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Latin American

Carellys Vergara and Linda Molano at Del Alma in Prahran.

Why Colombian food is finally on the rise in Melbourne (and where to find it)

Compared to Mexican, Argentinian and Peruvian cuisine, Colombian food is relatively unknown in Australia, but that’s starting to change.

  • Annie Hariharan
Morena’s beef empanadas.
14.5/20

Morena

In a nutshell: Punchy Latin American flavours in Sydney’s CBD.

Composite image of chefs Scott Pickett of Audrey’s in Sorrento (left) and Alejandro Saravia of Morena.

Why two hatted restaurants have closed – and what’s replacing them

One has been open for just 12 months; the other was from a big-name chef. But their respective teams are cooking up new dining concepts.

  • Tomas Telegramma and Emma Breheny
Kingfish ceviche at Pancho.

Pancho Latino

Bold cross-section of casual eats from Mexico and below.

Goat’s cheese custard, Andean crisps and ox tongue skewers at Morena.

Morena

Stylish package of respectful reinvention.

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Corn tamale is a corn triple play, the ground nixtamalised corn dough steamed in corn husks blanketed by corn sauce.
14/20

Farewell, fusion tacos. This sunny CBD bar may be the start of Melbourne’s Latino age

The Mexican, Central and South American food scene here is stronger than ever. And this Little Collins Street newcomer delivers some of the best versions around.

  • Besha Rodell
Murray cod croquette with hot mustard sauce at forthcoming restaurant Marmelo.

Coming soon: 10 new, genre-busting Melbourne restaurants we can’t wait to try

They come with cocktail bars, delis and even an art gallery bolted on, as restaurateurs create go-to destinations for all hours of the day.

  • Emma Breheny
Alejandro Saravia is opening two branches of Morena in Melbourne’s CBD this year.

Forget ‘the Paris end’, the top of Collins Street is becoming a high-end Latin American hotspot

Peru-born chef Alejandro Saravia recently opened Latin American restaurant Morena in Sydney. Now, he’s bringing the brand home to Melbourne – with some twists.

  • Tomas Telegramma
Gemini is a cafe by day, and wine bar by night.

Our 10 favourite new Melbourne restaurant and bar openings of the year (so far)

Half-way through 2024 it’s clear economic pressures are hitting the hospitality industry hard. But there’s been some exciting new venues, and trends, to emerge.

  • Emma Breheny and Dani Valent
A crisp fried arepa split into two
discs hosts a variety of burger fillings.
13.5/20

Pantano, a suburban bar and restaurant that brings Latin flair to Willagee

Pantano, a suburban bar and restaurant that brings Latin flair to Willagee

  • Max Veenhuyzen

Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/goodfood/topic/latin-american-6gfs