AND ALSO…

EASY TIGER

Melbourne breathed a sigh of relief when the Sand Hill Road group re-opened St Kilda’s landmark The Esplanade to reveal a clever renovation. Old spaces (Gershwin Room) have been carefully preserved, while the upper floors include Mya Tiger (above), a cocktail bar and Chinese restaurant with views over Port Phillip Bay. There’s an Aussie-Cantonese approach at Mya – prawn toast, barbecued meats, duck pancakes – plus a breezy wine list by Matt Skinner and fruity cocktails. Level 1, 11 The Esplanade, St Kilda, (03) 9534 0211

PIZZA PALAZZO

The team behind South Yarra’s Ramblr have set up in the space formerly known as Da Salvatore in Carlton. Leonardo’s Pizza Palace is a rollicking good time, blending a fabulous original fit-out (exposed brick, timber beams, wroughtiron light fittings) with a resident DJ, solid drinks list and a menu heavy on woodfired pizza with toppings ranging from “Chinese Bolognese” to jalapeño and fermented pepper. There’s pasta too, plus excellent crostini and classic salads. 29 Grattan St, Carlton, (03) 9242 0666.

JOHNNY BE GOOD

The King and Godfree renovation saga is finally over and the freshly spruced store is now open. The bar, Johnny’s Green Room, which has a Roman rooftop party vibe and views over Carlton, is the most noticeable addition, and was always going to draw a crowd. Add Italian-influenced snacks – arancini, salumi, sausage rolls – thirst-quenching cocktails and tap beer and it’s no wonder it’s packed out. Level 3, 293-297 Lygon St, Carlton, (03) 9347 1619