Best Restaurants in Brunswick
If you’re talking about restaurants in the sense of places that take bookings and offer table service, Brunswick is surprisingly light on. What it does have is a wealth of affordable pubs, falafel joints and other casual eateries that suit the local population of students, musicians and artists. Even on a cold weeknight in winter, expect to find these relaxed restaurants filled with good people and good vibes. If you're looking for somewhere on Lygon Street, check out our guide to the Best Restaurants in Brunswick East.
Restaurant
Good Days
Vegan-friendly Vietnamese. Yes, it exists.
Restaurant
Bhang
From the owners of Tom Phat, Bhang serves Indian street food in the north.
Bar
Bar Magnolia
A petite, dimly lit wine bar serving classic French bistro fare, like sweet and savoury tartes tatin, crème brûlée and coq au vin with a twist.
Restaurant
Ollie’s Pizza Parlour
Pizzas that fall somewhere between Neapolitan and New York-style. Pull up for spicy, garlicky clam pies (with chowder-like cream); zhooshed-up Hawaiians; crispy, cheesy mozzarella sticks; boozy desserts; and live music.
Restaurant
Los Hermanos Mexican Taqueria
Half restaurant, half bar and always a party. Owner Bruno Carreto was born in Mexico and did a stint in a taqueria there before opening Los Hermanos. As you'd expect, the tacos and gorditas are the real deal. Don't forget to choose a tequila or mezcal from the blackboard.
Restaurant
Juanita Peaches
Some of the best fried chicken in town.
Restaurant
Brunswick Mess Hall
A mix of business – from boutique beers to summer punch and Asian cuisine served Spanish-style.
Bar
Waxflower
Blending elements of Melbourne cafe, European wine bar and Tokyo-style “listening bar”, this buzzing spot hosts vinyl-only DJs five nights a week, with no cover charges. It’s one of the best places in town to hear recorded music.
Bar
Union Hotel Brunswick
Look for the locals sitting out front drinking jugs, right next to the overpacked bike racks. Set in a former strip club, this is a true local – offering good pub grub, craft beer and live music.
Bar
The Cornish Arms
This warm and inviting pub is renowned for two reasons. First, it's got one of the most vegan-friendly menus in Melbourne. And second, its sunny and expansive rooftop bar ranks among the best in Brunswick.
Restaurant
Very Good Falafel
Shuki Rosenboim and Louisa Allan opened this spot in 2016 on a strip packed with other options. Its secret to standing out? The chickpeas: Allan’s dad grows them in the Mallee. Here, they’re ground daily and fried to make crispy golden falafel for pitas and platters.
Cafe
Tom Phat
All-day dining at this Thai-infused cafe on Sydney Road.
Cafe
A1 Bakery Brunswick
The most beloved Lebanese bakery in Melbourne, open since 1992. The bustling environment, with its small wooden tables and Arabic posters, delivers sweets, plus Lebanese pizzas, spinach and cheese pies bursting with soft haloumi.
Restaurant
Small Time Pizza
New York-style pizzas served by the slice (or whole), cut from 55-centimetre pies. Small Time also doubles as a music hub, helping small artists make the big time. Find a homey front bar and rooftop, plus live music and a recording studio.
Bar
Bar Spontana
This backstreet bar focuses on wild-fermented drinks like saisons, lambics, organic lagers, sakes, mezcals and rums. Get them alongside punchy Thai dishes like house-fermented sausage, fried-banana-blossom salad and charcoal-grilled skewers.
Restaurant
Madonna Electric
A kitschy, maximalist diner with Franco Cozzo furniture and truly original pizzas. Thin-crust numbers feature creative combos like smoked ham and caramelised pineapple. Plus, share-friendly wines and fun cocktails.
