The Victorian Dining and Entertainment Program is over after just two weeks, proving that Victorians are keen to get out and about again.

The State Government-funded incentive designed to support local hospitality and entertainment businesses officially ran out on October 3, with the $25 million fund exhausted two months before the originally projected end date. With the warmer weather coming, however, it’s still a great time to dine at some of our favourite restaurants, so we’ve put together a list designed to inspire you. What are you waiting for? Book today!

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Image credit Bar Idda

1. Take a trip to Sicily: Bar Idda, Brunswick

2. Have a very Melbourne experience: Easey’s, Collingwood

3. Spice up your night with modern-ish Indian: ISH, Fitzroy

4. Tuck into modern Mexican: Chido Chido Bar and Cantina, Doncaster

5. Eat at a South Yarra institution: Caffe e Cucina, South Yarra

6. Wine away the hours: House of Jack Rabbit, Bellarine

Image credit Fig and Walnut

7. Brunch like a champion: Fig & Walnut, Seddon

8. Feel like you’re in Barcelona: Tinto Restaurant & Wine Bar, Hawthorn

9. Head to a family-friendly pub: Drysdale Hotel, Drysdale

10. Feel the Italian love: Umberto’s Espresso Bar, Thornbury

11. Sip Victorian spirits with tasty bites: Bar Lee@Echuca Distillery, Echuca

12. Eat pizza, drink Negroni: Ladro, Fitzroy

Image credit SunnyBoy Beach Club

13. Enjoy beach vibes and a stunning sunset: SunnyBoy Beach Club, Mordialloc

14. Tuck into locally-sourced pub classics: The Inn Hotel, Geelong

15. Take the kids for a seaside treat: 38 South, Seaford

16. Have a blast with teppanyaki fun: Kobe Teppanyaki, Doncaster East

17. Sip cocktails amongst motorbike memorabilia: Naked Racer Moto Co.,Cheltenham

18. Get cosy at a country gastropub: Farmers Arms Hotel, Daylesford

19. Make like you’re in Miami Vice with South American street food: Beyond the Palms, Prahran

20. Enjoy fine French-influenced cuisine: Claribeaux, Curlewis

21. Drink award-winning craft beers: Brownstone Micro Brewery, Eumemmerring

22. Get dressed up for a special occasion: Matteo’s, Fitzroy

23. Dine on seasonal Italian in historic surrounds: Fondata 1872, Kangaroo Ground

24. Go for great Vietnamese: Lanterns Viet Kitchen, Berwick

Image credit Aireys Pub

25. Soak up the sunset over a fab pub meal: Aireys Pub, Aireys Inlet

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