Access more with Amex when you dine out at some of Melbourne’s best eateries

Tucked away on a leafy Armadale strip, Amaru isn’t your typical fine diner. With just 34 seats and a sleek, minimalist fit-out, the focus here is on the food. Treat yourself to the full seasonal tasting experience which is an odyssey of flavour you’ll want to take your time with. Expect five snacks, seven courses and petit fours. Opt in for the drink pairings which are timed to perfection. Pro tip: come hungry. You’re going to want to finish every last bite. Book a table this May for a discount.

This Italian-inspired wine bar is a true all-rounder. Whether you’re popping in for a business lunch, a romantic dinner or just a quick espresso at the bar, it always hits the mark. The concise menu is full of wine-friendly bites, with a handful of larger daily specials chalked up on the blackboard. Add an A-grade cocktail list and a quality vino selection, and you’ve got yourself a little slice of la dolce vita.

For more than 20 years, this luxe restaurant atop Collins Street’s Rialto Tower has been a favourite fine diner for Melburnians celebrating all manner of special occasions. Time your visit for golden hour and you’ll be treated to breathtaking sunset views of the city skyline, made even more dazzling by the restaurant's multi-million-dollar fit-out. The open kitchen is helmed by executive chef Hugh Allen, who plates up an artful menu that champions native ingredients and high quality produce. Vue de Monde more than lives up to its reputation so add it to your list, stat. And don’t forget your Amex Card. 

When it comes to top-tier cocktails, Black Pearl is the stuff of legend. This family-run Fitzroy institution has been setting the bar (literally) for decades – and teaching Melburnians how to truly appreciate a fine drink along the way. Sure, the classics are spot on, but the real magic lies in the creative, constantly rotating menu that’s always a little left-field. Pop in this May for sweet, sweet discounts and see why this famed boozer is worth the hype. 

Perched above Toorak Road, this rooftop bar is smooth, suave and comfortably luxurious. The fit-out is neutral with a few colourful flourishes and a domed canvas roof that’s fully retractable in balmy weather. The drinks menu riffs on classics – try the Havana, which brings together the surprisingly tasty combo of spiced rum and Aperol with pineapple, peach and lime. The menu leans traditional Italian, with everything from snacks to full plates if you’re settling in. The best part? Live jazz every Sunday, giving you the perfect excuse to check out Tetto di Carolina and put those AEDMO perks to good use. 

Fresh from a recent refurb, the scenic Anglers Tavern is once again ticking all the boxes of a top-tier watering hole. A favourite among locals, this riverside pub might be a little off the beaten path, but it’s well worth the trip – especially on Saturday nights for the late-night DJ sets. Drop by on Wednesdays for trivia, or any day of the week to catch live sport in a relaxed setting. With a dedicated kids' room and ample riverside seating, it’s the perfect spot to while away a sunny afternoon over a round of beers with the added perk of AEDMO dining benefits.

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