Hey y’all!
I told myself to complete this write up before my next trip and here I am now compiling all the unique eating places which I’ve been to during my last trip in Aug this year (2016). There are definitely more hidden gems located in this beautiful city which I call my second home. Maybe I can unearth them up during my future trips there to visit my beloved God daughter and buddies.
For those going to Melbourne for the first time, this may not be a good guide for you because first timers usually go to the usual touristy and popular places. Follow a tour if you need to but if you like free and easy like me, maybe you might wanna check out my previous posts of the following:
Ok let’s start this unique eating journey now.
1. GLADSTONE VIEWS FISH & CHIPS (CAR BONNET EXPERIENCE)
If you’re renting your cars from APEX like I did, you may be hungry after all the documentation. I found this little takeaway store not too far away, just to try some local fish and chips. It was surprisingly good, so was the burger. Just don’t look at how they prepare the food though, hygiene is definitely questionable. But after deep frying, no worries mate! Afterall, how often you get to enjoy lovely weathers and savour your food off your car bonnet? 😉
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/7fkKQd5uRF12
2. HELLO COFFEE (DOCKYARD EXPERIENCE)
Found this little gem when I was at Apollo Bay. Located amongst a dockyard area, Hello Coffee started less than a year ago. Very self-sufficient by roasting their own beans and getting supplies from the neighbouring farms. Totally envy them on the the freshness of these supplies! A very nice place to chill and would revisit if I have another chance.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/z1kRSjfsiHC2
3. FOCUS COFFEE (RARE COFFEE BEANS EXPERIENCE)
Little do many know that this coffee joint imports their beans from the world renowned Ninety Plus Coffee whose coffees are largely sort after. Coming here you will definitely satisfy your caffeine cravings. You may wanna check out their daily specials as well if you’re feeling peckish, they change their menu frequently.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/eEb9hZDzU9S2
4. LONGRAIN RESTAURANT (HIDDEN GEM EXPERIENCE)
Tucked at the end of Little Burke Street, this restaurant is always crowded with locals mainly and little do they know that the chef there used to work in Michelin starred restaurants. It was recommended by a manager at a whiskey distillery down at Apollo Bay area. The Thai-influenced fusion food was amazing all the way from appetisers to desserts and the wine selection was pretty good as well.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/BtEmZaTm7Tw
5. THE VERTUE OF THE COFFEE DRINK (BEHIND PETROL KIOSK EXPERIENCE)
This one’s a winner. Finding this place is half the fun! I circled around a few rounds just to find this place. What’s even better is, they have awesome beans which are roasted in-house and the food is just to die for! Service wise is just excellent. Definitely needs a revisit!
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Y4mStF9jQXS2
6. AUNTY PEG’S (NO MILK EXPERIENCE)
Aunty Peg’s is a spring off of the famous coffee roaster/cafe Proud Mary. This premise not just roast for their own branches but supplies to other cafes as well. so what’s so unique about this place? They only serve black coffee… meaning, they do not have milk at all. So if you love coffee as it is, you can order your filtered coffees and espressos here like I did. Nightmare to milk base coffee drinkers. Heh heh…
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Lg1taTM87zy
7. IZAKAYA DEN (UNDERGROUND EXPERIENCE)
Like some of the places listed here, half the fun is finding them. I came across this place by chance and was indeed quite hard to find. Service is excellent, food is damn good. A little pricey though, but the quality is what you are paying for. Check out below how I found the place.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/EgTSuduZkEG2
8. BROTHER BABA BUDAN (CHAIRS OVERHEAD EXPERIENCE)
Ok this place is not exactly hidden but I have not written about it for my previous trips. But the unique thing about this place is that they hanged all the chairs up on the ceiling! But of course their coffee is good as well… Seven Seeds is a little hard to go wrong. 😉
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/xjs4JQ3P8LE2
9. MART 130 (TRAIN STATION EXPERIENCE)
This is another unique place which is introduced by a friend. Love this old train station converted into a cafe. The food here is actually pretty good! Coffee is ok. Best place for brunch but can get super crowded.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/na5uw1rjXKt
10. EASEY’S (TRAIN CARRIAGE EXPERIENCE)
Easey’s is one of the most unique places I’ve been. From the above train station, to eating in a train carriage. Not a common place for tourists but definitely a great place to satisfy your burger cravings.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/aKHBsFnq47s
Alright that’s all for now, Melbourne never fails to amaze me with new stuffs with every visit. Feel free to ask me about Melbourne if you’re planning a trip there via eatwithroy@gmail.com. I’ll reply as soon as I can. Till my next post, Merry Christmas y’all!
Gastronomically yours,
Big Roy