At this retro-leaning spot, your scoops might be inspired by the jam doughnuts at Preston Market, pay homage to the cannoli flavours served at a neighbouring Italian pasticceria, or use prickly pear grown locally in backyards.

This all-day eatery, bar and florist is the relaxed sibling to La Pinta, the buzzy Spanish-style bar over the road. Come for wine by the litre, house-made charcuterie, delicious things on toast and seasonal floral arrangements.

At a converted suburban warehouse, try wild-fermented beers by one of Australia’s most established brewers. Complex stouts, lagers and farmhouse drops sit alongside grazing boards and beer-spiked cocktails.

The chalked-up menu might change a lot, but the bang-for-your-buck is a constant at this buzzy, warmly lit diner. Go for tapas-style plates like wallaby tartare, Portarlington mussels and house-made pumpkin agnolotti. Plus, vermouth and lo-fi wines on tap. It’s no surprise getting a seat can be a bit of a challenge.

Everyone’s calling it “that ice-cream cafe”.

MasterChef meets MoVida in Melbourne’s north.

Fresh produce, great coffee and old English charm.