5 Great Places For A Late Lunch In Melbourne

It’s happened to the most organised of us: you plan a morning of activities to be done by lunchtime, but time runs away from you and you find yourself tired, starving and struggling for somewhere to feed you at 3pm. Fear not, because we’ve found great restaurants, cafes and bars in Melbourne that are prepared to feed you whatever the hour. From cheap and cheerful to a little bit of luxury, one of these late afternoon joints is bound to suit your taste and budget.

Republica

A focus on enjoying the outdoors whenever possible, Republica (pictured) on St Kilda Beach serves up a laidback dining experience. With uninterrupted views of the iconic beach like no other venue, the a la carte menu is a welcome read to any eager eater, available til late. Freshly shucked oysters start from $3.50 each, or dig into the $28 slow cooked beef for something more substantial. When you’re full and satisfied, relax on the swinging bowl chairs sipping a cocktail or, after your meal’s gone down, take part in the beach volleyball from 6pm.
St Kilda Sea Baths, 10-18 Jacka Boulevard, St Kilda
www.republica.net.au

 Marios Café

Marios is the creation of Mario Maccarone and Mario De Pasquale, two waiters who met in Melbourne’s restaurant industry in the early 1980s. With an aim to serve those with less conventional working hours like artists, actors and cab drivers, Marios is open 7am – 10.30pm, serving all day breakfast and switching to a dinner menu at 5pm. The Italian-infused dishes keep coming and lunchtime specials change weekly, so whether you fancy spag bol for $14.50 or poached egg muffins at $15.50, you can always find a warm welcome from either Mario – they’re pretty proud of their coffee, too!
303 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
marioscafe.com.au

The Yorkshire Hotel

An old fashioned pub with plenty of charm, the exposed brickwork and open fireplaces make for a cosy atmosphere, but on a warm day, you can’t beat the beer garden. It even has its own menu separate from that of the dining room, offering nibbles and share plates to grilled meats and fancy dishes. If there’s a group of you, order the $19 Charcuterie cold and cured meats alongside the $20 Portarlington blue shell mussels, and you won’t be disappointed. Best of all, the emphasis here is all day eating, so you can stay to your heart’s content.
48 Hoddle Street, Abbotsford
www.theyorkshirehotel.com.au

Bimbo Deluxe

If it’s a quick snack and back on the road you’re looking for, Bimbo Deluxe are serving delicious gourmet pizza and deluxe hot dogs every day of the week, and for $4, it’d be rude not to! Monday – Friday, 12 – 4pm sees these delectable delights go down a treat, with a mixture of toppings and lashings of sauce. A range of beer, wine, spirits and cocktails are to be enjoyed on the rooftop courtyard, making it pretty difficult to get up and go. So why not stick around for something sweet with the dessert pizzas? Strawberries, mascarpone, white chocolate and strawberry sauce on a doughy base – it will be your new favourite.
Cnr Brunswick Street and Rose Street, Fitzroy
bimbodeluxe.com.au

Naked For Satan

Emulating a Basque bar with warm colours, recycled timber and vodka-speciality cocktails, Naked For Satan is perfect for a late-afternoon escape from the bustle of the city. While the rooftop restaurant serves main meals, it’s the ground floor Pintxos that are on everyone’s lips. The idea is that you get to relax with a drink and sample small bites of finger food. From the cold stocked on the bar, to the hot coming out of the kitchen, diners can enjoy chorizo croquet, spicy lamb meatballs and smoked salmon. Just pick what you like, then when you’ve had your fill, take your toothpicks to the bar and pay. Enjoy these tasty delights for just $1 each from 12 – 4pm Monday – Friday, and 4pm – late Monday – Wednesday ($2 at other times), at the only Pintxos bar in Melbourne.
285 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
www.nakedforsatan.com.au