New In Town

Opening a new restaurant is always challenging. Opening a new restaurant and weathering the storm of 2020 requires Herculean levels of grit, determination and resilience. We toast the best new openings around Australia from the past 12 months.

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VICTORIA

Maha Bar

Opened February 2020 Who Shane Delia Vibe Handsome and romantic modern Middle Eastern bar.

Verdict

Is Shane Delia’s gorgeous, glamorous Collingwood bar his best work yet? The harissa and turmeric braised beef-stuffed borek bun, arak pickled cucumbers and brilliant hummus served with maple-roasted carrots would say yes. Service is great too, as is the on-theme wine list with its Lebanese wine producers and selection of raki and arak. 86 Smith St, Collingwood, [phone], mahabar.com.au

Gimlet at Cavendish House

Opened June 2020 Who Andrew McConnell Vibe New York-style French bar and bistro given a McConnell makeover.

Verdict

The 10 minutes it was allowed to open in June gave a tantalising glimpse of chic Gimlet’s potential – a big, beautiful Manhattan-referencing room with a central bar, leather booths and a menu that mixes marron with saffron rice, wood-fired flatbread with clams and chilli, house-made gelati and great cocktails – Gimlets, of course, alongside Leanne Altman’s superb wine list. 33 Russell St, Melbourne, [phone], gimlet.Melbourne

Lagoon Dining

Opened November 2019 Who Chris Lerch, Keat Lee and Ned Trumble (co-owners) Vibe Smart, tasty Melb-Asian in the heart of Little Italy.

Verdict