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The “Benny Nest” (eggs benedict on kataifi pastry).

Your March hit list: Hot, new and just-reviewed places to check out this month

Greek and Lebanese brunches, Southeast Asian and South Indian suburban gems, plus our top picks of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival program.

Red Park is a new all-day eatery in Ocean Grove.

A laidback Victorian coastal town is now home to Heartattack and Vine’s famous porchetta roll

Locally minded Red Park serves sandwiches by day, and pizza and cocktails by night. Plus, more new openings to visit in nearby Geelong and beyond.

  • Tomas Telegramma
Chilled tofu with syrup.

Doughnuts, ice-cream and nuggets: How this tiny shop puts a creative spin on tofu

A small-batch tofu maker is pushing perceptions of the vegetarian staple into new territory, using McDonald’s, low-waste cooking and more for inspiration.

  • Emma Breheny
Barragunda is a set on 400 hectares that supply lamb, beef, rye wheat and dozens of varieties of vegetables and fruit.

This new Mornington Peninsula fine diner is one of Australia’s most ambitious restaurants of the decade

On a sprawling 400 hectares, this new spot rears lamb and cattle, grows its own rye wheat and transforms its harvest into Middle Eastern-tinged tasting menus.

  • Emma Breheny
Gambino’s dining room, with its blue velvet and marble, is geared to special occasions.

Explosive pepper steak, date-night vibes, rooftop bar: Glen Waverley’s new Italian hangout

This new kid on the block wants to compete with the drawcard restaurants of Windsor and the city. And it’s got more than a few tricks up its sleeve.

  • Emma Breheny
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Taverna’s menu is all about meze and large dishes to share.

Your February hit list: The hot, new (and unexpected) places to check out this month

Two new Greek tavernas, Chinese coffee, Colombian hot dogs beside a car wash … Melbourne’s never short on surprising edible gems. Here’s what we’ve uncovered lately.

Moon Dog’s venue in Frankston is a tribute to tropical beach clubs.

Mega beach clubs to micro hangouts: Four new (and very different) Melbourne bars

Size does matter at these new bars. Some are for sipping limoncello slushies in the sun, others are your go-to for elegant cocktails before dinner.

  • Emma Breheny
Inside a typical rural weatherboard hides a Thai restaurant serving home-style cooking.

A humble weatherboard in a tiny town is home to a thrilling new Thai restaurant

Settle in for a long lunch for just 14 guests at a time at this intimate, family-run eatery in the middle of northern Victoria.

  • Quincy Malesovas
Taverma’s venue manager Chrysa Kogkou, co-owner Angie Giannakodakis and co-owner Guy Holder.

This popular Greek pop-up has found its spiritual home in Melbourne’s north

Taverna, which popped up in the old Epocha space in Carlton last year, goes permanent this week, reviving one of Melbourne’s legendary Greek dining sites.

  • Daniela Frangos
Foccaccia with onion butter that uses onion in three different forms.

Ex-Rockpool chef brings comfort food and White Russians to Warrnambool

Wood-grilled steaks and onion butter are on the menu as a chef returns to his hometown (plus two more spots to try en route).

  • Emma Breheny

Original URL: https://www.theage.com.au/goodfood/just-open