Fitzroy North

The pasta spot where drawing on the table is encouraged. If that’s not your thing, the $9 pasta, $9 Negronis and $9 carafes of wine might be.

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

Authentic North African flavours that locals have been queuing for since 1998.

A vibrant South American eatery with a dedicated ceviche menu, a fiery charcoal grill and an extensive list of pisco cocktails.

A casual neighbourhood restaurant by legendary chef Donovan Cooke.

From the team behind Congress and Future Future, this cafe, grocer and wine bar is serving cacio e pepe eggs in the morning and locally made charcuterie – best followed with Sicilian cannoli – by night, in a room full of mid-century design flourishes.

A less than bothersome, coffee-making brother.

It's best known for its organic sourdough, but this bakery offers so much more.

A simple, subtle aesthetic speaks worlds for the minimalist style at this neat cafe in North Fitzroy.

Despite the Germanic origins of its name, Mitte offers modern Australian breakfast cuisine with an epicurean flair.

An old-school cafe still keeping up with the times.

A down-to-earth pub in Fitzroy North with one of the area's best beer gardens.

This backstreets local makes great burgers and stocks the right beers to drink with them.

Danish minimalism meets Italian wine bar. With a cinema.

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

A locally focused wine and snack bar in Fitzroy North by sommelier Michael Underwood.

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

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

These Melbourne designers are doing it for themselves in a romantic new space, complete with arches, terrazzo floors and marble benches.

A collection of imported products from antiques and furniture to a small selection of clothing.

A warm, communal bottle-o with 300 wines and 200 beers.

Community-driven organic produce.