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Melbourne

The labne manakish with zaatar, tomato, cucumber and olives.

Sure, this cafe-bakery’s cakes are elegant, but its flatbread is sprinkled with magic

Paris-trained baker Mariana Chedid, of Brulee patisserie fame, leans into her Lebanese heritage at Salam.

  • Dani Valent
The main salon at Gigi.

Gigi

A slinky spin-off bar to big sister Entrecôte.

  • Sidney Venus
Big, and brash, and fun: The ground floor of Maison Batard.
14.5/20

‘Eye-wateringly expensive’: Does Maison Batard stand up to its prices and hype?

Chris Lucas’ ambitious four-level venue is Melbourne’s “opening of the season”. Here’s our critic’s verdict.

  • Besha Rodell
“We’ve got open communication, respect for each other and patience”, says Le Tet.

‘To keep the dream alive, you have to be creative’: Restaurant roommates are surviving (and thriving)

Several Melbourne hospitality ventures are splitting rent and utilities to reduce costs, build community and reach out to new customers.

  • Dani Valent
Cheesy beef sando with mint in the mince.

‘What a combo!’ Tiny cafe serves mind-bending toasties and ‘frisky’ foamy coffee

Four Kilo Fish is one of the rare Melbourne places that serves Chinese specialty coffee, including one drink that tastes like a Jaffa.

  • Dani Valent
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One of the pastel-heavy murals at Marmont.
14/20

Plumped up desserts and corporate vibes: Our critic’s verdict on Crown’s glitzy new restaurant

It might have little to do with its namesake Hollywood hotel Chateau Marmont, but it’s serving sexed up and lascivious cornbread.

  • Besha Rodell
The restaurant’s unusual industrial design was a feature.

Hatted Punch Lane restaurant Sunda to close on Saturday, weeks after chef’s exit

The owner plans to move Sunda outside the city, with a new restaurant concept is slated for the CBD space.

  • Tomas Telegramma
Pirate Life’s Melbourne pirate ship is a cruisy, spacious food hangout.
14/20

This huge brewpub in Nowheresville is a bold move (much like its drink-friendly food)

Pirate Life’s beer is made off site, so does its 200-seat venue stand on its own terms as a food and drink drawcard?

  • Dani Valent
Costenisimo Colombian cafe in St Kilda East.

This Colombian cafe in a carwash is a total vibe, especially in the summertime

Costenisimo’s loaded fries, hot dogs and burgers are worth crossing town for.

  • Dani Valent
Liyin Rice Roll Master’s namesake cheung fun (rice rolls).

You’ve likely tried these rice noodle rolls at yum cha, but this silky version is extra-special

Roll into low-key city spot Liyin Rice Roll Master (Jade Delight) for smoky noodles, comforting congee and cheung fun.

  • Dani Valent

Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/goodfood/topic/melbourne-ch7