Open Season

Be they freshly minted or due to drop any minute, these are the venues to have in your sights this spring and summer.

- David Matthews

VIC

Bar Margaux

Michael and Zara Madrusan bring a stunning late-night follow-up to The Everleigh and Heartbreaker with Bar Margaux, a French-style bar, brasserie and supper club. Floors are chequered, lighting is golden, booths are red leather and the menu ranges from moules marinières and roast chicken for two to garlicky snails with Pernod butter and a wicked late-night double-stack burger dripping in Bordelaise sauce. Throw in cocktails of the calibre you’d expect from a Madrusan venue and wines (all by the glass) that hit on the French theme and it’s guaranteed good times, seven days a week. 111 Lonsdale St, Melbourne, [phone], barmargaux.com.au

Daughter in Law

Chef Jessi Singh’s newest opening is bright and colourful, both in the décor – pink walls, blue-velvet booths, Bollywood films on loop on the walls – and on the plate, where Indian classics get a contemporary twist. Crisp “papadum cups” are filled with beef tartare flavoured with green mango, while naan is stuffed with blue cheese and topped with masala-spiked tomato sauce for a pizza to write home about. Curries range from new-style to traditional, and there’s an outrageously good-value tasting menu for $55. Bring a crowd. 37 Little Bourke St, Melbourne, [phone], daughterinlaw.com.au

Tetto di Carolina