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

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A recent poll by market research firm Mintel found that 47 per cent of men aged between 18 and 34 in the UK had used a dating website or app in the year to December,compared with 25 per cent of women of the same age.

Dating has never been easy. Then came the cost-of-living crisis

Cost-of-living pressures have put fine dining off the menu for many,but a coffee date may not wow a potential new love. Here are some more imaginative options.

  • Cindy Yin
The daily fish market selection.

Tombo Den

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

  • Tomas Telegramma
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
Inside Patsy’s.
Good Food hat15/20

This hatted vegetarian wine bar was always nice,but it’s bloomed into something special

Patsy’s has found its feet since opening three years ago,evolving into a standout spot for meat-free dishes.

  • Besha Rodell
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
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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
December will mark the ten-year anniversary of Embla.
Good Food hat15.5/20

This dark,moody wine bar is our critic’s go-to because it’s exactly what Melbourne does best

This decade-old CBD favourite is still as dynamic as the day it opened.

  • Besha Rodell
Lunch at Sebastian comes with water views.

Sebastian Beach Grill&Bar

For Spanish-ish cuisine by the seaside.

  • Gemima Cody
Eleven Barrack is banking on the market for plush dining rooms.
Good Food hatGood Food hat16.5/20

This new two-hatted grill is so good,our critic booked it for his birthday

Eleven Barrack pushes beyond the usual surf-and-turf trappings to create a singular restaurant,complete with a baby grand and live pianist.

  • Callan Boys