Carlton's Lygon Street isn't short of Italian restaurants but you'll always find room for the brilliant cuisine of Il Gambero. The kitchen offers diners some of the best pizza and pasta the area has to offer and they've perfected their recipes over the course of 30 years in the business. The restaurant's downstairs area has a cool old-school vibe, with exposed brick walls and shelves packed with wine. Upstairs is a modern, classy affair that can be reserved for functions.

A policy of providing quality, low-priced meals with fast and efficient service has kept Bluetrain at the top of its game for over 20 years. The kitchen offers grazing plates, pizzas, pastas, burgers and dishes off the char grill. Spacious and unpretentiously funky, Southbank's Bluetrain boasts a balcony area with unsurpassed views of the Yarra and Melbourne CBD.

The critics say this is Australia's finest Chinese restaurant. If the three-month wait for a table is any indication, the punters think so too. Flower Drum Restaurant in Melbourne has had a fearsome reputation for over 35 years. The dining room is a huge series of red-carpeted areas with lacquered wood detailing in every corner. The menu emphasises a creative touch with high quality seafood and other protein so get out of your comfort zone and taste the magic.

Caffe e Cucina, an intimate Italian restaurant is a long-running success story on South Yarra's busy Chapel Street. The eatery has been around since 1988 and Melbournites depend on its presence when they're craving Nonna's kitchen. The interior is happily cramped, with big posters, awards and mementos plastered on the walls, a large and busy bar area and small tables tucked wherever possible.

Combining imaginative Mediterranean cuisine with lavish hospitality, a world-class drink selection and luxurious surrounds, Byblos Bar and Restaurant offers some of Melbourne's best waterside dining experiences. A unique, modern Mediterranean-meets-Lebanese menu promises to be a feast for the eyes as well as the palate, while the stylish outdoor courtyard is a perfect spot to take in the views over the CBD with your dining companion.

A casual atmosphere, killer water views and a modern European style cuisine makes Mr Hobson a the premier location for groups or intimate special occasion dining. The mouth watering new menu is comprised of the freshest seafood, served straight from the ocean below, slow cooked lamb shanks and sharing options. Fabulous function facilities.

Situated just off Collins Street, in the heart of Melbourne city, Curry Vault Indian Restaurant & Bar has some very respectable neighbours and does a good job of keeping up with the Joneses. The eatery combines modern culinary techniques and traditional Indian flavours to create a unique dining experience. The Curry Vault also fancies itself a bit of a wine bar and there's some good Aussie drops on the menu.

The décor of this Carlton North favourite has been inspired by traditional Asian culture with artistic flourishes from calligraphy wall-paintings, to wooden screens and ornaments, yet the overarching feel is thoroughly contemporary. Russet coloured booth-style seating and wicker chairs line timber tables, and unique light fittings douse the space in a burnished glow. The private dining room is a sumptuous space with vivid red walls and vintage furnishings.