Magical beachside dining, views across Port Phillip Bay and a homely, smart interior. What more could you want? Perhaps a taste of some of Australia's freshest seafood – barramundi, oysters, Moreton Bay, prawns? Black Angus T-bone steak, rack of lamb or organic pork chops? Housed in one of the original bathing houses on the foreshore in St Kilda, Donovans' views are enough to stimulate any appetite.

Chinatown's premier Cantonese restaurant is certainly up there with the best in Australia. Don't go past the signature dish, the magnificent Peking duck pancakes, and if you've never tasted abalone, a large sought-after shellfish, then this is the place. The service is courteous, the interior pleasant, and there's an impressive wine list too.

Neil Perry, leading Australian chef and the creative force behind Rosetta, has delivered a menu harnessing the best of regional Italian produce. With a wood fire oven and char grill for preparing authentic dishes such as roasted duck and slow roasted pork loin, and two chefs responsible for handmaking 16 different types of pasta daily, this is a restaurant whose food compliments its incredible chandelier illuminated décor. Great glamour and classic Italian ingredients make this a stand out mouth watering treat.

Both a wine bar and a restaurant, Cumulus Up serves up a selection of modern delights in a European atmosphere (think parquet timber floors and dark colours balanced by playful jelly 'pill' lights). Some of the highlights on the menu include organic asparagus, haloumi and burnt honey; whole flounder, cos hearts and preserved lemon; and rhubarb and hibiscus jelly, coconut sorbet and ginger beer. There is also a four-course chef's selection menu, which changes daily.

Pairing modern European fare with exposed-brick walls, reclaimed timber and hanging plants, Estelle Bistro is the go-to destination for a culinary journey like no other. Start with quail, barley and black and wild rice before digging into Berkshire pork with cauliflower and golden raisins, and ending the evening on a sweet note with a vanilla crème, rhubarb and macadamia. Alternatively, guests can opt for the three- or five-course tasting menus, or a three-course Sunday lunch.

This little slice of Spain in the heart of Melbourne could easily be at home in downtown Barcelona. Located down a graffiti-strewn laneway, it embraces all that is great about Spanish cuisine and culture: traditional and modern tapas combined with the fun, camaraderie and zest for life you'll find in many a Spanish bar. Bookings essential, or if you're out of luck getting a reservation, try MoVida Next Door (no reservations) or MoVida Aqui or MoVida Terraza.

In a city renowned for its fine coffee culture, it's quite something that the refined Hopetoun Tea Rooms have been pouring pots of tea since 1892. If you're doing a spot of shopping in the city, pop in for a light salad, heavenly cakes, scones and teas with such intriguing blend names as Bolivian Green, Mademoiselle Grey, Snow White and Strawberry Kisses. Hopetoun's breakfast menu is also a great way to start your day.

For a taste of Malaysia at seriously good prices, with all the bustle and buzz of a street market, Mamak is a treat. Start with a roti (the popular Malay flatbread) served on a metal tray, and then choose from a range of lamb, fish or chicken curries with coconut rice or wok-tossed hokkien noodles. With a fast turnover and a chance to witness the restaurant's chefs equally hard at work in the background, Mamak has a no-nonsense café type buzz, where the food reigns supreme.

Choose from a Mexican menu rich with tacos, botanas and pinchos at this healthy, cheap and cactus-decorated, bar cum restaurant (which oddly resembles a caravan). Open from 4pm each day, it's the place to sample pickled jalapenos, lamb tacos or a prawn and corn strew. Mexican brand beers and tequila will help ease your way from the day to the evening.