parfait (right) will also make the most of the house-baked bread.

Bistra brings back the old-school Aussie bistro complete with 𝄒90s menu classics

There’s beer on tap,trifle in glass bowls,and battered prawns. And a near-extinct hospitality tradition – replete with white tablecloths – is being revived.

  • Emma Breheny
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Kale chips battered in chickpea flour,with beetroot puree and drizzled with a trio of chutneys.
14.5/20

This thrilling modern Indian restaurant is an excellent addition to Lygon Street

And its “unreasonably authentic” menu is different to the classic Australian-Indian dishes you might expect.

  • Dani Valent
Johnny’s Green Room is ready for summer,with the same city views,but a whole new look.

The best food to order and spot to sit at Carlton’s revamped favourite rooftop bar

Johnny’s Green Room is all grown up,with a polished Tuscan terrace look and some big Melbourne names handling food and drinks. Here’s everything you need to know.

  • Emma Breheny
Owner Fabio Angele at the new Brunetti Classico in Moonee Ponds.

Cult Italian cafe Brunetti Classico opens another Carlton venue with a difference

The movies,coffee and cake ritual has come to Moonee Ponds,while Carlton also has a new spot for experimental bakes to go.

  • Tomas Telegramma
Scopri’s signature agnolotti del plin,filled with rabbit,veal and pork.

Italian stalwart Scopri to open cleverly named sibling,Bar Olo,just down the road

The Carlton restaurant team come up with their own answer to the question:“Where’s a good place to get a drink around here?”

  • Tomas Telegramma
The go-to dish:Grilled lobster.
14/20

The ‘weird’ Carlton restaurant that almost doesn’t want you to visit

But if you like rare and pristine seafood,here’s why you should try to book one of the five tables.

  • Besha Rodell