Championing the vegan scene in Melbourne, Shannon Martinez and Mo Wyse's Smith & Daughters wowed with their Latin American food that was both vegan and tasted good. Open from morning till late, Smith & Daughters serves a brunch menu before moving into a dinner menu for the evenings. Unlike most cafes of late, it’s quite dark inside, even in the middle of the day. There are quirky knick-knacks on shelves at the bar, and different salt and pepper shakers on each table....

Originally hailing from Sydney, Fratelli Fresh and The Cut Steakhouse have opened up in Alfred Place, which was most recently the home of Stokehouse City. Fratelli Fresh resides on the ground level, and you'll find The Cut after a short journey up the plush flight of stairs. Both have a different vibe, Fratelli Fresh feeling more like a casual diner serving up Italian cuisine, and The Cut giving the appearance of a high-end destination with its high ceilings, marble, dark timber and plush leather seating. The two restaurants...

Wake up Melbourne, poké has just landed from the sunny shores of Hawaii. You can catch it at Pokéd, the first store in Melbourne dedicated to the dish. Classically made with seafood, the protein is seasoned, combined with salads and toppings and piled on top on hot sushi rice. Started up by medical student Thomas Hu, Pokéd aims to promote a healthy lifestyle, and not just through dietary choices. Seating is mainly comprised of standing stools designed to improve posture, and importantly, digestion....

I have to admit I know nothing of Armenian cuisine. An inland nation surrounded by Turkey, Georgia, Azebaijan and Iran, there are Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences courtesy of its neighbours, but being an ancient culture, its cuisine has its own unique identity. The team behind The Black Toro introduced contemporary Armenian to Melbourne back in 2013, and their menu comes to the table courtesy of Head Chef Nick Cornell (ex-Ezard). Sezar is, quite literally, hidden away in a corner of a small laneway. Once you find it, you'll...

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