A food journalist whose byline spans Australia's biggest mastheads, now on the MasterChef judging panel. She's built a career eating curiously and championing the family-run and the under-hyped - her guides read like well-stamped passports.
A Brunswick Street deli-cafe serving Italian-style sandwiches, salads and grocery provisions.
Address: 251 Brunswick St
Gimlet
Melbourne CBD, VIC
Cuisines: European
Set in the landmark Cavendish House, Gimlet blends vintage glamour with modern Melbourne flair. From oysters to wood-fired mains and martinis, it’s a place made for every occasion.
Address: 33 Russell St
ShanDong MaMa
Melbourne CBD, VIC
Cuisines: Chinese
A stripped-back Chinatown arcade diner hand-making Shandong-style dumplings and noodles in a simple, plant-filled dining room.
Address: 7/200 Bourke St
Hands Down
Fitzroy, VIC
Cuisines: Cocktail, Natural wine
A Fitzroy laneway bar on Greeves Street pouring inventive
Address: 139-141 Greeves St
Thanh Ha 2
Richmond, VIC
Cuisines: Vietnamese
A long-standing Victoria Street restaurant in Richmond known for Vietnamese pancakes and steamed rice paper rolls.
Address: 120 Victoria St
Terror Twilight
Collingwood, VIC
Cuisines: Coffee, Brunch
A light-filled Collingwood diner serving wholesome all-day breakfasts and build-your-own broths, with healthy smoothies and specialty coffee.
Address: 11-13 Johnston St
Co Thu Quan Richmond
Richmond, VIC
Cuisines: Vietnamese
A Richmond eatery on Victoria Street serving traditional Vietnamese dishes, from pho to rice plates.
Address: 6/234 Victoria St
Chevapi Grill - Balkan Kitchen
South Melbourne, VIC
Cuisines: Croatian, Burger
A South Melbourne grill on Clarendon Street specialising in Balkan-style grilled meats and minced-meat sausages.
Address: 283 Clarendon St
Ayam Penyet Ria
South Melbourne, VIC
Cuisines: Indonesian
A South Melbourne eatery specialising in Indonesian smashed fried chicken and spicy sambal dishes.
Address: 248 Clarendon St
KIRBIE
South Melbourne, VIC
Cuisines:
A neighbourhood bistro and wine bar in South Melbourne, channelling European caff energy with modern European-inspired small plates.
Melbourne food writer and MasterChef Australia judge Sofia Levin tends to skip the obvious. Her South Melbourne picks lean under-the-radar. The kind of places that don’t shout, but deliver every time. Think unfussy, authentic and quietly excellent, with a mix of neighbourhood staples and spots worth knowing about before everyone else does.
Melbourne food writer and MasterChef Australia judge Sofia Levin tends to skip the obvious. Her South Melbourne picks lean under-the-radar. The kind of places that don’t shout, but deliver every time. Think unfussy, authentic and quietly excellent, with a mix of neighbourhood staples and spots worth knowing about before everyone else does.
