Discover plates influenced by the peasant food of Andalusia, Southern Spain and the Muslim Mediterranean at Anada Restaurant & Bar on Gertrude Street in Fitzroy. Step into a rustic vibe of exposed brick, recycled timber and moody lighting or perch on a stool at the well-stocked bar to enjoy a pre-dinner drink while perusing a menu championing local farmers, producers and providers as often as possible. Graze on tapas plates like pan-seared scallops and caper brown butter, or sardines, confit tomato and mojo verde montadito; moving onto enticing mains such as chicken and pork paella with runner and butter beans, or perfectly cooked hanger steak and pine nut chimichurri with sides of char-grilled asparagus and patatas bravas. Don't go past an indulgent dessert of Basque cheesecake to finish.

A shared passion for skiing and the authentic flavours of Japanese cuisine combined to create Snow Monkey Ramen on Toorak Road in South Yarra. Housed in a corner building with leadlight windows and a full glass frontage, this unique ramen shop blends the traditional cooking techniques of Japan and France to bring a new taste to Melburnians; head inside to find blond wood table settings, cane pendent lights, paper lanterns and neon signage, ideal for an after-work catch up with friends. Start with Japanese-style fried chicken and housemade teriyaki sauce or deep-fried pork tonkatsu, while vegetarians opt for agedashi tofu and teriyaki sauce; perhaps dip a spoon into a steaming bowl of spicy miso ramen tempts made from Chef's secret blend of spices, enjoyed with an ice-cold beer or wine.

Silvs on Kennedy is your new local Richmond café, dedicated to serving fresh food every day, fuelled-up coffee and healthy meals. Located on Khartoum Street, this bright and breezy diner boasts a modern vibe of pink and brown tiled floors, a pink coffee machine on a polished concrete counter and tempting cabinets full of grab-and-go options. Start your day the right way with a cup of Joe and chilli scrambled eggs on sourdough with zesty chilli butter, whipped feta and herbs; or brioche French toast with caramelised banana, walnut mascarpone and sprinkle berry powder. Lunch-goers salivate over plates like crispy salt and pepper calamari, green salad, garlic aioli and fried shallots, or a cured salmon nourish bowl, with grilled halloumi, avocado, carrot, beetroot hummus and crunchy greens.

Classic Mexican fare, tacos and tequila have Richmond diners saying gracias at Senor Mexico on Bridge Road. Those who love Frida Kahlo, sombreros, rustic brick and neon signage feel right at home at this fun and funky restaurant, settling in with a Tequila Sunrise cocktail to peruse a menu sure to satisfy all tastes. Chipotle chicken wings and mayo entice to start your Mexican fiesta, or share a plate of loaded nachos, smothered in cheese, sour cream, pico de gallo and guacamole; before delving into a hearty beef chilli con carne stew with chilli peppers and beans. Wrap your hands around a gourmet Baja beer-battered fish taco, with lettuce, pico de gallo and ricotta salata cheese, or a chicken enchilada, baked in housemade red sauce and cheese, served with rice, beans and slaw mix.

More than just a restaurant, embark on a culinary adventure like no other at Ming Asian Fusion on Queen Street in the heart of Melbourne's CBD. This dining destination hides in a basement, boasting soaring ceilings, a main dining room and exclusive niches for private and event dining; expect dark wood panelling, sparkling chandeliers and intimate table settings, ideal for lingering over a meal with someone special. With a focus on fresh ingredients, the menu showcases classic and unexpected flavour combinations begging to be tried – start with seared baby abalone, pickled shiitake and sweet potato noodles, or grilled octopus, nori cracker and roasted tomato tapenade. Move onto bigger plates like dry-aged duck breast, celeriac purée, pickled blackberries, charred spring onion and parsnip.

Find indulgence and hospitality that will keep you coming back for more on the menu at Coco's Patisserie on Koornang Road in Carnegie. Baking savoury and sweet treats fresh daily, stop in for a caffeine fix and linger awhile as the aroma of freshly baked bread wafts in the air and overflowing cabinets display delicious temptations sure to entice; join a lively buzz of conversation as you sip a latte and graze on a croc monster – loaded twice-baked ham and cheese croissant. Perhaps pair a chocolate milkshake with a gourmet steak and green peppercorn pie, or loaded sausage roll, topped with mashed potato and cheese; dedicated sweet tooths opt for a choc chip croissant, New York-baked cheesecake or meringue tart. Don't forget to grab a loaf of freshly baked sourdough to take home!

Campground Kitchen & Bar on Errol Street is a true hidden gem located in a unique rustic warehouse in Braybrook. Casual, friendly, and fun, with a mix of indoor and outdoor seating, this is the new 'home base' for all things pizza and pasta, enjoyed in an industrial-style vibe of polished concrete, blond wood table settings and potted greenery with bifold doors opening to the alfresco area. Pair a Porn Star Martini with mouthwatering favourites such as handmade gnocchi with butternut squash purée, spinach, hazelnut and crumbled feta; or pick up a slice of Happy Camper pizza, topped with béchamel, figs gorgonzola, rocket, prosciutto di parma, balsamic and olive oil. Perhaps BBQ chicken pizza entices with red onion, mozzarella and coriander; finish decadently with housemade tiramisu.

Those looking for culinary adventure seek out hidden bar NOYADE on Napier Street in Strathmore. A rustic well-worn brick entrance with a shiny nameplate announces this cool Melbourne dining destination, while indoors rocks a seductive vibe of polished wood floors, shiny black tiles, glowing Edison bulb lighting and intimate nooks for romantic rendezvous or catching up with friends over a drink. Pair a cheeky cocktail such as the Bloody Shiraz Gin Sour with Japanese tuna seaweed bites, or Wagyu steak sliders and kohlrabi salad to start; while those with heartier appetites may opt for tender grilled lamb cutlets, with mint and pea purée and sides of hand-cut chips and Cypriot halloumi bread. Finish sweetly with a divine dessert of burnt Basque cheesecake, strawberry jam sauce and berries.