Lots of people visit my neighbourhood without really knowing where to go and what to do, so I thought I’d put together this must-visit guide to ensure that you eat and shop well when you are in my neck of the woods. Let’s do my ‘hood!
1. Grub Food Van
This is honestly my favourite place to go in this neighbourhood. I love their smashed avocado, but they also have really cool boards laden with cheese and small goods and veggies and things. The staff are as smashing as the avocado. There is a giant Airstream trailer parked outside and it’s perfect for littlies because there’s a fishpond and a little play area. Grub is dotted with gorgeous plants, crocheted blankets, interesting objet (said the French way) and rustic/nostalgic furniture. If you want to annoy the other diners by piffing a ping pong ball in their latte you can totally do that because there is a ping pong table at the ready! 87-89 Moor St, Fitzroy
2. Vintage Garage
On Smith St, Marisa’s Vintage Garage is an emporium of gorgeous things to wear or buy for your home. You are guaranteed to spot something you or your granny might have had and you can have it wrapped up and paid for on the displaced car bonnet that serves as a counter (sort of Mad Max style!). Whether it’s the 50s or the 80s that’s your era of choice, Vintage Garage has the frock/tie/scarf/coat for you! 318 Smith St, Collingwood
3. Books For Cooks
This bookstore was named one of the best foodie bookstores in the world by Bon Appetit magazine and I totally agree. Well, I haven’t been to any other foodie bookstores if I am completely honest with you, but I do know cookbooks and pretty much every single one I have ever wanted is in this shop. I am a bit of a cookbook addict, so I’m not just talking about the latest Jamie or Nigella when I big up their range. They’ve got tons of hard-to-find titles and vintage editions, too. If you love to cook, you must go here. 233 Gertrude St, Fitzroy
4. Cibi
My friend Michelle and I meet not often enough at this gorgeous Japanese cafe and store. I super love the soba noodle salad, but even the jam and toast has a more delicious spin than your usual version. The staff are lovely and the shop is a complete delight, filled with interesting, carefully curated things you will want to take home. 45 Keele St, Collingwood
5. Victoria Mason Jewellery
It’s not often that you get to chat up the maker when you buy something pretty for yourself. Luckily Victoria Mason has a store attached to her studio on Gertrude St, so you can not only buy the things she’s just created, you can even catch a glimpse of where they were made. It’s a delight to see people forging on in creative careers, and indeed excelling at them. Pop in on Vic and get inspired. 5/19 Gertrude St, Fitzroy
6. Union Club Hotel
Fans of Offspring might recognise the Union as the pub that Nina and family were drinking in when her place burnt down in season one. Of course, it has popped up in other seasons too, usually with Mick singing something urgently as Billie frowned worriedly at the bar. In real life, The Union is a much quieter place with the best Bloody Marys in Fitzroy and a sneaky rooftop, perfect for hiding out on sunny days. Sadly, they have wrapped shooting for season five so you are unlikely to spot John Waters or Deb Mailman chugging a beer. (If you look diagonally across the road though, you’ll see Proudman Real Estate’s location on the corner!) 164 Gore St, Fitzroy
7. Hinoki Japanese Pantry
This place is new, but it’s really good. They have a really great range of Japanese groceries but the highlight is the super fresh, super delicious, super beautifully made sushi and sashimi. Not only do they make it really quickly, it’s probably the best takeaway sushi you’ll find in Melbourne. I really love the salmon and spicy mayo option (in case you needed to know that!) 279 Smith St, Fitzroy
8. Gelato Messina
The famous Sydney scooporium has made its way to Melbourne and cute hipsters line the footpath to sample a bit of pistachio or blood orange or tiramisu gelato. My advice is to go there during the day on a weekday – after work or weekends is crazy busy. I always have a scoop of blood orange and a scoop of raspberry, but you should choose YOUR faves. As long as one is blood orange. It’s the best one. I promise. 237 Smith St, Fitzroy
9. Little Salon
Little Salon is a Fitzroy Institution, filled to the brim with cute, clever, independently made pieces for the accessory, stationery or fashion lover. Their stock is beautifully curated and the shop ladies are super nice and always happy to offer advice, have a chat or wrap the things you buy. 71 Gertrude St, Fitzroy
10. Klein’s Perfumery
This place smells really good. A little oasis dedicated to beauty, health and fragrance, you’ll soon forget the kebab shop you walked past in favour of something more orange blossomy or lemongrassy or rosy or spicy. The people who work in this shop know everything about their products and what might smell/look/be nice for you. There are lots of things to sample and consider; in fact, if you don’t leave Klein’s feeling more beautiful/sweet smelling I will poke myself in the eye. 313 Brunswick St, Fitzroy
11. Jimmy Grants
George Colombaris opened his own kebab shop just off Smith Street in Fitzroy and he’s totally living the garlicky, pita bready, hot chips and salad dream. Luckily for us, he is the sharing kind. You can pop in and grab your swank souva for well under $10. Yum. 113 St David St, Fitzroy
12. Vintage Sole
I buy a lot of my clothes here because they buy really great stuff and make it look vintage-brand-new again. They have great shoes and boots and neat bags. Mostly I buy dresses and pinafores here though. If you are looking for cute stuff for menfolk or ladies, you might like this place too! 195 Brunswick St, Fitzroy
These are really just a handful of my favourites amidst Fitzroy and Collingwood. I’d also recommend:
- The Vegie Bar: Delicious vegetarian food – try the Mee Goreng: 380 Brunswick St, Fitzroy
- Yong Green Food: More vegetarian fare – last time I was there I had the Tofu Katsu #yum: 421 Brunswick St, Fitzroy
- Aunt Maggie’s: A really awesome organic/healthy supermarket with great body products: 188 Gertrude St, Fitzroy
- Third Drawer Down: The world’s best gift shop featuring cute/cool collectibles, artist series tea towels and other rad stuff: 93 George St, Fitzroy
- Sonido!: Super fresh, super yum South American food and sweet people: 69 Gertrude St, Fitzroy
- Polyester Records: Record stores are usually few and far between, but not in this neighbourhood. Visit Polyester at 387 Brunswick St, Fitzroy (There’s also Title and Northside Records on Gertrude St!)
- Mud Australia: Mud have their own store chock full of their signature ceramics: 181 Gertrude St, Fitzroy
- Obus: Cute, independently owned and Australian made, Obus collaborates with other great young clothing designers and I just really like their stuff: 226 Gertrude St, Fitzroy
- Spacecraft: This store was featured on The Block last year. It’s a treasure trove of beautifully printed and curated homewares guaranteed to excite the interiors enthusiast: 225 Gertrude St, Fitzroy
- Storm In A Teacup: Not just a cafe, but a bar and a specialist tea shop too! 48 Smith St, Collingwood
