Good for groups

If you can’t find an old pub, make one. That’s the approach the You Beauty team has taken to create this award-winning community-led venue.

Hickens Hotel is now open in the four-storey space once housing the Crafty Squire.

Owner-chef Eilish Maloney says she sees the same customers every day “because they don’t want to spend their money anywhere else”.

Astoria Bar Ke Grill opened quietly last spring, but is now coming into its own with a host of dips, stews and a hefty moussaka.

McCarrs on Mona Vale Road is an excellent place to sit by the fire and share pizza slices topped with pepperoni, honey and chilli.

Order claypot lamb chops, firfir soup mixed with injera flatbread and more at Ras Dashen in Footscray.

Gambino restaurant and rooftop bar brings tricksy Italian dishes and Big Night Out energy to the ’burbs.

A Russell Street pub is now four storeys of sport, city views and vintage style. But it’s not the only new pub ready to kick your winter blues.

For traditional Greek dishes executed in ways you might not expect.

One of Melbourne’s most iconic spots for wood-fired pizza.