Best things to eat in Melbourne this July

From bouncy pork and wonton dumplings, the ultimate two-bite crumpet and left-of-field take on the parmigiana — these are the hottest dishes we’re putting in our mouths this winter.

These are the best places to eat and drink in Melbourne this winter.

Maintain a healthy appetite as Melbourne enters the depths of winter by eating at these hot new restaurants.

Jamon Iberico Puff

Victor Churchill, 953 High St, Armadale

A visit to Armadale’s posh butcher-restaurant will have you questioning why every two-bite snack you’ve consumed hasn’t led you to moaning pleasure like their Jamon Iberico Puff. Chef Angel Fernandez’s (ex-Botswana Butchery) half-moon shaped flaky pastry oozes with gooey gruyere and chorizo, topped with prosciutto made from rare acorn-fed pigs from Spain.

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Foamy eggplant parmigiana? Trust me, it’s good.

Parmigiana

Sincero, 283-285 Glenferrie Rd, Malvern

Don’t be turned off by this eggplant parmigiana's unsexy menu descriptor — it’s one of the best things to eat at Malvern’s bold new Italian number. At Sincero, you can dig for silky roasted eggplant and toasted sourdough hiding in a sweet tomato chutney, domed by Parmigiano foam. It’s well balanced with incredible texture. More please.

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Lean into the seafood delicacies at Tarra.

Scallops

Tarra, 1 Wharf Street East, Queenscliff

At Quneescliff’s hidden gem, these crowd-pleasing scallops bob in bonito butter and fermented chilli oil pepper that warms both body and soul. I may have missed the pink fingerlimes for garnish, camouflaged on the beautifully styled plate, but don’t forget to add these citrus pearls to amp up the flavour.

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Anchovies, smoked butter on crumpets.

Anchovy crackers

Prince Dining Room, 2 Acland St, St Kilda

Incoming Sydney chef Mitch Orr is now flexing his tricks at St Kilda’s Prince Dining Room. He’s upgraded from the Jatz crackers, instead curling anchovies over pikelet-sized crumpets, dripping in smoked butter and chives. They are an utter joy served warm. I’d go back for another, and then some.

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The steaks are next level at Victor Churchill.

Zabuton full-blood wagyu

Victor Churchill, 953 High St, Armadale

Another one from the posh butcher, this time a signature steak; a 250g full-blood wagyu, a chuck shoulder cut, or zabuton. It’s so cushy tender it translates to pillow in Japanese. At $99, you’d hope all four pieces (eek don’t do the math) are as pleasurable as the next. Clichéd as it sounds, the edges did melt in my mouth, the salt, pepper and blackened char working its magic with every chew. Backing yourself in on butter isn’t a bad move in my books; as smothering each pinkish tile with the Cafe de Paris spread brought so much joy.

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Su Mai

Tarra, 1 Wharf Street East, Queenscliff

You’d be hard up to miss the Su Mai from Tarra, Chinese pork and fermented cabbage dumplings, bobbing in a black vinegar and bone broth so good you’ll guzzled it clean from the bowl. There really is something for everyone here.

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Glazed quince, chicory ice cream. Picture: Supplied

Quince, toasted chicory ice cream sundae

Prince Dining Room, 2 Acland St, St Kilda

Save room for dessert at Prince Dining Room. Either the madeleines, which have a warmth and vanilla bean sweetness countered by a tart rhubarb jam. Or the quince and toasted chicory ice cream sundae, layered with hot takes of festive ginger cake. Tis the season.

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