Spring is synonymous with new life. And that’s as true for your garden as it is for Melbourne’s dining scene, which is set to welcome a clutch of thrilling new openings before summer rolls around. Here are the 10 venues we’re most excited about.

Batard, CBD

The pitch: It’s been in the pipeline for six years, but mark-making restaurateur Chris Lucas (Society, Grill Americano, Chin Chin) is just months away from lifting the lid on Batard, his four-level “experiential” French dining destination on Bourke Street.

Why we’re excited: An extravagant oyster and crustacea bar – bursting with the creme de la creme of local seafood – will take pride of place in the restaurant on street level. And the cherry on top of the hotly anticipated venue? A stunning rooftop terrace.

When it’s opening: November.

25 Bourke Street, Melbourne, batard.com.au

Marmelo and Mr Mills, CBD

The pitch: Sydney hospo power couple Ross and Sunny Lusted – of Woodcut and the now-closed Bridge Room – are readying restaurant Marmelo and basement bar Mr Mills to open in Melbourne’s CBD, beneath a luxe new boutique hotel on Russell Street.

Why we’re excited: There’s Portuguese and Spanish inspiration, but the Lusteds are throwing out the rule book in interesting ways. Expect a savoury spin on Portuguese tarts, crowned with caviar, and a signature dessert of red and white marmelo (quince).

When it’s opening: Late spring.

130 Russell Street, Melbourne, marmelorestaurant.com.au, mrmillsbar.com.au

Gigi by Entrecôte

The pitch: Jason Jones and Brahman Perera are giving their flashy French diner Entrecote a “mischievous younger sibling”. A stone’s throw away just off Greville Street, where they also have Hopper Joint, Gigi is transforming the former Rufus bar site.

Why we’re excited: This bar is set to be a high-end hideaway. You’ll be buzzed in through nondescript French doors to find a space oozing with eccentric Parisian charm, with a focus on champagne and European wines, and late-night chicken toasties.

When it’s opening: Mid-October.

Unit 1, 143 Greville Street, Prahran, instagram.com/gigi_by_entrecote

Silk Spoon, CBD

The pitch: Star chef Victor Liong – of two-hatted Lee Ho Fook – is going less fancy at Silk Spoon, a casual, more affordable restaurant beneath a Bourke Street office tower.

Why we’re excited: It’ll be a next-level option for workers in the legal district looking for a speedy lunch. Expect a diverse, seasonally charged menu of colourful, vegetable-forward dishes inspired by the Silk Road trading routes snaking from China to Europe.

When it’s opening: Mid-to-late September.

500 Bourke Street, Melbourne, instagram.com/silkspoon_

Moon Dog Doglands, Docklands

The pitch: Go-getting Melbourne craft brewer Moon Dog is taking to Docklands for its fourth venue, catering to 1500 punters on the concourse outside Marvel Stadium.

Why we’re excited: Their most recent opening took us to the Wild West, but the vibe at Doglands will be tropicana. The “island-themed oasis” will have a boardwalk lined with palm trees, a terrace restaurant called The Jungle Room, and a circular centrepiece bar.

When it’s opening: Sometime in spring.

685 La Trobe Street, Docklands, moondog.com.au/doglands

Il Mercato Centrale, CBD

The pitch: Il Mercato Centrale has mega-markets across Italy, but its first international location is about to land in Melbourne. The $20 million Italian food hub on Collins Street has three levels, and room for 3000 people across its market hall, restaurants and bars.

Why we’re excited: The vendor line-up – of 23 local artisans – will be unveiled in full on opening day. But here’s a taster: Cannoleria by That’s Amore will be piping cannoli to order and Damian Malone (of Highett bakery The Flour House) will be shaping the bread.

When it’s opening: Thursday, September 19.

546 Collins Street, Melbourne, mercatocentrale.com.au

Cheri, South Melbourne

The pitch: The Darling Group – which operates cafes Higher Ground, Top Paddock and The Terrace – is opening new all-day eatery and patisserie Cheri on the south side.

Why we’re excited: The Coventry Street space was once dessert destination Bibelot, and Cheri picks up where it left off, promising “a chic and contemporary take on traditional European patisserie culture” with croissants and chocolatey treats galore.

When it’s opening: Wednesday, October 9.

285-287 Coventry Street, South Melbourne, instagram.com/cherieatery

Amatrice Rooftop, Cremorne

The pitch: The team from Williamstown’s Spanish-inspired Sebastian have taken an Italian sidestep for two new venues in the same Cremorne development: the just-opened Caffe Amatrice on the ground floor, and Amatrice Rooftop, coming to level 10.

Why we’re excited: There’ll be city views for days at the handsome rooftop restaurant, which will revel in all things pasta.

When it’s opening: Sometime in spring.

16 Stephenson Street, Cremorne, amatrice.com.au

Caterina’s Cucina e Bar, CBD

The pitch: Hatted Italian stalwart Caterina’s has been shuttered since May due to catastrophic flooding caused by a burst water main. But the rebuild has begun.

Why we’re excited: After a winter without the lavish long lunches and consummate hospitality of Caterina Borsato and her team, we can’t wait to welcome them back.

When it’s reopening: By the end of November, all building works going to plan.

221 Queen Street, Melbourne, caterinas.com.au

Kirbie, South Melbourne

The pitch: Restaurateur Kirbie Tate has shut her hatted South Melbourne diner, James, to make way for a new, more accessible dining concept: all-day European bistro Kirbie.

Why we’re excited: James’s Korean and native-Australian flair will be missed, but Kirbie will have a “dramatically” lower price point. Expect classic chicken sangers with celery remoulade, on-the-bone cotolette with caper butter, and spring cassoulet.

When it’s opening: Mid-to-late September.

323 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne

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