Bars in the city and beyond are bringing food into sharper focus, providing more reasons to order that extra cocktail or glass of zibibo.

Par Bar

Par Bar’s cerebral cocktails are now enhanced by a set menu from chef Paul Turner, an alumnus of Cutler & Co and Donovans, who is preparing the likes of flathead tortellini in beurre blanc or steamed zucchini flowers with peppers and honey. A $65 set menu includes six courses, with the option of a cocktail pairing (also $65), or go a la carte and control the budget. Sunday lunch (3 dishes, $45) is also a new addition.

360 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, parmelbourne.com

Old Palm Liquor and Bahama Gold

Old Palm Liquor’s neighbouring watering hole, Bahama Gold, has just hired a chef, Jane Low, which means it could be even harder to find a stool at the popular hangout. Low’s Malaysian upbringing collides with the Mediterranean in dishes like sambal schiacciata (Tuscan flatbread), which joins lamb tartare, and quail stuffed with shiitake and lap cheong.

Next door, Old Palm Liquor does a weekly fish braii − the South African term for charcoal grilling − that includes whole flathead, coal-baked oysters, flatbread and mussels in Cape Malay spice ($100 per head). Add bottomless tap wine for $50.

Noon-4pm each Sunday, 135 Lygon Street, Brunswick East, oldpalmliquor.com

Manze

There are more ways to get your Manze fix, with the Mauritian-leaning wine bar adding an express lunch menu on Fridays and Saturdays. For $30 you get a choice of main course with sides, plus two bite-sized snacks to start.

Walk-ins only, noon-2pm, Fri-Sat, shop 2, 1-5 Errol Street, North Melbourne, manze.com.au

Pencilmark Wine Room

In Ballarat, Pencilmark Wine Room has added a few more shades to its food offering, graduating from the minimalism of cheese, conservas and charcuterie to a three-course set menu ($65) punctuated by fennel and zucchini arancini, crumbed pork chop and tiramisu. On the pans is Jen Atchinson, who last cooked at The Mallow Hotel in Ballarat. The previous snack line-up is still available for briefer visits.

3 Doveton Street North, Ballarat, pencilmark.com.au