An Insider's Guide to North Melbourne
We've got the low down for all the things to do, eat and drink while you're in North Melbourne.
So you’ve arrived in North Melbourne, but it looks pretty boring. Trust us, do not skip this fantastic pocket of Melbourne and head straight to the city, North Melbourne has so much to offer if you enjoy delicious food, great coffee, funky bars and taking it easy. Visit these hot spots and you’ll be in love with North Melbourne in no time.
Breakfast
Auction Rooms
Industrially chic and insanely delicious, you’re going to have a hard time choosing what to eat at this North Melbourne institution. How on earth are you meant to choose between the sweet explosion that is their broche French toast and the breakfast board with all the trimmings? We say keep going back until you’ve tried it all!
Twenty & Six Espresso
The three best words to read on a menu are ‘all day brunch’ and Twenty & Six Espresso has just that! So no matter whether you’re there in the morning to start your day the right way or you have a hankering for brekkie at lunch time, you’ll be able to get some of that delicious brunch goodness.
Coffee Break
Code Black Coffee
A hub for connoisseurs of coffee, this industrial warehouse café has delicious coffee aromas wafting out of it – just follow your nose and you’ll find it. Get a cup of the good stuff and snack on the delicious treats that they have on offer.
Beatrix
A short stroll from Errol St, this café makes cakes like your mum used to make them – big, rustic and full of butter, sugar and cream. You’ll be transported back to your childhood with coconut shagg cakes, lemon curd and pistachio cakes, sandwich cookies, doughnuts and so much more on offer. Don’t skip this one.
Mork Chocolate Brew House
Regularly named as the ‘best hot chocolate in Melbourne’, this company is all about sourcing ethically sourcing their chocolate and providing you with an amazing chocolate experience. Try their famous hot chocolate – you’ll be wanting more!
Lunch
Queen Vic Market
There’s a smorgasbord of food to choose from here. With cafes offering delicious meals and market stalls with a massive variety of fresh and tasty produce, you’re set for lunch – you just gotta decide what to eat! We love the $3 spinach and cheese boreks from the super popular borek stall.
Pho Victoria
This little corner restaurant doesn’t look like much from the outside - or the inside to be honest, but that’s not why you’re here! You’re here for some delicious Vietnamese food and Pho Victoria is one of the best in North Melbourne. Get a steamy, fragrant bowl of pho or try one of their noodle dishes, you won’t be disappointed.
Ample
This cute café is located in the heart of North Melbourne and offers a variety of fresh and delicious paninis, burgers, sandwiches, wraps and salads plus juices, milkshakes and smoothies to give you enough energy to go and go and go all day long.
Dinner
The Leveson
Enjoy elegant, fine dining in the beautiful Leveson Hotel without the 5 star price tag. There’s traditional pub favourites like parmas, schnitzels, ribs and seafood, plus gourmet pizzas, small share plates and tasty salads. They also have a separate gluten free menu.
The Castle Hotel
A hidden gem away from the hustle and bustle of Errol St, the Castle Hotel has a stellar pub menu that has something for everyone, including the kids. They also have specials most nights of the week, so check their website and plan accordingly.
Agraba
For an authentic Lebanese culinary experience, look no further than Agraba. Perfect for small groups, it’s all about a shared dining experience. They also do BYO vinyl (yes, you read that right), so they’ll play your vinyl records while you eat!
Drinks
Prudence
Hands down, Prudence is the best bar in North Melbourne. A small hole in the wall bar with dim lighting and a cozy atmosphere and manned by hipster bartenders with man buns and flannies, it has a great variety of beers, wines and cocktails – all for bargain prices.
Joe Taylor
High quality drinks and talented bar tenders are the highlights here at Joe Taylor. Drinking is an experience with a long list of cocktails, boutique beers and fantastic wines, plus a weekly special board and bar tenders who are happy who to create you a unique cocktail if you don’t know exactly what you want.
Play
Comics Lounge
Laugh and then laugh some more until you cry 6 days a week at the Comics Lounge. See world famous comedians trying out new jokes and routines and up and coming artists braving the stage, all with the ultimate goal of making you laugh. Tickets are relatively cheap and you never know who’s going to rock up on the night, which is half the fun.
Flagstaff Gardens
So while it’s not technically a part of North Melbourne, it’s so close that we’re claiming it. These gardens are green, leafy and a great place to relax with a book or a picnic with a couple of friends. Plus if you’re feeling active, netball, basketball and futusal competitions are also run on the courts there.
Queen Vic Market
There’s more to this market than the fresh produce it sells. There’s also clothes, shoes, art, souvenirs and knick knacks, plus The Night Market on Wednesday nights in both the summer and winter with food stalls, drinks, dessert and live music and entertainment.
