This sleek and confident spot is by a couple who have worked at some of Melbourne's best wine bars. It shows. Come for warm service, an interesting drinks list, and European dishes and snacks with a light Australian accent.

This family has finessed home-style Indian over decades. Out the back, the parents slow-cook tandoori chicken tikka and “everyone’s favourite”, butter chicken. Out the front, the kids ferry hot curries and lassis to busy tables.

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 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.

Behind a tucked-away side door, the Terminus Hotel’s elegant dining room is powered by a Josper oven that turns out a tight but terrific steak selection. The pastas and desserts that are no afterthought, either. Try them all in an intimate chef’s table experience.

Although the menu changes often at this neighbourhood restaurant, regulars keep coming back for the beautiful dining room, old-school Italian hospitality and extensive 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.

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 Italian-leaning wine bar serves remixed pastas and classic Italian dishes in a room full of mid-century design flourishes. And there's an on-site bottle shop with Aussie and Italian booze.

This Italian-leaning wine bar serves remixed pastas and classic Italian dishes in a room full of mid-century design flourishes. And there's an on-site bottle shop with Aussie and Italian booze.

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.

Buy a bottle of wine or BYO at this bistro and wine store.

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.

The best Indian in Fitzroy North.

Sit up at the bar or outside in the heart of Fitzroy North village over an unpretentious and affordable bowl of pasta. The owner of the neighbourhood spot is a self-professed wine lover, filling out the mostly Victorian wine list with ones she’d drink herself. Better yet, you can bring your own.

The Arms is an ode to good old Aussie footy pubs. Mains are approachable, slightly elevated, pub classics. But the snacks and desserts nod to dishes popular throughout the venue’s life, like a riff on apricot chicken and sticky date pudding.

Serving the neighbourhood since 1871, this old boozer is now run by the Marquis of Lorne crew. Its pub staples are more elevated than most, from rock oysters to roast lamb rump. And there’s still plenty of old-school charm.

A piece of Northern California in North Fitzroy.

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.

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

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

The kind of neighbour you’ll want to spend every weekend with. Its tome-like wine list spans France, Italy, Georgia and Australia. And the menu counts handmade pasta, elevated veggies and an unmissable Sunday roast.

Right near Edinburgh Gardens, the Tramway is an ideal spot for post-picnic pints. It’s best known for its towering burgers, stacked high with pulled pork or nori-crusted tofu.

This cafe goes back to basics with minimal yet cosy interiors, rustic homestyle cooking, and a community-focused approach to customer service. Order hearty sandwiches, seasonal salads, breakfast pizza and sliced apple pie.

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.

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

Blink and you might miss this tiny, light-filled Japanese cafe wedged into the corner of a modern apartment block. Teas and mainly things on white, thick-cut toast are mainstays, but comforting curries and omurice pop up often.

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

Meal-sized toasties in a homey setting.

A tiny cafe dedicated to the simple pleasures of toast.

A modern, airy cafe set against a Scandinavian-influenced backdrop.

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

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

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

This bakery has been a Fitzroy North Village since 2005. Its versatility is its greatest strength: the excellent sourdough is bolstered by a line-up that includes plenty of pastries and gluten-free cakes. Don't miss the hot cross buns at Easter-time.

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

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

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.

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

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

Community-driven organic produce.

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

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

Brand-new clothes and accessories for men, women and newborns.

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