How To Spend 24 Hours in South Yarra

South Yarra’s skyline has changed a lot over the last decade or two, and its main streets nearly rival the CBD for hustle and bustle. Tucked away from the action are those famously expansive, leafy streets occupied by some of the most coveted mansions in Melbourne. So whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to linger or you’ve got a big day planned, it’s all right there – from an Italian restaurant which gives intimate a new meaning to a coveted wine bar, a deluxe chocolatier and long-standing boutiques.

The best part? Right now, Broadsheet Access is giving away a weekend stay in partnership with some of the suburb’s most-loved venues. You can still enter to win, by joining Access today. Save this list for your 24 hours in South Yarra.

Eat and drink

In the morning, head to Tivoli Road Bakery, where bread is the main game. The menu features sandwiches with thick-cut slices of soy-and-linseed bread, plus pies, sausage rolls and mouth-watering sweets. Don’t pass up the bouncy doughnuts with rotating flavours like lemon or salted caramel.

For a larger bite, Cucinetta is the neighbourhood’s pint-sized gem which doesn’t stray from northern Italian tradition. The menu is compact, using fresh fruit, vegetables and meat which arrive each morning. The restaurant is a mere 29 square metres inside, so it’s possible to come for dinner and chat with every other customer there. And to complete the Italian experience, there’s always a bottle of grappa on standby.

Of course, the Hot-Listed France-Soir is an institution in South Yarra, operating since 1986. It delivers classic French staples like steak tartare and crème brûlée, accompanied by one of the most extensive French wine lists in the country. And next door is its wine-bar extension Le Splendide, oozing that same charm (and boasting an even more impressive booze list).

Shop

On Toorak Road is Hommey ’s concept store, stocking homewares and textiles like stylish robes, cushions and towels using textural fabrics including boucle, velvet, cord and linen. And if it all gets too much, there’s always a comfy settee to snuggle into. For sweets, the Melbourne-born chocolatier Koko Black has its flagship here. You’ll find a dedicated hot chocolate bar, croissants, cakes, 40-plus pralines and a chocolate wall filled with around 700 blocks. Make sure to check out Le Louvre, too. It’s the oldest of the old-school retailers and has been operating for over 90 years. It’s a little off the beaten track, but well worth the side trip – the store curates some timeless designers, like Galliano, Lanvin and Giles Deacon.

Sleep

There’s no question, The Lyall Hotel is one of the classiest stays in South Yarra. The slick hotel recently underwent a two-year refurb, and the five-star experience now begins at reception – leave your car with the valet and be greeted with views of a tranquil Japanese garden on arrival. Your Parisian suite has French doors leading to a private balcony, and it’s fitted out with bespoke Tasmanian oak pieces and elegant materials like alpaca velvet and woven wallpaper. You’ll find a menu of pillows to choose from, a Dyson Supersonic hair dryer, Molton Brown toiletries, velour bathrobes and a coffee machine, too.

For your chance to win a weekend at The Lyall for you and a guest, join Broadsheet Access today. Plus, we’re throwing in a free dinner for two at Cucinetta, just down the street. But be quick – the competition closes soon.