New Openings in Windsor

Windsor’s Chapel Street is in a constant state of renewal — venues come and go, but the strip keeps its character because the best new openings here are solid, well-executed restaurants and bars that know what they are doing. Here are the notable openings from the past 12 months that have earned their keep.

1. Studio Amaro — Weekend Bar Transformation

Address: 226 Chapel Street, Windsor Opened: Late 2025 What it is: Italian restaurant by day, basement amaro bar and dance floor by weekend

The ground floor serves handmade pasta and woodfired meats in a warm, retro setting. The basement bar opens Friday and Saturday nights with DJs spinning Italo disco and amaro cocktails. The 72-hour-fermented focaccia (complimentary) is legendary. Pasta dishes run $26-$32.

Why it matters: It adds late-night sophistication to Windsor without the cliche of a cocktail bar.

2. Tombo Den — Izakaya Invasion

Address: 401 Chapel Street, Windsor Opened: May 2025 What it is: Two-storey Japanese izakaya from Chris Lucas (Chin Chin, Society)

Ground floor: sushi bar with daily nigiri. Upstairs: cocktail bar with small plates, neo-noir art, and a vibe that captures Tokyo’s after-hours culture. Sushi pieces start at $6, cocktails $18-$24.

Why it matters: It brought a new level of Japanese dining to Windsor, attracting a crowd that might otherwise head to the CBD.

3. Lah Bros — Nepali on Chapel

Address: 274 Chapel Street, Windsor Opened: Early 2025 (relocated) What it is: Authentic Nepali cuisine from a Kathmandu-born chef

The bara ($8) is a revelation, the momos ($14 for eight) are properly spiced, and the thali ($22) is the best value full meal on Chapel Street.

Why it matters: It expanded Windsor’s culinary range beyond the usual Asian and European options.

4. High Society — Florist-Cafe Hybrid

Address: 246 Chapel Street, Windsor Opened: Mid-2025 (renovated and reimagined) What it is: Cafe-florist combo with Mediterranean-leaning brunch

The space is filled with native flowers and greenery. The Vietnamese iced coffee ($7.50) and the outdoor terrace are the highlights. The flowers are for sale — many brunch-goers leave with a bouquet.

5. Small Print Pizza — Eco-First Pizza

Address: 431 Chapel Street, Windsor Opened: Late 2025 What it is: Mostly-vegetarian, eco-conscious woodfired pizzeria

Neapolitan-style, all drinks from taps (no glass bottles), excellent gluten-free and vegan options. The margherita ($18) is the benchmark. They deliver to Victoria Gardens park if you ask.

6. Chapelyard — Bar with Attitude

Address: 310 Chapel Street, Windsor Opened: Early 2026 What it is: Cocktail bar with small plates, laneway location

Cocktails $18-$24, small plates $14-$24, exposed brick, low lighting, music that does not drown conversation. It adds another quality cocktail option to Windsor’s growing list.

Keeping Up with New Openings

Windsor’s dining and bar scene changes faster than most Melbourne suburbs. Follow @melbz on socials for weekly updates, or check this page monthly. New openings that do not make the cut often close within six months — we would rather tell you about the places that last.

FAQ

What is the best new restaurant in Windsor? Tombo Den for the experience. Lah Bros for the value. Studio Amaro for the complete package of dinner plus late-night bar.

Are any new openings budget-friendly? Lah Bros thali at $22 and Small Print margherita at $18 are both excellent value.

What closed recently? Windsor’s Chapel Street has regular turnover. If a favourite has gone, check our best restaurants guide for what has replaced it.

Verdict

Windsor’s 2025-2026 crop of new openings has strengthened an already strong dining strip. The additions — Nepali, Japanese izakaya, eco-pizza, amaro cocktails — fill gaps rather than duplicating what was already there. Chapel Street’s southern end keeps getting better.

More on Windsor: Best restaurants in Windsor | Best bars in Windsor | Windsor suburb guide

New Openings in Windsor — 2026 Local Guide