One of the many joys of living in Docklands is the free tram service that takes you straight into Melbourne CBD. With two long weekends coming up and if you’re staying in town, why don’t you jump on the tram and head into the city or even beyond to enjoy what our Melbourne retailers have to offer! Here are a few of my favourites:
Tram 35 (City Circle)
City Loop
City Wine Store
159 Spring St, Melbourne
City Wine Store offers a hand-picked selection of international and local wines. Pop in any time of the day to grab a snack or main as their kitchen is open from midday to 9pm. Their dishes are simple, hearty and delicious. Even though they take bookings, I love that they always have a section for walk-in customers.
Tram 11
Starting from Victoria Harbour
Regent Theatre
191 Collins St, Melbourne
This is the home of the sell-out musical Moulin Rouge in Melbourne. Do you know you can walk up to the ticket office and with a stroke of luck, they may have tickets available that are not shown online? It’s certainly worth giving it a go!
Beyond CBD
Ryne
203 St Georges Road, Fitzroy North
This neighbourhood restaurant changes its menu regularly. The food here is refined, the set-up is casual and the service is impeccable. Spoil yourself and your loved ones with the tasting menu, or take a step further by pre-ordering their Signature Experience. It’s certainly going to leave an impression.
Tram 48
Starting from Victoria Harbour
Mejico
1 Pink Alley, Melbourne
Hidden in one of the laneways in 80 Collins precinct, this quirky restaurant offers delicious Mexican food and cocktails. The guacamole is one of the best in town and they put it together at your table just before serving.
Beyond CBD
Ocha
3 Church St, Hawthorn
This institution has been serving modern Japanese to local residents for more than 20 years. The quality of food is ace and the wine list is comprehensive. I would suggest making a booking before you head over as they are quite popular, especially on weekends.
Tram 30
Starting from Etihad Stadium
David’s Hotpot
279 La Trobe St, Melbourne
As the temperature drops, hotpot is one of the most comforting foods to go to. You can order up to 3 flavours of soup base to share. Just the heads up – the spicy soup can get really spicy!
Beyond CBD
Breizoz French Creperie
Entrance On, 2/49 Brunswick Street, Gertrude St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
This hidden gem opens all day until 6pm serving traditional French crepes from savoury to sweet. Make sure you check out the shops on Gertrude St while you’re there, they are mostly Melburnian designer fashion, art and homeware stores.
Tram 75
Starting from Etihad Stadium
Nomad
Underground, 187 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
This has to be one of the hottest restaurants in town at the moment offering yummy modern Australian fare. They only offer a set menu at dinner service. They are very generous with their serving so if you are a small eater, perhaps you want to go at lunch where you can order a-la-carte.
Hibiki
1161 Toorak Road, Camberwell
Enjoy your brunch in true Melburnian style with their Aussie X Japanese fusion dishes. On Thursday - Saturday nights, they serve up delish futuristic Japanese dishes with a great sake list to match. This place is very popular amongst locals and its popularity has certainly grown to attract patrons from all areas. So lucky to have a tram that takes us straight to its door.
Tram 70
Starting from Waterfront City
Lune Croissanterie CBD
Enter via, Shop 16/161 Collins Street, Russell St, Melbourne
You may or may not know, “the best croissant in the world” praised by New York Times has an outpost in the city just 3 mins up the road once you get off the tram on Flinders St. They have also recently offered pre-orders from this city store to avoid popular items being sold out early.
Beyond CBD
Future Future
191 Swan St, Richmond
We recently had a team lunch here and we had the best time. The food was delicious and so were the cocktails. Staff members were attentive and be sure to ask for “the round table” if you are in a group of 6 or more. It is also an easy stroll to all the chic bars in the area after a meal.
Tram 86
Starting from Waterfront City
Luci
472 Bourke St, Melbourne
This new-ish Italian restaurant has a concise menu and every dish was done perfectly. Set in the Hilton hotel's heritage-listed premises, the entry to this venue can be easily missed. Pay attention when you get off the tram and once you’re inside, I guarantee you’d be impressed by the architecture and the fit-out of this place.
Beyond CBD
Welcome to Thornbury
520 High St, Northcote
This popular beer garden offers the best food truck options in town. Check on their website for their roster if you have something specific in mind. What I love about this place is that there is something for everybody and new options every day! If you’re heading there in a big group, you can also make a table reservation.
While we are spoilt with choices in our local area, it’s always nice to explore out of the city and indulge in new experiences. So, load up your Myki, get on the tram and explore some new places. Please also share with me your recommendations as I’m always curious to try new places!
