Hot new restaurants opening in Melbourne, regional Victoria in 2025
After a dire 2024, the city’s dining landscape is showing signs of new life — with a swag of top-tier chefs opening new restaurants this year.
Food
Don't miss out on the headlines from Food. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Melbourne saw a swag of restaurant closures in 2024, but 2025 is showing more promise with these top-tier chefs and restaurateurs preparing to launch new venues this year across the state.
Ian Curley project, Brighton
The man behind timeless Melbourne establishments the European, French Saloon and Kirk’s Wine Bar is opening his first restaurant in almost eight-years, albeit a little closer to home. The new Brighton wine bar and restaurant, perched under swanky The International apartment complex on Bay and New streets, will boast a French-style menu led by new executive chef recruit Josh Moroney (Nomad).
Late February
Decca, Alphington
Celebrity chef Adam D’Sylva, behind Coda, Tonka and Boca Gelato fame, is also moving closer to home for his next suburban restaurant project. Housed within Alphington’s YarraBend housing development, D’Sylva plans to bring his signature Italian and Indian style of cooking to the all-day restaurant and wine bar. He’s also hired star pastry chef Kay-Lene Tan (Omnia, Yugen) to flex her sweet skills.
February
Barragunda Dining, Cape Schanck
Sustainable chef Simone Watts (Coda, Pearl) will finally see her dream regenerative farm and restaurant project become a reality in late February. In partnership with philanthropist Hayley Morris, the intimate 40-seater will showcase the region’s finest produce — with almost everything grown within the two-acre garden or on the sprawling estate.
Late February
Zareh, Collingwood
Dip king and Middle Eastern chef Tom Sarafian’s first restaurant is opening this March. Zareh, celebrating his Arabic and Armenian heritage, was slated to open alongside a grab-and-go deli in the CBD under the helm of hospitality giant The Mulberry Group. But in December, the star chef told the Herald Sun he’d cut ties with the group, deciding to open an all-day eatery and shop in a new Collingwood location. The 40-seater will live inside the E.S Smith building, on Smith St, and will also act as the new HQ for Sarafian’s dip production.
March
67 Pall Mall, CBD
Melbourne’s new private members’ wine club is moving into its cushy Spring Street digs this spring. The London-born club’s first Aussie outpost has already attracted considerable interest locally — with hundreds of vinophiles happily paying thousands in sign up fees just to be part of the action. Chief executive Grant Ashton said we should believe the hype — with 1000 new and old world pours by the glass, and 5000-strong bottle list at your disposal. Expect three in-house restaurants, a champagne and whisky bar, and office spaces.
Spring 2025
Andrew McConnell project, CBD
Trader House Group snapped up 25 Crossley Lane, formerly home to Becco, last July with star-chef Andrew McConnell planning to open a new restaurant in the void this year. While no new updates have come from camp McConnell this year, Kitchen Confidential understands the project is still expected to take shape, with a late 2025 launch date. The iconic address used to house Pellegrini’s Tavola Freddo Cantina, established by the Pellegrini brothers, Leo and Vildo in 1954. They sold the business to Nino Pangrazio and Sisto Malaspina in 1974. Becco opened in the space in 1996. Trader Houses’ Morning Market currently occupies by the Becco produce store.
Late 2025
More Coverage
Smashable great-value snack you’ll obsess over all summer
The chef behind city favourites Lucy Liu and Taxi Dining has smashed it out of the park with his latest project — home to one seafood snack bound to live rent free in your mind.
Chef brings city tastes to Warrnambool with hip new restaurant
A Melbourne chef has made the ultimate homecoming by opening a “simple” and “seasonal” restaurant in the coastal town.