Melbourne

Yes, it’s outside the CBD and, yes, it’s dégustation-only, but, writes Michael Harden, O My’s originality makes it well worth the trip.

Fitzroy newcomer Transformer serves snappily dressed, inventive vegetarian food with cool confidence and unpretentious flair, writes Michael Harden.

There’s technique and theatre aplenty at Heston Blumenthal’s highly coveted ephemeral Fat Duck pop-up, writes Michael Harden.

Yearning for an upmarket sushi bar that transports you straight to the streets of Tokyo? Say konichiwa to Minamishima, a hushed temple of Japanese culture in Melbourne’s backstreets, writes Michael Harden.

Tipo 00 declares itself a pasta bar upfront but it’s not business-as-usual modern Italian – it has some tricks up its sleeve, writes Michael Harden.

Kappo introduces the traditional Japanese dining style of the same name and takes it to a whole new level, writes Michael Harden.

Two new players on Melbourne’s evolving bar scene show the species is in excellent health. Michael Harden raises a glass to the fresh crop of wine bars.

Taking its inspiration from a bar on Crete, Elyros delivers regionally focused food that’s elegant in its skilful simplicity, writes Michael Harden.

A sassy laneway restaurant brings the magic of modern Peruvian cuisine to Melburnians, writes Michael Harden.

Named for his favourite children’s author, Ryan Flaherty’s new restaurant, Mister Jennings, mixes nostalgia and fun, writes Michael Harden.

REVIEW There’s lots going on at Saint Crispin. The interior is straightforward – the timber-floored room has dark tones, brass finishes and a glossy bar – but the kitchen works hard for its money. Its menu, by executive chef Scott Pickett, includes multiple-course options, plus “little bites” such as Moonlight Flat oysters or pork scratchings […]

Still packing the house after almost 20 years, it’s not so much longevity for which Il Bàcaro should be commended, writes Michael Harden, but more its unfailing class.