Posted by Fitzroy is one of Melbourne’s most distinctive inner-city suburbs, an inclusive, creative community that sits just minutes from the CBD yet feels worlds away. Long celebrated for its pub culture, street art and nightlife, Fitzroy continues to evolve while holding tightly to the character that made it famous. Leafy residential streets of heritage cottages and converted warehouses sit alongside bold new apartment buildings, creating a delicate balance locals hope never tips too far.
The suburb’s main arteries each offer a different personality. Brunswick Street is the most well-known; lively, busy on weekend nights, packed with bars, retro shopping and long-standing favourites like Babka and Vegie Bar, plus plenty of other cheap eats venues still hanging on. Gertrude Street, meanwhile, quietly punches above its weight and is Fitzroy’s best strip for dining out, lined with independent boutiques, concept stores, galleries and seriously stylish restaurants and wine bars. It’s more understated, more hip, and arguably where Fitzroy shines brightest.
Great coffee is everywhere, particularly around Rose Street, home to the popular Rose Street Artists’ Market and Fitzroy Mills, held metres apart each weekend. Smith Street forms the border with Collingwood, and some of our recommendations spill just over the line, because in these neighbourhoods, great food, culture and creativity don’t stop at the postcode.
Don’t forget to check out Travis’ guides to other Melbourne locales; Melbourne City, Carlton and St Kilda.
Just Coffee…
Toby’s Estate | 35 Rose St
Acclaimed Sydney coffee brand Toby’s Estate feels right at home in Fitzroy, set within a sleek warehouse conversion. A wide choice of beans to take home, killer cookies and pastries, plus plenty of seating for lingering over excellent daily brews. Toby’s Estate
Thieves. | 36-38 Kerr St
Thieves. is a Melbourne-founded coffee roaster tucked away on a quiet residential street. The warehouse space feels like a retro living room, complete with comfy sofas, jazzy tunes, and a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere perfect for relaxing over a really good coffee. Thieves.
Burnside | 87a Smith St
A small, sparse café that essentially just offers great coffee and a selection of fresh gourmet sandwiches and pastries. Perfectly located to grab a coffee before jumping on the 86 tram route. Burnside
Plug Nickel | 7 Peel St
Warm, rustic and welcoming, Plug Nickel is a local favourite for good reason. Quality beans from multiple countries, excellent croissants, sangas and breakfast rolls, plus a sunny outdoor deck. Cool morning tunes keep a loyal crowd of caffeine-loving regulars happy. Plug Nickel
Breakfast & Brunch…
Industry Beans | 70-76 Westgarth St
Fitzroy is the brand’s HQ, where coffee is treated with near-religious focus. Housed in a vast, light-filled white warehouse, it’s unapologetically Fitzroy and super contemporary. The large, ambitious menu leans rich and decadent, think chilli barramundi folded eggs, fig and goat’s cheese omelette, and eggs Benedict on a toasted maple croissant. Plenty of pastries, generous booth seating and long banquettes make it ideal for catchups or settling in with work. Industry Beans
Lumen People | 262 Johnston St
Lumen is a warm, gently buzzing spot serving coffee, wine and seasonal plates in a relaxed, inviting space. A simple back room suits lingering brunches, soundtracked by low-key tunes. The creative menu shines with delights like grilled zucchini tartine, roasted peach with oat crunch and whipped yoghurt, and thyme ricotta hotcakes, accompanied by fresh blood orange juice, a serious full-page coffee menu, and thoughtful, kind service. Lumen People
Arcadia | 193 Gertrude St
Arcadia delivers a dependable, well-sized breakfast menu covering all the classics, done with care and quality – nothing overly adventurous, just solid fare that hits the mark. High ceilings and large windows create an inviting, welcoming space, with curb-side dining for sunny mornings. Light bites suit quick starts, and Industry Beans coffee keeps things reliable and familiar. Arcadia
South of Johnston | 46 Oxford St
A laidback brunch spot where mimosas set the tone, the large menu ranges from light bites to decadent options, including Southern-style baked beans, chilli folded eggs, sandwiches, salads, and tempting cakes. Housed in a high-ceilinged warehouse, the homey space offers communal tables, smaller seating, a lounge, and a sunny deck. Dog-friendly, sustainable, and buzzing with a diverse crowd, it’s the perfect spot for relaxed brunches, casual catchups, or lingering over cocktails. South of Johnston
Proud Mary Cafe | 172 Oxford St
Opened in 2009, Proud Mary was one of the early cafés that helped put Collingwood on the dining map, and it’s still firing. Coffee is the clear hero, with their own blends, espresso, cold drip and a deluxe pour-over menu – their coffee is now poured in many other top cafés. The sleekly converted warehouse space is buzzing, centred around a huge baby-blue espresso machine. The food menu offers creative, complex brunch items like tamarind eggplant omelette or tropical pavlova, it’s not a good fit for simple eaters though. Proud Mary Cafe
Blonde Food + Drink | 443 Brunswick St
At the northern end of Brunswick Street, Blonde delivers modern breakfast favourites with ease, from breaky burritos and chilli scramble to a solid shakshuka. Coffee is taken seriously, with single-origin espresso and pour overs on offer. The dining room is cute and buzzy, blending old-school elegance with contemporary touches like white painted brick, green banquettes, blonde timber tables and simple hanging plants. It all comes together to create a warm, welcoming vibe. Blonde Food + Drink
Alimentari | 251 Brunswick St
Alimentari has been a Fitzroy local stayer since 1998, tucked into a converted workers’ terrace that feels more like someone’s sitting room than a café. Coffee is by Veneziano, with a thoughtful tea and matcha menu, plus mimosas and breaky cocktails if the mood strikes. The food balances simple and a touch more exotic, from a standout Italian workers’ breakfast to Persian eggs and semolina porridge, while the abundantly stocked display cabinet tempts with sandwiches, salads, baked goods and take-home meals. Alimentari
Lune Croissanterie | 119 Rose St
Lune is world renowned for a reason. This cult croissanterie still draws queues to its artfully converted warehouse, where the beautiful aroma of freshly baked goods hits instantly. The croissants are exquisitely flaky and buttery, with the original still the benchmark – no is butter needed. There’s a small but tempting range of other flavours, including almond, finger bun and seasonal specials. Grab a good coffee and sit at the bar to watch the mesmerising precision taking place inside the glass production cube. Lune Croissanterie
Lunch & Dinner…
Anada | 197 Gertrude St
Anada is a cosy, buzzy gem, quietly delivering some of the best Spanish food in the area for over 15 years now. The traditional tapas menu, with entradas, raciones and nightly specials, is executed simply and perfectly. Simple sourdough with their creamy spread inspired by Ajoblanco soup (garlic, almonds, olive oil, salt), is a standout starter. The compact room, red brick walls, concrete floors and high bar create a warm atmosphere, complemented by a Spanish-heavy wine list and engaging, informed service. Authentic, unpretentious, and consistently excellent. Anada
Marion | 53 Gertrude St , Fitzroy
From Trader House collective of restaurants by chef Andrew McConnell, Marion bills itself as a wine bar, but it’s actually more of a dining venue as the casual though inventive food is what really takes centre stage here. The menu offers European inspired share dishes, from light and snacky to a few more substantial items. The wine list is as impressive as the food, running to pages and pages of drops from across the globe, including a dedicated section for magnums and plenty of hard to find varietals. The smart decor and attentive staff round out the perfect package. Marion
Cutler | 55-57 Gertrude St
Cutler, formerly Cutler & Co, has recently rebranded to a more casual yet still polished dining experience. The dramatic space features high ceilings, luxe booths, architectural lighting, and arched windows, with a moody centre room and an industrial back room. Classic dishes shine, like aged rib eye, roast duck crown, prime cheeseburger, and seasonal seafood including two oyster varieties. Delicate cocktails and an extensive wine list with sommelier guidance complete the experience. Another standout venue from the Trader House collective. Cutler
Napier Quarter | 359 Napier St
This is a warm, all-day venue modelled on classic European wine bars, and it nails the brief perfectly. A small, considered menu flows easily from snacks to larger plates, backed by seasonal produce, daily additions and standout rock oysters. Even the house pickles shine and there’s daily baked desserts presented on the bar. The wine list is short but smart, spanning Australian, European and a playful Pink(ish) section. The room is cosy, polished yet lived-in, there’s attentive service and an adjoining apartment for overnight stays if you just can’t leave. Napier Quarter
Poodle | 81-83 Gertrude St
Poodle offers a little slice of Paris in Fitzroy with good-quality French-leaning bistro fare. Start with oysters, before moving onto small bite-size starters and heavier mains like half duck a l’orange – though do save room for show-stopping desserts. The classic, dark bistro interior features chequered floors, art-lined walls, and a half-screen separating the bar and dining area. Service is considered, and while not every dish hits the mark, the wine list complements the menu beautifully, making it a charming spot for an intimate meal with a touch of French flair. Poodle
Tamaru Sake Bar | 43 Gertrude St
This is a funky, intimate spot with a central high bar perfect for socializing, with vinyl records lining the walls and also providing the soundtrack. The menu features all your Japanese favourites like gyoza, sashimi, yakitori and ramen, plus some snacky drinking fare. Lunch offers a reduced menu. Drinks include a very small wine list, cocktails built around yuzu and other Japanese flavours, and a good sized sake selection, making it a vibrant spot for casual bites and drinks. Tamaru Sake Bar
Marios | 303 Brunswick St
Marios is a Fitzroy institution, blending old-school hospitality with a modern ethos since 1986. Classic Italian fare shines, with generous portions and a daily specials board, hearty and rich pasta is a standout, while mains like chicken saltimbocca provide more variety. White tablecloths and muted jazz add charm, and they also serve breakfast. Mario’s European sensibility and consistent quality have earned it true local icon status, and it still delivers after all these years. Marios
Good Days | 86 Smith St
Good Days on Smith St serves fresh, simple Vietnamese with zingy flavours, think pho, salads, and spring rolls that all hit the mark. The modern, casual space offers bar seating, perfect for a quick meal or lingering to work through the menu. Food is prepared and served with minimal fuss, making it an easy, satisfying spot for both fast bites and more relaxed dining. Good Days
Drinks…
Bar Liberty | 234 Johnston St
A smart neighbourhood wine bar that nails both wine and food, with a few killer cocktails thrown in. The split-level, concrete-lined space is simple and characterful, decorated with art and empty bottles from nights past. The wine list runs deep and is European-leaning, though a handy short list saves time for the indecisive amongst us. The food menu is concise and ideal wine bar style fare, with petite servings designed for pairing with drinks. Pricey vino bottles exist, but affordable gems reward the curious. Bar Liberty
Pendant Public Bar | 334 Brunswick St
Pendant feels like a fancy saloon, equal parts welcoming and polished. Honky tonk tunes set the mood, with happy hour running until 6pm. The international wine list leans European, Portuguese drops sit alongside locals, and changes seasonally (one of the owners is a real wine aficionado). Cocktails stick to classic Martinis and a few house pours, while snacks are proudly old school like Samboy Chips and Nobby’s Nuts. Booths, a long banquette, brick walls and a pressed iron ceiling complete the lived-in feel of this relative newcomer to the Fitzroy bar scene. Pendant Public Bar
Amarillo | 149 Brunswick St
Amarillo has a relaxed, local charm, the kind of place you’d visit weekly if you lived nearby. Vinyl records spin low-key tunes while chatter fills the pared-back, timeless interior. The wine list is thoughtful, mainly European with some Victorian and Australian picks, featuring surprises like a herbaceous Txakoli. Cocktails are extensive, food is Iberian-style and made for sharing. Simple decor and attentive service emphasize the core fundamentals of good hospitality, making it effortlessly welcoming. Amarillo
Black Pearl | 304 Brunswick St
Black Pearl has been setting the standard for Melbourne cocktail bars for over 22 years, and it’s still at its best. Awards line the top shelf behind the bar, earned through a tight, seasonally changing cocktail list rather than excess. Ingredients aren’t obvious, but drinks come together effortlessly. The room is comfortably elegant with pressed iron ceiling, long leather banquettes and vintage pendants. A few wines, beers, frozen cocktails and two non-alcoholic options are alternatives to the main cocktail list. Black Pearl
The Elysian Whisky Bar | 113 Brunswick St
The Elysian is a niche, whisky-lover’s den focused on rare, unique and independent bottlings. A vast menu lists age and alcohol content for every pour and can feel daunting, so lean on the knowledgeable bartenders for guidance. With fewer than 30 seats, it’s dark and cosy, with jazz tunes humming and shelves stacked with bottles to the ceiling. Beer and wine are available, but Whisky truly rules here. The Elysian Whisky Bar
Moondrop | Level 1, 150-156 Gertrude St
Moondrop has taken over the old Everleigh site, hidden behind a small doorway and upstairs in a split-level, classic bar room. Timber panelling, mahjong-tile tabletops and slow ceiling fans set the tone. The food menu leans Asian, with dumplings for snacking, accompanied by mini cocktails and a standout Moondrop Negroni using tangerine sweet vermouth. The staff signature drinks shine, and a full page of low and no-alcohol drinks rounds it out nicely. Moondrop
Above Board | Level 1, 306 Smith St (enter via the laneway off Perry St)
Above Board is a true hidden gem, quietly located upstairs off a back-alley door and doing its own thing for over nine years now. Just 16 seats wrap a single bar in a calm, Scandinavian-leaning room. Nine classics and nine signatures are on offer, but nothing else – no beer or wine. It’s cocktail-only, seated service, and all about conversation with the skilled bar team. Proof that doing one thing, and doing it well, still works beautifully. Above Board
Hands Down | 139-141 Greeves St
Hands Down, from the same team as Above Board, keeps things tight and confident. Around twelve cocktails span several categories, with a fortified focus (sherry and brandy feature heavily), plus there’s Gildas for snacking. A slick 70s vibe plays out in timber walls, the cork ceiling and retro pendant lights. Efficient service, a lively soundtrack, sidewalk seating and a small, curious wine list attract a young, groovy crowd. Hands Down
Pubs…
The Gertrude Hotel | 148 Gertrude St
The Gertrude is a beautifully renovated, small and intimate pub that feels instantly welcoming. A white exterior with timber Venetian blinds hints at the warmth within, while the pavement seating glows under fairy lights and is surrounded by planter boxes. Inside, timber panelling delivers restrained elegance, complemented by an elevated, interesting wine list. Food goes beyond pub standards with thoughtful dishes alongside pasta and pizzas. Add a cute rooftop terrace and you’ve got a true local gem. The Gertrude Hotel
Builders Arms Hotel | 211 Gertrude St
This landmark 1853 pub was given a thorough makeover a decade or so ago by the Trader House group, giving it a new lease on life. The décor strikes the perfect balance between old-time pub and modern bar & bistro. It’s cosy and warm in winter, whilst the large pavement seating area or compact courtyard out the back are ideal on a summer afternoon. The modern bistro fare includes a classic grill section and there’s nightly specials too – this is amongst some of the best ‘pub grub’ you’ll find. Builders Arms Hotel
Union Club Hotel | 164 Gore St
Fans of the popular and quirky television series Offspring will love this laidback local pub, as it featured prominently in the series. But even if you’ve never heard of Offspring, you’ll still feel welcomed by the worn but oh-so-comforting decor, friendly vibe and hearty pub-grub menu (with pizzas available too). The old-time elegance of the dining room is a great place for a long winter’s lunch. Union Club Hotel
Fitzroy Town Hall Hotel | 166 Johnston St
Another classic pub given a snazzy yet sympathetic makeover, blending pared-back elegance with genuine comfort. It’s a convivial community spot where conversation trumps the music. The front bar is bright and social, while the dining room leans provincial farmhouse. Pub classics are lifted with a modern Euro touch, from BBQ roast chicken with cos and kipflers to harissa-spiced lamb shoulder. A European-leaning wine list rounds it out nicely. Fitzroy Town Hall Hotel
Marquis of Lorne | 411 George St
A cosy corner pub with a dark, warmly lit interior and a convivial crowd of locals. The menu goes well beyond standard pub fare, hitting all the right notes with sharable starters like cured kingfish, sticky pork croquettes and retro potato cakes. The mostly high tables keeps the main bar lively and social, but there’s a more relaxed dining room upstairs, and a better-than-expected wine list too. Marquis of Lorne
The Provincial Hotel | 299 Brunswick St
This rustic-chic pub has commanded a prime position on Brunswick St for many years, and whilst the ground floor bar still buzzes on weekends, the newer rooftop bar has given a new reason to visit and linger. In contrast to the more traditionally decorated downstairs bar, the rooftop space is bright, funky, airy and has pleasant low-level views of Fitzroy. A pub for all tastes in some respects. The Provincial Hotel
Where to Stay…
The StandardX, Melbourne | 62 Rose St
The new StandardX strikes a smart balance between boutique charm and practicality. Handy for Tram 96 with the city just 10 minutes away, it sits in a quiet street but near enough to the Brunswick Street buzz, and the Rose Street Markets are just next door. Rooms are well-appointed, light-filled and modern without feeling over-designed. A cosy rooftop bar delivers skyline views, while a lively French bistro adjoins the lobby. The staff are genuinely helpful and the hotel is a scale that feels intimate yet with all the trappings of a bigger property. The StandardX, Melbourne
lyf Collingwood | 42 Oxford St
lyf works best for short, solo stays. Rooms are compact and mostly functional, with a very comfortable bed but an awkward climb in and out over a ledge. Showers impress and floor-to-ceiling windows flood rooms with natural light, though storage is minimal. A decent communal lounge anchors the lobby. Set on a quiet street just minutes from Smith Street, it’s a hybrid co-living concept that doesn’t quite land the vibe it’s aiming for, but still a worthwhile option for a short stay with good value rates. lyf Collingwood
Napier Quarter Guesthouse | 359 Napier St
A small, cute bluestone cottage that sleeps just two, perfect for living like a true local in the heart of Fitzroy. Immaculate, retro-leaning style with a clean, sparse aesthetic and thoughtful touches throughout. The leafy outlook from the windows is onto a serene street setting, yet you are only moments from lively Brunswick St. Adjacent to the beloved wine bar, it’s charming, intimate and quietly stylish – a fabulous and restful inner-city retreat. Napier Quarter Guesthouse
Featured Photo: ‘Old Fitzroy meets New Fitzroy’ – The StandardX
Travis. 