Cover The best places to eat, drink and shop at in Fitzroy, Melbourne (Photo: Getty Images)
The best places to eat, drink and shop at in Fitzroy, Melbourne (Photo: Getty Images)
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Uncover the artistic, sartorial, and culinary treasures of Melbourne’s dynamic Fitzroy district
Melbourne, the vibrant cultural heart of Australia, offers an unrivalled fusion of sophistication and excitement. The city boasts many diverse suburbs each with its unique charm and its fair share of hidden gems. Among them, the lively Fitzroy suburb captivates with its bohemian sensibilities—think quirky stores and vintage shops, a constant stream of live music, and buzzing cafe culture—and one could easily spend hours wandering through its thoroughfares lined with ever-changing street art.
For the discerning traveller keen on exploring like a local, you’ve come to the right place. We bring you the Tatler guide to navigating Fitzroy’s vibrant laneways, and the best things to see, eat and do.
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Where to eat
Lune Croissanterie
A bonafide Melbourne institution, breakfast pastries and coffee from Lune Croissanterie are the best possible way to kickstart your morning in Fitzroy. The impossibly flaky and crisp croissants are well worth enduring the snaking queue, while the signature lemon curd cruffin and its seasonal black forest counterpart are not to be discounted either.
Tatler Tip: Book Lune Lab for an exclusive dining experience overlooking ‘The Cube’, Lune’s glassed-in raw production kitchen, to savour an innovative three-course menu that pushes the boundaries of what croissant pastries can be.
Marios
An old-school joint serving all-day breakfast and comforting Italian dishes that have fuelled Fitzroy’s bohemian crowd since 1986, Marios is a Brunswick Street staple. The retro restaurant does the classics exceptionally well—the recipe for its famed lasagne has remained unchanged since opening—all in a lively and convivial atmosphere akin to a friend’s dinner party.
Naked For Satan
Another one of Fitzroy’s most enduring good-time dens, Naked For Satan pairs authentic Basque country pintxos with killer cocktails and house-infused vodka shots. Head to its rooftop bar Naked Upstairs to enjoy tipples while soaking in sprawling views of the city skyline, as well as the majestic Dandenong Ranges on a clear day.
Where to shop
Rose Street Artists’ Market
Perfect for post-brunch perusing, the Rose Street Artists’ Market comes alive every Saturday and Sunday with the city’s most exciting artists and designers offering handmade fashion and wares. Here, you’ll find everything from quirky handcrafted furniture and bespoke jewellery to one-of-a-kind paintings.
Northside Records
For all your vinyl record and analogue listening needs, look no further than Northside Records. Satisfying Melbourne’s appetite for soul and funk since 2002, the store champions a vast variety of musical styles from hip hop to funk; reggae to jazz and house through to jazz. But what sets Northside apart is its advocacy for music produced by First Nations artists from across the continent, diligently archiving and supporting its heritage.
Vintage Sole
A curated trove of archival fashion awaits at Vintage Sole where racks are lined with vintage clothes handpicked and sourced from the 1980s to early 2000s. Established as an ethical alternative to fast fashion, browse your way through the multi-levelled store to find treasured designer pieces like classic Burberry trench coats and original Levi’s denim.
Where to play
Everfresh Studio
To meet some of the artists behind Fitzroy’s vibrant murals and thought-provoking graffiti, head down to urban art gallery Everfresh Studio. It’s home to a collective of painters, designers, sculptors and makers who continually transform the city streets with explosive colour and intricate installations.
Dive into Melbourne’s artistic soul with a private behind-the-scenes tour of the studio and witness the creative talents at work, before trying your hand at creating your own street art under their guidance.
The Night Cat
A local music institution celebrating thirty years, The Night Cat presents live-music performances in a unique 360-degree format and has been the chosen launchpad for several iconic Australian bands including The Cat Empire and The Bamboos. The pillar-less space ensures unobstructed views of your favourite artist from anywhere in the venue, housing performers across genres from Latin, funk, disco and R&B.
Where to drink
Black Pearl
Operating for over two decades, Black Pearl is a favourite haunt among locals and famed for fostering some of the biggest names in the Australian bar scene. A true Fitzroy legend with accolades to boot, the bar often refreshes its cocktail menu, while retaining the tried-and-tested masterpieces that keep its regulars coming back for more.
Molly Rose Brewery
Indulge in a delightful experience at Molly Rose Brewery, a small yet distinguished brewery dedicated to bringing people together through a shared love for craft brews. Enjoy a curated degustation menu that pairs perfectly with Molly Rose’s diverse range of brews, showcasing its unique and innovative approach to brewing—think a Japanese dark lager infused with seaweed, or a strawberry-laced sour ale.
The Everleigh
A speakeasy-style bar known for its classic cocktails and vintage ambience, The Everleigh is a slice of glamorous drinking in the heart of Fitzroy. Run by husband-and-wife duo Michael and Zara Madrusan, the bar serves up the likes of fizzes; sours; Old Fashioneds; and Sazeracs. But imbibers are encouraged to embrace the ‘bartender’s choice’ experience—let The Everleigh’s skilled bartenders decipher preferred flavour profiles and navigate through a vast collection of spirits and recipes to find exactly what you’re after, much like an alcoholic version of ‘Guess Who?’.
Sabrina Low was the former assistant digital editor for Tatler Singapore.
