While this bar may be aptly named, seating just 15 people, its size says nothing of its quality. Pair an unexpected bar snack with a specialty cocktail and enjoy an intimate dining experience.

The Brunswick East burger shop makes only two burgers – and one ranks among the world’s best.

It's house-made noodles, dumplings and traditional rice wine inside this compact Korean dining room. Plus, grilled meat platters and small-batch soju.

This follow-up to Good Times in Fitzroy North is just as affordable as its older sibling. But there's an even bigger menu, with even more options. Plus a drinks list that's local and fun (we'll be trying one of the boozy punches).

This casual sibling to Etta – in the former Bar Romantica space – is the ultimate neighbourhood fave. Come for cocktails, generous pastas, a solid burger and DJs booked by a house music legend.

Athenian tavernas are the inspiration for this buzzy restaurant by two hospo veterans. Take a seat for slow-cooked lamb shoulder, creamy fava dip, moussaka and flaky bougatsa.

Polish food comes hot at this brutalist-inspired restaurant. Expect brightly garnished dishes, apple-cinnamon cocktails, a plethora of vodka options and, of course, pierogis aplenty.

This 65-seat taqueria, with a sizeable bar, is a hotspot for Mexico City cuisine including birria tacos, ceviche tostadas, tequila and mezcal, and house-made vegan horchata.

Expect woodfired pide, Moroccan chicken, and candied pumpkin with tahini at this father-son operation. Don’t feel like going out? The kitchen also runs a delivery-only kebab store.

A red neon arrow beckons you inside for a choose-your-own-chicken adventure. Just decide what cut, heat and sauce you want – then add on silky mash with 48-hour gravy and some wads of garlic-butter brioche.

Tucked beneath an apartment block, an ex-Kisume and Nobu chef perfects the Japanese art of robatayaki using a charcoal-powered parrilla grill. Take a seat at the bar overlooking the small but efficient kitchen for yakitori served every way and a diverse selection of sake by the glass.

Left-of-centre pizzas are the draw at this big, industrial-chic room from the Tipo 00 and Osteria Ilaria crew. Post up at the central bar for snacks and natural wines, or share bistecca and nebbiolo at a bistro-style table.

The sibling of Neighbourhood Wine is cool and comfortable. Take a seat at the bar, or in front of an open fire, and enjoy the rotating share plates and easy-drinking wines.

Family favourites from a Lebanese home cook.

This neighbourhood restaurant keeps going from strength to strength. Its latest incarnation, guided by the steady hands of owner Hannah Green and head chef Lorcán Kan, is one of Melbourne's essential dining experiences.

Fried and Tasty in Brunswick East is serving family-recipe fried chicken and killer sides and shakes,

This casual Italian joint has a fit-out reminiscent of the all-you-can-eat pizza joints of the ’90s. While it's not a classic buffet, the pizzas are worth your pennies – from classic capricciosa to a burrata-laden pie.

This casual Italian joint has a fit-out reminiscent of the all-you-can-eat pizza joints of the ’90s. While it's not a classic buffet, the pizzas are worth your pennies – from classic capricciosa to a burrata-laden pie.

Twin brothers Antoine and Bechara Taouk serve up Lebanese soul food, just like their grandma did at home.

A Naples inspired Italian restaurant with some of the best pizza in town.

There are over 80 sakes at this slick Japanese bar and eatery, which is housed in a former bank. Unlike many izakaya – which can get quite dark – Kumo's space is light, open and airy.

A hyperactive restaurant that serves mammoth-sized, affordable Thai food.

If you forget to book at this cosy neighbourhood restaurant, grab a seat at the bar, order a spritz and picture yourself in the streets of Palermo as you wait for a table. You’re in for home-style Sicilian fare, nostalgic Italian desserts and a welcoming vibe.

Since 2006, Joseph Abboud’s Middle Eastern diner has reached institution status. Come for his signature cheese cigars and advieh-marinated lamb shoulder. Plus, a 200-strong mostly Middle Eastern wine list and fiery charcoal grill.

This bagel-shop-turned-bar is open for just a few hours Thursday to Saturday and manages to squeeze a kitchen, cocktail station, and seating for 15 guests, into just five square metres.

Lebanon’s little-known student-led quest to conquer outer space inspired this charming wine bar. Here, Rumi’s owners offer flatbread sandwiches, charcoal grilled lamb skewers and Lebanese wines.

This self-proclaimed “dive bar for nerds” was born out of Melbourne’s music scene. Swing by the record-slinging spot for local beers and cocktails with names ripped from the world of horror. Or lose a few hours over Jenga and Mario Kart.

An incredible sound system. Absurdly good value house wines. And an unusual canteen-style window that passes drinks right onto the footpath. This is one of Melbourne’s most fun wine bars.

Australia's first permanent non-alcoholic bar and distillery. It’s got 100-plus drink options, including cleverly curated cocktails made with Brunswick Ace’s own booze-free gin, and a who’s who of non-alc beer and wine.

This colourful 350-capacity outpost for the beloved Beechworth brewery offers 30 taps, two bars and a jet-setting menu of crowd-pleasers. And it’s a working brewery, too, which means all of the Bridge Road favourites, plus site-exclusive special releases.

Live music and 12 shiny hotel rooms upstairs.

The younger sibling to Northcote's Joe's Shoe Store.

When you’ve finished your drop, just come back and refill.

A wine-focused bar-restaurant by La Luna’s Adrian Richardson.

Try you hand at winemaking without leaving the city.

Try you hand at winemaking without leaving the city.

A stylish yet unpretentious little bar.

Capturing the warmth and glory associated with bars of a bygone era.

A home away from home for many East Brunswick locals.

A sophisticated and cosy wine bar that's extra good in winter.

Suntop Plaza is the cosy beach town cafe away from the beach. Here the team serves poached chicken sandwiches with salsa verde, fruit-forward bakes and classic drinks.

This cafe has beautiful bones (think soaring ceilings and arched windows) and a globetrotting menu. Find Turkish eggs, Japanese omurice and a pour-over station for coffee lovers.

Post up on a bench seat for kaya (coconut jam) squiggled on toast, espresso banana bread and espressos brewed on one of three machines – not from Italy, but from Silicon Valley.

This all-day sandwich shop and cafe serves some seriously tricked-out sangas. There are around 10 to choose from, with a good amount of vego and vegan-friendly options. To drink, there’s strong coffee and fresh juice.

Huw Murdoch's fantastic slow-fermented sourdough loaves are well worth picking up to bring home, but we recommend heading to Wild Life for a meal if you can. Inside this striking converted warehouse, you'll find a mostly vegetarian menu where toasties are the heroes.

The gelato-focused spin-off of 400 Gradi pizzeria has an ample roster of classic flavours to choose from. Add some cannoli to your order while you’re at it.

Imbued with decades of Brunswick’s history and character.

A down-to-earth cafe that's been around for more than a decade.

A casual, kid-friendly, garage-style cafe in Brunswick East, with great coffee, breakfast and lunch.

From the ladies at Rosamond and Mixed Business.

This cafe is named after the 1985 Hüsker Dü album, but it's closer to laid-back folk than angst-ridden punk.

The Padre outlet that birthed a small empire.

Rustic loaves and sweet treats in the heart of Brunswick East.

A cheese-focused deli from the trio behind Tipo 00 and Osteria Ilaria. Expect left-of-centre cheeses (including mandarin-peel-wrapped ricotta), minimal intervention wines and a tight selection of cured meats.

This fast-expanding bakery group produces a vast array of sweet and savoury pastries, including quiches, sausage rolls, croissants, sourdough, doughnuts and meringues. But pies – both traditional and new wave – are its real calling card.

Vinh Le has been quietly making jeans in Brunswick for more than two decades.

Vinh Le has been quietly making jeans in Brunswick for more than two decades.

Bottle shops don’t get more personal than this.

A little pocket of colour in Brunswick East.