-
Pellegrini's Espresso Bar
The iconic Italian equivalent of a classic '50s diner, Pellegrini's has remained genuinely unchanged for decades. A gleaming coffee machine (often trumpeted as the first in Melbourne) churns out the good stuff. Pick and mix from the variety of pastas and sauces - homemade by mama out the back. In summer, have a ladle of watermelon granita and look at fading photos of kangaroos on the beach.
-
Ray
Ray takes the flavours from the area's heritage and presents them in raw-cool surrounds to epitomise what Brunswick stands for. Labna (yoghurt cheese) and rose jam on toasted pide (Turkish bread), tomato and bocconcini (bite-size balls of fresh mozzarella) bread and really good coffee reflect the migrant influences of the area. Distressed walls and a big communal table accommodate the young café-conscious crowd.
-
Retro Cafe
Customers here have been known to throw themselves to the ground protesting the end of lunch. Oh, to be four again. Babycinos are the beverage of choice at this kid-friendly café, with a toy box and separate kids' menu. And parents are kept quiet looking through the many pages of options on the main menu.
-
Richmond Hill Cafe & Larder
Equal parts produce store, larder and café, Richmond Hill Cafe & Larder does it all well. The large, open, unfussy space is an appropriate setting for meals marked by simplicity and style. It's a brave breakfaster who tries to get in on a weekend. Do buy some cheese from the Larder, if only to be hand-fed slithers of soft cheeses by the Frenchman.
-
Rosamond
It's amazing what you can do with a kitchen composed of just a jaffle-maker, a hotplate and a coffee machine. This no-fuss hidey-hole finds pleasure in the simple things. The blackboard menu proffers jaffles galore, with some considered combinations among them. Sandwiches, soups and salads, plus good coffee, sustain an arty crew. Enter from Charles St.
-
Scusami
Feast your eyes on the city views, then feast on Scusami's outstanding dishes. This long-running restaurant has been teasing the city's culinary senses for over a decade. An excellent range of wines is offered by the glass to complement the classic and contemporary Italian fare. Expect a sprinkling of luxurious ingredients such as porcini mushrooms and truffle oil.
-
Shakahari
Shakahari gives vegetarianism a good name. Its limited seasonal menu reflects both Asian and European influences. Established over 20 years ago, Shakahari takes itself seriously, which is mirrored in its at-times earnest atmosphere. If the weather is in your favour, ask to be seated in the palm-fringed courtyard. The curries, tagines (spicy Moroccan stews) and noodle dishes are heroic, whatever the setting.
-
Small Block
In this village-like strip of shops, Small Block acts as the community centre; its neighbourly drop-in and stay-awhile vibe is a hub for local activity. Big, beautiful breakfasts (eggs and otherwise) are worth writing home about. Salvaged service-station signage and concrete floors, plus warm and efficient service combine to make a super environment in which to write postcards home too.
-
Soulmama
Dine on vegetarian food while gazing out over Port Phillip Bay. If lining up to choose your food from the bain-marie seems like too much work, you can ask your waiter to make a selection for you. (A standard bowl buys you four flavours.) This stylish, popular restaurant is a place where your nonvegetarian friends will also feel comfortable.
-
Stokehouse
Two-faced Stokehouse makes the most of its beachfront position, cleverly catering to families and casual loafers downstairs, and turning on its best upstairs for finer diners. The exceptional seafood and service never miss a beat, and live up to their respectable reputations. Up or down, bay views are on offer. Book for upstairs.
-
Advertisement
-
Supper Inn
No-one minds queuing on the stairs to wait for a high-turnover table in this inglorious upstairs dining room (especially as downstairs is cramped and clamorous). Bored waiters dressed in black and white, and dated décor detract nothing: you're here for the food. The lengthy menu lists high-quality and exceptionally well-priced dishes. Open late, Supper Inn is also a favoured after-drinks stop.
-
Syracuse
White-shirted workers steal a few luxurious lunchtime hours in here. Hardwood floors, round marble tables and columns holding high ceilings provide a soft landing from a busy morning. Fabulous deal-sealing mains plus a fine-looking wine list act as a springboard into the afternoon. Those not here on business can linger long after the others have left, or come later for the evening menu of tapas.
-
Taxi
It takes a space this big to accommodate the reputation of head chef, Michael Lambie. Like the pied piper of industry accolades, Lambie creates audacious Asian-inspired dishes that have earned him a loyal following. All glass, steel and concrete, the industrial-chic hangar-sized dining room looks over the river and Flinders Street Station. After dinner, sip a digestif at Transit, the rooftop bar and deck with live music most nights.
-
Tiamo
From Tiamo's front window displays men sitting at the bar, downing espressos and chatting in Italian with the waiters. The dark and atmospheric interior has attracted local thespians, artists and Italophiles since the 1960s. Tiamo is licensed and recommended for lunch and dinner. Expect value for money and generous portions of simple and traditional cuisine at this treasured trattoria.
-
Tutto Bene
Refining the Italian offerings down to a range of spot-on risottos, Tutto Bene is a unique dining option. Ranging from classic, through veggie, seafood and meat, to luxurious (porcini mushroom, asparagus and white truffle), you can't go wrong. Half a dozen mains supplement the menu, and perfect peaks of homemade gelati condense the essence of pear, blood orange or tiramisu come dessert.
-
Vegie Bar
You may wonder if the entire population of Melbourne is vegetarian as you wait for a table at this popular café. This is definitely not the place for a romantic rendezvous, but you could make some new acquaintances at one of the communal tables. Bring an appetite - the portions are as healthy as the dishes themselves.
-
Verge
Enclosed in glass, this stylish split-level corner establishment has a gorgeous leafy aspect out to Treasury Gardens. But you'll likely be looking at the staff whose personal service could be likened to performance art (in a good way). A back-slapping bar with a loyal following of chic city dwellers tempers the sleek, minimalist interior. The menu combines Asian and European influences, with dishes as refined and lustrous as the décor.
-
Vue De Monde
Serious gastronomes visit Vue de Monde for the finest restaurant experience in Melbourne and to worship at the kitchen-altar of chef-owner Shannon Bennett. The set-price lunch (two courses plus glass of wine) is great value and dinner is degustation only starting at around A$90 for four courses, up to around A$190 for 14 courses. Book well ahead.
-
Wall Two 80
This makeshift café has long been on the lips of those on that unending search for the perfect coffee. Wall Two 80's coffee is good, yes. So too are the toasted pide and pastries. Prop with other loners at the communal table, nestle in a nook with a mate or line up outside along the eponymous wall.
-
Walter's Wine Bar
As the name suggests, Walter's has wine: 22 pages of it. Professional service and a tinkling piano accompaniment set the tone at this self-proclaimed fancy bistro, with gilt touches and river views. Separate bar and cheese menus supplement the main Italian-accented menu (that's heavy on the meat dishes). Walter's attracts the Arts Centre crowd, who come to debrief after the show.
-
Advertisement
-
Woodstock
Paying no heed to Giovanni-come-lately hipster hotspots like Ladro, Woodstock keeps satisfying its local fan base as it has for 12-odd years - with authentic, thin-crust wood-fired pizzas with great-quality, just-so toppings. Like that old cardigan that's comfortable enough to make you forget about fashion, we can forgive Woodstock's daggy décor for the sake of that amazing crust - and the cheerful family-run vibe.
-
Yu-U
The sign is the size of a postage stamp and the doorway nondescript, so it's easy to miss, but try not to. This sparsely decorated basement restaurant does smart Japanese fare, artfully presented and assuredly delivered. Go for the set-lunch menu of bento boxes, soup and noodles. Dinner is a progression of small dishes that substantiate your sake intake. Book for a seat at this coveted city eatery.
