Food + Drink

We took one (well, several) for the team, Fitzroy. After many sticky fingers and a few spirited debates, including the all-important question of correct butter application, we’re proud to present our guide to the best hot cross buns in and around Fitzroy. From fruit-packed traditional buns to sourdough twists and other unique seasonal offerings, there’s something for every kind of bun lover. This deeply satisfying piece of fieldwork was fuelled by personal taste-testing and tips from fellow enthusiasts in the Fitzroy Local community. Our recent Instagram Story poll confirmed that fruit buns come out on top, but chocolate lovers are still a force to be reckoned with in Fitzroy. So, where should you start? Below, we’ve rounded up some standout bakeries serving up the goods this Easter. Consider it your official excuse to eat your way through the neighbourhood, one glazed bun at a time.

Autumn is here, and the evenings are calling for a glass of wine and somewhere warm to settle in. Whether you’re escaping the chill solo, planning a low-key date night, or catching up with friends, we’ve rounded up some of the best wine bars in Fitzroy. Cozy up with a glass of your preferred vintage this winter: from local pét-nats to international drops, these Fitzroy wine bars have something for even the most discerning palette! With some excellent new additions joining the neighbourhood this year, there’s fresh flavour in Fitzroy’s already stellar wine bar scene. Whether you are on the hunt for a new local favourite or simply keen to mix up your usual rotation, this guide is well worth a browse.

Bonny Bar is the kind of neighbourhood bar that feels like an instant classic: warm, welcoming and full of personality. With 30 specialty taps, creative signature cocktails and a focus on featuring all Australian and independent producers, Bonny is all about good times with a thoughtful touch. In this feature, Adam Betts and Ez Yiap share what inspires them, where they love to spend time around Fitzroy and what’s next for this Brunswick Street favourite.

Join us as we brunch Fitzroy! Embark on a culinary journey to the best brunch spots Fitzroy has to offer, discovering the hidden gems that will make starting your day an inspiring experience. From trendy spots serving up a classic smashed avo to cozy cafes dishing out healthy breakfast bowls, Fitzroy has something to satisfy every palate and craving. While there are a plethora of Fitzroy brunch places to choose from, this list rounds up some of the very best. From a quick bite between business meetings to a lengthy bottomless brunch, Fitzroy has it all!

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.