When I travel for business, I take a FIFO approach (flit in, flit out), and often rue I don’t allow myself time to explore the city I am in.
A recent trip to Melbourne had me typically short on spare time, my schedule denying me the luxury of exploring this great city’s eatable streets packed with classic bistros, bustling lunch spots and hidden bars waiting to be discovered.
So as I trudged up Little Collins Street, pulling my trench coat in tight as the autumn wind bit through me, I made a mental note of the vibing places I’d stop at if I had time to eat and drink my way through an afternoon here.
So, for next time you’re in Melbourne, here’s how I’d attack this little part of the city.
If you try any of these spots, leave them a google review. It’s my favourite way of finding hot spots when travelling somewhere new or rediscovering my own backyard.
Pigeonhole – unique gift shop for girls, guys and kids from books to candles and jewellery. Always worth a browse.
Bench Coffee Co – bustling boutique micro roastery that epitomises Melbourne coffee culture. If I was here all day, I’d also try Bearded Brothers Espresso and Industry Beans.
Momo Central. Damn, I love good, traditional momo! I pop my head in and am taken aback by how packed this Nepalese bolt hole is. Nepalese momo are a bit of a rarity, so much so that I check my watch to see if I have time to grab a couple of those steaming bundles of joy. Afraid not. High on my list for next visit here!
Da Guido 365 looks like the cutest little Italian find, nearly obscured from street view as you pound further up the hill on Little Collins. Just looking at their insta account is making my mouth water!
Can one do an Italian restaurant and a pizza joint in one day? Would be a hellavu long lunch BUT passing by A25 Pizzeria Centro, with it’s neon sign insisting “pizza is sexy” makes me think that’s entirely possible. Again, I wondered would I have time to grab a slice before my next meeting…?
Now, I’m not much of a cookie eater, but I know plenty of people are. Its mid afternoon by now and there’s a line up out the door of The cookie box cbd so my culinary curiosity is sufficiently piqued for me to not only put it on this list but aim to get there next time I’m here.
I’m nearly at my meeting, and if I’d actually stopped at all these delightful spots I’m not sure I’d be able to go any further! But stick with me, we’re almost done…
Roti Bar captures your attention even before you notice what it is. A throng of diners sit at outdoors tables eagerly awaiting this Malaysian fare for a Wednesday lunch. Still more people are lining up for tables or takeaway. It smells divine, and whilst this wouldn’t be my usual lunch choice, my senses are telling me I must give it a go.
At this point I turn onto New Chancery Lane which is fronted by Soujourn, a big blue shipping container housing a rowdy lunch crowd (on a Wednesday!). They do a bottomless lunch on a Saturday and have a tidy rooftop where you’re perched amidst Melbourne’s skyline.
I pass Chancery Lane, which is closed, but it hosts a happy hour from 5-7pm with oysters and champagne.
It’s at this point I know I have to write down all these potential gems and share them with everyone.
I do hope I get my day on Little Collins, totally overindulging in these nooks and that they’re all as fabulous as they promised to be.
But if you beat me to it, perhaps you’ll let me know?
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