Eat

Start with brunch at Napier Quarter, an all-day Parisian-style espresso and wine bar with a signature anchovy toast Nigella Lawson once called “a slice of heaven”. Served with slices of boiled egg atop a slather of mustardy mayo, a dollop of salsa verde and a squeeze of lemon, it’s leagues above the ubiquitous snack you’ll find on so many Melbourne menus. If you’re on the go, grab a coffee and a wood-fired bagel from Mile End Bagels.

Lunchtime? Sample some of the best sandwiches in Melbourne at places like Falco Bakery (the chicken and egg salad sandwiches are must-tries), cafe-deli Morning Market and Italian-inspired Stefanino Panino. Or, experience a bit of North and Central American influence at Cali-style diner JollyGood (serving burgers, Bloody Mary’s and bottomless filter coffee) and slick taqueria Frankie’s Tortas and Tacos, which regularly has lines out the door.

Come dinner time (or for a late afternoon snack) check out some of the best wine bars in the city, like Bar Liberty, which has fast become a Fitzroy institution thanks to its superb wines, smart cocktails and, more recently, Polish-inspired small plates (think paszteciki, potato dumplings and cabbage rolls). You can also head over to Marion Wine Bar, a chic all-day destination for excellent wines and food to match. The menu is ever-evolving but you’ll want to start with their famous flat bread smothered with fromage blanc.

For a more laid-back and home-style meal, try the newly opened Toddy Shop, a contemporary south Indian-style diner serving comforting Kerala cuisine, cold beers and creative cocktails – don't miss its namesake drink, a milky-white brew made from the fermented sap of toddy palms.