The Feed | This New Honey & Chocolate Combo Special Release Tart Has Won Our Hearts

The food news has been coming in thick and fast in Melbourne, and to make sure that you're across Melbourne's food and bev movements like restaurant parties, cash saving moments, croissant specials, Tasmanian whisky, and all the dumpings you can stomach, we've wrapped up everything that you need to know in a handful of digestible servings.

Keep up to date below:

Release Radar: Iconic Duo Drop Seven-Layered World Chocolate Day Special Release Tart 

Image: Tarts Anon / Koko Black | Supplied

Run, don’t walk. As if we needed another excuse to spend too much at Tarts Anon or Koko Black. The dynamic duo have teamed up for a one-of-a-kind special release tart in honour of the world’s most delicious ‘day’, World Chocolate Day. As far as ‘days’ go, we here at Urban List thoroughly approve, given the pair have put together a mouth-watering, seven-layered chocolate leatherwood honey tart. The journey begins with a chocolate-infused twist on Tarts Anon's shortcrust pastry layered with leatherwood honey caramel. Each bite takes in a combination of moist peperkoek (pepper / spiced cake for those of you who don’t speak Dutch) sponge and rich dark chocolate custard, topped with silky honey and milk chocolate cremeux. There’s also a hidden little surprise in the chocolate glaze adorned with *GOLD* cocoa nibs. Baller. World Chocolate Day is celebrated every year on 7 July and at the stores the celebration kicks off on Friday, 5 July with the exclusive tart available for purchase at Koko Black stores across Melbourne and Sydney and at both of Tarts Anon’s Melbourne stores. For more info, check the Koko Black page or Tarts Anon and get in quick, tarts are limited. 

House Of The Dragon-Themed Hot Sauces New Breakfast (& Monday Night) Go To Accoutrement

Image: Binge | Supplied

We like it hot here at Urban List, and we’re not just talking about the temperature in the office 'cos it’s chilly at the moment. Season two of House of the Dragons has had a lot of twists and turns (no spoilers here, just tune in or check out our Binge guide) but none as big as the release of two hot sauces, aptly named Revenge and Dracarys. While Westeros teeters on the edge of bloody civil war, you can pick a hot sauce in line with your alleigance. The Black Sauce for Queen Rhaenyra supporters, Dracarys, features the relentless spice of the carolina reaper, scorpion and birds eye chillies, and boasts a Scoville Rating of 500,000 units. The Green Sauce for King Aegon supporters, Revenge, is loaded with milder green habaneros, carapitas and jalapenos, only sizzling up a Scoville Rating of 35,000 units. Obvi, we’re going for Rhaenyra (get it Queen) but might opt for the Revenge on breakfast, lest there be an accident. Order yours here. 

Lune’s Monthly Lineup Has Landed—And A Hedgehog Slice Has Never Looked So Good

Image credit: Lune | Pete Dillon

Baked goods continue to claim the spotlight, and arguably Lune is the most hyped treat in Melbourne. For July, the croissanterie is pulling out all the stops for another strong month of specials. Get ready to queue for their rendition of a hedgehog slice—a twice-baked chocolate flakey number with shortbread and coconut frangipane, coconut caramel, and a chocolate malt cookie. As for the rest? We’ve got the token cruffin loaded with rhubard and custard, the Macca Sacca (a macadamia-forward twice-baked croissant), Lune’s take on a baklava, and those that like their pastries savoury can go the potato and leek tart. Yum!

Is This Melbourne's New Viral Croissant Trend? It’s Called A Cro-Bak, And It’s Tantalising Tastebuds Across Melbourne

Image credit: YOI x Sucre Du Jour

When a Parisian pastry collides with an Indonesian dessert, we’re given a croissant-martabak creation. The Cro-Bak takes the concept of a sweet martabak (a traditional Indonesian dessert) and swaps out the fluffy pancake exterior for a flaky, buttery croissant. 

Born from the collaboration of YOI and Secre Du Jour, there are two flavours up for grabs: the original featuring chocolate, cheese and condensed milk; and the Pandan, going hard on the corn and cheese. From Saturday 29 June, you can try the new viral croissant every Friday to Sunday at Franklin Street’s YOI until early-August.

It’s not the first time YOI has taken on the mighty martabak with their own twist—anyone remember the martabak pizza?

Riverside Bar's Winter Warmer Fondue Includes Controversial Dipping Vessel

Image: Supplied | Arbory Bar & Eatery

On the serach for a cure to your winter blues? Arbory Bar & Eatery might just have it, serving up a creamy fondue combo of Swiss gruyère, fontina and truffle pecorino. Potentially controversial dipping vessels include baguette, crudites, pretzels and pickles for those looking for an extra pop of flavour. Hungrier punters can opt for a cured meat selection of capocollo, bresaola and prosciutto, and to wash it all down there are mugs of mulled wine and hot spiced cider. The fondue serves two and is available until August from 11am (brunch fondue anyone?) until 10pm.

St Kilda’s Vibey Italian-American Diner Just Dropped A Thirty-Layer Lasagne With Bottomless Garlic Bread

Image credit: Louey’s Bar & Kitchen | Supplied

Hidden in the depths of The Epsy is Louey’s, and this winter, the buzzing Italian-American diner is dishing up a hefty lasagne 30-layers thick. Think pork and veal doused in spicy Njua sauce, served with a side of all-you-can-eat buttery garlic bread. It’s going for just $30 a serving, up for grabs every Thursday from 3:30pm. Bookings are available over here, but the crew also welcomes walk-ins.

Lumen People Is Changing Tune For Winter With Revered Guest Chefs On The Pass

Image credit: Lumen People | Hugh McDonnell

The beloved North Melbourne’s cafe-wine bar is up to some fun things for winter with a series they’re calling Lumen And Friends. Some of Australia’s most revered chefs are stepping up to the Lumen People pass to plate exclusive dishes for one-night-only.

You’ve got the choice of three nights across June, each with two sittings per evening. Friday 14 June sees Joel Baylon (ex-Aru) dish up French-leaning bites, Ryan Hodgson (Capitano) takes the spotlight on Sunday 23 June with bev pairings curated by Tasty Things, and Friday 28 June is all about Dora Mazzeo (Hope Street Radio, Bar Liberty, and Florian creds) and her experimental menu.

Book your seat online over here.

A Festival Entirely Dedicated To The Snag Is Landing In Melbourne For One Weekend Only

Image credit: Welcome To Thornbury | Supplied

Come next weekend, a festival entirely dedicated to the humble sausage will be sizzling away at Welcome To Thornbury—giving Bunnings a run for their money. You’ll have your traditional and classic snags on the barbie like bratwursts and spicy chorizo, but you’ll find some snags loaded with the good stuff. Take Bilbo Snaggins’ Pepperoni Pizza Dog for instance, a schmancy gourmet hotdog topped with cheese and pepperoni. Or Bluestone American BBQ’s mega snag, a freshly baked baguette filled with BBQ pork, two types of cheese, roasted red capsicum, fancy truffle mayo, garlic butter-infused crumbs, and spring onion.

The inaugural Sausage Festival takes place Saturday 15 June from 12pm until Sunday 16 June at 9pm, at Welcome To Thornbury. They’re taking walk-ins for groups less than four, but if you want to secure your spot or your crew is bigger than six, book over here.

It’s All-You-Can-Eat Polish Dumplings For Just $39

Image credit: Eat Pierogi Make Love | Supplied

What’s better than a stomach full of dumplings on a cold winter’s night? A stomach full of dumplings on a cold winter’s night that cost just $39-bucks. Eat Pierogi Make Love, situated at the Brunswick East end of Lygon Street, is pulling out all the stops for the chilly season, dishing up their signature Polish dumplings for an impressively cheap $39pp.

It runs every night on a Monday from 5pm, and it’s one of those deals that you can gorge on all the dumplings you want (hence, ‘all-you-can-eat’). The menu boasts five different perigori (potato and cheese Polish dumplings) with vegan, vegetarian and meat options up for grabs. Highlights include smoked Polish sausage and cheese, and the vegan jalapeno and potato.

 Walk right in or book if your group is more than five. You’ll find Eat Pierogi Make Love at 161 Lygon Street, Brunswick East.

Superdrop Drops A Single Malt Tasmanian Whisky, Lamplighter

Image credit: Lamplighter | Supplied

Independent drinks business, Superdrop, has just dropped its newest creation: Lamplighter, a single malt Tasmanian whisky. Designed for the most sophisticated palate of whiskey drinkers, Lamplighter marries the depth of American Oak with the intricacies of Red Wine Cask maturation, resulting in a flavour profile that evokes notes of vanilla, caramel, spice and a subtle hint of fruitiness—embodying the essence of Tasmania’s terroir and agricultural legacy. PSA for whisky connoisseurs, Lamplighter is now available nationwide across Vintage Cellars.

Lune’s June Winter Menu Is An Encore Of Five Allstar Favourites

Image credit: Pete Dillon | Lune

Lune, the cult-favourite croissanterie, has just unveiled its winter menu and it’s nothing short of epic. Throughout June, patrons can indulge in an encore of Lune Allstars with five cherished pastries making a highly anticipated return. 

The line-up of favourites includes the Black Forest Cruffin, filled with cherry jam and chocolate cherry mousse, alongside the Honey Joy, a traditional croissant twice-baked with cornflake frangipane. Also featured are the Cardamom Bun, the Mushroom and Blue Cheese pastry and the Choc Chip Cookie, a twice-baked pain au chocolat, returning for a one-month cameo.

Get 25 % Of The Bill Back With ‘Dine and Cash’ At Commune

Image credit: Firebird | supplied

Following a successful year in 2023, the Commune Group is reintroducing its ‘Dine & Cash’ promotion. Diners can enjoy 25 percent off the entire bill, which is gifted back as a redeemable voucher to use at any of Commune’s six venues (excluding Studio Amaro) including, Firebird, Moonhouse, New Quarter, Tokyo Tina and more. From June 1 to June 30, indulge in quality dining while keeping your bank account in check.

In Celebration Of Big Milestones, Matteo’s Is Turning 30 And The Party Will Last A Whole Month

Image credit: Matteo's | Supplied

North Fitzroy’s hidden gem has proudly sat on Brunswick Street for decades, cementing itself as the local go-to since 1994. This year, Matteo's is celebrating the big 3-0 with a monster line-up of events. It includes nostalgic menus, guest chef appearances who once graced the pass, an exclusive wine-forward dinner, and a massive gala to conclude the month-long celebrations. Keep an eye on Matteo’s Instagram for exact deets.

A Mornington Peninsula Gem Has Been Crowned The Best Pub Restaurant For 2024

Image credit: Audrey's | Alex Squarito

The Continental Sorrento’s crown jewel took home the award for Best Pub Restaurant (Metro) at this year’s AHA (Vic) State Awards for Excellence. For those living under a rock, The Conti underwent a major glow-up a couple years back, with the team pouring millions of big ones into the refurb. The doors flung open early 2022, and when they did, Audrey’s was the headlining restaurant—an elevated pub experience by Scott Pickett. Take this as your sign to drop by for an award-winning dining sesh next time you’re down at the ‘ninch.

It's Fine Dining For A Very Fair Price At Lygon Street's Lagoon

image credit: Lagoon | supplied

Those looking for plentiful, punchy flavours at a very modest price should look no further than Lagoon, with the team hosting Chow Down Tuesday—happening Tuesday 21 May—serving up a hefty four course noodle-leaning menu at $50pp. On the plate you'll find the likes of Japchae laden Jap chae-laden sweet potato noodle number with soy marinated beef, hokkien mee with pork lard and fish balls, and a scallop-heavy egg noodle dish to finish. 

It'll be the first of the Chinese diner's monthly themed evenings, and you can book in for this Tuesday here. Otherwise, keep up to date for next month's event via their Instagram.

So Long $7 Lattes, You Won’t Be Missed: We’ve Found Some Of Melbourne’s Best Coffee For Dirt Cheap

Image credit: William Angliss Tram Cafe | Supplied

As Melbourne’s culture around coffee grew into the diverse, rich scene we have today, so too did the price tag. Many punters ditched their local brews for the $1 cups at 7-Eleven or invested in a swanky Breville for home just so they didn’t have to forgo their daily caffeine hit. But as cozzie livs rages on, there are a four spots in and around Melbourne that are dropping the primo price:

• Mile End Bagels:  $3 coffee for any size, any milk, hot or over ice, from 7:30am to 9am only. Located at the rear of 694 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn.

• Tram Cafe: $3.60 coffee, open Monday to Friday from 8am to 3pm. Located at 555 La Trobe Street, Melbourne CBD.

• Otherside Coffee: Small $3.40 and large $3.80 with no added cost for extra shots or alternative milk. Located at 188 Little Collins Street in Melbourne CBD and 627 Chapel Street in South Yarra. 

• Heart Of Carlton: $4 coffee, open Monday to Friday from 6am to 6pm. Located at 189 Elgin Street, Carlton.

Ribs & Burgers Just Dropped A New Ribs Menu Inspired By The Deep South 

Image credit: Ribs & Burgers | Supplied 

When you think classic American barbecue, you probably think ribs—but if you always stick to the same smokey BBQ flavour, it's time to switch things up. Ribs & Burgers is here to broaden your horizons beyond the usual, adding three new flavours inspired by different regions of Deep South USA to their menu. On their new Rib Fest menu you’ll find Memphis ribs slathered in smokey BBQ sauce, Carolina Gold ribs jazzed up with a mustard-based BBQ sauce and Alabama ribs basted in a BBQ sauce with a sweet and tangy mayonnaise base. All the racks come served with pickles, corn and jalapeno slaw, chips, BBQ sauce, herbed mayo and a buttered roll for the full experience. Find your nearest Ribs & Burgers here.

Welcome Back Ramen To Supernormal’s Lunch Menu

Image credit: Supernormal | Jo McGann

And just like that, the warm weather has disappeared and winter has arrived early. Thankfully, Supernormal couldn’t have timed the return of their beloved ramen better. A hearty bowl of bone broth, grilled chicken, prawn and chicken dumplings and a soy-marinated egg. It’s a lunch-only thing, available weekdays only from 12pm until sold out. Don’t think, just go.

A Melbourne Restaurant Has Been Crowned Best Pizzeria In Australia For The Fourth Year Running 

Image credit: 48h Pizza e Gnocchi Bar | Supplied

48h Pizza e Gnocchi Bar has done it again, folks. The Italian restaurant known for its 48-hour rest time technique has been crowned Australia’s Best Pizzeria at the 50 Top Pizza awards, and placing fifth overall for Asia-Pacific. The OGs behind 48h are Fabio Biscaldi and Michele Circhirillo who opened the first flagship spot back in 2015, and since have taken home an astounding number of awards, including #13 best pizzeria in the world back in 2022. Today, you can find their award-winning pizza in Elsternwick, South Yarra and even Italy. They clearly know what they’re doing.

It's Bottomless Wings And Fries—For A Modest $29pp—At Brunswick's Dedicated Chicken Bistro

Image credit: Bird | Supplied

Brunswick’s dedicated chicken bistro, Bird, caused quite the stir when they unleashed bottomless wings last year, so much so that they’re bringing it back for a good time and a long time. Monday to Friday, get yourself bottomless wings—New York Buffalo, Carolina Gold, Texan BBQ & Louisiana Cajun style—alongside endless crinkle-cut fries and plenty of slaw for cut through. It’ll set you back just $29 for a 90 minute all-you-can-eat sesh, and the Bird team’ll also be slinging $10 pints from local brewers like Bodriggy.  Lock in a table here. 

Doncaster Has Scored A 30.6-meter Sushi Train, With Robot Waiters 

Image credit: Sushi Jiro | Supplied

Sushi Jiro just levelled up—its new Westfield Doncaster location is home to a massive 30.6-meter sushi train and a team of five robot waiters. 

Traditional Japanese cooking exists in an air of innovation at Sushi Jiro, as guests can select their favourite sushi, sashimi and nigiri off the bountiful conveyor belt, or order through the table’s tablet. Once ordered, the goods come zooming out and pitstop at your station. 

Freshly fit-out and illuminated with LED lighting, this new location accommodates up to 80 diners, with both booth and table seating, and take-away options for those on the run.