Thing To Do & See

Cumulus Inc

One of Melbourne's best for breakfasts, lunches and dinners; it gives you that wonderful Andrew McConnell style along with really reasonable prices. The focus is on beautiful produce and simple but artful cooking: from breakfasts of sardines and smoked tomato on toast at the marble bar to suppers of freshly shucked clair de lune oysters tucked away on the leather banquettes.

Café Vue

Excellent Illy coffee and a wondrous range of cakes, pastries and sandwiches. Join the cult that’s sprung up around the pistachio cupcakes.

Blue Train

Blue Train is a great stand-by, perfect for an intimate dinner for two out on the balcony overlooking the river and perfect for a large crowd who want to hang out and have nibbles and drinks in the bar area. The menu ranges from light bites to hearty meals and the wood-fired pizzas are sensational. The decor and staff are both trés groovy.

Bistro Vue

Brunetti

Bustling from dawn to midnight, Brunetti is a mini-Roman empire. It’s famous for its coffee, granitas and authentic pasticceria (pastries). Bain-marie meals can be on the stodgy side (and sometimes that’s just what the locals want) but the toasted tremezzini always please.

Movida

Movida is nestled in a cobbled laneway emblazoned with one of the world’s densest collections of street art; it doesn’t get much more Melbourne than this. Line up along the bar, cluster around little window tables or, if you’ve booked, take a table in the dining area. Tapas’ tired reputation will be dispelled by one look at Frank Camorra’s menu. It highlights regional styles and surprises with little treats such as piquillo peppers filled with crab and potato or mackerel served with pine-nut gazpacho sorbet.

Vue de Monde

Melbourne's favoured spot for occasion dining has relocated to the old 'observation deck' of the Rialto, so its view will finally match its name. Expect the usual fantastic French cuisine thanks to visionary Shannon Bennett. Book ahead. Remaining at the old barrister's chambers will be Bistro Vue and Café Vue.