Meet the finalists of “Young Chef of the Year”.

On behalf of ANDge The Good Food Guidecan present this year’s finalists for the Young Chef of the Year award presented by Smeg. Chosen by a panel of leading industry figures, this award has been presented to a rising star in the Victorian restaurant scene for 44 years.

The winner, who will be announced on Monday 18 November, joins the ranks of some of the country’s most influential chefs, including Andrew McConnell (Gimlet, Cutler & Co., Supernormal) and Brett Graham (Ledbury, London).

This year’s super-talented group was selected from a large pool of under-30 contestants and impressed the judges with their passion, skills and dedication. This city also knows a lot about restaurants.

So, to congratulate them on being recognized as finalists, we asked them to share their secret knowledge about the Melbourne they know, love and enjoy most.

Kimberly Tang

Omnia at Altis, Docklands

What’s the best deal in town you’ve found recently?

Bloomwood on Exhibition Street is a special place in Melbourne’s pastry scene. It offers classic baked goods like croissants, but my favorites are Asian-inspired dishes like the Corn Cheese Danish and the Taro Danish. Specialty drinks like Coconut Chilled Matcha are transformed into Bloom-tinis topped with mini croissants. The rotating daily specials, which may include hot honey and pepperoni Danish pizzas, are priced between $8 and $14 each.

What’s your number one hidden gem in Melbourne that you don’t want anyone to know about?

Old Raffles Place has been serving authentic Singaporean cuisine in Collingwood since the 1990s. This quirky place has mismatched furniture and nostalgic photos on the walls. Tucked away at the quieter end of Johnstone Street, visitors enter through what feels like a kitchen and are greeted by black and white photographs reminiscent of Singapore’s past.

Opened in 2000 by Uncle Alan and Aunt Carol Khan as a retirement project (and frequented by my family since childhood), the restaurant continues to serve classic Singaporean dishes, drawing on the couple’s hospitality experience in Singapore, Malaysia, China and Australia.

Call ahead to order the Hainanese chicken rice and pork loin, as they are rare, depending on the energy of the auntie!

What’s your favorite weekend bar and what’s your order?

One or two is bartender Andy Chu’s first independent venture, based on his 11 years of experience at Melbourne’s finest venues such as The Everleigh and Black Pearl. Tucked away in Chinatown, this 24-seat bar features a tranquil Japanese-style dark wood interior, perfect for pre-dinner drinks. My top pick would be the blueberry yogurt punch: think Yakult blueberry and elderflower ice cream with a gin punch.

Another favorite jungle boy a hidden cocktail bar on Chapel Street decorated with tropical ferns and calm, subdued lighting. Their Zombie cocktail is served in a tiki mug and accompanied by a fire show with (literally) flaming limes.

Where do you go to eat late after work? What do you choose from the menu?

Dinner Inn feels like a time capsule, unchanged since its opening in 1977. Ascending the creaky wooden stairs, you’re greeted by simple furnishings, handwritten graffiti on the walls, and gray shutters, where the focus is on food and, perhaps, recovering from a hangover.

It’s open until 2:30am every night and serves really delicious Cantonese food. My visits here border on ritual: I order Fujian fried rice, XO Pipis with Chinese donuts, Chinese broccoli with oyster sauce, and roast duck.

Amy Vitto

Samesin, Torquay

What’s the best deal in town you’ve found recently?

Guli this is a small sandwich place in torquay. They have a large selection of toasted and fresh sandwiches as well as daily specials. The pastrami is delicious, the coffee is delicious, and none of it will spoil it.

What is your favorite restaurant in Melbourne and why?

Le Comptoir in Aireys Inlet. Very French of me, but what can I say? It’s like a small window that travels back home in time. They have everything from great wines to heartwarming dishes and pastries. They even have a deli with great food.

What’s your favorite weekend bar and what’s your order?

Bells Beach Brewing, Catching the last rays of the sun, listening to live music on a late Sunday afternoon, Torquay is the best place to catch up with friends (you can even bring the dog).

All of their beers are brewed on site and they serve everything from lagers to stouts. All beers are named after surf breaks in the area; my favorite is Hells Bells XPA.

The Gypsy Burger guys have a food truck outside if you get hungry. Crispy chicken burger is my favorite flavor.

Saavni Krishnan

Manse, North Melbourne

What’s your favorite bar snack in Melbourne right now?

Recently opened Arnold A wine bar in Kensington has a cassava fritter with spicy spring garlic sauce on the menu, which I think is probably the perfect bar snack. It’s a crunchy, small bite and served with a rich, flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with a green tomato martini!

What is your favorite restaurant in Melbourne and why?

Fat Zoe there’s an amazing little operation in Hurstbridge run by Zoe Burch and Lachlan Gardner. Every evening they serve a complex menu full of taste and technique. They also have a very impressive selection of soft drinks. My experience there was very memorable and one of the best (only) outside of Melbourne.