Food + Drink

A perfectly made flat white, a quiet courtyard and a warm chat with Merilyn and Jasper set the tone at Jasper Coffee recently. It’s the kind of place that captures why this Fitzroy favourite has endured for decades: the scent of freshly roasted beans in the air, conversation at the table, and a philosophy that reaches from Brunswick Street to coffee-growing communities around the world. It’s a business grounded in the perfect blend of place, purpose and people. We spent time with Merilyn and Jasper talking about the early days, the ethos behind the coffee, and what keeps them connected to Fitzroy.

REH Liquids is a bottle shop with a point of view. Female-founded, proudly local and built with care, it brings together bold design, thoughtful curation and a clear sense of purpose. Created by a mother and daughter duo who knew exactly what kind of space they wanted to build, REH reimagines what drinks retail can feel like when story, substance and community come first. From the name (a nod to HER, read backwards) to the products on the shelf, everything has been chosen with intention. It’s a place to discover something new, support local makers and feel good about what you’re drinking. In this Q&A, Joelene and Charlotte share the values that drive REH, what it’s like building something together, and why Fitzroy felt like the right place to bring their vision to life.

Fitzroy’s café scene is equal parts good coffee, friendly chatter and the kind of spaces where ideas have room to stretch. You’ll find laptops and sketchbooks sitting comfortably alongside croissants and flat whites, because in Fitzroy, working and catching up often blur in the best way. From award-winning roasters pouring silky brews to cosy corners that feel made for daydreaming, these cafés are as varied as the people who fill them. Whether you’re chasing focus, a spark of inspiration or just a cup worth walking across town for, Fitzroy has plenty to choose from. Here are some standout options that definitely make the shortlist.

After years shaping some of Melbourne’s most respected bars, from Congress and Black Pearl to Mr West and Apollo Inn, Belinda Linton and Luke Kelly distilled a big, ambitious dream into something smaller and more personal: Pendant. Here, Belinda and Luke talk about how they poured years of experience into one bar, the energy of an owner-operated space, and why comfort and connection will always matter more than trends.

When Suze opened earlier this year, it brought warmth, flavour and a touch of Italian flair to a quiet corner of Fitzroy North. With a thoughtful menu, a deep love of wine and a genuine sense of hospitality, co-owners Giulia Giorgetti and Steve Harry have created the kind of place that quickly becomes a neighbourhood favourite, equally suited to stopping in for a glass or settling in for a leisurely dinner.

As the air gets colder and the layers get thicker, there's a certain je ne sais quoi about the warm embrace of comfort food. And where better to find it than nestled in the charming French restaurants and bistros of Fitzroy and surrounds? Whether you're dreaming of sharing a classic French onion soup or a hearty beef bourguignon on a cozy winter date night, Fitzroy’s dining scene certainly doesn't disappoint when it comes to French offerings. The local French cuisine blends local ingredients with traditional French flair, whether you are settling in for a three-course feast or just grabbing a warm, freshly-baked pastry or sweet crepe on your morning walk. With Bastille Day celebrations approaching on 14 July, we've gathered a list of fantastic local French restaurants, cafes and bistros in Fitzroy and the surrounding area, ready to transport you straight to the streets of Paris.

What began with a love of bagels and a flair for experimentation has grown into one of Fitzroy’s favourite bagel destinations. After years of refining their technique, Carmen Newton and Jack Muir-Rigby launched Masses Bagels at local markets before opening their Smith Street shopfront. In this Q&A, Carmen shares how the journey unfolded, from learning to make bagels in a tiny shop in Japan to creating seasonal, flavour-packed favourites in Fitzroy — and what’s coming up next.

With Melbourne pulling on its grey winter coat, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite Fitzroy Indian restaurants to enjoy a spicy warming curry or aromatic chai this season. In classic Fitzroy fashion, Indian restaurants here offer unexpected delights beyond basic butter chickens or simple kormas. From upmarket fusion to authentic street food, spice-laced cocktails to a piled plate of home-style all-you-can-eat feasts, the Fitzroy Indian Restaurant scene highlights the best of what cuisine from the Indian subcontinent has to offer.