Zircon Restaurant & Bar on High Street in Northcote offers an authentic Sri Lankan dining experience. The ambience combines modern elegance with traditional Sri Lankan warmth, creating a welcoming atmosphere for diners. The venue features alfresco dining, a full bar and live music, enhancing the vibrant dining experience. Signature dishes include the chicken kottu roti, a flavourful stir-fry of chopped roti with chicken and vegetables; the black pork curry, featuring tender pork in a rich, spiced gravy; and the Lamprais, a traditional Dutch Burgher dish of rice, meat and accompaniments, wrapped in banana leaves and baked. Finish sweetly with date cake and caramel sauce; each dish reflects the rich culinary heritage of Sri Lanka, crafted with fresh local ingredients and age-old recipes.

Expect an intimate dining experience from a multi-course seasonal menu at Temaki Sushi Melbourne on Little Collins Street in the heart of the city. Paired with a unique selection of sake, Japanese wine and beer, all sourced from small boutique growers, sample the freshest seafood, meat and organic vegetables, served in stylish surrounds of moody lighting and sparkling glassware. Begin by dipping your spoon into a steaming bowl of miso soup with tofu, then devour temaki choices such as wasabi soy-marinated tuna, grated yam and okra, served with rice and nori. Perhaps garlic soy-marinated duck breast and pumpkin purée entice, or kingfish with lotus root chip, garlic oil and coriander leaf; those more adventurous opt for grilled eel and tamagoyaki, finishing with a dessert of hojicha pudding.

Nestled on vibrant High Street in Kew, Kiraku Japanese All You Can Eat is a destination for those seeking to savour premium Japanese cuisine in a warm and stylish setting. Featuring timber floors, marble counters and elegant cherry blossom décor, Kiraku sets the scene for memorable meals shared with family and friends. With a focus on fresh ingredients and authentic flavours, every dish is thoughtfully prepared to elevate the communal dining experience. Guests can enjoy an à la carte selection paired with cocktails, or opt for the popular all-you-can-eat menu - offering more than 70+ options across 120-minute sessions. Signature favourites include melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu beef, an extensive variety of nigiri and sashimi, yakitori skewers, teriyaki salmon and crisp tempura delights.

Find where locals come to relax, have a drink and a jive at LULU Bar on High Street in Preston. Located on the roof at the rear of Preston Hotel, this Melbourne venue is a hot spot for tapas, cocktails, vibes and sunsets, chill out under umbrellas to enjoy expertly crafted drinks along with a selection of board games, making every moment with friends unforgettable. Graze on plates like grilled chilli and lime calamari with rocket, smoked paprika aioli and lemon; or wrap your hands around grilled chicken sliders with bacon, beetroot relish, mayo, lettuce, Spanish onion and Swiss cheese on a mini brioche bun. Pizza lovers pair a slice of pepperoni, Napoli, mozzarella and cracked pepper with a glass of red, or chow down on Mexican chicken, mozzarella, bacon, spinach, jalapeño and corn salsa.

Bringing the authentic flavours of the Mediterranean to your plate, discover AL MAKAN on Errol Street in North Melbourne for street eats made with heart and soul. Nestled in a cosy corner spot with covered alfresco dining streetside ideal for people watching, this warm and inviting restaurant boasts leadlight windows, arches and columns taking you straight to the azure waters of the Med. Dive right in with starters of char-grilled octopus legs, served with fennel and orange salad and Almakan sauce; before devouring lamb shawarma with Lebanese rice, fattoush salad, dips and bread. Perhaps share a seafood feast with calamari, prawns, salmon, mussels, chips and salad, or wrap your hands around a chicken shawarma wrap with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, garlic sauce, tahini and chips.

Bringing together the excitement of live sport and the comfort of exceptional dining, discerning Melbourne foodies head to The Final Whistle Sports Bar & Grill on Lygon Street in Brunswick East to refuel and recharge. The ultimate destination for fans who love great food, cold drinks and an electric atmosphere, catch every game, goal and victory on the big screens as you sip an icy brew and graze on salt and pepper calamari or vegetable spring rolls and sweet chilli sauce to start. Score big with mains like an open lamb souvlaki platter fresh off the spit, with house salad, fluffy pita bread, fries and tzatziki; or crispy battered flathead fillets, served with house salad and fries. Burger lovers opt for Wagyu beef, lettuce, tomato, red onion, double cheese, pickles, ketchup and mustard.

An epicurean culinary journey awaits discerning Melbourne foodies at Moja Duck Chinese Restaurant & Bar on Royal Parade in Parkville. Nestled in the Parkmore Hotel, savour the harmonious blend of exquisite roast duck and tantalising self-selected small plates taking you on a voyage through diverse flavours and textures, crafting a dining experience like no other. Expert Chefs roast the signature duck in a wood-fired oven, imparting a subtle smokiness and tantalising aroma, best enjoyed with thin crepes, sliced leek, cucumber and housemade sauce. Seafood lovers are enticed by honey-glazed sweet and sour prawns, with steamed jasmine rice and a side of stir-fried seasonal vegetables, or wild-caught Australian lobster with garlic broccoli, spicy shredded potatoes and fried green beans.