New gastronomic stays

Not content to simply be somewhere to rest the weary eyes after a day of exploring the city’s famous laneways and eclectic neighbourhoods, Melbourne’s newest hotels have raised the culinary bar to become hospitality destinations within their own rights.

With hospitality firmly at the heart of the guest experience, a host of new properties that have opened in 2021 are challenging the preconceived perceptions of hotel dining in the culinary capital of Australia.

Lona Misa, Ovolo South YarraThe Ovolo’s commitment to vegetarian dining has been underlined with renowned Melbourne chefs Shannon Martinez of Smith & Daughters and Ian Curley of French Saloon, Kirk’s Wine Bar, at the helm of the new Lona Misa. The duo has curated a heavily vegan menu offering with vegetarian additions. Stop by for a casual bite, coffee or juice by day or something a little more after dark with a lively Latin bar and dining experience. 234 Toorak Rd, South Yarra, Victoria, 3141.

Lollo Restaurant and Curious Bar, W Hotel MelbourneUnder the creative culinary direction of celebrated Melbourne chef Adam D'Sylva, diners at the widely anticipated signature restaurant, Lollo, are taken from day to night and beyond, celebrating the chef's mixed heritage and unique approach to curated menus. Stay for a cocktail in the impressive Curious Bar, which pairs bold concoctions with a menu of small bites and shared plates in a striking setting. W Hotel Melbourne, 408 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000.

La Madona, Ingresso, The Barrel Room, Next HotelSet amongst Melbourne’s exciting new premier shopping and dining precinct at 80 Collins St in the heart of the city, Next Hotel Melbourne’s food and drink offering complements its gastronomical neighbours. La Madona’s dining and drinking enclave sees Sicilian blooded Daniel Natoli and street food supremo Adrian unite their culinary influences to produce a menu that’s both challenging and comforting. From coffee to Campari and everything in between, Ingresso is a side-street outpost for those on-the-go or gather with friends. The crown jewel is the hotel’s Barrel Room, home to the wood-ageing program for spirits, cocktails and herbal liquors on show. See selections decanted, arrange a tasting, request something be barrel-aged or book one of eight sought after seats for an immersive encounter. Next Hotel Melbourne, 103 Little Collins St, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000.

Luci and Douglas Club, Hilton Little Queen StLuci is a contemporary Australian restaurant set in the grand hall of Melbourne’s historic Equity Chambers building. Its art deco styled dining room – designed by Bates Smart – provides a sophisticated backdrop to awarded Executive Chef Sam Moore’s contemporary Australian menu with Italian accents. Visitors can step back to the golden era of travel in The Douglas Club which recreates the spirit of a 1930s cocktail lounge for a new age. The Douglas Club celebrates the extraordinary and draws inspiration through the Art Deco movement. 18 Little Queen St, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000.

Salted Egg and SingSong, Quincy HotelBorn from the colourful, eclectic and vivid origins of South East Asian cuisine, Salted Egg is an oasis of originality in a sea of conformity. With a menu dominated by traditional Thai cuisine, it is a dining experience that will transport visitors to another world. That South East Asian spirit continues in SingSong where it’s effortlessly merged with Melbourne to offer an all-day culinary experience from bubble tea and coffee to Asian-inspired spritzes and bite size treats. 509 Flinders Ln, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000.

Coming soon: Chocolate Hour, Movenpick Hotel Melbourne on SpencerSet to open in May 2021, the hotel will bring its famous Swiss origins to Melbourne with a dedicated ‘Chocolate Hour’ everyday for an exquisite tasting experience with Mövenpick chocolate variations and homemade creations such as éclairs, brownies, truffles, chocolate fountains and much more. Along with Chocolate Hour, guests will be welcomed with a free selection of chocolate specialties. The hotel will also feature a dedicated cafe serving the brand’s signature ice cream and an exotic blend of modern South East Asian cuisine at its very own Miss Mi restaurant. 160 Spencer Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000.