Best Dog-Friendly Cafes, Brunch Spots & Restaurants in Melbourne's CBD

There are hundreds of cafes and restaurants in Melbourne's CBD but most of them do not have an outdoor seating area. Hence, this means that dog owners have very limited options when it comes to taking their pooches out for a meal in the city. We've sussed out 12 places in the very heart of Melbourne that's perfect for you and your best friend.

Shanghai Wild Animal Park - Drive Through a Safari, Meet Baby Tigers & Catch Incredible Animal Performances!

Shanghai Wildlife Animal Park is the second "safari" park that I've been to in Asia. The first was Fuji Safari Park, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Shanghai Wildlife Animal has so much more to offer. There are animal races, animal shows, tons of animal exhibits and also a huge safari where you can drive through and see animals in their "natural habitat".

Operator25 - The Best Cafe & Brunch Spot in Melbourne's CBD

There are plenty of cafes and brunch spots in Melbourne's CBD but Operator25 has got to be the best. I've been here 3 times, and I still think that they have the best brunch food in the city. The coffee is really good too! As we all know, Asian-fusion is all the rage in the most liveable city in the world. And Operator25 has taken note of the fact and has injected lovely Asian influences into the typical and, sometimes, boring breakfast items.

Koko - Best Japanese Teppanyaki in Melbourne

Koko at Crown Melbourne is a household name. Known for authentic teppanyaki, the popular and elegant restaurant sends out sushi and a la carte dishes as well. Be sure to get a reservation in days before your visit to avoid disappointment!

Stokehouse - Romantic & Pretty Seaside Restaurant in St Kilda(Melbourne)

A celebration at a seaside restaurant just always seems more romantic. Whether it is Christmas Eve, or Valentine's Day, Stokehouse along St Kilda Beach is dressed to impress. The restaurant sits on the second level and offers an amazing view of the ocean (depends on where your table is of course). If you're sitting right smack in the middle, by the window, you'll have a great view of the ocean and sunset.

Komeyui - Best Japanese Restaurant in Melbourne?

Japanese food in Melbourne is highly disappointing. I didn't find a Japanese restaurant that I will revisit until I visited Komeyui in Port Melbourne. I heard that the restaurant is frequented by many Japanese nationals. That definitely says something about the standard of the food here. After we've taken our seats, we were presented with a menu of the day, and the usual menu. I have to say that the menu is pretty extensive!

Matilda 159 - Scott Pickett's New Restaurant in South Yarra

Everyone knows of Scott Pickett, and everyone knows of Estelle by Scott Pickett(ESP). Widely regarded as one of the best restaurants in Melbourne, ESP has shut its doors after the hugely successful opening of Matilda 159 at Domain in South Yarra. Matilda 159 sits in a quiet neighbourhood, and occupies the middle spot in a row of popular restaurants. We made a reservation about 2 weeks in advance, and I'll advise that you make one as early as possible to secure better timeslots, or even a table at all.

Treasury on Collins - The Best Boutique Hotel in Melbourne

Treasury on Collins turned 5 in 2018, but the young boutique hotel actually has a really rich history — it dates back to 1838. The plot of land that Treasury on Collins sits on had been occupied by a bank, and 2 different hotels before Treasury on Collins Apartment Hotel took over and grandly reopened in 2013. Located prominently on Collins Street in the heart of the CBD, the heritage hotel offers huge suites, loft apartments, and one or two-bedroom apartments. The suites come equipped with kitchenette, washing machine/dryer, living area with sofa and a 40" television with Netflix while the one and two-bedroom apartments have a separate living area, dining area, and a fully functioning kitchen that's furnished with a dishwasher and stove top.

Jungsik - Best Two-Michelin-Starred Restaurant in Seoul

Jungsik is a two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Seoul and New York. 25th on the World's 50 Best Restaurants list, Jungsik specialises in what they call New Korean Fine Dining. You can expect contemporary and creative Korean cuisine that's prepared with familiar and traditional ingredients. It's not easy scoring a table here, so do make your reservations way in advance. For me, Jungsik could very well be the best restaurant in all of Seoul. Every dish here was mind-blowing, and left a deep impression. The elegant restaurant sits in one of the most upscale areas —Cheongdam Dong in Gangnam — and dinner here might burn a small hole in your pocket, but I promise you that you'll find every penny extremely well spent.

NOX - Dine in the Dark - Unique Dining Experience in Singapore

If you're a big foodie, you would have at least heard of five-year-old NOX - Dine in the Dark which sits on Beach Road. The restaurant has revolutionize the dining scene, and dining experiences for guests. If you've never been here before, I'll strongly recommend that you make a booking today. Not only does NOX - Dine in the Dark send out delicious cocktails, and interesting dishes that will have you racking your brains over, the popular restaurant employs the visually impaired as servers. Where else can you have great food, and show your support for the visually impaired?

Capella - Truly the Season of Joy at Singapore's Prettiest Hotel

Christmas at Capella is always a luxurious and indulgent affair. This year, it's no different. Bring your loved ones and best friends for a memorable festive celebration at the prettiest property in the Southern part of Singapore or, rather, the whole of Singapore. Capella has every palate and preference covered with Christmas offerings at each of the iconic restaurants — Chef's Table, The Knolls, Cassia. Make your Christmas celebration an extra special one this year by "getting away" from mainland Singapore and pampering your senses with great food, lovely cocktails, and a quick respite from the hustle and bustle of the city life. Here are some of the highlights that you can expect at each dining establishment.

What to Eat at South Melbourne Market - 7 Stores You Can't Miss!

South Melbourne Market has been around since 1867. It is not as popular with the tourists as Queen Victoria Market is, but it definitely is way more popular with the locals. If you visit on the weekends, you'll notice that almost every store has a long queue — people buying meats or fish, local produce, fresh pasta, or cooked food. Of the two markets, I prefer South Melbourne Market as it is not as touristy, and the food is generally cheaper. You can get a variety of cuisines, and you can definitely get your marketing all done in one place. Apart from getting groceries and their stomachs filled, visitors can have their hair cut, nails done, brows threaded, and even take home art pieces, handcrafted soap bars, fashion accessories and tableware.

(CLOSED)Maggie Joan's - Turning 3 with a New Chef and New Menus!

If you're a foodie, you'll definitely have, at the very least, heard of Maggie Joan's. Well, it was my first time here, and I have to say that I was blown away. Chef Seumas Smith, the new head chef, has popped over from Moosehead, and is now at the helm of Maggie Joan's. I really like the food at Moosehead, so I know that I was in for a treat at Maggie Joan's too. Using the finest seasonal ingredients from artisanal producers in the creation of every dish, where every component is made from scratch, Chef Seumas brings out the best of every ingredient in his own magical way. I assure you that you'll walk out of Maggie Joan's utterly satisfied, and already planning for a return visit.

Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa - New Heritage Trail & Lunch at Shutters

Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa is nestled on a hillside, surrounded by 3.8 hectares of manicured gardens and natural rainforest. Boasting 140 guest rooms, suites, villas and a mansion, Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa is known for its beautifully restored colonial architecture. Built on a piece of 10-acre land, where old British military barracks and air raid shelters stood, Amara Sanctuary has a story to tell. The rich history of the property might not be known to many, but that’s going to change now. The new Amara Heritage Trail—a 60-minute walking trail— allows participants to discover the nature and conservation efforts in the property, learn about World War II related stories, and it also offers a glimpse into the lives of the British soldiers who lived here in the colonial era.

The Kiroro, Hokkaido(A Tribute Portfolio Hotel) - The Epitome of Luxury

Situated in the heart of Kiroro Resort, known for its superb powder skiiing, The Kiroro, Hokkaido is part of Tribute Portfolio, a collection of independent hotels under Marriott International. The Kiroro is located in the village of Akaigawa, Hokkaido, and plays host to a crazy number of guests every year, especially in winter. In December 2016, The Kiroro, Hokkaido unveiled a fresh new look to provide winter enthusiasts a high-end boutique experience to retreat back to after an exciting day out on the snowy slopes.

The St. Regis Singapore - Is a Luxurious 5-Star Staycation Here Worth $700?

St Regis is all about the finer things in life. The brand is synonymous with 5-star luxury, exquisite dining experiences, and world class hospitality. A stay here is definitely a dream come true. If you've always been thinking about pampering yourself, and your loved ones, with a staycation at St Regis, but are not sure if you should splurge on a stay here, this post is for you.

Is this the best 5-star hotel in Singapore for a luxurious staycation?