Some dishes make you stop mid-conversation, reach for your phone and let your followers know exactly what they’re missing. The venues below don’t just plate food — they curate edible art that demands a second look before the first bite. Whether it’s Japanese sashimi that could double as fine jewellery or a vegan souvlaki so convincing you’ll do a double take, these spots deliver both flavour and feed-friendly style.
Since opening its doors in 1988, Vegie Bar has been the beating heart of Brunswick Street’s plant-based scene. The industrial-chic warehouse, all high ceilings and communal tables, hums with a lively energy that attracts everyone from long-time locals to first-time visitors. The menu is a colourful passport through vegetarian and vegan favourites, from curries and pizzas to noodle bowls piled high with fresh, seasonal produce. Generous portions, gluten-free swaps and lactose-free choices make it a place where every diner is catered for without compromise.
Their latest showstopper is the grilled vegan souvlaki —
tender "lamb” infused with Greek spices, tucked into a warm pita with tomato,
red onion, parsley and a hit of garlicky tzatziki. It’s served with golden,
rustic fries and a side of disbelief for meat-eaters who won’t see it coming.
Perfect for both your tastebuds and your Instagram grid.
Reserve your table now and see why it’s been an institution for decades.
Anerie brings a touch of Parisian elegance to Phillip Island’s main street, offering a bistro experience where the décor is as considered as the menu. Black-and-white striped chairs, sunlit alfresco tables and art-lined walls — including the namesake donkey sketch — set the tone for lingering lunches and romantic dinners. Balmy sea breezes drift in, adding to the effortless charm that makes this spot a destination in its own right.
On the plate, expect refined French flavours with a deft
hand. Begin with delicate beef carpaccio layered with a silky white bean and
roasted garlic purée, or classic escargot bathed in parsley butter, ready to be
scooped up with a crusty baguette. Pair with a glass of wine, close your eyes
and you’re halfway to Montmartre.
Book a table and indulge in a little European escapism.
Mr Vincenzo’s - Mornington, VIC
Perched along Mornington’s Esplanade, Mr Vincenzo’s is where Mediterranean generosity meets the Peninsula’s seasonal bounty. Loved by locals and sought out by those making the short escape from the city, the venue’s charm lies in its simplicity — warm service, coastal views and a menu that adapts with the seasons. The share-style dining invites long conversations over plates that feel as homely as they are refined.
Head Chef Michael Kharsas works closely with local producers
to deliver dishes with a sense of place. One to watch is the snapper crudo,
dressed with bright citrus that cuts through the delicate sweetness of the
fish. It’s fresh, understated and the kind of plate you’ll photograph from
every angle before diving in.
Secure your spot and taste the Peninsula’s most elegant simplicity.
Nestled on Oxford Street, Caness is a newcomer with the swagger of a seasoned favourite. The warm, lived-in feel of the space — all intimate lighting and open kitchen energy — sets the stage for Middle Eastern-inspired small plates that invite sharing and conversation. There’s a breezy, neighbourhood bar vibe, but the food is far from casual in ambition.
Plates are vivid with colour and flavour. The prawn saganaki
is a standout, its sweet flesh bathed in a tomato and feta sauce that’s begging
for bread to mop it up. Or go for the charcoal-grilled octopus, tender and
smoky, paired with charred lettuce, capers and fresh herbs. Both dishes are as
photogenic as they are memorable.
Drop in and discover Paddington’s new culinary talking point.
Izakaya Miyazaki - Melbourne CBD, VIC
Beneath the hum of Russell Street lies Izakaya Miyazaki, a subterranean hideaway that whispers of Tokyo’s late-night dining culture. The moody glow, minimalist interiors and the quiet theatre of the open kitchen create an atmosphere where every detail is deliberate. It’s intimate yet dynamic — a space where each dish feels like a performance.
Seafood lovers will be drawn to the seasonal sashimi, flown
in directly from Japan’s Toyosu Market, each slice gleaming like cut glass.
Another highlight is the uni, with its luxurious creaminess and briny
sweetness, plated so beautifully you’ll hesitate before lifting your
chopsticks. It’s a masterclass in precision and restraint, designed to be
savoured slowly.
Reserve your seat and let the artistry unfold before you.
Some venues serve meals. Others create moments. The places above offer both — dishes worth photographing, sharing and most importantly, devouring. Just remember: the best bites don’t wait forever for the perfect shot.
