Here’s a little summary of what’s to hit/has hit Melbourne in the past/coming month. All details are as accurate as possible and updated as and when they’re confirmed. If I’ve missed any exciting new places off this list, please get in touch here: .
In Case You Missed It – Check out what OPENED IN JULY.
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Brutale
When? Saturday 10 August 2013
What is it? Offering a new take on the relationship between man and beast, and inspired by the vast Balkan region and Europe’s Eastern ‘Bloc’, “Brutale” packages the confronting brutality of a butchery with the finesse of couture cuisine; delivering true “food for the brave”.
Who’s behind it? Owner: Rene De La Soyo, who’s previous venues include: Eurotrash Bar, House of Maximon and Berlin Bar. Head Chef: Daniel George Dobra, previously of “The Brix”, “Greenhouse by Joost” and “Royal Mail Hotel – Dunkeld”
Size? 56 Seats. Limited bar seats.
What’s on the menu? Various traditional Eastern European dishes. Their signature dishes are the spit roasted pork and lamb roasted in a traditional ‘Peka’.
Bookings? Bookings are essential for parties of 5 or more.
Contact: 18 Corrs Lane, Melbourne 3000. www.brutale.com.au. Facebook.com/brutalemelbourne. Ph 039654 4411. email - . Twitter.
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Tuck Shop Take Away
When? 23 July 2013
What is it? Burger joint/Milk bar
Who’s behind it? Clinton and Karina Serex – owners. Clinton has worked at Attica and Vue De Monde front of house and Karina at Chez Dre and The Fat Duck as a pastry chef.
Size? 11 seats inside, 6 at communal table and 5 at bar. Outside dining to come.
What’s on the menu? American style burgers, hand cut chips, jaffles, house made sodas, milkshakes, sweets and soft serve, coffee and tea. Signature dishes include pulled pork jaffle, redskin and chocolate brownie and the redskin milkshake.
Bookings? No.
Contact: 273 Hawthorn Road, Caulfield North, Vic 3161. Monday – Thursday 11am – 8pm, Friday & Saturday 11am – 9pm. Facebook. Twitter. 
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lil’ nomnoms
When? 17 August 2013
What is it? Introducing Melbourne’s newest food truck! A Vietnamese inspired food truck serving up Banh Bao, Banh Mi, Bun Cha, Rice Paper Rolls and much much more to the Melbourne masses.
Who’s behind it? NamDo Quach ex-corporate recruiter, ex-event manager and one time cook.
Size? It’s a food truck you nomnoms
What’s on the menu? Vietnamese street food consisting of Braised Pork Belly Steamed Buns, Banh Mi with a variety of grilled meats as well as the other classics such as Pho, Yellow Chicken Curry and Braised Beef Ribs.
Bookings? No
Contact: www.lilnomnoms.com.au or . Facebook. Twitter.
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SHIZUKU
When? 1 July 2013
What is it? Ramen & Ramen Burger specialists. SHIZUKU plans to introduce dish that are unique and in authentic styles that have not arrive on our shores from Japan yet! The team at SHIZUKU were bored at the predictable and typical offerings in many other Japanese eateries, and plan to inject some fresh air into the Japanese dining scene.
Who’s behind it? Owners: Shinako Suzuki & David Chen, ex Shoya. Head Chef: Hiromi Hanzawa, ex Pabu & Aka Siro.
Size? 45 Seats, 4 Window seating, Designed by Earl Pinto.
What’s on the Menu? Lets talk things that will not be on the menu – the typical sushi, sashimi, tempura, udon, soba, takoyaki, and the likes. Rather they will be aiming for exclusive and created in-house tapas/izakaya style small plates such as Edamame Cheese Spring Rolls, Tuna Tartare with Deep Fried Gyoza Pastry, Cheesy Nori Snacks, Crab Meat Croquettes, Handmade Pork Gyoza with miso peanut chilli oil.
For mains, specialties are Shoyu Ramen, Spicy Miso Ramen & post cronut fad - RAMEN BURGER. Ramen Burger comes with pork belly with plum and prune sauce or eggplant with rich sweet miso jam. One of the best sellers is rice bowl donburi, which is Marmalade Chicken with potato & apple salad. Also, customers can BYO too.
Bookings? Yes.
Contact: 309 Victoria St, Abbotsford VIC 3067. Ph. 03 9995 8180. Facebook. Twitter. Open 7 days, 11.30am – 10.30pm
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90 Secondi
When? 5 August 2013
What is it? 90 Secondi (the time it takes to cook pizza) will open in late August at Etihad Stadium and will occupy a prominent 220-square-metre space across from the main entry. It will be more a cafe pizzeria rather a restaurant.
Who’s behind it? Pizzaiolo, Johnny Di Francesco – his family hails from Naples in Southern Coastal Italy, the home of the ‘world’s best’ pizza, and has a passion for Italian cuisine draws from traditional Neapolitan techniques.
Size? Seats 170.
What’s on the menu? 90 Secondi’s menu will a showcase of the food of Naples. Its Mediterranean coastal location means that wood-fire pizza and seafood are always the star. Universally, Naples is recognized as the home of the wood-fire pizza – the original being named after Queen Margherita of Italy. Johnny’s signature dish is the Parma; San Marzano tornado, mozzarella di buffalo, devodier prosciutto di parma and rucola.
Bookings? Yes, plus walk-ins are welcome
Contact: Etihad Stadium (Gate 3), Docklands. Facebook.
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Bress Wine, Cider and Produce ‘Pop Up’ cellar door and restaurant
When? 8-11 August 2013
What is it? Bress Wine, Cider and Produce are bringing the Bress Cellar door experience to Melbourne, for four days in August.
Who’s behind it? The team at Bress, winemaker and owner Adam Marks and his wife Lynne Jensen, chef, sales and events manager Carly Lauder, gardener Louise Adams and cellar door guru, Super Sue Anderson
Size? 50pax for sit down events, 120pax for stand up events
What’s on the menu? We’re bringing our wood fired oven down to Melbourne, along with produce from our kitchen and market gardens to craft some seasonal hearty dishes, alongside the Grub Food Van kitchen brigade. We’ll be serving our French inspired wines and ciders alongside this tasty fare.
Bookings? Essential
Contact: 87-89 Moor St Fitzroy. Ph 5474 2262. Email: or . See Bress pop up and cellar door events program. 
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When: July 2013
What is it? Tom Thumb is a temporary pop up space in Melbourne’s CBD that pays testament to the old adage that good things come in small packages. Stocking Kris Wood’s specialty Pony blend, the menu (much like the space itself) is small but thoughtful.
Who’s behind it? Tom Thumb is the brand new pop up café by Andy Gale (of Duchess of Spotswood, St. Ali South) and Kris Wood (of Clement Coffee Roasters). Pastry chef Matt Forbes looks after the sweeter side of things, while the boys look to quality suppliers such as Zeally Bay Bakery and Dr Marty’s Crumpets for the other menu items.
Size: The tiny space has a French provincial feel and a well-considered fit out; upstairs seats twenty, while downstairs is standing room only.
What’s on the menu? Its menu includes pork and piccalilli sandwiches, toasted lamb sandwiches and truffle toasties. Basically Duchess of Spotswood in a sandwich. Bread is supplied by organic artisan bakery Zeally Bay, Martin Beck (more commonly known as Dr Marty) provides the gourmet crumpets, while pastry chef Matt Forbes looks after the sweeter side of things. Kris Wood’s own Pony blend espresso is tasty and unpretentious. Tom Thumb is soon to be fully licensed and will cater for its thirsty after work crowd with a wine list that will boast quality scotch, rum, gin, craft beer, and some cocktail classics.
Bookings? No
Contact: 53 Flinders Lane, Melbourne 3000
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Lona Pintxos Bar
When? 13 August 2013
What is it? Cocktail, Wine & San Sebastian style help yourself Tapas Bar.
Who’s behind it? Owners – Charles & Edward Sedgley of Barca Food & Wine, Head Chef – Tim Bell – Pelican, Barca Food & Wine.
Size? Number of Seats – 60, Bar seating – Yes, Designed by Carmen Wright for Plans & Elevations.
What’s on the menu? Chermoula spiced lamb cutlets, honey yoghurt, Manchego & leek croquettes, Signature Bourbon Braised Pork Sliders with Jalepeno, Chipolte & Crackling.
Bookings? Yes for groups larger than 6.
Contact: Address – 963 High Street Armadale 3143, website – www.lona.com.au, Facebook. Ph 9822 0382, email – . Members sign up for free on the website and receive half price Pintxos between 12 – 4.
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Bay City Burrito
When? 27 July 2013
What is it? Bay City Burrito’s cuisine is identified by the fresh, delicious flavours of an authentic San Francisco-style burrito.
Who’s behind it? Gary Mink, owner.
Size? Seating – 70. Bar-style, group tables and café seating
What’s on the menu? California-styled Mexican cuisine. Signature items include the Cabo Supreme, the Bay City Bomber and the best nachos in Melbourne
Bookings? Booking accepted for any party size Contact: 4-7 Shakespeare Grove, St Kilda 3182. Ph: 03 9354 1582 www.baycityburrito.com. Facebook. Twitter.
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Tivoli Road Bakery
When? Wednesday 14 August 2013
What is it? Artisan bakery and café – changing hands from Movida Bakery.
Who’s behind it? Michael & Pippa James. Michael – ex MoVida Bakery & Aqui, Bakery D Chirico, Bourke Street Bakery, Pied-a-Terre (London), Tom’s Kitchen (London). Pippa – currently Cutler & Co, Golden Fields. Ex Vue de monde, Flying Fish (Sydney), The Greenhouse (London), The Capital (London), Pied-a-Terre (London)
Size? 16 seats
What’s on the menu? Organic sourdough & Viennoiserie, pies, sausages rolls, sandwiches, soups, donuts, dossants, cakes, slices, tarts, Small Batch coffee.
Bookings? No
Contact: 3 Tivoli Road, South Yarra VIC 3141. Ph 9041 4345. www.tivoliroad.com.au. Twitter. Facebook.
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Banh Mi Boys
When? 29 August 2013
What is it? Food truck dishing out delicious modern Vietnamese street food
Who’s behind it? It’s the brainchild of Keen Poon, management consultant and former MasterChef contestant; Francis Fung, a corporate lawyer; and Darren Kwok, a doctor of Chinese medicine.
Size? Room for plenty, find a park bench
What’s on the menu? The namesake banh mi or best mate salad with your choice of chargrilled lemongrass pork belly, zesty chicken or corn fritter. Seasonal rotating specials will be featured. An extensive catering menu is also available for private functions.
Bookings? Yes for private functions
Contact: www.banhmiboys.com.au. Facebook. Twitter.
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Standing Room
Shop Ramen
When? 2 August 2013
What is it? What started as a home passion project then evolved into a 10 day pop-up ramen joint has become a bricks and mortar business on the ever-changing Smith Street.
Who’s behind it? Shop Ramen is the first venture for Seven Seeds alumni Pat Breen, and photographer Lydia Wegner. The space was designed with the help of architect Emlyn Olaver.
Size? Seating for around 25 people.
What’s on the menu? The menu will feature a rotating 4 bowls of ramen, steamed buns, and dessert. Within a casual atmosphere, Shop Ramen aims to employ a creative and considered approach towards traditional Japanese ramen soups. Alkaline noodles are freshly made on site everyday.
Bookings? No
Contact: 329 Smith St, Fitzroy. Facebook. Twitter.
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Bomba (Ex-The Aylesbury)
When? Late September
What is it? After two years of nose to tail eating at The Aylesbury Restaurant and Rooftop the team has decided it is time for a revamp. Bomba will be a Spanish workers bar where the tapas menu will be designed to share. Simple, flavorsome, well executed, affordable Spanish tapas for city workers and food lovers alike.
Who’s behind it? Jesse Gerner (Añada, Moro, River Café) and Vanessa Gerner (Añada, River Cafe, Movida)
Size? Same as it was when in it’s previous incarnation.
What’s on the menu? Jesse Gerner (Añada, Moro, River Café) and Andrew Fisk (Añada, Cumulus Inc) fresh back from his food tour of Spain will be heading up the kitchen. They both have a love of all things Spanish from their work and travel and will be serving fresh, festive, punchy food.
Bookings? Yes for private functions
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Hero
When? Monday 26 August 2013
What is it? Taking its inspiration from gourmet ‘Hero-style’ sandwiches made famous in and around Brooklyn-Queens, New York. Hero will take the art of the simple sandwich baguette and apply the Melbourne shuffle to its big sandwich flavors.
Who’s behind it? Store-owner Hani Seoud (Pepperoni’s Pizzeria, Gallery 324) has come together with entrepreneurial couple, Mike and Eleena Tan (Reading Room Café, Grain Store, BrandWorks) to challenge the sandwich scene in Melbourne.
Size? (40sqm) No seating in store as it’s designed for grab and go but there is temporary pop up seating next door that can fit 40 people. Designed by the team at BrandWorks – from conception to inauguration, every attention to detail and interiors has not been overlooked.
What’s on the menu? Over-sized Submarine baguettes, available in classic and multigrain, stuffed to the brim with decadent fillings and zesty sauces that are not readily available at other sandwich outlets. Pulled Lamb, BBQ pulled pork and Panko Shrimp are just the start of the ingredients on offer. A crowd favorite seems to be the #KidRoyale – smoked hickory rub, slow roasted beef with onion jam, honey Dijon, baby spinach and crispy onion rings. Vegetarians have not been forgotten with the invention of the #Pfunk, featuring crispy polenta fingers, marinated roasted eggplant and red peppers and baby spinach, drizzled in whipped herb feta. Sides, soups and salads complete the experience along with the options of bottomless coffee and drinks.
Bookings? Bookings for the pop up store are accepted and in addition to catering options.
Contact: 445 Swanston St (entry via Stewart St). Ph: (03) 9995 4655 / 0402277821. Herosubs.com.au. Facebook. Twitter.
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Si Senor Art Taqueria
When? 27 July 2013
What is it? Authentic Mexican Taqueria with focus on mexican street art.
Who’s behind it? Chef Cindy Flores (Mexico), Si Senor Group.
Owners are ex-director of Senoritas.
Size? 70 bar and table seating, Inspired in a House in La Condesa in Mexico in the 1950’s.
What’s on the menu? Tacos al Pastor, Tacos Campechanos, Burrito El Macho & El Chingon. No Mexican Fusion. Full Mexican family and traditional recipes.
Bookings? No
Contact: 193 Carlisle St, Balaclava. www.sisenor.net.au. Facebook. Twitter.
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JAFFLECHUTES
When? 16 August and forever after when you least expect it.
What is it? Jaffles attached to parachutes innit.
Who’s behind it? A small team of DEFINITELY-NOT AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERS, but kind people.
Size? Many many many to potentially zero.
What’s on the menu? Always jaffly, always cheesy.
Bookings? Mandatory.
Contact: jafflechutes.com. . Facebook. Twitter.
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KALAMAKI GREEK STREET FOOD
When? 23 May 2013
What is it? Kalamaki is all about Greek Street food: from skewers or Athenian style souvlaki wrapped in pitta, to favourite grills & dips, pastries, fresh salads & sweets.
Who’s behind it? Kalamaki is the latest venture by the team at award-winning Philhellene restaurant in Moonee Ponds, Manny and Alki Gerassimou and John and Susie Rerakis.
Size? 30 seats inside, 20 seats outside including high benches and window seats
What’s on the menu? Souvlaki in pitta (pork/chicken/lamb/haloumi/chickpea kofte) and ‘kalamaki’ chargrilled skewers. Also a range of dips & interesting salads. Greek soft drinks, beer & wine. Greek coffees.
Bookings? No bookings but can book ahead for groups larger than 8.
Contact: 389 Lonsdale Str., Melbourne (cnr. of Hardware Lane). www.kalamakigsf.com.au. Facebook.Twitter.
Iv’s Burritos – Mexican Food Truck
When? Opened in July and gradually rolling out in Melbourne
What is it? Gourmet Mexican Burritos from the streets of Oaxaca to the streets of Melbourne.
Who’s behind it? Ivan Zarezkij, a 23-year-old kid, passionate about Mexican food and ethically sourced ingredients.
Size? It’s a food truck people.
What’s on the menu? Smokey BBQ Pulled Pork or ‘Mole Rojo’ Mexican Spiced Grilled Chicken served in a burrito with saffron-oregano rice, black beans, sour cream, a sauce (such as jalapeno salsa verde or chipotle mayonnaise), a tomato salsa and a red cabbage slaw.
Bookings? Yes, call or email, 0423 215 255 or . Or follow their location on Where The Truck At?.
Contact: ivsburritos.com.au. Facebook. Twitter.
When: 2 August 2013
What is it: Modern souvlaki bar
Who’s behind it? George Calombaris, George Sykiotis and Travis McAuley who is chef/part owner at Hellenic Republic.
Size: 30 seats. Designed by Techne Architects
What’s on the menu? Souvlakis, dips, pita and others sides, meat by the plate, salads, desserts and drinks (no takeaway on alcohol)
Bookings? No
Contact: 113 Saint David Street Fitzroy
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Sneak peek of September…
Uncle
When: End of September
What is it: Uncle’s planning on being a bloody good time on Carlisle St, bar, restaurant, hang-out. Vietnamese food that’s good value, fun and unpretentious.
Who’s behind it? Rene Spence (ex The Smith venue manager, Pelican) who recently helped mate Jason Jones open B’stilla, business partner Dai Duong, Vietnam born and Melbourne raised. Dai was head chef with Rene at Pelican and then head chef at Dandelion in Elwood. Bowen Holden, owner and all round fantastic bloke at Patricia in the city will be providing coffee direction which will be filter only.
Size: Bar downstairs for 30 pax and restaurant upstairs, seating for around 100, half of which is on their rooftop. Designed by Foolscap Studio (Patricia Coffee)What’s on the menu? Adventurous Vietnamese food. Tasty morsels. Volume up. Bookings? For 8+ people Contact: 188 Carlisle St, St Kilda
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TOMBOY HOSTS KERALA
When? Fri & Saturday nights from the 6th of September – October 12
What is it? Pop up bar & curry house. Serving inspired Indian food to the sounds of Melbourne’s best soul and funk dj’s.
Who’s behind it? A Palomino & Kerala Foods production! Emily Wright (Palomino) and Mischa Tropp (Kerala Foods) came together over a glass of wine to bring transform the way Indian food was presented to the world.
Size? 51 Seats.
What’s on the Menu? Inspired Indian cuisine, roasted cauliflower and eggplant bhaji’s, mouthwatering curries & coconut, saffron rosemary ice cream to top it all off.
For drinks they have searched far and wide for the best local products around and are teaming up with the boys from 666 Vodka, West Winds Gin, Tequila Tromba who are looking after cocktails, Cake Wines bringing amazing wines from Australia’s best young wine makers & Storm in a Teacup the best chai in Melbourne.
Bookings? No Bookings, Cash Only.
Contact: 356 Smith St, Collingwood. TOMBOY HOSTS KERALA facebook event for behind the scenes peeks – www.facebook.com/events/415218908576814/?fref=ts. Facebook. Twitter.
Don’t miss out on any other Melbourne food & drink news – Subscribe to the email list receive every update (top right corner) and Follow @Shark4ChipDrink Know of any other places opening soon that aren’t on this list or that were missed? Let me know! . See you next month.
taketori is another one in King Street in the city which offers fine Japanese food. They have a sushi bar and the sushi is really fresh.
Well that whole reblogging thing didnt work.
Great list to stumble on! *salivates more*…
Feel free to paste and put links back to here.
hello its lovely to bump into you last night. when will your mr nice guy review be up?
good to bump into you. We will have to go back for an independent visit which we will pay for to then make an assessment for a review.
when? anytime is ok for me as long as its not Monday
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