Shortly Australians will be able to chow down on a much-loved American burger with the arrival of Shake Shack. The renowned chain will be popping up for the Australian Open in John Cain Arena, offering the first and only chance for Aussies to experience the iconic ShackBurger; a classic cheeseburger featuring Angus beef, lettuce, tomato and the signature Shack Sauce on a potato bun. Just don’t forget to add a milkshake. John Cain Arena, Melbourne; ausopen.com

The hype machine has been in overdrive for this highly anticipated new addition. A former kiosk in Fitzroy Gardens has been transformed by Melbourne’s Wardle Studio into a contemporary dining space. The design-savvy new addition is partnered with a $295 set menu rich in luxe Australian produce courtesy of Vue de monde chef Hugh Allen. Fitzroy Gardens, East Melbourne; yiaga.au

The suave steakhouse is the proud specialty of Rockpool Bar & Grill owners Hunter St. Hospitality. Their latest launch 7 Alfred Place is the same tried and true focus; a New York-esque space serving just a single main of steak frites. The 220g grass-fed scotch fillet, sourced from Gippsland, is cooked to preference and served alongside beef tallow chips, and a selection of sauces. 7 Alfred Place, Melbourne; 7alfred.com.au

Many were shocked at the sudden departure of acclaimed bar The Everleigh, but all is not lost. In its place (quite literally) is new bar addition Moondrop, coming courtesy of the team behind Carlton North favourite, Sleepy’s Cafe & Wine Bar. Moondrop is an ode to 1920s Shanghai glamour, hosting a Chinese-inspired cocktail list, partnered with a series of Chinese bar snacks. 150 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy; moondrop.bar

It’s the excess of 1980s Tokyo which has formed the bulk of inspiration for Disuko, a dynamic new drinking and dining addition to the Melbourne CBD. The multi-layered space blends omakase den with izakaya lounge, a vinyl-led bar, and rooftop terrace and is well worth your while. 59-63 Bourke Street, Melbourne; disuko.com.au

Fans of neighbourhood favourite Etta will adore its new sibling, Daphne, just around the corner. The self-described ‘public house’ is more casual, with all-day dining on the menu, enjoyed tableside, or by the equally charming counter. While wines are abundant, the martini is the house specialty. 52 Lygon Street, Brunswick East; daphne.melbourne

South Yarra institution Bar Carolina now has Karen Martini at its helm, the chef’s first venture since 2020. Martini and her partner Michael Sapountsis have rejuvenated the ground-floor bistro, celebrating traditional dishes from Italy’s North and South to the menu. While spritz are in no short supply, an adjoining rooftop bar Tetto di Carolin, is already on the way. 44 Toorak Road, South Yarra; barcarolina.com.au

Charrd is the halal hole-in-the-wall where you’ll find the home of Australia’s supposed best burger. The casual eatery was named among the 25 Best Burgers in the World, crowned number 14 by the London-based organisation behind the World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants. The burger in question? A simple, though luxe, concoction of char-grilled beef patty, American cheese, truffle aioli, chilli jam, pickles, and caramelised onions on a seeded bun. But be warned, there’s always a wait. 74 Lygon Street, Brunswick East; @charrdbk

Conferre Group, the great minds behind Tipo 00, Osteria Ilaria, Figlia and Grana fame have turned their attention away from Italian cuisine for their latest venture. The sophisticated new restaurant Harriot has embraced a distinctive French vibe, led by chef James Kelly, formerly of Lyles in London. 555 Collins Street, Melbourne; harriotmelbourne.com

The pub game in Melbourne is strong, with plenty of revamped old favourites among them. The George Hotel on the cusp of the South Melbourne Market is one of the most recent makeovers, helmed by Scott Connolly (who also has The Orrong Hotel and Healesville Hotel). The 160-year-old drinking den retains its original charm with some fresh menu additions. 139 Cecil Street, South Melbourne; thegeorge.au

Theatrical is an apt description of Pepe’s Parlour, and an appropriate one considering its location in the midst of Melbourne’s theatre district. The interiors are something to behold, with floral-clad bar stools, and a hand-painted ceiling mural sitting in a glasshouse, where Italian fare is served during the day, and a martini bar dominates after hours. 275-285 Exhibition Street, Melbourne; pepesitalian.com.au

Neighbourhood wine bars are a true Melbourne specialty. Suze is a more recent addition, co-owned by former Napier Quarter head chef Steve Harry (just to set the scene). A lengthy list of small (but tasty) snack plates, partner a half-European and half-Australian wine list. 6 Newry Street, Fitzroy North; suzefitzroy.com

Welcome to Chef Tom Sarafian’s long-awaited debut restaurant, an edible homage to his family’s Armenian and Lebanese heritage. Middle Eastern flavours are celebrated at the 40-seater, where food cooked over fire takes centre stage. 368 Smith Street, Collingwood; @zareh.melbourne

Ho Liao is one of three storeys of Malaysian deliciousness in the Melbourne CBD. Sydney chef Junda Khoo dreamt up the trifecta, which include beer hall Ho Liao, casual takeaway Da Bao, and dine-in Ho Jiak. While all are a delight, Ho Liao makes for an easy meal of homestyle Malay on the rooftop. Level 2 Rainbow Alley, Melbourne; holiao.com.au

Kolkata Cricket Club in Melbourne’s Crown is less restaurant, more experience. It offers a refined take on Indian cuisine, with adored Australian-Indian chef Mischa Tropp captain of the ship. There’s a suave sports bar out front, or a 150-seat dining space out back, both heavily inspired by colonial-era cricket clubs and members bars in India. Crown Melbourne 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank; kolkatacricketclub.com