Brunswick Street's Best Bites

Fitzroy, Melbourne, is a foodie's paradise. From cheerful Japanese joints to sophisticated wine bars, the suburb has blossomed through the renaissance of Melbourne's cultural boom and is now home to some of the highest-rated diners in the city.

Brunswick Street, in particular, is a hub of culinary delights. One of Australia's oldest Afghan restaurants, the Afghan Gallery Restaurant, is adored by locals and tourists alike. Hecho en Mexico has been serving up authentic Mexican cuisine from its flagship restaurant for over a decade. For a fun-packed kitsch Pan-Asian experience, head to Rice Queen Oriental Diner and Bar, or try Tora Dumplings for a taste of Shanghai. For those with a sweet tooth, Gelato Messina is a must-visit.

If you're after a drink with a view, head to Naked for Satan. This hip bar and restaurant is known for its intriguing decor and impressive vodka selection, as well as its Basque finger food and panoramic views of the city from its upstairs diner.

Fine dining

Fitzroy, Melbourne's oldest suburb, is a culinary hotspot, with a diverse range of dining options, from cheerful Japanese joints to sophisticated wine bars. Here are some of the best fine dining spots on Brunswick Street:

Maven by Morgan at 402 Brunswick Street is a recent addition to the Fitzroy dining scene, taking over the spot previously occupied by Rustia. The menu features shared-style dishes with a modern European twist. The daily baked focaccia and the Biscoff tiramisu, served tableside, are must-tries.

Alta Trattoria at 274 Brunswick Street brings the flavours of Northern Italy, specifically the Piedmont region, to Melbourne. The menu showcases the unique combinations of ingredients typical of the area, such as mussels with anchovy and parsley sauce, and roasted lamb rump with lentils and pancetta. The restaurant has a laid-back vibe, making it a great choice for comfortable yet elevated dining.

Mukka, at 365-366 Brunswick Street, is an Indian restaurant known for its solid flavours and abundance of gluten-free options. Their banana leaf fish fry and selection of curries are highly recommended.

Rosella Dining Room & Bar, located at 350 Nicholson Street, just off Brunswick Street, offers a fine dining experience with a good wine list. TheFork users have given it a rating of 9.3/10.

Gogyo, at 413 Brunswick Street, is another popular choice for fine dining. Their signature charred miso ramen packs a punch of flavour, and their spicier dishes deliver a real kick.

For a more casual fine dining experience, head to Naked for Satan at 285 Brunswick Street. This vibrant restaurant and bar serve iconic dishes like baked camembert, herb-crusted lamb rack, and passionfruit and blackberry pavlova, all accompanied by panoramic views of the city.

Bars and pubs

Melbourne's Fitzroy neighbourhood is known for its eclectic bar scene, with something to suit every taste. Here are some of the best bars and pubs on Brunswick Street and the surrounding area:

The Workers Club

Located at 51 Brunswick Street, The Workers Club is a staple of the Melbourne music scene, having helped launch the careers of several famous musicians. It's a great spot for affordable food and drinks, with deals like $2 pots and a $15 lunch special. The pub also hosts trivia nights and other events, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

The Lord Newry Pub

Also situated on Brunswick Street, The Lord Newry is a charming pub with a laid-back vibe. They offer a variety of drinks and a diverse food menu that includes veggie pizzas, meat pizzas, and hearty meals like the Portobello Mushroom burger and T-bone steak.

Naked for Satan

With pornography on the walls and one of Melbourne's best rooftop bars, Naked for Satan is one of the most famous bars in the city. It offers a solid food menu and an extensive range of drinks. The only downside is the elevator, which can be a bit slow.

Bar Open

A Fitzroy legend, Bar Open has been a mainstay of Melbourne's live music scene for over two decades. It supports a wide range of genres and features art and mural-splashed walls that embody the unique culture of the area. The venue also has a delightful beer garden and a cozy fireplace, making it a perfect spot for any occasion.

The Standard Hotel

The Standard Hotel, located just off Brunswick Street, is a quintessential chilled-out Aussie pub. It offers good food and drinks, with a classic old-style feel and a fantastic beer garden.

The Provincial Hotel

The Provincial Hotel is a classic Aussie pub with a lovely open-air rooftop. The upstairs is more relaxed and focused on views, while the downstairs area is more of a party atmosphere.

The Rum Diary Bar

With a pirate theme and a selection of over 200 different types of rum, The Rum Diary Bar is a unique spot for drinkers with a taste for adventure. They also serve their own Rum Diary spiced rum, and customers can enjoy a crafted spiced rum cocktail while smoking a cigar.

The Fitzroy Beer Garden

The Fitzroy Beer Garden is a versatile venue that serves as a peaceful beer garden during the week and a lively party pub on the weekends. They offer nightly food and drink specials, and it's a great place to dance the night away with friends.

The Napier Hotel

The Napier Hotel, located just off Brunswick Street, is known for its delicious food, friendly staff, and good beer garden. They offer a range of dishes, including kangaroo and the 'bogan burger', as well as decent vegetarian options.

Vegetarian and vegan spots

Brunswick Street in Fitzroy is a must-visit for vegans and vegetarians, with over 50 vegan-friendly eateries along this street alone. The area has a large vegan community, and most cafes and restaurants offer a diverse range of plant-based options that are both healthy and delicious. Here are some vegetarian and vegan spots to check out:

Vegie Bar

Located at 380 Brunswick Street, Vegie Bar is a Melbourne institution, offering an array of divine vegetarian dishes encompassing noodles, Buddha bowls, and pizzas thoughtfully crafted with vegan cheese alternatives. Vegie Bar has been a fixture on Brunswick Street for over three decades and is one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Melbourne.

Transformer Fitzroy

Owned by the team behind Vegie Bar, Transformer (located at 382 Brunswick Street) focuses on innovative plant-based dining. The menu features treats like slow-roasted tomato tartrate and sweet corn fritter fries with chipotle mayonnaise.

Afghan Gallery Restaurant

Afghan Gallery Restaurant, located at 327 Brunswick Street, was the first Afghani restaurant to open in Australia. They offer plenty of vegan options and a traditional Middle Eastern ambiance with beautiful decor. Highlights include Bolani, Sholla-e Gorbandi, and Golpee.

Madame K’s Vegetarian

Madame K’s Vegetarian, at 367 Brunswick Street, is a beautiful Thai and Asian restaurant with a moody, romantic atmosphere. The menu features vegan-friendly dishes like Banana Roti, Gado Gado, Vegan Laksa, and Panang Curry.

Masti - Indian Restaurant

Masti, at 354-356 Brunswick Street, is a stylish Indian restaurant with a large vegan menu and a vegan curry night every Tuesday. Highlights include Onion Bhaji, Aloo Gobhi, and Bhindi Do Pyaza.

Rice Paper Scissors

Rice Paper Scissors, located at 307 Brunswick Street, is an Asian fusion restaurant with many vegan options. The menu features dishes like Balinese Pumpkin Curry, Mushroom Dumplings, and Tofu-Chilli Noodles.

International cuisine

Brunswick Street in Fitzroy, Melbourne, is a hub of international cuisine, with restaurants, cafes, and bars offering a variety of global dishes. Here are some places to consider for an international dining experience:

Afghan Gallery Restaurant

This restaurant, located at 327 Brunswick Street, is an institution in Brunswick Street and one of Australia's oldest Afghan restaurants. It opened in the 1980s and is known for its community-minded spirit, supporting Afghan refugees arriving in Melbourne. The restaurant serves traditional Middle Eastern dishes in a space adorned with traditional art and decorations. The menu offers a range of vegan options, including "Bolani", "Sholla-e Gorbandi", and "Golpee".

Marios

Marios is a classic Italian restaurant located at 303 Brunswick Street. Established in 1986, it offers a traditional yet distinctive menu, with breakfast served until 5 pm. The restaurant is known for its unpretentious atmosphere, excellent coffee, and local and international wine selection. The walls of Marios showcase a dynamic exhibition of artworks by local and emerging artists.

Ichi Ni Nana Izakaya

Ichi Ni Nana, located at 127 Brunswick Street, is a stylish and modern Japanese restaurant. The large and colourful space offers a diverse menu covering various aspects of Japanese cuisine, including sushi, gyoza, tempura, ramen, and don. The drink list features sakes, Japanese-influenced cocktails, and craft beers from Tokyo.

Farro Pizzeria Fitzroy

Farro Pizzeria, located on Brunswick Street, is a modern Italian restaurant specialising in organic spelt pizzas and pastas. The restaurant caters to various dietary needs, offering vegan cheese and gluten-free options. In addition to the food, the house-made tiramisu is a popular choice for dessert.

Hecho en Mexico

Hecho en Mexico, situated on Brunswick Street, brings the flavours of Mexico to Fitzroy. The restaurant has been serving authentic Mexican cuisine for over a decade in a vibrant setting with pink and aqua neon vibes.

Anada Restaurant & Bar

Anada, located on Gertrude Street, invites guests to discover the flavours of Andalusia, Southern Spain, and the Muslim Mediterranean. The rustic space showcases exposed brick walls and a vibrant, colourful atmosphere.

Rice Queen Oriental Diner and Bar

Rice Queen, located on Brunswick Street, is a fun-packed, kitsch Pan-Asian diner with DJs and a private karaoke room. The airy and playful dining space is adorned with beautiful lanterns, creating a unique atmosphere. The menu offers vegan, gluten-free, and fructose-free options, including Crispy Szechuan Eggplant and Shiitake Dumplings.

The Viet Rose

The Viet Rose, located on Brunswick Street, was the first Vietnamese restaurant to open in the area in 1996. It offers an eclectic menu with classic Vietnamese dishes like vegetable and tofu pho, mock duck with plum sauce, and curry laksa noodles.

Bon Ap' Petit Bistro

Bon Ap' Petit, located on Brunswick Street, offers a modern twist on the traditional French bistro. The menu features classics like steak frites, French onion soup, and crème brûlée, paired with a wine list covering major French regions, whiskies, and classic cocktails.

Tora Dumplings

Tora Dumplings, situated on Brunswick Street, brings a taste of Shanghai to Fitzroy. The stylish interior features signature red walls and exposed brick, creating a unique dining atmosphere.

Nyala African Restaurant

Nyala African Restaurant, located at 1/356 Brunswick Street, specialises in Ethiopian cuisine. The restaurant is situated on the first floor, offering a beautiful view of Brunswick Street through its windows. It has a special vegan menu, featuring dishes like "Keek Wot", "Futari", and "Gomen".

These restaurants showcase the diverse international cuisine scene in Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, offering a range of global dining experiences to suit various tastes and dietary preferences.

Cheap eats

Brunswick Street in Fitzroy, Melbourne, is a hub of eateries, with plenty of options for those looking for a cheap eat. Here are some top spots to grab a bite without breaking the bank:

Hooked

Hooked is a nautical-themed seafood joint offering a healthy take on the classic fish and chips. With high-quality, fresh ingredients, Hooked won't break the bank. The lunchbox special, served daily between 12 pm and 4:30 pm, includes a choice of grilled or battered fish or calamari, with a side of salad, hand-cut chips, sticky rice, or bok choy for just $9.90. Students can flash their cards for an even better deal, choosing from fish with chips, rice and bok choy, or a fish or veggie burger for only $7.90.

Bimbo Deluxe

Bimbo Deluxe offers $4 pizzas at select times, including weekdays from 12 pm to 4 pm, Sundays from 7 pm to 11 pm, and Saturdays from 7 pm to 9 pm. With thin crusts and interesting toppings, these pizzas are a steal. The rooftop beer garden provides the perfect spot to enjoy your meal, and gluten-free bases are also available for a small extra charge.

Palookaville

Palookaville is all about no-frills, delicious food at affordable prices. Every main on the menu is just $14, featuring options like roast duck, BBQ beef spare ribs, and chicken saltimbocca. With a relaxed and casual atmosphere, this restaurant is a great choice for those seeking good food without the luxury price tag.

Jimmy Grants

Jimmy Grants serves up delicious souvlakis for under $10. From prawn wraps to duck wraps, there's something for everyone. Don't miss their famous Mr. Papadopoulous, with lamb, mustard aioli, chips, onion, and parsley, or the Homer, a felafel wrap with Greek yoghurt and slaw. Salads and homemade wagon wheels are also on offer, and with George Calombaris behind this joint, it's no wonder it's a popular choice.

Viet Rose

Viet Rose is a classic Asian restaurant offering giant bowls of hot and sour pho or laksa soup, with rice or egg noodles, for just $10. The beef pho is a favourite among locals, and with honest and friendly staff, Viet Rose is a great choice for a cheap and cheerful meal.

Naked for Satan

Naked for Satan offers a unique dining experience with $2 pintxos, small slabs of sourdough topped with various delights like anchovies, roast chicken, and pesto. Head upstairs to Naked in the Sky for their $9 lunch special, where you can indulge in a full baked snapper or melt-in-your-mouth beef cheek without breaking your budget.

Frequently asked questions