The Ultimate Guide To Melbourne Coolness
Five creatives share their secret spots, drinking dives and the best places to shop.
For a while, travel guides felt a bit… strange to do? But hey, let’s get on with this thing called LIFE, there’s pasta for breakfast to be had! (See below). Writing Sydney’s best dining list last year got me pining for what that grey, buzzing, svelte city of Melbourne down south has to offer. Though I love it there, I feel like no recent expert thanks to too many months out of town, so who better to ask for tips than the locals who know all the nooks and crannies?
But first, the Highly Enthused hive mind weighed in, as always, with baller tips. Here are your secret spots:
For Olivia, it’s Ovens Street Bakery in Brunswick.
Miri’s getting all the things on sticks at Mono XO, but Lulie Tavern’s her fav bar. Best burgers in town!
Divinity can be found at Florian in Rathdowne Village. Thanks Jemima.
The sweetest small bar times at Oh Loretta in Northcote, says Alice.
World, meet the CROFFLE. Hot tip, Toby.
Sink into the baths at SOS and never, ever get out, says Ellie, but make it to Above Board for drinks when you do eventually reemerge.
Tapas? In the ‘burbs? It’s gotta be La Pinta! Nice.
Everyone’s got a secret Thai spot, but apparently Soi 38 is the best one in the CBD (more hot goss from Ellie!).
If it’s doughnuts you’re keen on (when is that not true), hit Bistro Morgan, Kelly’s on the money.
Barney’s hitting up The Moon in Collingwood for all his natural wine.
What Sophie’s world needs is truly just more cannoli, and while we’re in Sicily, Charli says GO to Bar Idda.
Karaoke!!! Get it at both Benjy’s and Murmur Piano Bar and don’t be shy. Sydney just does NOT have this stuff.
It’s not just baked goods at Millstone, the salad looks ace too.
So many recs for Many Little Sri Lankan food. Yum.
Neighbourhood Pizza Shop! Toorak does have cool stuff after all, thanks Clare.
You truly can’t make a wrong turn when it comes to coffee but Cathedral in the Nicholas Building sounds so lovely.
Eat in, take out, stay for ages at Public Wine Shop, says Adeline.
Pipi’s Kiosk is ugh!!! So cute!!
Sunshiney breakfast gorgeousness at Little Tienda in Thornbury.
Hit up Wabi Sabi Salon, an old fav of Patti’s in Collingwood.
Far out, eating at Brotherhood Yiros is like eating clouds, says Em.
Best pizza of Rebecca’s life at Rita’s in Abbotsford! And Umberto for pasta and a rooftop.
Not a secret, says Jenna, but don’t miss Napier Quarter.
Brekkie arepas? Yes! Get them at Sonido in Carlton.
Japanese breakfast is just sublime, even more so when it’s served at Cibi.
Half Moon Cafe in Coburg is the spot for Egyptian falafel!
For Japanese deli goods, Ali recommends seeking out Tochi deli hidden inside Brunswick market.
Collingwood Yards is so cool, espesh Hope Street Radio says Jordy.
This is a lot, so we’ve put it all in a Google Map for you! Save it, use it, pass it around.
Ok, onto the meaty stuff. The guides! Thanks to the five perfect legends who contributed to this.