Dine before the curtain call

Lello Pasta Bar: Pasta made by hand, in-house and a wine list capturing the best of Victoria and the globe. 150 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, (03) 9654 6699

Longrain: The soul of south-east Asian cooking in Melbourne’s Chinatown. 40-44 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, (03) 9653 1600

Magic Mountain Saloon: A boutique bar and eatery offering modern Australian and Thai food from a wood-fired grill. 62 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, (03) 9078 0078

Mamasita: Tacos, tequila and arguably the most famous cobbed corn in Melbourne. Level 1/11 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, (03) 9650 3821

Pastuso: A Peruvian bar and grill that celebrates Victorian produce by Alejandro Saravia. 19 AC/DC La, Melbourne VIC 3000, (03) 9662 4556

Pellegrini’s: A changing daily menu ensures a unique experience every time at this family run Italian coffee house. 66 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, (03) 9662 1885

Punch Lane: A cosy restaurant and wine bar, this is one of the original Melbourne laneway gems. 43 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, (03) 9639 4944

Rice Paper Scissors: Flavours of south-east Asia served on share plates in a hawker-style setting. 19 Liverpool St, Melbourne VIC 3000, (03) 9663 9890

San Telmo: A restaurant and bar inspired by the flavours of Argentina. 14 Meyers Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000, (03) 9650 5525

Sezar: An upmarket dining room serving a menu showcasing the local flavours of Armenia. 6 Melbourne Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000, (03) 9663 9882

S.P.Q.R Pizzeria: Available by the slice, it’s wood-fired, sourdough pizza. 26 Liverpool St, Melbourne VIC 3000, (03) 9671 3326

Takumi: Diners craving for wagyu beef can head here for some contemporary Japanese featuring wagyu beef specialities. 32 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, (03) 9650 7020

The European: Private dining and fine wine on the doorstep to the Princess Theatre.  161 Spring St, Melbourne VIC 3000 (03) 9654 0811

Tonka: Celebrity chef Adam D’Sylva pays homage to his heritage at this modern Indian restaurant. 20 Duckboard Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000,  (03) 9650 3155

Uncle: A modern take on traditional Vietnamese at the top end of town. 15 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, (03) 9654 0829