Smith + Daughters

Collingwood’s red-brick industrial edge. A pulsing, stylish pub aesthetic. Smith + Daughters completely rewrites the plant-based playbook. Forget sad greens—this is high-voltage culinary sorcery. Cruelty-free veterans and skeptical omnivores alike leave absolutely buzzing over the Spanish and Latin-inspired degustation. The kitchen’s grip on texture is relentless. Think diced pickles cutting through a wildly clever "beef" tartare—a dish that nails the savory mouthfeel perfectly. That vegan labneh? Unreasonably creamy. The stracciatella? A lactose-free revelation that rivals the real-deal Italian dairy.

Word among Melbourne’s discerning dining crowd points straight to the chef’s choice set menu. A relentless parade of flavor. Fava dip with warm flatbread. Stuffed Lebanese zucchini. Aromatic, deeply savory paella. Even the "chicken" pastilla hits every textural note. Sure, the sprawling banquet leans a touch pricey, but the sheer volume and flawless execution justify the splurge. Grab a standout cocktail, soak up the fiercely cool inner-city vibe, and let the hyper-knowledgeable staff run the show. Essential eating.