Sassy Italian Restaurant, nestled on Dryburgh Street in West Melbourne, serves up authentic Southern Italian fare in a spacious, stylish venue with views over Docklands and the Melbourne Star. The restaurant's flexible layout, live music nights and function-friendly vibes make it ideal for everything from Italian date nights to group events. Delivering a polished yet relaxed Italian dining experience just moments from North Melbourne train station, settle in with a glass of vino and starters like crispy quail with pickled cucumber, chilli salt and aioli. For the main, twirl your fork around housemade squid ink tagliatelle with Moreton Bay bugs, crustacean sauce, herbs and pangrattato; or perfectly-cooked Scotch fillet with carrot purée, potato gratin, green beans and roasted onion jus.

The future of pizza is in safe hands at well-loved restaurant Ciccio's Woodfire Pizzeria & Bar on Nepean Highway in Aspendale. This Melbourne institution delivers authentic Italian pizza and pasta in warm and inviting surrounds as guests salivate over tantalising aromas wafting from the kitchen. Say grazie to starters of flash-fried calamari with aioli and lemon, or provolone focaccia with confit garlic and oregano; before twirling your fork around pasta plates of linguine with prawns, mussels, clams, swordfish, calamari, garlic and tomato. Pizza lovers salivate over slices topped with ham, salami, pork and fennel sausage, caramelised onion and mozzarella, on a tomato base; or mozzarella, pesto, goats' cheese, zucchini, Spanish onions and nduja. Finish with a dessert of housemade tiramisu.

Nest At Waterways Café on Waterside Drive offers an inviting escape nestled beside the main lake – a tranquil haven within Melbourne's Waterways residential estate. The café's sweeping water views, nearby wildlife, grassy lawns and shaded outdoor seating make it an ideal spot for breakfast, lunch or catch-ups with friends. Expect hearty breakfasts, wraps, focaccias, sandwiches and drinks to tempt all tastes; start your day with Green Envy – pesto, scrambled eggs, spinach and avocado on Turkish bread, topped with honey-roasted pistachio crumble. Join a lively lunch crowd for lemon and herbed salmon bruschetta with cos lettuce, capers and cream cheese; or devour a Thai beef salad with coriander, mint, spring onions, bean shoots, salad leaves, fried noodles and a hint of chilli.

Aokuma Cafe on Burwood Road in Hawthorn offers a distinctive Japanese-inspired dining experience. Renowned for its commitment to quality, the cafe prepares everything in-house - from sauces to pastries - ensuring authenticity in every bite. Signature dishes include the grilled pork belly, glazed in sweet soy sauce, or fried chicken karaage, reflecting a fusion of traditional flavours with contemporary flair. The menu also features comforting options like beef with Udon noodles in a housemade broth, appealing to both traditionalists and adventurous foodies. With its minimalist decor and warm ambience, Aokuma Cafe provides a serene setting for breakfast, lunch, or a coffee break. Whether you're craving a hearty meal or a sweet treat, this Hawthorn gem delivers a memorable culinary journey.

Tucked beneath Russell Street in Melbourne's CBD, Izakaya Miyazaki offers an intimate and refined Japanese dining experience. The subterranean setting exudes a moody elegance, with dim lighting and minimalist décor that transports diners to a Tokyo-style izakaya. The open kitchen adds a dynamic element, allowing guests to witness the meticulous preparation of each dish. Signature offerings include premium Miyazaki Wagyu, celebrated for its rich marbling and tenderness. Seafood enthusiasts can savour seasonal sashimi, featuring fresh selections flown in from Japan's Toyosu Market; another standout is the uni, prized for its creamy texture and briny sweetness. Izakaya Miyazaki blends traditional hospitality with culinary artistry, making it a must-visit destination for discerning foodies.

8848 Momo House, located on Bourke?Street in Melbourne's CBD, is a vibrant Nepalese dumpling bar celebrated for its bold 'oriental fusion' twist on traditional momos. Founded by a Nepali expat who craved authentic flavours, the venue offers plump dumplings with inventive fillings, alongside rice, noodles, street-style snacks and signature sauces. The name pays homage to Mount Everest's peak height of 8848 metres and reflects an ambition to reach the highest levels of hospitality, warmth and flavour. Jump right in with fried chilli and buffalo momos and dipping sauce, or Nepali tempura fish with tangy tomato sauce and greens; before signature mains like Nepalese chicken curry with steamed rice and salad. Perhaps pork chow mein hits the mark with egg noodles, greens, cabbage and onions.

Embark on a culinary adventure at Melbourne's newest dining destination, Lexy Restaurant and Bar on Flinders Lane, where high-glam sophistication meets the vibrant spirit of modern Pan-Asian cuisine. The sister venue to Cha Ching, Lexy offers an immersive experience blending bold Eastern flavours with contemporary techniques and local ingredients. From exquisitely plated share-style creations to a thoughtfully curated drinks menu, every meal is a celebration of culture, creativity and connection. Start small with pan-seared scallops with coconut bisque, finger lime, Avruga caviar and a roe rice cracker; moving onto clay pot tea-smoked duck with aromatic rice, umami budu, pomelo and herbs. Finish indulgently with Sudachi parfait, osmanthus, white chocolate puffed rice and yoghurt sorbet.