If there's one thing Melbourne does well, it's food. And the city's slate of new restaurants this year is testament to that.
On the list in 2026, you'll find everything from neighbourhood wine bars, to tiny taquerias, and late-night venues from very buzzy names. In other words, your only problem will be choosing exactly where to go.
Below, the best new restaurants in Melbourne to eat your way through this year.
The Frog Club (South Yarra)
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Opening: 12 August 2026
From the team behind South Yarra favourite Gilson, The Frog Club is bringing the energy of New York and France to Chapel Street. Expect dry-aged steaks, burgers and classic cocktails, with an extensive vinyl collection to soundtrack your evening.
Bar Carnation (Carlton North)
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Opened: February 2026
Bar Carnation is the chicest new neighbourhood wine bar from Carnation Canteen’s Audrey Shaw. If you've dined at Carnation Canteen, you'll know the mood is familiar, but refreshed. Housed where Gerald's Bar once was in Rathdowne Village, expect simple but excellently executed bites, and an impeccable drinks list. There are no reservations, so come prepared.
Garfield Pizzeria
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Opened: late February 2026
This was the first new venue to open inside the revived King & Godfree building, and we're glad it did. The pizza here is made using the Japanese stretch method (IYKYK, Japan is home to some of the best pizza in the world). The toppings, on the other hand, range from a classic Margherita to more unexpected combinations, including fermented pineapple and barbecue sauce. They also specialise in natural wines and Pidapipo soft serve next door. Dream night, sorted.
Julietta (South Yarra)
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Opened: April 2026
From the Mamasita team comes Julietta, a cosy 35-seat Italian trattoria and wine bar in South Yarra. The menu is small and considered, with highlights including the house meatballs (made with wagyu beef and fennel sausage, and served in a slow-cooked sugo) and a Sicilian carbonara served with double-smoked pancetta and ziti pasta. There's also an Italian-heavy wine list to compliment your dish, or a dedicated Negroni menu if that's more your style.
Roma (CBD)
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Opened: May 2026
Roma brings an Italian twist to breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast is relaxed and served on the terrace (think ham, cheddar and dijon toasties, or boiled eggs with pancetta), while lunch and dinner draws on a sprawling menu spanning handmade pasta, seafood and meats.
Chabella (Thornbury)
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Opened: March 2026
This Thornbury restaurant takes its cues from home-style Mexican cooking. The menu is built around their homemade toritallas, served either as tacos or huaraches, and filled with delicious combinations like thin-sliced rib eye and pico de gallo, or grilled mushrooms with queso and beans. There's also an expansive drinks menu, including Mexican cocktails and a selection of authentic Mexican tequila and mezcal.
Bar Sala (Abbotsford)
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Opened: June 2026
Over in Abbotsford you'll find Bar Sala, an intimate restaurant and vinyl bar designed for dinner that gradually turns into drinks and music. The dining room is relaxed, while the adjoining lounge is even more so – made for listening to a record with another drink in hand.
Dingo Ate My Taco (Abbotsford)
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Opened: June 2026
After years as one of Melbourne’s most beloved taco trucks, Dingo Ate My Taco finally has a permanent home on Johnston Street. They're serving up birria and breakfast tacos, as well as the dishes fans we have loved from the truck for years. The design of the space takes its cues from Marfa, Texas, while the drinks list leans heavily into agave spirits, Margaritas and Palomas.
Little House (Collingwood)
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Opened: May 2026
On Smith street, you'll find this cosy new wine bar. The menu is small and comforting, including a signature brick chicken with crispy skin, eucalyptus honey and lemon myrtle, a jazzed-up cheeseburger, and a rotating salumi del giorno menu. They're also open from 4:30pm until late, making this the perfect place for a pre-dinner drink, the main event, or a nightcap.
Sagye (CBD)
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Opened: May 2026
Sagye brings Korean cooking to Melbourne's CBD. The star of the menu is Korean gomtang, a comforting beef soup that takes at least eight hours to simmer. The broth is made with three cuts of Wagyu — brisket, shank and chuck-eye roll — creating a clear, rich soup. There’s a reason the Russell Street spot has become known for its queues, but trust us, it's worth the wait.
Super Taco (CBD)
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Opened: July 2026
There are just 10 seats in this tiny laneway spot, but that's because Super Taco is putting all its energy into one thing: making a very good tortilla. They press their tortillas to order using imported Mexican white corn masa, and the menu is built around four tacos: pork al pastor, grilled cauliflower, crispy fish and skirt steak.
Community Wine House (Northcote)
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Opened: July 2026
Make this your new go-to for your next afternoon wine. Founders Matt and Leni Purbrick serve their organic, natural wines alongside simple snacks including local cheeses, olives and tinned seafood. There are communal tables both inside and out, making this the kind of low-key spot you’ll want to settle into for the afternoon.
Chun’s Kalguksu (Abbotsford)
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Opened: July 2026
After 20 years running Sydney institution Hand Made Noodle, the Chun family has brought its speciality to Melbourne with Chun’s Kalguksu. Here' you'll find hand-cut Korean noodles made fresh each day, served in a rich broth alongside daily-made kimchi and a handful of traditional sides. The perfect winter warmer.
Feature images courtesy The Frog Bar, Bar Carnation.
