You there, under the doona. Did you know winter is actually the best time to fill your diary, as restaurants deliver deals to lure Melbourne’s hibernating residents out of the house? These can come in all shapes and sizes, whether it’s a bracing Malaysian-style breakfast, a hearty fish stew or a BYO night at a neighbourhood Italian. Midweek is the new weekend − embrace it.

Waygood

You could have a virtuous Tuesday dinner of brown rice and broccoli at home, or you could opt for the new vegetarian banquet ($39 per person) at this Richmond wine bar. With a new head chef from Ottolenghi’s Islington restaurant in London, Waygood is dishing up vibrant plates of autumn and winter veg, such as chargrilled Brussels sprouts with tahini-maple dressing or beetroot hummus with everything bagel seasoning. Desserts can be added, or even a meaty main that turns the veg into the support act. Menu changes weekly; the fun kicks off June 20.

213 Swan Street, Richmond, waygood.com.au

Railway Hotel Fitzroy

Don’t head to another of Melbourne’s many Railway hotels or you’ll miss out on a bargain plate of delightfully messy lasagne, its cheesy top blistered in the best possible way. This Fitzroy North institution is in new hands and the team are making fast friends in the neighbourhood by offering portions of lasagne − either meat or veg − for just $20 on Wednesdays. Thankfully, they haven’t changed much else at the pub, especially not the old-school decor.

800 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy North, railwayhotelfitzroy.com.au

Bistro Sousou

Is there any combo more wintry than roast duck paired with pinot noir? Embrace the cold with a night coddled in the warm patina of this charming French spot. The mood on Wednesdays is further dialled up by a white-hot deal: half a slow-roasted duck with duck fat potatoes, pickled cabbage and a glass of pinot noir. The price? Just $45.

153 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy, bistrosousou.com.au

Hobsons Bay Hotel

Could this westside pub be the definition of a good neighbour? On Wednesdays it offers locals 15 per cent off everything on the menu (drinks are still full price). Keep things low-key with a cheeseburger on a milk bun or a classic parma, or make the most of the discount and scale up to a whole lamb shoulder with flatbread, pickles and zhoug.

28 Ferguson Street, Williamstown, hobsonsbayhotel.com.au

Post Office Club Hotel

Stroll down to this recently revamped pub any day of the week and your wallet will thank you. A daily happy hour (4pm-6pm) includes $8 wines and beers or you can spring for sparkling for $15. Oysters are $3 a pop. But Thursday is the day to really make the most of it. Get there for a pre-dinner drink at happy hour prices; stay for the $30 bouillabaisse, a warm hug of a stew from southern France, scattered with mussels, blue grenadier and prawns, served with rouille and sourdough.

306 St Kilda Road, St Kilda, posthotel.com.au

Myth Cafe

Does starting your day with a bargain mean more good luck is headed your way? Find out by snapping up one of the $14 breakfast sets at this cafe that offers a taste of Malaysian hawker dishes. Opt for toast slathered in kaya butter (coconut jam) with soft-boiled eggs, or nasi lemak or fried vermicelli if you’re more of a savoury morning person. Hainanese-style coffee or tea, strong, smooth and often sweet, is included. Available from 7am on weekdays (except Tuesday) and 8am on weekends.

48 Rosslyn Street, Melbourne, @myth_cafe_au