July 2025 Edition
What’s On
Bonjour, July. Winter’s charm hits its stride this month- think crisp mornings, long lunches, and rich reds poured beside fire-lit tables. Across Australia, July invites indulgence with a French twist from Bastille Day banquets to grand brasseries to note, there’s no better time to escape to the soul of Paris (without the jet lag).
Whether it’s escargot and soufflé in candlelit Toorak or steak-frites under chandeliers in Surry Hills, July is for food lovers with flair. And beyond the plate, there’s plenty to savour. Melbourne hosts an ancient Japanese tuna-cutting ceremony, Sydney’s theatre scene heats up, and art lovers have their eye on MECCA x NGV’s next design commission.
Looking ahead, the sporting calendar is just beginning to stir. With the countdown to Australian Open 2026 already underway, and summer’s major events taking shape, now is the time to plan your premium access, court side seats, and exclusive experiences before the rush.
Slip on your finest winter layers and prepare to revel in a month of luxe rituals, bold flavours, and unforgettable nights.

Bastille Day: French Inspired Dining
S’il vous plaît
-
Bistro Thierry: A French Affair in Melbourne
Bistro Thierry brings the soul of France to Toorak, serving timeless bistro classics with finesse and flair. From slow-cooked boeuf bourguignon to escargot and soufflé, every dish honours tradition. Pair with fine French or Australian wine and soak up the Parisian charm in this beloved, buzzing local institution.
Monday to Sunday, 12pm - 10pm
- 511 Malvern Road, Toorak 3142 -
France Soir: Melbourne’s French Icon
France Soir is Melbourne’s most authentic French brasserie- bustling, beloved, and unchanged since 1986. Expect classic fare like duck breast, tartare, and crêpes suzette served with flair by French-speaking waiters. With over 2,000 French wines on offer and a vibrant, timeless atmosphere, it’s a true slice of Paris in South Yarra.
Monday to Sunday, 12pm - 12am
- 11 Toorak Road, South Yarra 3141 -
Philippe: Grace in Every Course in Melbourne
Refined French dining presents, Philippe, an experience led by legendary chef Philippe Mouchel, blending classic technique with seasonal Australian produce. From rotisserie chicken to delicate salmon and Josper-grilled meats, each dish is crafted with finesse. With an open kitchen, French ambience, and elegant wines, it’s Melbourne’s modern homage to French tradition.
Tuesday to Friday, 12pm - 9:30pm
Saturday, 5:30 - 9:30pm
- 115-117 Collins Street, Melbourne 3004 -
Bouillon l’Entrecote: Steak. Sauce. Repeat. in Sydney
At Bouillon l’Entrecote, French tradition takes centre stage with a menu inspired by Paris’s famed Le Relais de l’Entrecote. Think perfectly chargrilled steaks with crisp frites, rich secret sauce, and walnut-dressed salad. Add escargot, duck confit, and fine French wines- served in a warmly nostalgic space filled with heirlooms from home.
Monday to Sunday, 11:30am - 10:00pm
- 6 Loftus Street, Sydney 2000 -
Armorica Grand Brasserie: Velvets and Veuve in Sydney
Step into Armorica Grand Brasserie, where Parisian flair meets Sydney sophistication. Sip rosé, savour charcuterie, and indulge in French classics like foie gras, seafood towers, and steak frites. With red-leather booths, fine art, and timeless elegance, Armorica delivers a luxurious French dining experience in the heart of Surry Hills.
Tuesday to Thursday, 5:30pm - 10:30pm
Friday to Sunday, 12pm - 10:30pm
- 490 Crown Street, Surry Hills 2010 -
Bistro Grenier: Modern French with Attitude in Sydney
Bistro Grenier brings bold French flair to Newtown with playful, provocative charm. Tucked above one of the area’s best wine bars, it serves up reimagined bistro classics- think boudin noir, yakitori-glazed steak, and maple pouding chômeur- alongside a daring, mostly French wine list. It’s decadent, offbeat, and unmistakably très cool.
Wednesday to Thursday, 5pm - 11pm
Friday to Saturday, 12pm - 1am
Sunday, 12pm - 10pm
- 266 King Street, Newtown 2042 -
C’est Bon: Chic Dining, Parisian Spirit in Brisbane
C’est Bon is a multi-level French haven in Woolloongabba, where each space- from rooftop bar to wine cellar- offers its own charm. At its heart is a refined bistro serving elegant French fare like Parisian gnocchi, terrine, and seasonal duck. From sunrise brunch to late-night apéritifs, every moment feels distinctly French.
Tuesday to Saturday, 5pm - 11pm
- 609/611 Stanley Street, Brisbane 4006 -
Bisou Bisou: Brasserie Meets Boutique in Brisbane
Bisou Bisou brings Parisian brasserie charm to Hotel X with plush interiors, polished service, and a menu that blends French tradition with local flair. From buttery chicken liver parfait to rotisserie roast chicken and caviar at breakfast, it’s a stylish all-day escape- complete with vintage wines and elegant cocktails to match.
Monday to Friday, 6:30pm - 10pm
Saturday to Sunday, 6:30pm - 11pm
- 458 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley 4006 -
Le Rebelle: Modern Bistro, Classic Flavours in Perth
Le Rebelle is a sleek neighbourhood bistro that blends old-world charm with modern flair. Set in a restored Circa site, it offers bistro classics like blue manna crab on brioche, Wagin duck with frites, and a must-try Wagyu cheeseburger. With an expert wine list and a sexy spin-off bar nearby, it's a Perth destination for every occasion.
Wednesday to Thursday, 5pm - 10pm
Friday to Saturday, 12pm - 10pm
- 676 Beaufort Street, Mount Lawley, Perth 6050

On the Horizon:
Events to Keep on Your Radar

Dining & Hospitality
-
KOKO: Tuna Cutting Ceremony
For centuries, the tuna cutting ceremony has been a revered tradition in Japan– a display of skill, respect, and appreciation for the ocean's bounty. Now, Koko at Crown Melbourne brings this extraordinary spectacle to you for two exclusive nights.
Following the ceremony, indulge in a meticulously crafted tasting menu featuring these exquisite cuts of tuna, prepared with Koko's signature flair.
$249 pp - 8-course tasting menu // $298 pp - Teppanyaki Experience in Private Dining Room
Friday 11th & 25th July from 6pm - 10:30pm
- Level 3, Crown Towers, 8 Whiteman St, Southbank VIC -
Barragunda Dining: Improving The Food System
Chef Simone Watts (ex-Coda) spent four years building her dream restaurant, Barragunda Dining. The 40-person spot, with its glasshouse dining room, sits on a regenerative farm and market garden on the 1000-acre Barragunda Estate, on the southernmost tip of the Mornington Peninsula.
The farm-to-table menu evolves constantly, focusing on reconnecting the local community to their food.
Sunday, Monday & Friday, 12pm - 5:30pm
Saturday, 12pm - 10:30pm
- 113 Cape Schanck Road, Cape Schanck VIC -
Saint Peter: Fin-to-Scale Dining Theatre
Josh Niland revolutionised seafood with his fin-to-scale philosophy, treating fish like whole animals, not just fillets. At Saint Peter in Paddington, his vision thrives in a larger space with a chef’s table, open kitchen, and inventive seafood tasting menu. Expect legendary cocktails, Aussie wines, and rare sake, all served in a beautifully restored heritage hotel.
Thursday to Sunday, 12pm - 11pm
Tuesday to Wednesday, 5:30pm - 11pm
- The Grand National Hotel, 161 Underwood Street, Paddington 2021 -
Olympus: Mythical Meals, Daily Appeal
At Olympus in Redfern, Jonathan Barthelmess brings an Athenian taverna vibe to Sydney, offering 40+ dishes and flexible set menus. Start with taramasalata and souvlaki, then explore lamb pilafi or whole trout. Cocktails shine with an Ouzo Colada and watermelon slushie, while a retractable glass ceiling and bougainvillea-filled interiors create a stunning, always-al-fresco atmosphere.
Monday to Tuesday, 5pm - 12am
Wednesday to Sunday, 12pm - 12am
- 2 Baptist Street, Redfern NSW -
Bar Miette: Brisbane’s Elegant New All-Day Diner
Andrew McConnell brings more than Supernormal to Brisbane upstairs, Bar Miette serves elegant, Euro-inspired fare with local produce. Think trout crudo, cold roast chicken, and tropical twists on classic cocktails. The all-day diner is relaxed and sun-drenched, with most of its 70 seats on a terrace overlooking the river. No occasion needed- just great food, drinks, and atmosphere.
Monday to Sunday, 7am - 10pm
- 443 Queen Street, Brisbane -
Layla: Shane Delia’s Queensland Debut
Shane Delia brings his bold, Middle Eastern-inspired cooking to Brisbane with Layla, a moody yet elegant restaurant in the Queensland Ballet’s Thomas Dixon Centre. Expect punchy small bites, signature flatbread, and slow-roasted lamb shoulder, plus a cocktail list highlighting native ingredients. With courtyard dining and a luxe interior, Layla is perfect for pre-theatre meals or immersive group feasts.
Monday to Saturday, 11:30am - 11pm
- 33 Felix Street, Brisbane

Art & Culture
-
MECCA X NGV: Women in Design Commission 2025
For the 2025 MECCA x NGV Women in Design Commission, award-winning designer Nipa Doshi presents A Room of My Own- a handcrafted cabinet inspired by Indian Kavad shrines. Blending function and symbolism, the piece honours multigenerational female influence and personal ritual. Known for vibrant, narrative-driven work, Doshi draws on Bollywood, Indian textiles, and architecture to celebrate beauty, diversity, and cross-cultural exchange.
- Opens 25th September 2025
- National Gallery Victoria -
Contemporary Art at JAHM - Justin Art House Museum
Justin Art House Museum, founded by Charles and Leah Justin, offers intimate tours of their extensive contemporary art collection in Melbourne. Visitors explore diverse works- from painting to digital media- followed by refreshments and conversation in the Justins’ home. Emphasising cultural diversity, JAHM fosters community and personal connections, providing a unique glimpse into the life of passionate art collectors.
*Numbers are strictly limited to a maximum of 25 per visit.Bookings are essential
- 3 Lumley Ct, Prahran VIC 3181 -
Sydney Fringe Festival: Paint the town PINK
Sydney Fringe Festival celebrates emerging artists every September, showcasing hundreds of world premieres across diverse genres. As a not-for-profit, open-access event, it champions creativity, community, and cultural diversity. Beyond the festival, Sydney Fringe advocates for artists, activates unused spaces, and shapes a vibrant arts scene. Join the festival for eclectic, boundary-pushing performances you won’t find anywhere else.
- Running from 1st – 30th September
- Sydney CBD, NSW

Entertainment & Concerts
-
Upcoming Concerts
Teddy Swims | OCT
7th October - Wolfbrook Arena, Christchurch
9th October - Spark Arena, Auckland
14th - 16th October – Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
18th & 19th October - Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
22nd - 24th October – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
27th October – Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
29th October – RAC Arena, PerthFridayz Live | OCT
17th October - Showgrounds, Brisbane
18th October - Engie Stadium, Sydney
24th October - Langley Park, Perth
25th October - Marvel Stadium, MelbourneUsher | NOV- DEC
19th, 20th, 22nd, 23rd, 25th, 26th - Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 10th, 11th - Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney -
MORE CONCERTS HERE
Oasis
Lady Gaga -
Melbourne Plays & Musicals
ANNIE
Annie is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City Orphanage that is run by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan. With the help of the other girls in the Orphanage, Annie escapes to the wondrous world of NYC.- Princess Theatre
- From JulyMJ THE MUSICAL
He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry is set to thrill audiences in Melbourne, in the multiple Tony Award®-winning MJ the Musical.Centred around the making of his 1992 Dangerous World Tour, MJ the Musical goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind.
- Her Majesty’s Theatre
- September 2025 -
Sydney Plays & Musicals
CATS! THE MUSICAL
A mysterious tribe of cats known as the Jellicles gather once a year for a magical night called the "Jellicle Choice." On this special night, they come together to decide which cat will ascend to the mystical Heaviside Layer—a place of rebirth and renewal—where the chosen cat is granted a chance to be reborn into a new life.- Theatre Royal Sydney
- June to August 2025THE BOOK OF MORMON
The award-winning musical The Book of Mormon returns to Sydney in 2025. From the creators of South Park, this sharp, irreverent comedy follows two mismatched missionaries on assignment in Uganda. Since its 2011 Broadway debut, it’s become a global phenomenon- praised for its bold humour, clever writing, and unforgettable performances.- Capitol Theatre
- 15th July - 26th October
At Your Request