Inside Natural Science wine bar in Blackburn.

Natural Science Wine&Liquor

An all-Australian bottle shop and wine bar in Melbourne’s east.

  • Tomas Telegramma
Steak is available in three cuts.

Batesford Hotel

A revived pub with an epic beer garden just outside Geelong.

  • Gail Thomas
The daily fish market selection.

Tombo Den

A high-octane ode to Tokyo’s late-night dining scene,by Chris Lucas.

  • Tomas Telegramma
Billy Wong.
14/20

If little of the original Golden Century remains,is it still Golden Century? The verdict

For devotees of the Cantonese icon,the reborn GC might feel like your parents have moved from your childhood home into flash new digs. But you’ll be hard-pressed to find yum cha with a better view.

  • Myffy Rigby
Ruben’s occupies a site in Armadale’s heritage-listed Kings Arcade.

Ruben’s Deli

A one-stop shop for pantry essentials,baked goods and hulking sangers.

  • Emma Breheny
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At Grana,shoppers can sit down for snacks such as baked brie.

Grana

Lygon Street deli and wine bar by the team behind Tipo 00.

  • Emma Breheny
Wife-and-husband team Annick De Silva and Binura Jayasuriya.

This elegant neighbourly spot serves 32 varieties of sweet and savoury crepes

The Bungalow transforms from serene brunch spot in the day to a place of white tablecloths,brass table-lamps and cocktails in the evening.

  • Lenny Ann Low
Bar Brillo

This cosy neighbourhood wine bar in an underrated inner suburb is worth seeking out

Bar Brillo is a welcome addition to this small,hilly pocket northwest of the city,serving natural wines and Italian-leaning small plates.

  • Dani Valent
The premium Indian restaurant seats 130 in booths or on elegant folding chairs.
Good Food hat15/20

This hatted restaurant is a jewel,nestled in our critic’s least favourite location in Melbourne

Toddy Shop chef Mischa Tropp’s fire-driven,premium restaurant at Crown feels real,right and resonant.

  • Dani Valent
Half-chicken with French onion soup toast.
14.5/20

Heritage farmhouse meets natural wine at this new bread fanciers’ hang-out

The All Purpose Bakery team brings “posh RSL” vibes and a no-bookings policy to a refurbished sandstone cottage on Oxford Street,serving rissoles,steak,oysters Kilpatrick and all things bread.

  • Callan Boys