With such dishes as ‘Bolognese and beans’, ‘Milanese schnitzel’, and ‘squid and saffron rice’, this is vegan, but not as we know it. Cool cocktails plus a rockabilly vibe and Smith & Daughters goes from strength to strength. Address: 175 Brunswick St, Fitzroy, 9939 3293

Mornington’s Main St has a serious new bar where the eating’s as good as the drinking. The signature Bar Noir martini is as alluring to look at as it is to sip, but there’s a twodozen- deep list of clever concoctions ready to be shaken and stirred. Address: 37 Main St, Mornington, 5973 4074

Boasting one of the best views, The Deck is one of the city’s real hidden gems. But there’s more than just that view to dine on. Serving an elegant mod Med take on the classics, this is perfect for a quick bite, even better if you have time to linger longer. Address: Upper level Southgate, Southbank, 9699 9544

Everything you want from a cafe is here, including Niccolo coffee, a relaxed corner spot with indoor and outdoor perches, and chef Ryan Lording’s menu of naughty or nice but always Instagrammable, dietary-friendly drinks and eats. Address: 144 Ormond Rd, Elwood, 9537 7060

A healthy streak of Australiana minus the cultural cringe defines this ripper watering hole where homegrown booze and native ingredients shine in cool cocktails and classy cooking, complete with a 10m ironbark bar. Address: 216 High St, Windsor, 9521 5325

This suburban gem redefines the milk bar, now a retrostyled cafe with a burger window for a delicious line-up of proper old-school buns with free-range Angus beef, fried buttermilk chicken or beer-battered fish. Address: 83 Tucker Rd, Bentleigh, 9557 4868