Restaurants

  • An imposing wood pizza oven welcomes you at Pizzeria Magma, a neon-lit diner in the former Supermaxi space. Come for Naples-style pies, plus small plates, antipasti and a fun, fizzy wine list.

  • This Sri Lankan restaurant is a Fitzroy North favourite. It has one of the best (and cheapest) buffets in Melbourne – regardless of cuisine.

  • Its falafels are crisp, fresh and 100 per cent vego. They’re packed into pitas with a staple combo of Israeli salad, house-made hummus and tahini. The sabich and haloumi are crowd-pleasers. Go for the pita or order your meal piled high on a plate.

  • The best Indian in Fitzroy North.

  • Danny’s is the second oldest burger shop in Melbourne. But it’s kept up with the times, plus you can nab one of these old-school fish’n’chipper-style burgs (and maybe a dim sim spiked with soy sauce) until late every night.

  • This charming neighbourhood pub changed hands in 2023, but held on to its nostalgic ‘70s feel. Come for quiet pints in the front bar and an Italian-influenced menu that nods to its long history.

Cafes

  • Chicken, chips, gravy and salads by a former Mamasita chef.

  • A sunny corner cafe opposite Edinburgh Gardens that has (despite the name) plenty of room to dine in. You might go for creamy breakfast congee, cilbir (Turkish eggs), burnt Basque cheesecake or pastries from Wild Life. As the name implies, there’s also a spot to stand and enjoy your coffee if you’re on-the-go, made with Standing Room’s own house blend.

  • Enter through the discreet side gate, order at the garage window, then head to a leafy nearby park with a saucy meatball sub and a side of fries loaded with either bolognaise or carbonara – made from family recipes.

  • Hefty sangas, including a stand-out roast chicken on multigrain sourdough, dominate the menu at this takeaway-friendly cafe opposite the Edinburgh Gardens.

  • A tiny cafe dedicated to the simple pleasures of toast.

  • Meal-sized toasties in a homey setting.

Bars

  • One of Melbourne’s favourite pub groups has added the 1871 neighbourhood watering hole to its stable. And while the bright green facade might be gone, the corner pub still has all of its old-school charm.

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  • Hit this north-side favourite for Italian-leaning pub fare and a strong community vibe. When the sun is shining, the retractable roof peels back and the beer garden at The Empress teems with locals seeking shade among the palms.

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  • This craft beer destination also has a sophisticated steak restaurant. Head out back to Cinder for incredible Josper-grilled steaks, or settle into the carpeted public bar for quality pub grub.

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  • The kind of neighbour you’ll want to enjoy long, languorous meals with. Expect a tome-like wine list that spans France, Italy, Georgia and Australia. Plus a share plate menu that might include excellent handmade pasta, elevated seasonal veg and an unmissable Sunday roast.

  • Danish minimalism meets Italian wine bar. With a cinema.

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  • Four old hands are behind this no-fuss bar, which is complete with ferns and a fireplace.

Shops

  • Former sommelier Campbell Burton is behind this smart store, where 200 bottles of organic, sulphur-free wine rest in temperature controlled cabinets.

  • A sweet little bakery in North Fitzroy making artisan cakes, biscuits, pastries and loaves of bread.

  • A wine and craft beer purveyor with some of the most helpful, knowledgeable staff around.

  • A warm, communal bottle-o with more than 300 wines and 200 beers. Plus, tables out the front where you can sit and enjoy a glass.

  • Punk, post-punk, noise, metal and more.

  • Strike it rich at this inner north crate-digging institution.