Winter might be coming, but it’s not time to hibernate just yet: it’s time to get out and enjoy the best of what Melbourne has to offer. When the weather cools and the Plane trees turn golden, there’s nothing quite like snuggling up in a cosy spot with some good food and drinks, and there is no city that does it quite like Melbourne. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just keen to avoid cooking, looking for intimate candlelit bistros or rustic wine bars, American Express delicious. Month Out is the perfect opportunity to try somewhere new, revisit an old favourite and support the hospitality industry. Throughout May, indulge in a festival of food, with restaurant offers, dining events and one-of-a-kind eating experiences and get the best of Melbourne’s cosy dining scene. Plus, from 28 April to 31 May 2023, American Express Card Members can savour more receiving up to $25 back per Card, via a 20% credit per transaction* when they save the exclusive offer to their eligible Card and spend at any of the 30,000+ participating businesses. Limited to the first 75,000 Cards to save the offer. *Exclusions, T&Cs apply. This article was made possible by American Express, in collaboration with delicious.
Aru might draw inspiration from early culinary techniques like fermentation, smoking, curing, preserving and cooking over an open flame, but this inner-city haunt is strikingly modern in every way. A celebration of communal dining and culinary fusion, huddle around the wood-fired hearth and snack on delicacies like smoked oyster, torched Ora King salmon and spanner crab fried rice. 268 Little Collins St, Melbourne CBD; aru.net.au
With a seriously impressive wine selection, a stylish curved bar and an open kitchen, this industrial-style joint in the heart of Fitzroy is a local fave. There’s a daily-changing food menu (think oysters, charcuterie, silky pasta, meats and desserts) and a lively, bustling atmosphere. Pull up a perch or grab a seat in the heated outdoor courtyard and watch the world waltz by. 53 Gertrude St, Fitzroy; marionwine.com.au
A one-time social club for hardware workers, this heritage-listed building is home to The Hardware Club, which serves up pizzas, roasted meats and veg straight from the wood-fired oven. Take your place at the terrazzo-lined upstairs bar, or settle down with a curbside Campari and tuck into a hearty pasta, perfect for warming your soul on a cold Melbourne night. 43 Hardware Lane Upstairs, Melbourne CBD; thehardwareclub.com
Everything you’ve heard is true: this large, glass-fronted Mod-Asian favourite is a feast for the senses. With playful touches like Japanese snack vending machines, vibrant neon lighting and even a basement karaoke room, the food here would be an afterthought if it wasn’t so delicious. Old favourites get a fresh twist: Think scallop and prawn toast, duck bao and szechuan white cut chicken with shredded potato and chilli oil. 180 Flinders Ln, Melbourne CBD; supernormal.net.au
A list of must-visit Melbourne restaurants couldn’t exclude Attica, regularly toasted as the best restaurant in Australia and one of the best restaurants in the world. And it just happens to be a super warm and cosy spot for when the temperatures dip. Dedicated solely to Australian native ingredients, you won’t find chicken or beef on the menu, but instead look forward to delights like BBQ saltwater croc ribs or emu liver toast. 74 Glen Eira Rd, Ripponlea; attica.com.au
Ides is run by former Attica sous chef Peter Gunn. This tiny (36-seat) restaurant is dark, moody and delicious, with a constantly changing set menu inspired by the people, seasons and suburbs of Melbourne. 92 Smith St, Collingwood; idesmelbourne.com.au
Love cocktails? Love oysters? Who doesn’t? This ultra-chic bar in the heart of Melbourne’s theatre precinct serves them in style, along with other bar snacks, substantial meals and top-notch wines. Settle down in the nautical-themed dining room and try their signature drink, the tiki-inspired Pearl Diver which combines Bacardi Carta Oro rum, honey, butter, pink grapefruit and other spices. 56 Little Bourke St, Melbourne CBD; pearldiver.com.au
If only everyone’s local neighbourhood Italian was as warm, cosy and delicious as Brunswick’s Bar Romantica. Specialising in wood-fired pizza and homemade pasta, the menu is seasonal and ever-changing, but might include things like pizza topped with zucchini and stracciatella or rigatoni with lamb ragu and cavolo nero. Snuggle up inside in a red vinyl dining booth, or nab an outdoor table and watch lively Lygon st do its thing. 52/54 Lygon St, Brunswick East; barromantica.com.au
A bit of a Melbourne legend, this award-winning cocktail bar has been mixing up sweet drinks and good vibes since 2011 and regularly appears on annual ‘world’s best bar’ lists. Pull up a stool at the bar or plonk down on a cosy chesterfield sofa and order up a plate of anchovies, burrata or charcuterie to go with your favourite tipple. Level 1/150-156 Gertrude St, Fitzroy; theeverleigh.com.
Another Melbourne institution, Flower Drum has been serving up beloved Chinese fare like Peking duck, Singapore noodles and braised lamb claypot since 1975. With its red carpet, white tablecloths and suited-up waitstaff, the venue looks pretty much the same as it did 30 years ago – which is a large part of why people flock here every night. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right? 17 Market Ln, Melbourne CBD; flowerdrum.melbourne
The pride of Japanese sushi master, Koichi Minamishima, this intimate 40-seat restaurant is tucked away down a Richmond back alley and has no menu and no à la carte options, just a seasonally-changing omakase (chef’s choice) experience. The best seats in the house are at the bar, where you can watch the sushi masters – and their next-level knife skills – up close. 4 Lord St, Richmond; minamishima.com.au Plus, from 28 April to 31 May 2023, American Express Card Members can savour more receiving up to $25 back per Card, via a 20% credit per transaction* when they save the exclusive offer to their eligible Card and spend at any of the 30,000+ participating businesses. Limited to the first 75,000 Cards to save the offer. *Exclusions, T&Cs apply. To explore the full list of participating businesses, visit amex.com.au/delicious. This article was made possible by American Express, in collaboration with delicious.
