Not your typical Indian joint, head to Bibiji on Lygon Street in Carlton for a casual exploration of Indian food with Australian influences. On balmy Melbourne days dine alfresco under the red and white striped awning, or head indoors where a vibrant vibe of colourful mosaic tiles, statement pendent lights and ceilings draped with fabric set the scene for inspired dining and warm attentive service. Elevate your taste buds with starters such as fried Amritsari fish, or lamb seekh kebabs from the tandoor; move onto railway chicken curry, cooked in spicy gravy enriched with tomato, onion and aromatic spices, best enjoyed with steamed rice and garlic naan. Perhaps rich, decadent, slow-cooked lamb curry entices, while vegetarians opt for potato and ricotta dumplings in creamy masala sauce.

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.