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Assorted curry pans (curry-filled bread puffs).

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The new Melbourne restaurants, bars and cafes we got excited about in August

From Kare’s Japanese curry-filled pan (pictured) to Northern Soul’s curry-sauce-dipped, Irish-Chinese loaded fries, a wide world of snacks abounds in Melbourne. We’ve also uncovered Brazilian-style sushi, real-deal Mexican tacos, blue cheese-stuffed naan, and deep-fried gnocchi bites. So dip into this month’s hit list of new and recently reviewed venues, and get snacking.

24 stories
Executive chef Alejandro Saravia at his new restaurant, Morena.

Morena Restaurant and its spin-off Morena Barra take Latin dining to the next level

  • Tomas Telegramma
Tuna tartare in a bag of Smiths crisps is on the menu at Punters Club.

Fitzroy’s legendary Punters Club reopens after 22 years – with rocking snacks and gigs

  • Tomas Telegramma
The “killer” cauliflower dish.

Why Amarillo’s ‘killer’ charred cauliflower stopped our reviewer in her tracks

  • Dani Valent
Assorted curry pans (curry-filled bread puffs).

Cosy cafe Kare is on a mission to showcase Japanese curry in all its gentle delights

  • Dani Valent
Chef Philippa Sibley’s drawings (left) decorate the walls of the bistro.
Good Food hat15/20

Thirteen-year-old local favourite Pinotta finally gets a hat under Philippa Sibley

  • Dani Valent
Barbacoa estilo Hidalgo (lamb barbacoa tacos with chilli consommé).

The inexpensive El Columpio is serving ‘the best tacos Melbourne has ever seen’

  • Besha Rodell
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Deep-fried gnocchi bites.

Don’t miss nonna’s-gnocchi-meets-potato-gems at allergy-friendly pizzeria Shop 225

  • Dani Valent
Plant-based corn dog with golden curry ketchup and mustard seeds at Smith + Daughters Social Club.

Collingwood vegan favourite Smith & Daughters transforms into Smith + Daughters Social Club

  • Tomas Telegramma
The Spice Bag.

Join the Northern Soul queue for a spice bag (aka Irish-Chinese fries with fried chicken and curry sauce)

  • Dani Valent
The wine list at Circl is as thick as a novel, with 30 pages dedicated to burgundy alone.

Punch Lane’s long-delayed wine wonderland Circl opens with 150 drops by the glass and fancy crumpets

  • Tomas Telegramma
Southall’s keema naan (left) and Gruyere naan.
14/20

Second to naan: Which of longstanding Indian restaurant Southall’s stuffed flatbreads is best?

  • Dani Valent
Two couples have transformed Central Park Cellars into a Glen Iris destination.

Central Park Cellars is winning over Glen Iris with $20 pastas and chicken-salt spicy margs

  • Tomas Telegramma and Dani Valent
The go-to dish: Chilli oil parfait is a riot of bold flavours.
Good Food hat15/20

Lygon Street favourite Etta gets a new chef, and a hot new ‘mind-bending’ chilli oil dessert

  • Besha Rodell
The team behind Elio’s Place (L-R): Adam Mariani, Gareth Flood, Elisa Mariani and Matilde Razzoli.

What’s the dealio with Elio’s? Everything you need to know about Flinders Lane’s new all-day cafe-bistro

  • Tomas Telegramma
Sandwich from Moorabbin’s Marko’s Schnitzel.

Moorabbin tradie hotspot Marko’s makes one of Melbourne’s top chicken schnitzel sangers

  • Tomas Telegramma
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The bar’s entrance isn’t as discreet as other iterations of the restaurant.

Enter Via Laundry’s not-so-secret cocktail bar is serving what might be your ‘new favourite chip’

  • Dani Valent
The original jam doughnuts of American Doughnut Kitchen are now joined by new flavours at the second shop.

Queen Vic Market’s famous doughnut van sets up shop at a southside market

  • Emma Breheny
Carnation Canteen is a glowing beacon on a Fitzroy corner.
14.5/20

Carnation Canteen, a tiny restaurant in a corner store, is a pot of gold

  • Dani Valent
Go-to dish: Tempura hot rolls filled with avocado and topped with a slice of strawberry.
14/20

Tropical fruit meets ‘hot’ sushi at Brazil-inspired Oshan in South Yarra

  • Dani Valent
Bossa Nova is a sushi train and bar with a Brazilian bent.

Bourke Street’s slick new sushi train Bossa Nova has plates from just $4.80

  • Tomas Telegramma
The grass-fed rib-eye with mustard jus.
Good Food hatGood Food hat16/20

Our chief restaurant critic revisits Society and is ‘shocked and delighted’

  • Besha Rodell
It wouldn’t be Miznon without the whole roasted cauliflower.

Miznon’s cult cauliflower is now available in Collingwood (plus exclusive pitas)

  • Tomas Telegramma and Dani Valent
Dickens Street Grocer in Elwood combines cafe and convenient corner store in one.

An Elwood milk bar is reimagined as Dickens Street Grocer, complete with speedy coffee service

  • Tomas Telegramma and Dani Valent
Mortadella, pistachio and buffalo mozzarella pizza has been an early hit at Lulu.

Malvern strip strengthens its dining cred with cosy Italian local Lulu

  • Tomas Telegramma and Dani Valent

Original URL: https://www.watoday.com.au/goodfood/melbourne-eating-out/a-different-kind-of-curry-puff-plus-other-fun-mash-up-snacks-to-try-this-month-20240827-p5k5u9.html