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“Laksa bombs”, a smash-hit from Junda Khoo’s Sydney restaurants.

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Melbourne’s most exciting openings of the year so far

A great venue takes many different forms in 2025. We’ve got bagelries and bakeries, sushi counters that your wallet will like, bars with great food, and overachieving restaurants in galleries and casinos.

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Residence is now open, with its first-chef-in-residence, serving a nostalgia-fuelled menu.

Start with chicken ‘tea’ and end with a tart at gallery restaurant Cherrywood

  • Tomas Telegramma
“Laksa bombs”, a smash-hit from Junda Khoo’s Sydney restaurants.

Sydney Malaysian restaurant Ho Jiak and its laksa bombs arrive in Melbourne

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

Hatted Indian restaurant Kolkata Cricket Club is a jewel, nestled in Crown

  • Dani Valent
Wine bar 81 Bay will serve snacks such as prawn toast, perfect for casual visits.

In Baix, Brighton finally gets the luxe big-name restaurant it has been waiting for

  • Tomas Telegramma
Falafel with tahini, pickles and zhoug.
14/20

One of Melbourne’s favourite falafel crosses the river to get to Nobody’s Baby bar

  • Dani Valent
Masses Bagels’ hot smoked trout bagel with pickled cucumber, soft herb salad & capers.

Popular market stall Masses brings its bagel tartines to a Fitzroy shopfront

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Inside Suupaa, Japanese-style convenience store in Cremorne.

Find tonkatsu and more at Suupaa, Melbourne’s coolest new convenience store-cafe

  • Dani Valent
Agnolotti with comte and nutmeg.
14/20

Your guide to ordering at of-the-moment wine bar Suze (once you snag a table)

  • Besha Rodell
Inside the Barragunda dining room.
Good Food hatGood Food hat17/20

Two-hatted fine-diner Barragunda is very fancy – but still a bargain

  • Besha Rodell
Assorted sweets at Dua Bakehouse.

Try pandan princess cake at ‘Scandinasian’ bakery Dua Bakehouse in Collingwood

Sogumm’s wagyu bibimbap is more restrained than others.

Sogumm joins a new wave of venues reimagining home-style Korean cooking

  • Quincy Malesovas
Most hand rolls, including the tuna-filled “torotaku”, are $9.50.
14/20

‘Fantastically affordable’ sushi counter Nori Maki answers our critic’s prayers

  • Besha Rodell
Enjoy a Greek feast at Taverna.
14.5/20

Now home to Taverna, this Lygon Street corner is a rollicking Greek party again

  • Dani Valent
Inside Tiny Bar, Brunswick East.

There’s only room for 15 guests at Brunswick East’s aptly named Tiny Bar

  • Emma Breheny
Preparing scrolls at Hector’s Bakery.

Hector’s Deli team opens a bakery spin-off with a must-try cinnamon bun

Original URL: https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/goodfood/melbourne-eating-out/melbourne-s-most-exciting-openings-of-the-year-so-far-20250618-p5m8ge.html