Dear Aa readers,
In this Aa explores, we’re taking you to the other side of the globe, Melbourne, Australia. As we explore Melbourne, Aa recognises and honour the traditional custodians of this land, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation, and pay our respects to their elders past, present, and emerging. Sharing my love and spots in Melbourne is exciting, offering a refreshed perspective from the European destinations often highlighted in most guides.
I used to live in Melbourne, having moved there in 2021 from its rival city, Sydney. Though I once proudly called Sydney home, Melbourne quickly and controversially won me over. Melbourne, riddled with (in the best way) wine bars, vintage stores and factory converted specialty coffee shops offers endless delights. Its unique charm lies in its eclectic laneways, vibrant street art, and rich culture of food, coffee, and wine, solidifying its place as one of the world’s most liveable cities. Beyond this, Melbourne’s energy continually invites exploration, offering endless discoveries at every turn.
I’ve always loved writing guides and sharing my favourite spots with friends, and I’ve been pining to create an official guide for what the grey, vibrant and svelte city of Melbourne has to offer. Narrowing down my list was tough, and this is by no means a conclusive nor definitive guide to Melbourne, but here you have a bespoke selection of spots that made my experience so special. And if you have any questions or want to share your praise and congratulations, feel free to DM me @claudiachecketts <3 *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ
Till next time xoxo …
Guide by Claudia Checketts
Cover Visual by Fabian Swartz
Eat
Marion
Marion is a treasured neighborhood wine bar on Gertrude Street, open for lunch and dinner. This spot can be considered the prototype wine bar for all the others in Melbourne. It offers a fantastic wine list featuring both local and international selections. The open kitchen serves a generous and seasonal menu made from local ingredients, offering everything from smaller bites to larger share plates. Think mussels with spicy nduja and miso-buttery crayfish. I dream about their flatbread with fromage blanc from yonder :O
Soi38
Hidden in a carpark, Soi38 is a charming spot for lunch and dinner offering delicious Thai street food in a no-frills setting. Enjoy boat noodles on brightly coloured red stools and blue tables being supervised by the decorative tuk tuk. Get the Thai milk tea if you’ve overestimated your spice tolerance, talking from personal experience…
Walrus
Walrus is an American diner style cafe in Brunswick. The inside is simple and warm with red leather booths and white Laminex table tops. With friendly staff, comfort food and fabulous decor, this upscale Maccas cures your Sunday. Indulge in fluffy pancakes, filter coffee, breakfast sandwiches, caramelised pecan pies and BLTs.
Jim’s Greek Tavern
A great restaurant experience!!! Jim’s Greek Tavern is perfect if you’re in the mood for a platter of Hellenic delights. No menus, eclectic atmosphere, always busy, generous portions and accommodating staff! They don’t serve alcohol but can bring your own drinks and keep them in a communal fridge to access throughout your meal.
CIBI
CIBI is one of my fave cafes in Melbourne, situated on a quiet street in Collingwood. Its is a Japanese-inspired space blending design, lifestyle, and cuisine, serving breakfast and lunch. Everything is beautifully designed and thoughtfully arranged from the charming Japanese items to dishes and furniture.
Manzé
Manzé is a small restaurant in North Melbourne serving Mauritian-inspired cuisine. They cook with local produce and serve natural wine.
Mister Truong’s
BEST BANH MI <3 We are spoiled for many great bánh mì spots in Melbourne, but this is up there. Mister Truong’s is perfect for weekday or weekend breakfast, lunch, dinner or snack…
Carnation Canteen
Carnation is newly opened in Fitzroy, with an ever-changing menu. Think Mediterranean-inspired dishes, Italian, Greek and Spanish. With organic ingredients and an intimate space, it’s the perfect spot for cosy, fresh and flavourful meals.
Afghan Gallery
For delicious Afghan food, Afghan Gallery in Fitzroy offers an authentic dining experience with delicious food in a warm, inviting atmosphere. The staff are charming and the food is full of flavour.
Juniper
Divinity can be found here <3 Juniper is the south-side sister cafe to the beloved north-side Florian. Juniper is a small European-style café serving a delicious seasonal menu for breakfast and lunch. Florian has a gorgeous interior and lovely ambiance. My favourite is the Mushroom Congee!
Teta Mona
Teta Mona feels like you’re going to your grandmas for dinner. Teta Mona serves the best authentic Lebanese food and has a warm, laid-back and inviting atmosphere. Great spot for group dinners with a delicious banquet menu, cozy terrace and BYO 🙂
Austro Bakery
Following the south-north pipeline of other Melbournians, Austro have bravely made the leap to North Melbourne. Focaccia, coffee scrolls, danishes – you’ll want to eat all the handsome sweet treats. They also stock all your fave cafes and restaurants with baked goods.
Laksa King
Fabulous laksa in Flemington. I have many fond memories here, perfect place to catch up with friends over a delicious meal.
France-Soir
Serving since 1986, France-Soir’s exceptional service and classic dishes make it an ideal spot for an anniversary, celebration or romantic dinner. It is an authentic French restaurant with a charming and sophisticated ambiance. The attentive staff at France-Soir bring Parisian charm, chatting and laughing in French, creating a lively, vibrant atmosphere.
Alimentari
Alimentari has been a Fitzroy staple for over a decade, offering deli goods, breakfast and lunch. It’s a cosy Italian delicatessen and a popular lunch spot, stocked with both local and imported delights. The kale caesar salad is my favourite <3
Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar
Since 1954, a beloved Melbourne icon, will outlast us all, cozy and warm atmosphere and Italian classics. The generous portions are perfect when you’re craving a hearty meal, and joining the blue-collar masses for a weekday lunch or dinner in the city. I recommend their spaghetti bolognese (dangerously moreish) and watermelon granita.
All Are Welcome
All are welcome and highly encouraged to visit this high quality, cute and cosy bakery in Northcote. They’ve got all the good stuff – seasonal bakes, flaky croissants, buns, sourdough bread and great coffee. They also have locations in Thornbury and Ivanhoe.
Quiet Time
Quiet Time is Melbourne’s cosy late-night café with a calm, inviting vibe with delicious comfort food, and vinyl tunes from live DJs. They’ve recently divided the space – upstairs, there is a sunny shared office space that is perfect for working late with café perks. Downstairs, a studio for pop-ups, exhibitions, and private events, complete with access to catering and the bar.
Half Moon Cafe
Best falafel! A refined yet tantalising menu, superb food served in a comforting and warm atmosphere accompanied with great customer service.
Drink
Marquis of Lorne
Nestled within the heart of Fitzroy, this is my favourite pub in Melbourne (or most frequented). Whether you’re having a drink on the street tables, on the ground floor, restaurant on the second, or rooftop, the MoL is always a delight. The Royal Oak is their sister venue nearby and is also great. Here they have the best hot chips and fish burger!
Waxflower
Waxflower in Brunswick is the perfect spot for vinyl and vino, offering a cozy atmosphere ideal for date nights. As a listening bar, Waxflower blends food, drink, and sound for a unique and memorable experience.
Montys Bar
Montys is on St George’s road and is a laid-back and cosy bar. The venue itself is great with an old-fashioned vibe with a drink menu that’s short and sweet. You can also bring in food from Just Falafs from next door 🙂
Carlton Wine Room
Perfect for a special occasion, Carlton Wine Room offers an impressively curated wine list. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable, guiding you through pairings that enhance the wine and food experience. Their anchovy fish toast is divine.
Public Wine Shop
Public Wine Shop in Fitzroy North is an intimate wine bar with small plates. They have an ambient and warm atmosphere. Don’t forget about the chocolate mousse with olive oil and sea salt 😀
The North Fitzroy Arms
A great neighbourhood pub, no-frills, recently renovated, pool table, food and beers. Great when the footy is on too!
Amarillo
Amarillo is a go-to for chill drinks, delicious food, and great people-watching on Brunswick Street. Perfect for a chill date night or catching up with friends in Fitzroy. Bonus: free sparkling water?
Party
Miscellania
Boasting a rooftop bar, performance space and late night club, Miscellania is a distinctive party experience. Miscellania offers diverse music, ranging from indie and electronic to funk and soul, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Picture new record launches, reimagined club performances, experimental sounds and non-stop raves.
Music Room
Music Room at HER is an intimate live music bar with a warm, inviting atmosphere. Perfect for late-night hangs, a spot to lounge, sip, and enjoy a mix of local and international artists playing through HER’s curated vinyl collection.
Angel Music Bar
Angel Music Bar is a novel idea among the hidden attractions of the city since it has great music, great atmosphere and lots of people who share the same love of music within it. It’s the place for outstanding evenings and random dance floors.
Culture
The Nicholas Building
The Nicholas Building is a historic art deco icon, offering a variety of unique spaces to explore. Some of my favourite include Cathedral Coffee, for calibrated simplicity serving coffee by day and wine and martinis by night, World Food Books, an eclectic bookstore with a curated selection that emphasises anti-traditional and experimental works. Blindside Gallery features contemporary art, soundscapes, sculptures, installations, Caves Gallery showcases both local and international contemporary art. The building also hosts life drawing sessions at night.
Blak Dot Gallery
Blak Dot Gallery is a contemporary Indigenous-run art gallery and performance space featuring the artworks from global Indigenous cultures. Based in Naarm, Blak Dot is the leading gallery for contemporary First Nations art in Australia, emphasising cultural evolution through exhibitions, events, and workshops.
Collingwood Yards
Collingwood Yards is Melbourne’s cultural playground, packed with art, music, and creative energy. It offers so much, from pop up events and concerts, to Stefanino Panino (great Italian sandwiches), Hope St Radio (wine bar, food and vinyl), XFLOS and markets. Swing by, and check out what’s happening, and experience the buzz of a place dedicated to supporting artists and creatives.
Heide Museum
The Heide Museum is a small modern art museum set on expansive grounds that are peppered with various sculptures. The peaceful, calming vibe makes it a perfect spot to escape Melbourne’s hustle. I love wandering through both the indoor and outdoor exhibits – each piece feels very considered and thoughtfully positioned. I highly recommend leaving yourself extra time to explore the grounds.
Abbotsford Convent
Abbotsford Convent is a mutli-arts precinct and is one of my favourite places to visit. It’s a vibrant creative community positioned within scenic and historical surrounds, featuring galleries, restaurants, a radio station & cafes, they also occasionally host events. My most memorable times and fave places at the convent have been at Julie’s, Cam’s Kiosk, the farmer’s market and daybreak festival.
Carlton Gardens
Beautiful gardens positioned between the city, Carlton and Fitzroy. Carlton Gardens also hosts the Royal Exhibition Building and Melbourne Museum.
Brunswick Baths
On the rare occasion Melbourne’s heat becomes unbearable, cool off at Brunswick Baths. It’s quieter than Fitzroy Pools and offers a refreshing outdoor swimming pool, among other facilities. Giving Kreuzberg’s Sommerbad a run for its money.
Sun Theatre
Sun theatre is an independent art deco cinema. They have a unique programme and screen classics, movie marathons or other fun sessions. The space itself has great aesthetics, with vintage chairs and small tables between seats. It’s also reasonably priced!
Narrm ngarrgu Library
A spot for homework?! Next to Queen Vic market, the narrm ngarrgu Library (and family services) – Melbourne’s hottest new book borrowing spot. The library celebrates First Nations culture with artworks and materials, including a vibrant rug by artist Maree Clarke, inspired by the Kulin Nation clans. Shiny books, filtered water, high-speed wifi, sewing machines, a communal microwave and fridge, quiet rooms – need I say more?! And the pièce de résistance, the rooftop garden boasting remarkable views of Melbourne’s grey cityscape.
Shop
Error404
Error404 is a store with an online and physical space that spotlights emerging artists and designers. The pieces exhibited in Error404store work are a variety of sustainable, locally sourced and ethically produced products. Error404 stock many of my favourite brands, Alix Higgins, Frisson Knits and Dirt, to name a few.
Reina
Reina is a sleek archival designer store in Melbourne’s CBD. Its expertly curated with gorgeous preloved and vintage pieces. They specialise in European and Japanese designers from the early 1990’s through to the mid-2000’s. Also the interiors are to die for!
Opera
Nestled within Rathdowne Village’s other icons, Opera is a fabulous vintage store. The design of the space itself are enough to warrant a visit, with its slick details and old supermarket check out. The store predominantly exhibits brands of the likes of European and Japanese designers such as Prada, Miu Miu, Vivienne Westwood, Yohji Yamamoto and Issey Miyake.
Perimeter Books
Perimeter Books is a specialist bookstore and is a must visit for lovers of design, architecture, art and photography. Perimeter has a generous and thoughtful range of books and boasts many local, international and limited editions.
SWOP
SWOP is a sustainable consignment store that buys and sells a range of preloved beautiful designer and vintage clothing, accessories and shoes. SWOP are committed to circular fashion and carefully curate a selection of unique, high-quality and affordable pieces in excellent condition. Their selection of pieces is very considered and respectful (aka, you’ll be rebuffed with most of the pieces you bring in but with good reason)! Advice: bring laundered pieces and some thick skin.
Mediterranean Wholesalers
Despite not fulfilling my materialistic desires, this massive grocery store fulfils my Mediterranean culinary cravings. This is my favourite spot to spend hours perusing all the food. It has a HUGE selection of authentic ingredients and a charming, attached café serving delicious pastries and amazing cakes <3
dot COMME
dot COMME is an archival fashion haven featuring standout designers like COMME des GARÇONS, JUNYA WATANABE, and Issey Miyake. The store is an avant-garde space and offers a thoughtfully curated selection within the iconic Curtin House, a seven-level art nouveau gem filled with creativity and charm.
Savers
An op-shop flaunting a capacious selection of clothes, accessories, furniture and household items. A few scattered around Melbourne, but I always have the best luck at Greensborough one, if you want to commit half a day!
Karlaidlaw
Karlaidlaw is a cutting-edge streetwear brand and they always have very stylish, comfortable and flattering pieces. Gaining well-deserved traction, the brand is now stocked globally and continues to capture attention with its unique designs. Some of my most treasured items are from here – and the team behind it are always very kind and welcoming. The store in North Melbourne is also a cool space!
Retropolis
A massive vintage haven in Preston! Retropolis has something for everyone, selling clothing, furniture, collectibles, records and bric a brac.
Day Trips
Wilson’s Promontory
Wilson’s prom is a hiker’s wet dream. You will find a quintessential Australian landscape at this national park with beautiful rocky mountains, gullies, various walking tracks, bird watching, surfing and swimming. You can also see Squeaky Beach (Victoria’s Whitsundays)!
Great Ocean Road
Spend some time driving along the Great Ocean Road to see Point Lonsdale, Barwon Heads, Lorne, Apollo Bay and many many more beautiful coastal towns.
Mornington Peninsula
Closer to Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula has many delights, including wineries, hot springs, bush walks, and many restaurants. A few of my favorite towns on the peninsula include Cape Schanck, Flinders and Blairgowrie.
Stay
Napier Quarter
Napier Quarter is not only an espresso and wine bar that deserves all the attention for its food, wine selection and intimate ambiance, but also offers a cozy guesthouse. The guesthouse emulates Napier Quarter’s warmth and charm. Enjoy their perfectly baked focaccia, and whether you’re sipping wine or staying overnight, you’ll feel nourished and at home. This spot is also in a great location to make you feel like a Fitzroy local.
To make navigating my favourite city even easier, I made you a handy Google Maps list you can join to see what’s closest and open when you’re out and about!
There we have it! Thank you very much for reading my Melbourne guide and I’m sure you’ll hear from me soon…
Claudia xoxo
