Directory

Lucy Lockett in Brunswick is one of the cutest new cafes to hit Melbourne's breakfast scene. The single-room venue has a beautiful outdoor porch area and its incredible dishes—think smoothie bowls, chilli scrambled eggs, kingfish with beetroot, snowpeas and poached eggs, and a mouth-watering butter chicken and slaw burger—make it a favourite with locals, especially at the weekend. Open 7 days, including public holidays, and boasting an all day breakfast (the kitchen is open from 8am to 3pm), this adorable little cafe is our pick for a lazy north-side brunch. 

Sister to Giddiup, Wynyard is nestled on Wynyard Street in South Melbourne, and adjoined with Japanese homewares store Made In Japan - a perfect match with Wynyard's interiors and minimalist aesthetic. Some of the menu delights include a 5 & Dime bagel with either smoked ham and cheddar or smoked salmon, caper berry and cream cheese, lavendar pancakes, and a rosemary and bacon omelette. Ummm, salivating! Perfect for lovers of fine flavours and sharp design (and who isn't in Melbourne?), Wynyard is our new South Melbourne go-to. 

You know those days when all you need is a hug? If no one's around/able/willing to take part in a comforting embrace, pop into Melbourne's Jaffle Jaffle for a tasty, tasty toasted sandwich, i.e. bread's answer to the cuddle. You can start your day with a Wakey Wakey (egg, bacon, cheese, spinach, relish)  or if you're really down and out, The Mama has got your back (spaghetti bolognese, parmesan). For something on the side, try an order of chips, a shake, or one of Jaffle Jaffle's lipsmacking desserts. We couldn't go past Clay's apple pie for an extra dose of love.

You'll fall in love with the selection of homewares, jewellery, skin care and many, many other types of knick-knacks that are available at Klopper. Situated inside the South Melbourne Market, there is a beautifully curated selection of goods. Klopper is the perfect place to head if you're after gifts for that hard-to-buy-for female in your life!

Designer women's clothing meets artisan-style deli in this gorgeous little store in Hawthorn East. Mallalieu stocks a range of threads, accessories, homewares and vintage pieces and will ensure your tastebuds are also delighted by their sweet and savoury bites. Pull up a seat in the leafy courtyard or wander through for a browse with your coffee in hand (in a takeaway cup of course!).

Spruced up in 2015, The Metropolitan Hotel is looking rather schmick. Lunch includes a variety of plates for sharing and they also offer a set $18 lunch menu which comes with a pot of Two Birds Golden Ale, a glass of Cape Vine white or red, or a soft drink. You can also drop in for a $10 wood-fired pizza on a Friday night.

Collingwood's Two Birds has got their cafe game down. These guys offer an all-day breakfast menu with vegan, gluten free and vegetarian options and serve Code Black coffee, Capi sparkling water and fruit sodas. The interiors are a classic blend of stone, wood and brick which leaves a clean yet rustic feel to the space. Perfect for a Sunday feed or even a breakfast date, Two Birds is a welcome addition to Collingwood's cafe hub. 

The home of Holgate beer—one of the best craft beers in Melbourne and its surrounds—Holgate Brewhouse is a fantastic brewery, pub and guest house in Woodend. The unique venue combines the brewery, a bar that's perfect for ordering a tasting paddle or two, tapped fresh from the keg, and some mouth-watering food, whether you need a light snack or the full three courses. If you're after top-notch beer that's a stone's throw from the city, lock in a visit to Holgate Brewhouse and get ready for some sipping! 

House of Maxx is a welcome addition to the boutiques along High Street, Armadale. The focus here is a love of nourishment and fostering healthy skin with customised facials and health coaching for customers. Visit House of Maxx for a specialised consult, treatment or further information on their exquisite skin products. 

Keeping cafe culture simple is Essendon's Form Cafe, a humble little venue on tucked up on Albion Street. Take our advice and order the cheese and onion square i.e. leek and onion braised in white wine on toast, covered in grilled cheddar. Ummm, yes. And for something sweet, we loved the brioche with ricotta, honey and pistachios. These guys serve up coffee by Campo's and are a must for your heartier meat-based dishes. 

Hearty burgers, sandwich stacks, and Spanish influences make St Martha's a solid choice for northsiders. With spacious interiors, this Essendon cafe is great for groups, while those just after a coffee can swing past the takeaway window out front for a quick brew by Axil Coffee Roasters. The cafe also stocks a number of products on-site, including Axil Coffee beans, KeepCup resusable coffee cups and Good Brew Kombucha flavours. 

Ooh la la! Cupcakes, tarts, macarons, donuts and puffed pastries, our eyes are popping with the French delights at Essendon's Parisian Patisserie Boulangerie. This cafe completes the look with classic Paris-chic interiors and friendly staff who take pride in the art of French baking. Savoury bites are also on offer but let's be real, we're in this for the sweets. 

The folk at this quaint Moonee Ponds cafe know how to serve up a pretty plate. A few of our favourite mouthwatering dishes include the potato and preserved lemon pancakes, buttermilk fried chicken wings, and black forest waffles with cookies and cream ice cream. Oh, and they also do bite-sized delights like cake pops (yep, that's cake on a stick). Why are you still reading this? Get on over to Darling Steet Espresso stat.

The name alone will be enough to pique your interest, but it doesn't capture everything that Melbourne cafe, Grey Gardens in Fitzroy has to offer. A mixed-use project space, you can expect to find a picture theatre, gallery, cafe and concept store at any one time. Serving Three Thousand Thieves coffee and fancy tea infusions, drop in to this Melbourne cafe for a smørrebrød (open sandwich) or a jar of hot, nourishing soup.

Serving all-day breakfast, taking us to bagel and burger heaven for lunch, and through to Italian flavours for dinner, Pepper Cafe is the go-to in Flemington. Across the road from Newmarket Station and inside the old 'Hygienic Library', Pepper is a great spot for anything from business meetings, to family get-togethers, to brunch catch-ups with your pal. 

Brunch plates, cheese platters, Japanese bites, and vintage cocktails. St Kilda's Love&Dysfunction are doing their own thing, and we dig it. Crafting a menu that defies strict tastes, they are combining what they love and serving it up with some stellar brews. A bar that really does have something to offer all who walk through its doors, Love&Dysfunction is a welcome addition to Melbourne's southside. 

Phat Milk in Travancore is bringing the Middle East to Melbourne, serving breakfast, lunch and sweet treats with an Arabian twist. For something different, try the shish barak (think Lebanese dumplings) and do not leave without ordering dessert. The maple bacon and strawberry smuffin (not quite a sandwich, not quite a muffin) will keep you coming back to this cool little Melbourne cafe.

If you're looking for an urban escape, Melbourne cafe Second Home is calling your name. Nestled among the gumtrees in north-eastern suburb Eltham, the latest project by Jason Jones is a cafe, bakery and art gallery all at once, housed in an iconic Alastair Knox built warehouse. The menu will surprise and delight, with old favourites like bircher muesli listed alongside healthy acai bowls and Mr Jones' famous "golden folded eggs". Don't forget to pick up a pastry on your way out!

Somewhat of a hidden gem, Eddy's cafe in Collingwood makes some of the best sandwiches in the city. Think bourbon chicken, chipotle mayo and rocket sandwiches, amazing veggie wraps, epic scrolls and delicious gluten-free cakes and you're only half way there! A week-day only affair, Eddy's cafe is the perfect place to pick up a coffee and a hearty bite to eat...Just make sure you arrive hungry!

Housed inside of Melbourne’s most luxurious, historical CBD hotel–InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto, Market Lane Bar is one of our top picks for an indulgent high tea that doesn’t scrimp on the luxuries!

Trophy Wife in Richmond is your one-stop shop for some of Melbourne's best nails, hair and beauty services. Whether it's a crazy set of talons, a new 'do or a fresh face, Chelsea Bagan has you covered.

Lygon Street may be renowned as Melbourne's Italian food mecca, but just one block away, Scopri is serving up some of the finest food and wine from Italy, using incredible local products from artisan producers. Don't leave this establishment without trying their house-made pasta which has to be tasted to be believed (our favourite was the pappardelle with partridge). Best of all, if you have a bottle of wine that you've been saving for a special occasion, bring it along and let the staff at Scorpi take care of the rest.

A Middle Eastern gem tucked away in Moonee Ponds, Nabiha is dishing up excellent coffee and a tightly curated menu of tradtitional dishes with a twist. Between paninis, pastries and vivid flavours, we're confident that you'll find something that'll hit the spot. You'll be able to enjoy all of this in a small, industrial fit out that still manages to convey the character of the family that owns it. 

The chequered history of Dogs Bar only adds to the intrigue of this Melbourne venue which could arguably claim to be the city’s first wine bar. With a new team running the St Kilda staple, Dogs has been given a new lease of life and the menu reflects this injection of energy. If you’re feeling virtuous, order the kingfish ceviche with grapefruit, avocado and cucumber... If you’re anything like us, get ready for the pinot-glazed whole roast duck. Whatever takes your fancy, you’ll find something lovely to sip on from the all-Australian wine list, with some interesting cocktails also on offer. It’s great to see the old Dog performing some new tricks!

Light and breezy, Short Round is a Melbourne breakfast destination with a difference. Located on High Street in Thornbury, this local hot-spot is serving up some seriously special brunch options, including house-made date and orange waffles, with vanilla mascarpone, toffee pecans and butterscotch, and sriracha scrambled eggs with feta and spring onions. Um yum. Feeling festive? Select something sneaky from their wine and cocktail list, like a glass of Pimms or a rip-roaring Bloody Mary. 

For your modern Middle Eastern flavour hit, you can't go past Melbourne restaurant Rumi, which has become an institution in East Brunswick. Renowned for their epic banquets, Rumi's menu is designed to share, and features spiced Lebanese lamb shoulder, freekeh salad and — our personal favourite — sigara boregi (pastry stuffed with haloumi and kasseri). Best of all, Rumi does takeaway, so you can enjoy an Arabian night from the comfort of your own couch.

Sharp lines and wood, wood, wood is the main feature of this teeny Melbourne CBD cafe, next to the coffee of course! Tucked in the shop-front window of Brolly Studios (designers of the cafe) and Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, Flipboard is a neat spot to grab your caffeine hit. Headed up by a small team of three, service is kept tailored and consistent. Sidle up in the outdoor booths or take a seat upstairs where you'll still be able to enjoy the sunshine thanks to the cafe's clever design.

While we love our hole-in-the-wall cafes, we can't go past a really open space to tuck in to brunch. Let Me Be Frank is wonderful for kicking back with friends or family, offering several communal tables and couches. Outdoor seating is also available, while extra high ceilings and arched windows will ensure plenty of natural light and an airy feel to dining inside. The menu speaks to the Melburnian cafe favourites of baked eggs, smashed avo, fresh salads and clean sweets, so let us be frank and say this is a South Melbourne delight. 

Emilia is the trattoria that has opened where Gill's Diner used to be. The team behind Emilia aimed to provide quality Italian food that was true to their heritage and the reregions that they hail from; we can safely say that they've succeeded.

Capitalising on Melbourne's newfound love for beer paired with cheese, Two Row Bar on Smith Street boasts some top-quality rotating craft beer on tap and a menu of ridiculous grilled cheese sandwiches, epic cheese boards and salty bar snacks. Not in the mood for beer? Never fear, Two Row also stocks an excellent range of cider, wine, whisky, bourbon, gin, vodka, rum... Need we go on?

Hole-in-the-wall, underground hub Code Black Coffee is a no brainer for your morning cup. These guys take their blending craft seriously and while most won't drop in for the whole cafe shebang, they will for a stellar brew. Perfect for the corporate folk to get through the day or those who just happen to wander by, Code Black on Collins is a city must for coffee lovers. 

Not only a home to live jazz, The Uptown Jazz cafe also champions improvisational styles from international musicians. Offering a full food Japenese menu, this place is great for teeing up live music with some Tokyo style flavours. The mood is warm, the glasses are full and the vibe is perfect for some weekend groovin'. 

Cordwainer and leather goods brand Wootten is a petite Prahran-based business that makes some of the best shoes in Melbourne. The styles are classic and the craftsmanship is of a world-class quality, making for a footwear or satchel investment that just keeps on giving. The customisation is seriously incredible too: Order from this amazing Melbourne fashion brand and you can choose everything down to the stitch detail of the shoe. A must for our more sartorial Listers!

Bennetts Lane is the club of choice to get your jazz fix any night of the week. Opened in November 1992, the club hosts both local and international artists and is committed to showcasing a variety of different styles within the jazz realm. This is no fancy pants club but more all about the music and the crowd. 

If you find yourself in China Town and a bit overwhelmed by the choices, head to Melbourne restaurant Shanghai Village and be prepared for a dumpling feast. For an extremely reasonable price, these folks will dish up plates piled high with dumplings cooked to your liking. And best of all, it's BYO, making it one of our top choices for a cheap and cheerful meal before a fun night out.

Parisian chic meets the 1920s club scene of France at Paris Cat Jazz Club in the heart of Melbourne. Split into three sections, The Basement plays host to live jazz from both local and international artists, The Gallery is the space for small get togethers and functions, while The Parisian Loft combines an intimate dining setting with live performance. The club provides a small tapas menu and wine list to complete the luxurious experience. Treat yourself to a night of decadence and enjoy the Paris Cat Jazz Club.

Fitzrovia are keeping it chic with everything from the venue's interiors to the carefully crafted goods presented on your plate. Inspired by British and Italian cuisine, their dishes will give you that fine-dining experience without breaking the bank. Cosy indoors and romantic by night, this St Kilda restaurant is great for dates and the lengthy wine list is sure to please. To make the most of the food out in the open air, diners can take a seat outdoors or pick up one of Fitzrovia's gourmet hampers and head across to tuck in at Albert Park. 

Breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert 7 days a week - take your pick from Ripponlea Food & Wine's sizeable menu. Great for popping in with the family, your pals, or treating yourself to a midweek cocktail at the bar, this place knows how to look after its diners. 

With standout froyo flavours like the soy cinnamon donut and choc coated wafer toppings, we are salivating after Yummoo. These guys keep it simple by offering one product in a series of flavours, and doing it well. If you just can't get enough in store feel free to take home a tub at either 500ml or 1L to share, but who are we kidding? 

Yo-my-goodness indeed. YOMG are doing things a little differently on the froyo scene by offering an extensive menu for build your own froyo delights, as well as a hearty burgers and shakes menu. Do yourself a favour and get down to these guys for some winning eats. Open late throughout the week, we know what we'll be tucking into after hours. 

Frozen yogurt, parafaits, smoothies and waffles? Cacao Green is perfect for those wanting to indulge while keeping the sugar levels down and the ones that just don't give a damn. Choose from a range of froyo fruity flavours, matcha, choc, or black sesame or sink your teeth into some nutella and honey earl grey waffles. Yum!

In freshly renovated digs, Biba on Gertrude Street is a key element to the salon's ever-expanding hairdressing empire in Melbourne. Co-owned by Frank Apostolopoulos and Mariam Enegd, Biba on Gertrude Street is our go-to hairdresser for stellar cuts, beautiful colours, and master styling on the north-side. The bustling salon is full of energy; a modern space where you can sit back and let the expert hairstylists tend to your locks. The reputation of creative director Frank Apostolopoulos ensures the Fitzroy outpost is always busy, so be sure to book in early, whether you're after a simple wash and blowdry, a new colour, or a fancy 'do.

You might know of Hawthorn cafe Muharam Cafe because of their epic Nutella doughnut milkshakes (um, yum, get me one right now), but they also serve some delicious healthy breakfasts and lunch options too. The venue is the perfect place for a mid-morning coffee or lunchtime refuel with friends...Just leave some room for that epic shake! 

Run by a superstar team from Barry and Touchwood, new Melbourne cafe Mammoth brings delicious food and drinks to Armadale. The cafe's ethos focuses on freshly made food, high-quality coffee (as you would expect) all servedin a beautiful space. Drop by for one of the best breakfasts in Melbourne, we guarantee it!

Helloooooo KFit, our new favourite fitness and lifestyle membership app! This little beauty gives you access to everything from yoga and boxing to saunas and indoor rock climbing… and most things that you can think of in between, in a single membership that makes the most of hundreds of Melbourne’s best studies, activities and fitness venues.

You'll be spoilt for choice at Oriental Teahouse with an extensive food and drink menu and a wide selection of signature blended teas. Combining the authentic yum cha experience with a series of elegant tea merchandise for in-house or on the go, what more could you really ask for?

Hello baked goods heaven. This nifty little bakery in Balwyn North is serving up the very best delectable bites, both sweet and savoury. With everything made in house daily, and a selection of treats that also cater (see what we did there) towards dietary needs, The Caterer's Kitchen knows how to deliver. Swing by for a bite, get in touch to fill your next event with mouthwatering eats, or chat to the team to get your dream cake made. 

Named after the great Charles Henry James who paved much of the way for Fairfield and other northern suburbs in the late 1800s, CH James is a testament to form, function and style. Offering all day breakfast and a separate lunch menu the kitchen is headed by Rodney Mom (formerly of Rockpool). Keep cosy indoors, pull up a seat in the courtyard and enjoy a couple of glasses out in the open air, or swing by the serving window for your Small Batch Coffee fix and be on your merry way. Mr CH James has got you covered. 

Flinders Ln is basically Melbourne's answer to Diagon Alley. There are curious surprises and hidden boutiques and sketchy, Knockturn Alley-like bits down around King St. But of all its secrets, of all its wondrous delights, this has to be the best: a secret underground video game parlour and bar. You turn into a non-descript little door, walk down some stairs...and it's like your childhood is there waiting for you. Except now it serves beer. 

The Daily Kitchen is an awesome CBD venue for getting a healthy lunch in Melbourne. Specialising in #cleaneating catering but also keeping delicious meals and snacks for purchase in their store, everything at this to-go cafe is freshly made from scratch and contains heaps of nutrients, protein and healthy add-ons. Looking for a bite to eat, or need to feed a whole venue? Get onto The Daily Kitchen—and tell them we sent you!

The Flower Trader delivers stunning bouquets of flowers, from the simple and small to the giant and decadent, around Melbourne. The blooms are beautifully fresh, change every day, come packaged in a handy carrying case (seriously innovative design!), and can be ordered online for as little as $30 a pop! Need a quick gift to brighten up a friend's day, or simply want to treat yourself? Call The Flower Trader every time, Listers!

Fresh Organic Goods or F.O.G are all about treating your tastebuds while keeping it clean. A humble little cafe on Church street, they take pride in collaborating with local, organic food producers as well as serving up their own delicious plates. For the nut milk fans, make sure to grab a bottle of F.O.G's house-made almond or cashew blends - who could possibly resist?

Live music, rotating beer on tap, and serving up Sparrow's Philly Cheesesteaks, The Catfish is for those after a no-fuss approach to a night out. A great hub for also catching the game, this Fitzroy venue is a modern version of the Melbourne pub.

Perched near the Smith street end of Gertrude street, Birdman Eating has your all-day brunch needs sorted. The menu at this Fitzroy cafe keeps it simple with a range of fresh juices, sweet and savoury breakfast items, and the classic Birdman baked eggs which you can partner up with a bloody mary or mimosa.

Mopho Canteen is a welcome addition to the bustling Carlisle Street food scene – ex Mr Wolf and Melbourne Wine Room chef, Adam Davis, setting up shop with a Vietnamese hawker style canteen, serving up some of Melbourne’s best pho and authentic street-food bites. The décor is casual, yet funky, and is perfect for almost any occasion – with communal stool-lined tables and an open kitchen. Adam has curated a unique and exceptional menu, with sharing dishes such as DYI pork spring rolls, soft shell crab, glazed chargrilled chicken hearts and seared tuna with green papaya and herbs. But the stand out dish is of course, the pho! Coming in three varieties – beef, chicken, or veg, mushroom and tofu – this is truly a topnotch dish that rivals any of Melbourne’s best pho. 

The Little Wine Shop 
sits inside South Melbourne Market and stocks more than just wine. You’ll be able to find some delicious local drops, some decent clean skins and plenty of your favourite imported options too. There's also plenty of beer and spirits. Anna, the owner, led the charge at St Kilda Cellars for 27 years, so you’ll be in safe hands!

A cute cafe by day and a killer bar by night, the Glass Merchants is an awesome venue, whether you're looking for a light bite to ease you into the day, or some hard drinks to see out the night. The cafe and bar in Balaclava is our pick of the area for a low-key vibe and a friendly crowd. As for the food? The no-frills menu is packed full of delicious classics. Nom.

The Food Smith is one of Hampton's best cafes for wholesome, delicious, home-baked goods and meals. Part culinary store (think awesome breads, condiments, seasonings, books and more), part cafe, the venue is one of our favourite bayside stop-offs for everything from a quick coffee to a hearty lunch. Drop in for kitchen inspiration and a tasty bite to eat. 

Filled with eccentricities and oil paintings, 29th Apartment is a recreation of the apartment of St Kilda artist and prostitute Kitashe, who was fascinated by New York City and mysteriously went missing in the 1980s. Tuck into Chris Rock Chilli Cheese Fries or try the Central Park Tea Party cocktail with Old Tom Gin, elderflower liqueur, black tea, lemon and honey. Take a trip to Manhattan without ever leaving Melbourne!

Just a stones throw from the Olsen Hotel, fine diving bar Two Wrongs serves delicious food and aims to add a litlle 'grunge' to the South Yarra location. It's all about comfort and personalised service here with couches scattered around the place and rotating DJs rolling out some sweet beats.