1. Hotel Esplanade
Iconic St Kilda pub The Espy has been revamped to include 12 bars and two restaurants in addition to its live music stages. Climb the grand staircase to Mya Tiger for a fresh, seasonal Cantonese share menu, or discover the cellar-door atmosphere of the Espy Kitchen, perfect for pizza, burgers and seafood. The matching drinks menus are, naturally, outstanding.
2. Radio Mexico
Fresh, fun, tasty. Pull up indoors or out for Mexican street eats in a casual atmosphere at Radio Mexico. Pick from a delicious list of tacos – from Baja beer battered fish to chipotle prawn and slaw. Tack on some Radio Favourites and leave room for sweets. Margaritas and plenty of local and Mexican cerveza keep you cooled down and chilled out.
3. Cicciolina
An Acland Street fixture since 1993, Cicciolina is a must-visit for an authentic, no-frills Italian dining experience. Cosy up in one of the red leather booths and admire the eccentric artwork lining the restaurant walls as you tuck into delicious pasta and seafood dishes. The wine list at Cicciolina is set to impress, with more than 250 local and international drops on offer.
4. Ichi Ni Izakaya
For contemporary Japanese cuisine and killer cocktails, you can't go wrong with Ichi Ni Izakaya on The Esplanade. Watch talented chefs whip up mouthwatering yakitori and fresh sushi at the open kitchen or head out to the terrace to soak up the buzz of St Kilda's foreshore as you look out over Port Phillip Bay.
5. Sister of Soul
Plant-based restaurant Sister of Soul may have committed carnivores reconsidering their diets. Various food allergies are catered for, with no lack of variety or flavour. Come for cocktails and a big brekkie in the morning, and graze over gnocchi, acai bowls, burgers or mee goreng for lunch and dinner.
