We don’t need an excuse to treat ourselves here in Melbourne due to the obvious, so find the curated checklist below for a festival de manger this summer. Santé!

ARU

For some decadent South-Eastern Asian snacks between shopping on Little Collins or date night, a Sunda chef and its owner (Khanh Nguyen and Adi Halim) have produced the ultimate oasis among the hustle and bustle. The moody interior makes the midday consideration to order a cocktail a little easier, necessary when sifting through the broad menu of modern Asian snacks including Torched Salmon, Sea Succulents, Horseradish, Orange Kosho or the Witlof, Pomelo, Sunrise Lime, Prawn Oil, Cured Egg Yolk.

My favourite? The spanner crab fried rice, white kampot pepper and sweet corn accompanied with a Floral Martini.

Find Aru here.

VUE de MONDE

Vue de Monde has inevitably become an institution in Melbourne, known for its culinary experiences and spectacular views sky high from the Rialto Tower. No two visits are the same, and I am so here for the drink cart on arrival; the high altitude certainly makes me thirsty.

The 12 course fiesta had us sitting comfortably full, and the chefs successfully converted me as a new chocolate soufflé fan. Centred around Australiana vibes, the dishes are founded on classics with a modern twist featuring damper cooked table side (with the most fluffy butter!), the incredibly addictive tofu “nuggets” and exquisitely tender steak before an abundance of refreshing desserts to cleanse the palate. The evening will not cease at the dining table, for the Lui Bar next door offers skyline views whilst you peruse the menu for a decadent night cap.

Favourite: Sea snail toast (don’t knock it until you’ve tried it).

View Vue de Monde here.

GIMLET

Lock me in Gimlet and throw away the key! A little slice of NYC in Melbourne, ideal for a long lunch or a special occasion dinner. A Martini on arrival is a must to compliment the 6x spanner crab, horseradish, potato bread you’ll be ordering (as one simply was not enough).

Additional stand outs include the venus clams, king prawn and mussels, gnocchi sardi and trapanese pesto, as well as the zucchini flowers, sheep’s milk curd, peas and broad beans.

Throw on your finest (satin heels a must) and head into town for an afternoon of glamour with a hint of Parisian flair. Did I mention you need to order the strawberries “Romanoff” for dessert?

View Gimlet here.

BAR LIBERTY

You know you’re onto a winner when you turn and say “I need to come back here” after the first entree. A charming and low-key eatery nestled in Fitzroy, Bar Liberty ticks all the boxes for a romantic night out, a group lunch with friends in the restaurant’s hidden alcove or a celebration in the private dining room. After dabbling in some non-alcoholic wine (come on, we’re in the north here) the carb euphoria quickly took over as the scissors provided were use to cut the flatbread paired with salted green tomato vinaigrette and kefir cultured cream. Magnifique!

Moving on, I couldn’t stop myself around the fried cauliflower & nutmeg salt and finished off the feast that followed with coconut rice pudding, nectarine & amazake granita. Catch me here again for the revolving $50 Sunday feed.

Find Bar Liberty here.

SOCIETY

The incredibly mysterious and hottest newcomer in Melbourne has made its mark. An exquisite experience in itself, you’ll find the unsuspecting door for the elevator into a world where no heel is too high and no tie too tight. Luxe. Maintaining its mystery is the menu that is yet to be released onto the world wide web adding to the endearing atmosphere, and of course I will be having that bubbles on arrival.

The menu leans on the seafood side (not complaining), including the crystal snow crab (this was A+), lobster ravioli and pearl meat with taramasalata, kabu and wasabi. The fresh peas with black lentils, wasabi and triple cream as well as the maple leaf dessert with crumble made me regret my decision to share. The interior fit out was nothing short of impeccable as Melbourne’s finest flutter about. Finish the evening with a tipple in Society’s cocktail bar, Lillian Terrace.

Find Society here.

WOODS YARD

For a romantic date night or an evening out with your closest friends, there is a little secret in South Melbourne that is Woods Yard. Doubled as a wine bar, share a wood-fire sourdough pizza and some burrata with a natural wine at this intimate spot nestled near Albert Park Lake. My hot tip? Order the cheesecake, your tastebuds will applaud you.

Find Woods Yard here.

Now, get booking. Disclaimer: post feast naps required between outings.

Melbourne Treats.