Restaurateur Chris Lucas harnesses nostalgic glamour, with waiters in crisp white jackets serving up tableside extravagance. Inspired by iconic ’60s and ’80s grills and brasseries, it’s an ode to Italian-American steakhouses. The star of the show – and a must order – is bistecca alla Fiorentina, a 1.2kg T-bone cooked over charcoal. 112 Flinders Ln, Melbourne; grillamericano.com.

After relocating from Domain Rd, Melbourne’s fave brasserie has found its Greville St groove. Expect classic French interiors: wicker street-facing seats, lantern lights, and dark wooden booths. The star is the steak frites, served with the famous Entrecote green sauce. With French-inspired cocktails, and live piano music adding to the atmosphere, it’s a taste of Paris in Prahran’s heart. 142 Greville St, Prahran; entrecote.com.au.

Using an Argentinian Parrilla grill and fire pit, Asado’s chefs use the flames to masterfully handle everything from beef tongues to tender pork, flank steaks to eye fillet, and bone-in strip loin – cooking each cut to perfection over the coals with the ethos of a slow-cooked barbecue. This Southbank showstopper is all about flair and finesse, a polished setting with traditional feel. 6 Riverside Quay, Southbank; asado.melbourne.

The A3 paper menu of this Melbourne dining institution never changes, and contains a highlights reel of French classics – coq au vin, boeuf bourguignon and the like. Order the ribeye to share, along with every side, and finish with creme brulee and a glass of Calvados. It’s as French as it gets without leaving the country – bon appetit. 11-13 Toorak Rd, South Yarra; france-soir.com.au.

The Woodhouse is renowned for grill skills, stoking local redgum and applewood in its fireside cooking. Sink your teeth into premium beef cuts (our pick is the wagyu), but they also dabble in free range and dry aged steaks. Owners and chefs Paul Pitcher and Tony Panetta favour local ingredients – a steakhouse of distinction in Central Victoria. 101 Williamson St, Bendigo; thewoodhouse.com.au.