Tucked behind a narrow, unprepossessing storefront at the tumbleweed end of Little Collins Street, Lourinhã is chef Matt McConnell’s answer to the bar scenes of Spain and Portugal. The arty crowd packed around the communal tables and perched on bar stools eats up—literally and figuratively—the kitchen’s take on those sunny climes, like yellowtail kingfish “pancetta” (salt- and spice-cured, served finely sliced and drizzled with lemon oil) and roasted free-range chorizo. The décor doesn’t take itself too seriously; tchotchkes picked up from the chef’s travels adorn the walls, enticing passersby to come and join the fun.

Nothing beats disappearing for a few hours into the warmth of this dimly lit cavern, where everything from the specials scrawled in chalk on the blackboard to the rakishly handsome waitstaff is just so. The refined Italian menu includes dishes like beef carpaccio, homemade beetroot gnocchi and, of course, impeccable coffee. There is also an outdoor space and a private balcony for special occasions.

This St. Kilda landmark uses seasonal produce to create classic Italian meals. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available, as is an impressive wine list with over 150 bottles. Cicciolina is packed to the gills every night and no bookings can be made, but waiting for a table in the lively back bar, cocktail in hand, is half the fun.

This stylish hotel restaurant and bar (located in The Prince) serves seasonal, modern Australian cuisine in a slick and stylish space. The emphasis is on clean flavors that allow the produce to shine on the plate. Views of the bay from the dining and balcony rooms are stunning. Diners will also enjoy the spectacular wine list.

An adjunct to the The European, this intimate bar–restaurant–wine merchant does a brisk trade with cuisine connoisseurs in a hurry. Masterfully prepared small dishes are served alongside wines from the astonishingly good list (or from the wine wall, opposite the bar). For a more casual evening, visitors can order cheese plates with their wines to enjoy while perched at the convivial bar.

An insider favorite, this fabulously low-key restaurant turns out superb regional Italian cooking, with Sardinian dishes a specialty. There’s no menu per se; instead, the waitstaff brings out dish after dish of mouthwatering goodies to choose from. The courtyard is beautiful in summer.

Located down an atmospheric lane, this quirky little café draws a bohemian crowd to its down-home environment. The breakfasts are hearty and perfectly cooked, the coffee is a dream and the people-watching is worth lingering a little longer at the table.

Using fresh ingredients purchased daily from the market and featuring seasonal and daily specials, Flower Drum has brought a new vision of Chinese food to Melbourne. Menu favorites include aromatic baked crab and made-to-order braised lamb claypot as well as the signature Peking duck. Book well in advance.

A popular venue for the love-struck men of Melbourne to propose to their girlfriends, this Italian fine-dining establishment oozes romance and old-world charm. The dining room is grand, with chandeliers, wood paneling and murals supplying the requisite Italianate sense of drama. The food is similarly impressive.

A bustling bistro-style pizzeria in the bohemian neighborhood of Fitzroy, Ladro serves authentic, uncomplicated dishes that are focused on flavor. The vibe is fun and frenetic, with marble-topped tables, concrete floors and a gleaming open kitchen serving as backdrop.

An iconic café that never seems to change, this slickly run operation doesn’t mess with the formula that made it popular in the first place: honest Italian dishes, great coffee and ever so slightly cheeky waiters. The two Marios (owners Mario Maccarone and Mario de Pasquale) still greet customers on the floor.

This late-night watering hole is never anything less than civilized. Sink into a cozy chesterfield under the huge arched window and peruse the encyclopedic wine list for a perfect tipple with which to finish off the evening.

It would be unfair to call what chef Frank Camorra is doing at MoVida tapas. Though Spain is the region he’s channeling, the dishes being turned out at this hot spot are small but perfectly formed pieces of artistry. Menu items like jamon croquet and slow braised lamb are in high demand, as are reservations at this tiny, bodega-like space, so would-be-diners should book ahead.

The Melbourne location of Nobu overlooks the southern banks of the Yarra River. Like the chef’s other outposts, the scene in this Nobu is sleek and contemporary, elegant and refined. The restaurant remains a perennially popular spot.

Evidence of the appeal of this Melbourne institution is found in its diverse crowd of regulars. Pellegrini’s is a family-run Italian coffee house that offers a daily changing menu and counter seating. It’s quirky, ancient and always the same…and the coffee is nothing short of bellissimo.

Inspired by great steakhouses, Rockpool Bar & Grill Melbourne offers a voluminous menu that takes its meat very seriously, listing steaks’ marble ratings and days worth of aging. The beef is sourced directly from Australia’s best producers and dry aged on the premises. An excellent wine list rounds out the menu.

Situated on the edge of the Royal Botanic Garden, this sophisticated dining and drinking establishment offers modern European cuisine influenced by its chef’s experiences and travels in France and England. Using seasonal produce to create a regularly changing menu, the kitchen makes The Botanical an unmissable spot in Melbourne. The intimate setting with dark-stained oak furniture is complemented by contemporary artwork lining the walls.

Reminiscent of old world Europe, The European serves honest and simple food using the best ingredients from Australia and Europe. This cozy and sophisticated restaurant that sits opposite the Parliament House has the feel of a neighborhood bistro and service that is always warm and efficient.

Spacious and stylish, The Grand serves refined Italian cuisine that emphasizes quality ingredients and flavor. Both locals and out-of-towners alike flock to this converted pub, arguably one of the best beer gardens in Melbourne.