Postcode 3065: Fitzroy

Just a short tram ride from the city centre, Fitzroy has long attracted Melbourne’s artistic types. Once termed bohemian, the area still attracts the city’s most creative individuals and as a result, its main streets – Brunswick and Gertrude Streets – are lined with boutiques, eateries and bars of all varieties. Independent clothing stores, quirky crafts and second-hand bookshops are just some of the delights on offer for shoppers, while daytime eateries and fine-dining establishments serve up some of the city’s tastiest cuisine. To cap off a day well-spent, visitors can indulge at one of the area’s popular bars serving award-winning cocktails.

Daytime dining

De ClieuA favourite among locals and visitors alike, De Clieu sits in the heart of Gertrude Street. Surrounded by stiff competition, this place is always bustling, thanks to its popular brunch menu and range of specialty coffees, teas and cakes. With large windows and sills that double as seats, polished wooden floors and furniture, the décor is as welcoming as its staff. 187 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy, +61 3 9417 6498

BabkaA classic bakery-come-cafe, Babka is has been around for more than 15 years and in that time has become an institution. It is small but its tasty, Eastern European-style menu items always satisfy and for that reason, visitors may need to queue for a table. 358 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065, +61 3 9416 0091

Backstreet EatingDown one of Fitzroy’s side streets, Backstreet has the feel of a neighbourhood café with a menu that features house-cured meats like bresaola (air-dried beef) and kassler (cured pork) which hang decoratively in the downstairs drying / function room. The menu is a combination of delicious seasonal dishes and irresistible breakfast and brunch options. The provedore store specialises in housemade charcuterie with workshops available for amateur cooks. All the butchery is done in house using the ‘nose to tail’ ideology. 152 Kerr Street, Fitzroy, ph: +61 3 9417 1212

Dining

Cutler and CoLocated in an old metal works factory, the restaurant reflects chef Andrew McConnell’s passion for exceptional and often unusual produce. Andrew’s only fine dining venue, Cutler & Co strikes a balance between elegance and simplicity. 55–57 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy, +61 3 9419 4888

Rice QueenRice Queen transports diners to a quirky and kitsch world; a place to sip sake, savour Asian-inspired cuisine and belt out a tune in the private karaoke room. Designed to host 15 people, the karaoke room is available seven days a week for lunch or dinner. 389 Brunswick street, Fitzroy +61 3 9419 6624

Smith & DaughtersWith a vegan menu consisting of dishes such as the ‘Sloppy José’, piled high with imitation ‘chorizo’, chipotle slaw, coriander cashew cream and accompanied by guacamole and chips, no one is going without at Smith & Daughters. In addition, the team has just opened a deli-style grocer and sandwich shop, just around the corner from the restaurant. The focus is on convenient, grab-and-go, homemade, traditional deli options – and like the restaurant, it is all vegan. 175 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, +61 3 9939 3293

Mario’s CaféClassic Italian with all the trimmings but none of the pretension, Mario’s is brilliant for breakfast and dinner – or breakfast for dinner, since they serve it until close. Visitors can catch the occasional art show on the walls, or watch Fitzroy’s street life from the window counter. 303 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, +61 3 9417 3343

Beach Burrito CompanyMelbourne’s first Beach Burrto Company has recently opened in the heart of Fitzroy. Serving the ever-popular Mexican and complete with an indoor skateable swimming pool Beach Burrito fits right into postcode 3065. Next door, Trippy Taco serves up Fresh Mex street food in brightly coloured surrounds without using any meat. Yes, that makes it vegetarian, and delicious, especially when served with a cocktail in the sun. 230-232 and 234 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy, +61 3 9415 7711

Bars

The EverleighThis stylish bar was recently ranked number 30 on the coveted World’s 50 Best Bars list, sitting comfortably alongside establishments in London and New York. Visitors enter through an American diner and walk down a dimly lit hall to reach a bar reminiscent of another era. The drinks menu is updated seasonally, however the house favourite is the Red Grasshopper – a sweet and spicy set up of fresh lime, honey, tequila and smoked paprika. 150-156 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy, +61 3 9416 2229

The Black PearlOne of the city’s coolest cocktail spaces and the only other Melbourne bar to make the World’s 50 Best Bars list, The Black Pearl comes in at number 37. This is a low-key lounge mid week before transforming to a heaving bar when the weekend arrives. To escape the crowds, head upstairs and ring the bell for entry into The Attic. Sit back in a leather armchair overlooking Brunswick Street and try a Zombie, their signature cocktail combining a variety of rums, citrus and Christmas spice, served tiki style. 304 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, +61 3 9417 0455

Bar ClarineFrom the owners of Belle’s Hot Chicken comes Bar Clarine, an uber small wine bar situated next to its clucking cousin. As well as an extensive wine list, the bar features a complementary food menu with a slight Southern accent – think griddled rice cakes with boiled peanut hummus or sardines on toast with a tomato gravy. But don’t’ get too wedded to any one dish, as the menu changes every 10 days. 150 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy, 9077 0788

Art & Craft

Rose Street MarketThe Rose Sreet Market is where those in-the-know find Melbourne’s best art and design talent. Each Saturday and Sunday there is a huge line-up of creative types selling their wares – from art to photography; fashion to food. 60 Rose Street, Fitzroy, +61 3 9419 5529

in.cube8rThis concept store is filled with small cubicles that can be rented out by that individual artists, who display and sell their crafts. The place is packed with unique, hand-made items, made by approximately 90 different artists, and they are sold at very reasonable prices, as the shop takes no commission. 321 Smith Street, Fitzroy, + 61 3 8415 0321

Centre for Contemporary PhotographySince opening in 1986, the Centre for Contemporary Photography (CCP) has established itself as one of Australia’s premier venues for contemporary photo-based arts. A not-for-profit exhibition and resource centre, CCP features a diverse range of photo-based arts from emerging to established artists. Its exhibitions are presented across five spaces and showcase individual, group and curated exhibitions representing the very best of local, interstate and international photography. 404 George Street, Fitzroy, +61 3 9417 1549

Contemporary jewellery fiends can get their fix at Studio Ingot, where the work of more than 50 jewellers artists is on display or Gallery Bini, for a selection of local and international contemporary jewellery.

Retail therapy

Almost all the shops on Gertrude Street are independently owned, and encompass local and international fashion as well as eclectic homewares and lust-worthy galleries. Every one is worth a peek, so it is hard to choose a few but visitors can keep an eye out for: local womenswear designer Obus, homewares by Spacecraft, timber designs by Ebolo, Books for Cooks and Smart Alec Hatters.

Brunswick Street is home to a variety of Melbourne designers including búl, Alpha 60, Leonard Street and Gorman.

Over on Smith Street, visitors can check out local designer boutique Tanner and Teague; Lupa, where everything is made in Melbourne; and shoe makers, Preston Zly.