New openings, whisky, truffles and the power of the mango.

Delivering refined pub classics, the new Hobsons Bay Hotel in Melbourne’s Williamstown offers a menu of small plates and sharing plates, with all the pub-grub favourites including dry-aged striploin on the bone, beer-battered fish and chips and dukkah-roasted cauliflower steak with smoked hummus.

A new Italian eatery, Cucina Porto has opened its doors at The Star Sydney. A home away from home for Italian executive chef Martino Pulito (ex-Pasta Emilia), the restaurant is a culmination of Pulito’s childhood memories, recreating his family table for guests to enjoy as they discover his favourite recipes inspired by his home region of Puglia.

Chancery Lane, a European bistro by Scott Pickett (pictured left, with head chef Rob Kabboord), has recently opened in Melbourne, welcoming diners to the historic Normanby Chambers building at 430 Little Collins Street. “The menu at Chancery Lane is classic European dishes with a twist, and is both generous and approachable, offering everything from a simple dry-aged duck burger to an indulgent seafood platter and caviar bumps,” says Pickett.