The pleasure of enjoying beautiful wines and genuine Italian dishes is what awaits Melbourne diners at Hardware 55 Wine Bar on Hardware Lane. With friendly service and a warm, inviting atmosphere, diners are reminded of the unique charm that has made Venice renowned worldwide; discover an extensive wine list imported directly from Italy along with dishes made with exclusive prime produce and traditional recipes to retain authentic flavours. Start a memorable culinary journey with anchovies, toasted bread, butter and capers, or tuna tartare, ricotta, sun-dried tomatoes and stracciatella; before gourmet chicken skewers with rocket and mayo, or prawns with avocado and carrot salad. Finish with a divine dolci of strawberry semifreddo or tiramisu.

Every visit to Whistling Kettle on Hampton Street in Hampton is a journey into the heart of cosy indulgence. This Melbourne café is more than a coffee stop, it's a retreat, a space where the whistling kettle announces the beginning of moments that matter; step into a vibe that resonates with the hum of friendly conversation, the clink of cups and the gentle steam from the espresso machine. Early risers stop in for Whistling Benny with BBQ pulled pork, potato gratin, green apple and cabbage salsa, Hollandaise and poached eggs; or zucchini, feta and mint fritters, egg, semi-dried tomato, capsicum, almond sugo, smashed avocado, seeded cracker and herbs. The lunch gang delves into a lemon pepper calamari salad with rocket, Parmesan, red onion, cherry tomato and pear salad, aioli and lemon.

Nestled in the heart of Essendon, Hold Bar & Eatery on Fletcher Street delivers an inclusive and aesthetic dining destination from brunch until dinner. This illegitimate love child of a wine bar slash restaurant slash café is where to head for great food, coffee and wine, all served in eclectic surrounds of potted and trailing greenery, walls covered with a mismatch of artwork and a wood-burning fire for cosying up during chilly months. Brunch-goers opt for Wagyu brisket Benny with onions, poached eggs, smoked paprika Hollandaise and chives on an English muffin; while the later crowd begins with crunchy chicken tenders, spicy garlic and onion crumb and honey BBQ sauce. For the main, think dry-aged rib eye, duck fat potatoes, wild garlic velouté, glazed carrots and charred broccoli.

Latin Quarters Taqueria on Margaret Street brings the vibrant flavours of Latin cuisine to Moonee Ponds diners. On a mission to create an unforgettable dining experience showcasing the rich culinary traditions of Latin America, this rustic eatery blends well-worn brick with iconic images of Frida Kahlo, creative cocktails and Mexican tapas plates ideal for sharing with amigos. Each cocktail showcases the rich, complex flavours of mezcal and tequila, perfect for both newcomers and aficionados alike, best enjoyed with gourmet tacos such as beef asado and salsa roja, or Al Pastor – sliced pork and pineapple salsa. Say arriba to cheese quesadillas with chipotle onion jam, chipotle mayonnaise and pico de gallo, before finishing sweetly with a dessert of churros and chocolate sauce.

Inspired Japanese brunch and onigiri-style fare await discerning foodies at Daikokuten on Tooronga Road in Hawthorn East. Large windows invite natural light into this café creating the ideal spot to put life on pause for a while over a cup of coffee with family and friends amongst shiny black tiles, potted greenery and blond wood furniture. Stop in for a breakfast tuna onigiri set with Kransky, tamago, mixed salad, sesame dressing, pickled vegetables and miso soup, or brioche toast with sweet red bean, condensed milk, matcha sauce and butter on the side; the lunch gang wraps their hands around a signature fried chicken brioche sando with avocado, baby cos, cheese and sriracha mayonnaise. Perhaps opt for curry scrambled rice with potato, carrots, fried shallots, chilli, nori and egg.

Discover authentic Eastern European recipes that reflect the warmth and hospitality of heritage at Meat the Balkans on Brand Drive in Thomastown. Whether you are craving the comforting flavours of pasulj, the savoury goodness of cevapi or the sweet indulgence of strula, dishes are a celebration of tradition and a testament to the love and care that goes into every plate. Enjoy the flavours of the Balkans at home at any time with heat and eat meals that can go from the fridge to the table in a few minutes; juicy beef and pork meatballs in a rich, slow-cooked tomato sauce are a great weekday staple, served with buttery mashed potatoes. Perhaps traditional stuffed cabbage leaves with rice, spices, ground beef and pork, hit the mark; or tender beef and paprika beef stew in rich, creamy sauce.

Delivering the nostalgic flavours of India to Melbourne, head to Canteen India on Burwood Highway in Vermont South to taste authentic recipes from Maharashtra, Gujarat and Punjabi. Serving Mumbai street food such as vada pav, pav bhaji, chowpati chaat and thalis, settle into cosy tables amongst glowing neon signage and walls covered with an eclectic mix of artwork to peruse an extensive menu from Saturday brunch to delicious vegetarian options. Say namaste to snacks like vada pav – a deep-fried potato dumpling sandwiched in a soft bread roll with sweet and tangy chutney, mildly spiced green and spicy red garlic chutney – before curries like butter chicken in a creamy, rich nut-based sauce, served with steamed rice and cheese naan. Vegetarians opt for mixed vegetable Hyderabadi curry.

Traditional meets modern Lebanese at Cedar Bakery on Melton Highway in Taylors Lakes. Most of what you enjoy on the plate when dining in at Watergardens Town Centre, you can find on the shelves of this Middle Eastern grocery; to cater for busy lifestyles, there are also many pre-packed meal and snack options to take home for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. A shared-plate mezza culture delivers dishes influenced by the northern regions of Lebanon as seen in brunch plates of harissa scrambled eggs, red and green peppers, grilled chilli, oregano, spices, fried halloumi and sourdough. Stop by later for chicken tawook, fries, garlic sauce, tomato, cucumber, olives, pickled turnip and Lebanese bread, or a char-grilled lamb wrap with beetroot, eggplant, tomato, onion, parsley and sumac.

Authentic dishes handcrafted with love that take you on a journey to South India are on the menu at Kolapasi Indian Kitchen on Woods Street in Laverton. With a name meaning 'hungry', this restaurant invites exploring a cuisine where incredible flavours blend together along with the stories behind them; settle into a vibrant vibe of black and white floor tiles, bright orange walls and red counters to peruse an extensive menu sure to satisfy all taste buds. Perhaps delve into prawn chukka biriyani, served with raita to complement the spicy Indian curry, or Madras fish curry, with shallots, tamarind and tomatoes, best enjoyed with steamed rice, garlic naan and papadums. For an indulgent finish, try a dessert of tender coconut pudding, or pumpkin halwa with cardamom and saffron.