From coffee breaks to after-work drinks to romantic interludes, there’s a lot to eat and drink in this oft-overlooked neighborhood.
Caffeine Fixes
Jimmy Monkey
This coffee specialist needs no introduction, being one of the first places to have the much-coveted (and pricey) Slayer espresso machine. Started by Melburnian Michael Ryan, the cafe serves predominantly South American beans like single origin Guatemalan Antigua Finca Medina, among other rotating cuppas.
Revolution Coffee
This cafe isn’t only popular with the office crowd in the area, and attracts quite a few weekend walk-ins. They’re known for their coffees, sourced from coffee roasters around the world including Indonesia and America, as well as their range of cakes like key lime tart and Oreo cheesecake.
Brews & Spirits
Bodacious Bar
This gastropub is a great place to unwind after work and on weekends. It serves up hearty fare like duck confit with garlicky potato mash, beef enchiladas and all-day breakfast options like toasted brioche and baked eggs. But the best part is kicking back with a changing roster of craft beers like Dream Machine IPA and Magic Hat #9.
DSTLLRY
This new bespoke cocktail bar and Japanese-leaning small plates restaurant also doubles as a live music venue and art studio. While the industrial space looks pretty bare, the walls are actually ideal for warm acoustics. The bar is managed by Taiwanese bartender Red Chuang who shakes up classic cocktails with a twist.
Laidback Lunches
Da Paolo Bistro Bar
This Italian group may be known for its easy takeaway desserts and ready-made pasta salads, but the bistro bar is still very much alive. There are breezy alfresco seats, polished floors and an all-round relaxed ambience. On the menu are things like angus beef tenderloin with parma ham, foie gras with poached pears and pizzas.
Nosh
This relaxed bistro is also housed in a historic black-and-white house with a gorgeous alfresco space and a charming upstairs dining room. The food is predominantly modern American with plates of creole prawns, pastrami-spiced pork belly and braised beef short rib. Just don’t miss the pretty extensive wine list that pairs beautifully with their bar snacks.
Pietrasanta
Finding this hidden restaurant is worth the effort. The homey and rustic Italian restaurant cooks up dishes like grilled swordfish, veal ossobucco with saffron risotto and pastas like homemade pappardelle with Chianti bolognese. Nothing is overly precious, and it’s a great place for groups.
Date-Night Destinations
Infuzi
A chic modern French restaurant dishes like pan-fried duck liver in raisin sauce, pan-roasted turbot, Maine lobster pasta and pan-roasted lamb rack. The interiors are super light and airy, with tons of windows and white chairs.
Min Jiang
This isn’t your typical Chinese restaurant. Nestled at the end of a stretch of bungalows, there’s a romantic deck complete with candles and lots of greenery. Don’t forget to order the house specialty, the Beijing duck, which requires 24 hours notice.
Una
Chef-owner Jean-Philippe Patruna, formerly of Bomba, serves more of his delicious paella at this historic black-and-white colonial bungalow. Not only is the Spanish food great, the leafy surrounds and alfresco patio makes for a great weekend brunch option. Plus, if you’re willing to brave the trek, the space has got the first dedicated sherry bar, too.
