Melbourne's local food scene is buzzing with upcoming events and expansions, as reported by Broadsheet. Highlights include a special dinner at Lankan Tucker and the planned opening of a new bakery location. Other news covers affordable lunches, smash burgers, and top hot cross buns.
In the latest roundup of Melbourne's food and drink news, several noteworthy developments are underway. Lankan Tucker in Carlton will host a five-course dinner on Saturday, March 21, featuring former MasterChef contestant Sav Perera, who now judges MasterChef Sri Lanka. The menu includes dishes like prawn ceviche and a Sri Lankan banh mi, priced at $120 per person.
Breadcetera, a bakery from the Riserva team in Malvern East, plans to open its second site in Mount Eliza by the end of March. Meanwhile, Windsor wine bar Rose Island marks its third anniversary with a kitchen takeover by chef Sam Hocking, previously of Marion and Elwood Bathers. The takeover runs Wednesdays through Saturdays until March 28, excluding March 21, offering small plates such as potato croquettes with truffle mayonnaise and tuna tartare.
Recent coverage includes chef Shannon Martinez expanding her vegan restaurant Smith & Daughters with a new deli in the CBD. Nine venues now provide lunch options for under $20. Macgregor's has launched smash burgers in a repurposed milk bar in Abbotsford, while Italian spot Made in Casa relocates to Toorak Village.
Broadsheet also lists the 38 best hot cross buns available in Melbourne, alongside seven new coffee shops and cafes specializing in drinks and baked goods. Additional features cover a restaurant guide for East Gippsland by Sardine chef Mark Briggs and a long lunch event for the launch of Entrecote's new book, hosted by Jason Jones.
The news was compiled by Audrey Payne and published on March 12, 2026.