Spring is synonymous with new life. And the same goes for your garden, and Melbourne’s food scene is set to welcome a slew of exciting new openings before summer arrives. Here are 10 of the places we’re most looking forward to.

Batard, CBD

Field:Plans to open a restaurant date back six years, but renowned restaurateur Chris Lucas (Society, Grill Americano, Chin Chin) is one step closer to opening Batard, a four-level “experimental” French restaurant on Bourke Street.

Why are we excited: An extravagant oyster and shellfish bar—full of the crème de la crème of local seafood—will take pride of place in the street-level restaurant. And the cherry on top of this highly anticipated venue? A stunning rooftop terrace.

When does it open?: November.

25 Bourke Street, Melbourne, batard.com.au

Marmelo and Mr Mills, CBD

Field:Sydney hospitality couple Ross and Sunny Lusted – of Woodcut and the now-closed Bridge Room – are preparing a restaurant Marmalade and a bar in the basement Mr. Mills will open in Melbourne’s central business district, beneath a new luxury boutique hotel on Russell Street.

Why are we excited: There are Portuguese and Spanish influences, but Lusteds throws the rule book out in interesting ways. Expect a savory twist on Portuguese tarts, topped with caviar, and a signature dessert of red and white marmelo (quince).

When does it open?:Late spring.

130 Russell Street, Melbourne, restaurantmarmelore.com.au, www.mrmillsbar.com

Gigi from Entrecôte

Field: Jason Jones and Brahman Perera give their flashy French eatery Entrecote a “sneaky little brother.” A stone’s throw from Greville Street, where they also have Hopper Joint, Gigi is transforming the former Rufus bar.

Why are we excited: This bar is meant to be an upscale haven. You’ll be let in through an unassuming French door to find a space steeped in quirky Parisian charm, with an emphasis on champagne and European wines, and late-night chicken toast.

When does it open?:Mid-October.

Unit 1, 143 Greville Street, Prahran, instagram.com/gigi_by_entrecote

Silk Spoon, CBD

Field:Celebrity chef Victor Liong – head chef to Lee Ho Fook – opts for the less fancy Silk Spoon, a casual, more affordable restaurant located beneath an office tower on Bourke Street.

Why are we excited: This will be a higher-end option for workers in the legal district looking for a quick lunch. Expect a varied, seasonal menu of colorful, vegetable-heavy dishes inspired by the Silk Road trade routes that snaked from China to Europe.

When does it open?:Mid or late September.

500 Bourke Street, Melbourne, instagram.com/silkspoon_

Moon Dog Doglands, Docklands

Field:Emerging Melbourne craft brewery Moon Dog is opening its fourth Docklands outlet, which will serve 1,500 customers in the arena in front of Marvel Stadium.

Why are we excited: Their latest opening took us to the Wild West, but Doglands will have a tropicana feel. The “island-style oasis” will feature a palm-fringed boardwalk, a terrace restaurant called The Jungle Room and a circular bar in the center.

When does it open?:Sometime in spring.

685 La Trobe Street, Docklands, moondog.com.au/doglands

Central Market, CBD

Field:Il Mercato Centrale has mega-markets across Italy, but its first international location is set to land in Melbourne. The $20 million Italian food hall on Collins Street has three levels and room for 3,000 people in a market hall, restaurants and bars.

Why are we excited: The full list of suppliers – 23 local artisans – will be revealed on opening day. But here’s a taste: Cannoleria by That’s Amore will be pressing cannoli to order, and Damian Malone (of Highett The Flour House bakery) will be shaping the bread.

When does it open?:Thursday, September 19th.

546 Collins Street, Melbourne, mercatocentrale.com.au

Cheri, South Melbourne

Field:Darling Group, which owns cafes Higher Ground, Top Paddock and The Terrace, is opening a new 24-hour restaurant and cake shop, Cheri, on the city’s south side.

Why are we excited:The Coventry Street venue was once the confectionery destination Bibelot, and Cheri is continuing that tradition, promising a “chic and contemporary take on traditional European confectionary culture” with plenty of croissants and chocolate treats.

When does it open?:Wednesday, October 9th.

285-287 Coventry Street, South Melbourne, instagram.com/cherieatery

Roof of Amatrice, Cremorne

Field:Spanish-inspired Williamstown outfit Sebastian have taken an Italian twist on two new venues in the same Cremorne complex: the recently opened Caffe Amatrice on the ground floor and Amatrice Rooftop, which will be built on the 10th floor.

Why are we excited:You can enjoy city views and pasta dishes from the beautiful rooftop restaurant for days on end.

When does it open?:Sometime in spring.

16 Stephenson Street, Cremorne, amatrice.com.au

Caterina’s Cucina e Bar, CBD

Field: The Italian stalwart Caterina’s hat has been closed since May due to devastating floods caused by a burst water main. But reconstruction has already begun.

Why are we excited:After a winter without lavish, long lunches and the extraordinary hospitality of Caterina Borsato and her team, we can’t wait to welcome them back.

When will it reopen?:Until the end of November, all construction works will proceed according to plan.

221 Queen Street, Melbourne, caterinas.com.au

Kirbie, South Melbourne

Field:Restaurant owner Kirbie Tate has closed her South Melbourne restaurant James to make way for a new, more accessible dining concept: 24-hour European bistro Kirbie.

Why are we excited:James’ Korean and native Australian style will be missing, but Kirbie will have a “dramatically” lower price tag. Expect classic chicken sangers with celeriac remoulade, bone-in cotolette with caper butter and spring cassoulet.

When does it open?:Mid or late September.

323 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne

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