South Yarra Living: Here Are Some of the Area’s Top Spots (and Newest Apartments)

South Yarra ’s skyline has undergone a dramatic transformation in the past decade, with medium- and high-rise towers bringing a renewed vibrance to the area. While it’s long been known for its leafy streets and heritage mansions, it’s also become popular for its impressive new apartments.

One of its latest openings is Haiku's new property The Claremont , a build-to-rent development by real estate and property management company Greystar. It has move-in-ready apartments with a long list of amenities, all while being walking distance from some of the best places to eat, drink and relax in South Yarra.

If you’re thinking of making the move, or already a local who wants to explore more around your home, we’ve put together a guide to some of South Yarra’s top spots.

Eat

Restaurants in South Yarra range from fine dining to laid-back, casual eateries, with almost every cuisine on offer. For a French experience that’s attracted the likes of Bruce Springsteen and Mick Jagger, France-Soir is a long-time favourite among locals. The brasserie has been busy every night since it opened in 1986, serving French staples like steak tartare and duck breast, along with oysters and champagne.

At the cosy Nora Thai , you’ll find some of Melbourne’s most exciting southern Thai food. Highlights from the menu include the khua kling, a fiery dry red curry with pork mince, and a sour fish curry with shrimp paste. For sandwiches served on pillowy shokupan, visit Japanese cafe Fuumi Fuumi. There’s a rotating range of sandos, with savoury options like classic chicken katsu, or sweet toppings of peanut butter and brûléed banana.

If it’s American comfort food you’re after, Leonard’s House of Love will be your go-to. Inspired by a ’70s log cabin and bar – complete with a lounge room and pool table – it’s got classic burgers, fried chicken and loaded fries. Stop by on the weekend for drinks and DJ sets until 3am.

Drink

Whether it’s a refined rooftop or casual wine room, one thing you’re guaranteed to find in South Yarra is a great bar. To see a show-stopping sunset, head to the 24th floor of Goldfields House on Chapel Street and grab a drink at Beverly. Inspired by southern Californian rooftops, this bar and diner boasts a 270-degree view of the city, which you’ll want to catch at golden hour. Stop by for a seafood small plate, prawn spaghetti, or smoky mezcal-based cocktail.

Back on the street, wine bar Don’s in nearby Prahran is cosy and communal, with its 12-metre-long shared table and kitchen bench. The fluid menu revolves around share plates like flatbread with confit garlic and a rotating pasta line-up, while the wine list is simple and accessible, ranging from Aussie pét-nats to European chilled reds.

Wanna grab a drink somewhere nice, but are too lazy to leave the building? Residents at Haiku's new property The Claremont can use the rooftop bar upstairs – whether to meet and hang out with fellow residents, or for a much-needed breather all by yourself.

Entertain

You can also use the rooftop to invite friends over and entertain – instead of tossing up between an evening in or a big night out, you can have a bit of both.

For a classic movie night, Palace Como is a short walk away. Or if you want more relaxed vibes to go with your flicks, you can just book the in-house cinema at The Claremont – you can even keep things cosy and stay in your house clothes. Feeling competitive? Move the party over to the dedicated gaming room.

Hosting a birthday or special occasion? There are also private dining rooms and lounges, perfect for when you can’t make a last-minute booking.

Work

While it’s easy to get caught up in South Yarra’s lively hospitality and nightlife scene, you’ll want a quiet spot to work come Monday. If you’re living the work-from-home lifestyle, you’ll have everything you need in the building. There are flexible workspaces equipped with desks, computers and internet access, while the building’s library offers a serene, light-filled space to do your reading.

Content creators will also love the dedicated podcasting room, decked out with everything you need to record your latest episode. Need to head into the office? You’ll have easy access to PT, with trams along Toorak Road and Chapel Street, and South Yarra Station only a street away.

Relax

When it’s time to unwind after a busy day, you’ll be spoiled for choice with wellness and relaxation spots, both around South Yarra and at home. Pump it at The Claremont’s private gym, get a great stretch at the yoga studio, or sweat it out in the on-site sauna.
You’re also just a short stroll from the Royal Botanic Gardens and The Tan running track—perfect for an energising lap or a scenic walk. Yoga lovers can book into classes at nearby studio One Hot Yoga and Pilates which turns up the heat and offers a range of levels across mat and reformer. And keep an eye out for Soak a new bathhouse that’s about to open a short walk away.

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Greystar. Haiku's new property The Claremont is
located at 39 Claremont Street, South Yarra – enquire
today.