EAT & DRINK

FLOATING BAR

ARBORY AFLOAT Melbourne’s go-to floating bar and restaurant is back for its third consecutive season on the Yarra River with summery design inspired by 1970s Miami. The upper deck has been extended to accommodate more dining, lounging and private cabanas with the best views of the Yarra River and the city. Executive Chef Nick Bennett delivers a food offering that celebrates all things Latin American and Caribbean, featuring wood-fired pizzas, an array of grilled meats, empanadas and other snacks made for sharing.

(03) 9629 1547 2 Flinders Walk, Melbourne arboryafloat.com.au HISTORIC GEM

THE BLACKSMITH BAR Situated in Swan Street, Richmond, the Blacksmith Bar pays homage to its roots as a 1920s ironmongery, with everything from the antique-style décor, to the cocktail menu, and staff uniforms a nod to the building's history. Most pieces inside have been sourced second-hand and refurbished or reupholstered to tie in with carefully chosen finishes throughout the venue. The cocktail menu is packed with classic offerings, and seasoned drinkers can also sign up for cocktail, whisky and gin masterclasses for groups.

69 Swan Street, Richmond theblacksmithbar.com.au

W H E R E W E L O V E T O

Tempt your tastebuds with Melbourne’s award-winning restaurants, inspired by the best the world has to offer

CLASSIC ITALIAN

DI STASIO CITTA A unique space opposite Treasury Gardens, Di Stasio Citta is a homecoming of sorts for restaurateur Rinaldo Di Stasio, who opened his first restaurant, Rosati, in Flinders Lane in 1985. Di Stasio Citta is more like its St Kilda sibling, with a strong focus on homemade pasta. It’s not just the food you will remember about dining here, but the whole experience – a combination of Italian hospitality, food, drink, architecture and art that is evident in details from the baby blue Murano chandelier, to the terrazzo floors and stretches of marble.

(03) 9070 1177 45 Spring Street, Melbourne distasio.com.au/citta CREATIVE COCKTAILS

BAR CLARA An intimate basement bar in Chinatown, Clara pushes the envelope when it comes to modern cocktail making by taking advantage of the amazing seasonal produce available in Melbourne. Using culinary techniques usually found in cutting edge kitchens, the mixologists at Bar Clara extract the best flavour and textures from each ingredient to create sophisticated cocktails alongside classics with a modern twist. The menu also features Victorian craft beers, a European influenced wine list and a selection of bar bites.

hello@barclara.com 87 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne barclara.com

NEW YORK DINER

PEPE'S ITALIAN & LIQUOR The bar formerly known as Trunk has undergone a 1930s makeover to emerge as as Pepe’s Italian & Liquor, a New York-Italian diner with banquettes finished in burgundy leather, a red and white checkered floor, and an original mural by Belgian Illustrator Jan Van Der Veken. Serving up the classics, Pepe’s menu draws inspiration from some of New York’s most established Italian eateries – expect barbecued pork ribs, veal parmigiana and gigantic ice cream sundaes.

(03) 9663 7994 275 Exhibition Street, Melbourne trunktown.com.au

FRENCH FARE

FRÉDÉRIC French restaurant Frédéric is the third offering from siblings Antoine, Edouard and Nathalie Reymond. More contemporary than its predecessors, Frédéric comprises two dining offerings – Fred’s, a relaxed all day eatery and wine bar, and Frédéric, a European-style restaurant serving classic fare, from veal tartare to sweet corn madeleines, along with a separate steak menu with five different cuts available.

(03) 9089 7224 9-11 Cremorne Street, Cremorne frederic.com.au

SCANDINAVIAN FLAIR

OPPEN ALL DAY The inner-city suburb of Windsor continues its culinary resurgence with the opening of Scandiinspired Oppen All Day. Inspired by their honeymoon in Scandinavia, Vietnamese chef Zume Pham and his wife Amy Vo bring a Swedish flavour to the area, both on and off the plate. The Nordic menu incorporates a twist of Vietnamese and modern Australian flavours while the interior epitomises the Swedish concept of lagom, meaning ‘just the right amount’.

(03) 9077 0430 20/2 Maddock Street, Windsor

FUTURISTIC DESSERT

NISKA The world’s first robot-run retail store, Niska is an ice cream bar staffed entirely by robots. Based at Federation Square in Melbourne’s city centre, Niska's artisan flavours include salted caramel, vanilla, hazelnut, rocky road and more, all locally produced in Melbourne. Guests enter their choice of ice cream and topping on a screen before it is served up to them by different robots. Dessert with a difference!

Crossbar Building, Federation Square, Melbourne niska.com.au