Posted by St Kilda holds a special place in the heart of many Melburnians, something I can well appreciate, considering it was my home for ten fabulous years. But it’s locals and visitors alike that flock to Melbourne’s favourite beachside suburb, on a hot summer’s day it can feel like the whole city is frolicking on the foreshore, with barely a speck of free sand to be found – and even though there’s no waves at this bayside beach, it can still boast a scene to rival Bondi on the right day. But fair-weather visitors miss out on the alluring mood that envelopes St Kilda in the winter, there is nothing more enticing than a romantic stroll on the beach in desolate weather or a walk along the famous pier all by yourself.
Of course the great indoors offer just as many attractions as the natural landscape… there’s a thriving bar scene, restaurants from the renowned to the more obscure, the Palais Theatre and Linden New Art for your culture fix, and famed Acland St with its continental cake shops and eclectic shopping.
St Kilda has also long been one of Melbourne’s creative nucleuses, home to iconic live music venues like The Espy and the Prince Band Room, artist Mirka Mora’s whimsical murals and a roster of films and TV shows which have been filmed around the suburb. In fact for some productions, St Kilda has been the actual star of the show, such as the early ‘noughties’ hit The Secret Life Of Us, where St Kilda was almost considered one of the lead characters in the ensemble.
Whilst St Kilda has experienced mixed fortunes over the years (at times very much the place to be and during other periods feeling like it could do with a good spruce up – especially Fitzroy St), it’s always been a melting pot of cultures which offers something for everyone. So if it’s nightlife, cuisine, architecture, art, concerts, gardens or exercise… you’ll find what you’re looking for here.
If you become bored with St Kilda (unlikely as it seems!), venture north of the Yarra River and check out Travis’ guides to Melbourne City and Carlton.
This Guide to St Kilda was updated in July 2025.
Breakfast & Brunch…
Galleon Cafe | 9 Carlisle St
An old-timer that’s been delighting the St Kilda faithful for many years, with mismatched retro furniture and hearty, homestyle café fare. The menu is extensive, with plenty of vegetarian options to boot. Eternally popular, there is likely to be a wait to get in at peak times, but they know their stuff here, so the service never falters even when it’s busy busy busy.
Sister of Soul | 73 Acland St
Not your average vegetarian restaurant, SOS shines with a thoroughly modern industrial style décor, an open kitchen and floor to ceiling windows that let oodles of light in. The menu is long and goes from breakfast right through to dinner. The food is well presented and more than satisfying, even an avid carnivore might be tempted to admit they enjoy dining here. Sister Of Soul
The St Kilda Dispensary | 13 Brighton Road
An old dispensary and clinic, this cute café harks back to another era whilst offering a dash of modern sensibility. The food is generous and delicious, with retro favs like the ‘bubble n squeak’ on the breakfast menu and delish homemade Monte Carlo biscuits to snack on. The local community vibe and chilled jazz tunes are the ideal way to ease into the day. The St Kilda Dispensary
Space | 183 Fitzroy St
There aren’t too many quality eateries to choose from at the St Kilda Rd end of Fitzroy St, so Space is a welcome haven of good coffee and satisfying food. The breakfast menu doesn’t stray too far from classic cafe fare, but the food is simple, fresh and quite delicious – and they even have a ‘little folk’ breakfast option for the kids. Lunch is a little more diverse, with burgers, salads, a pie of the day and some heartier dishes on offer. It’s a spacious and stylish space, well equipped for those who dine with a laptop as company, and plenty of footpath seating too. Space
The Banff | 145 Fitzroy St
A St Kilda institution since 1942, Banff is beloved for its hearty, no-fuss breakfasts and cosy, timber-lined interior. Locals flock here post-party for a solid brunch, then return by night for drinks and pizza. In summer, the vibe spills onto the footpath; in winter, the fireplace beckons. The Banff
Lunch & Dinner…
Ciciolina | 130 Acland St
A long running St Kilda favourite, Cicciolina’s produces consistently great traditional Italian fare with a modern edge, and there’s exceptional service too. The room is tiny, with the tables squeezed oh-so-close together, but the intense cosy-ness just adds to the rustic charm. Cicciolina
Stokehouse | 30 Jacka Boulevard
Reborn with aplomb some ten years ago (after the original building was destroyed by fire), the stunning new Stokehouse quickly became a landmark on the St Kilda foreshore for both its architecture and its sustainability measures. The earthy yet luxe interiors are beautifully in tune with the beachy location, the service consistently top notch and the modern Australian fare with a seafood focus is always a highlight of Melbourne dining. A special place for both casual and celebratory meals, Stokehouse delights all year round – whether it’s watching the frolics on the beach in summer or a moody storm rolling in over the bay in winter. Stokehouse
Claypots Seafood Bar | 213 Barkly St
A local stalwart, this rustic bar and restaurant serves fabulous, fresh and zingy seafood dishes including gigantic king prawns, whole fish and hearty Moroccan style claypots. It’s popular, busy and loud, plus their bar area often has live music.
Sorsi e Morsi | 29 – 31 Blessington St
A wonderfully rustic Italian café and wine bar, inside is cosy and welcoming, whilst the outside sitting area on the pavement is very European and perfect on a warm Melbourne night. The food is fairly simple – hearty, homestyle Italian classics presented without fuss, but just perfect to accompany a vino or two. Their breakfasts are also a highlight. Sorsi e Morsi
i Carusi II | 231 Barkly St
Tucked next to Sorsi e Morsi, Carusi delivers consistently good Neapolitan-style pizza in a suburb where great pizza is scarce. The small, rustic room—with timber floors and white walls—keeps things simple and unfussy. Gluten-free bases are available and a short but thoughtful wine list of Italian and Australian drops rounds out the relaxed, reliable offering. i Carusi II
Radio Mexico | 11-13 Carlisle St
A small but vibrant space, plus an intimate courtyard, Radio Mexico has been home to St Kilda’s best Mexican food for over a decade now. The fare leans towards Mexican street eats, with over ten fabulous taco varieties to choose from and plenty of other Mexican favourites on offer. The food is great, accessible and definitely very moreish. Bookings are not mandatory here, they warmly welcome walk-ins. Radio Mexico
Rococo | 85 – 91 Acland St
Rococo’s enduring popularity has led to it expanding across three shopfronts, and although it’s become a large and busy venue, it offers some more intimate dining spaces. They pack in the punters in here for very good quality, crowd-pleasing Italian fare – whilst the huge menu is rustic at its core, there are plenty of modern touches, spanning all the popular categories including pane, salumi, pasta, pizza and main varieties. This is a perfect go-to spot for solid, mainstream Italian in St Kilda. Rococo
Drinks…
Prince Public Bar | 29 Fitzroy St
This legendary local’s haunt has recently emerged from a much-needed makeover, with a large oval bar taking pride of place in the centre of the room and the Prince’s original art deco features, including a stunning ceiling, highlighted with new vigour and style. The beer on tap selection might be a little uninspiring in the age of the craft beer revolution, but the food menu is not – they’ve taken classic pub fare and elevated it a few notches with some refined twists, including a wood fired grill and a re-imagined counter meals section. The sunny sidewalk seating on Fitzroy St still lives on, and it’s a lively spot on a summer afternoon. Prince Public Bar
Freddie Wimpole’s | 125 Fitzroy St
Eclectically decorated in a whimsical saloon style, the food pays tribute to the American west, with hot dogs, chicken wings and other goodies just made for drinking, whilst the beverages flow freely at this lively bar. Freddie Wimpole’s
Captain Baxter | 10-18 Jacka Boulevard
Possibly Melbourne’s best beachside bar with a groovy outdoor deck, unsurpassed views over St Kilda beach and Port Phillip Bay, with a very lively atmosphere on weekends and summer evenings. The menu features mod-Asian street style fare. Captain Baxter
Cicciolina’s Back Bar | Rear, 130 Acland St
Secreted away behind the very popular restaurant of the same name, this is a grown ups playground with cosy booths, a very social bar to sit and chat at, a short but spot on wine list and hearty Italian share food. The retro inspired soundtrack is a surprise part of the package. Cicciolina’s Back Bar
The Village Belle | 202 Barkly St
The old girl of St Kilda pubs had a massive makeover in 2017, reopening with the old locals bar looking all retro and swish and a huge modern glass atrium (just like an indoor beer garden) added to the mix. The menu offers standard pub grub with a slight upgrade or two. The Village Belle
Hotel Esplanade (The Espy) | 11 The Esplanade
Fondly known as ‘The Espy’, after a prolonged closure and falling into disrepair, this icon was given a massive makeover and successfully relaunched in late 2018. The new Espy features a wonderfully eclectic choice of spaces, including various bars, music rooms, a restaurant and the famous front beer garden. The decor celebrates the long history of the venue, whilst also giving it a very fresh look and feel. It’s rebirth has bestowed on it incredible popularity, so the best time to visit is out of peak times, as otherwise you may be jostling for space once you finally get let inside. Hotel Esplanade
Bar Di Stasio | 31 Fitzroy St
The younger and somewhat more stylish sibling to Café Di Stasio (which is next door), the Italian menu is more contemporary, snacky and share style than the more formal menu in the restaurant, in fact it’s perfectly suited to enjoy with a glass or two of vino or a classic cocktail. Don’t miss the After School Sandwich… it’s pretty special! Bar Di Stasio
Where to Stay…
Whilst the CBD is only a 30-minute tram ride away, to really immerse yourself in St Kilda’s soul, stay local – there are handful of accommodation options, mostly located on or around Fitzroy St. Whilst there are also a number of hotels located on St Kilda Rd (equidistant between the City and St Kilda) there is not much around here to entice you to stay in this residential and corporate district, so if you’re not staying in St Kilda itself, opt to stay in the city.
The Prince Hotel | 2 Acland St
Not your average hotel room, recently refreshed though preserving the property’s art deco heritage, the designer rooms are a calm oasis from the grittiness of Fitzroy St, with clean lines and soft pastel colours. Splash out on a suite and live the rock star life. The Prince Hotel
Saint Kilda Beach Hotel | 35-37 Fitzroy St
An 80 room mid-scale boutique style hotel, the rooms are relatively modern, the beds very comfortable, with a bright café serving all the café style favourites for breakfast plus a small, cosy bar. Situated at the beach end of Fitzroy St, it’s an easy walk to anywhere you want to be in St Kilda. Saint Kilda Beach Hotel
Quest St Kilda Bayside | 1 Eildon Rd
Quest St Kilda Bayside offers practical serviced apartments in a quiet, leafy pocket between Acland and Fitzroy Streets, just minutes from the beach. Ideal for longer stays, the suites are functional and fuss-free – some with small private balconies. While not design-forward, it’s comfortable and convenient, with the bonus of an onsite gym and pool. Quest St Kilda Bayside
Must Do…
Linden New Art | 26 Acland St
Set in a historic nineteenth-century mansion on a leafy stretch of Acland St, Linden exhibits contemporary art in a light airy space, so it’s a fabulous place to escape from the craziness of St Kilda and catch your breath a little. Linden is a big supporter of local and indigenous artists and also holds regular events such as the popular Linden Postcards Show – an exhibition and competition that culminates in the six winning small-scale artworks being reproduced and sold as Linden postcards. Linden New Art
St Kilda Pier Penguins | St Kilda Pier
A sunset stroll along the famed St Kilda Pier is a special enough experience in itself, but if you’re lucky enough to visit the colony of baby penguins that resides in the rock breakwater just past the kiosk, you’ll feel flushed with a new level of cuteness! The penguins are usually most active around dusk. St Kilda Pier Penguins
The Palais Theatre | Lower Esplanade
The historic and elegant Palais Theatre has recently undergone a complete restoration, solidifying its place as one of the city’s most popular live music venues with a busy schedule of local and international artists performing here. The Palais Theatre
Featured Photo: ‘Sunset Strolling’ – St Kilda Foreshore
Travis. 
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