Staying in North Melbourne

North Melbourne is a north-west suburb of Melbourne, Victoria, that’s a mere two kilometres out of the lively CBD. Historically it was a working class area where the Aussies who had to get down to some hard graft to pay the bills lived in shabby circumstances. Over the century it has been subject to on-going gentrification, which has been remarkably snail-paced in regards to the prospering economy and infrastructure of Melbourne as an entity. As a result the area is a charming, cosmopolitan destination with original Victorian architecture, where great food, art, shopping and cocktails are dearly appreciated specialities.

What’s in North Melbourne…

It is home to the North Melbourne ‘The Kangaroo’s’ Grounds, so if football’s a passion it may be worth grabbing some tickets for any friendly’s that may kick off during your stay.

The main strip of Errol Street has become something of an upmarket shopping area, boasting fancy boutique shops and popular cafes that are often frequented by regular’s inhabiting the trendy loft apartments and flats converted from old factories and warehouses around. Contemporary lounge restaurant and bar establishments are scattered all over this area, you can be sure there is one with a vibe and price that suits yourself and your purse strings!

Eating In North Melbourne…

You’ll discover that food and drink are a huge attraction in North Melbourne, the modern, civilised restaurants succeed in enticing many a regular or visiting passer by through their doors. There is something to suit every taste, from a good honest grill to some fancy Japanese delicacy that is now a truly cosmopolitan staple in all major cities across the world.

For a truly authentic Italian experience you must head to Lygon Street, a bustling number of blocks between Elgin and Victoria St. It has evolved under the vibrant culture of Italy thanks to immigration, and was one of the first areas to realise and adopt the joy of alfresco dining. It isn’t necessary to head to a particular eatery, it is important to take your time, and have a relaxing bumble down Lygon St to let the drifting smells of fresh pizza, pasta, and BBQ tease your nostrils. That way when you come to make a decision about which one of the restaurants suit you best you can truly follow your nose!

For breakfast, we recommend Trotters, a little place that is reminiscent of a ‘Baccaro’ or ‘Trattoria’, which is a typical casual Northern Italian style place with a warm, rustic charm. It prides itself on its use of local, fresh produce and honest style of food. Think eggs – Benedict, Florentine or Mediterranean, however you want it. Or if you fancy something truly novel to kick-start your metabolism for the day go for their Brekkie Burger!

If it’s too late for breakfast, well, why not just grab lunch? Grill’d is popular amongst the younger, studenty crowd, and does a fantastic gourmet steak sandwich. If you don’t stumble upon Lygon street until dinner time, it’s not a bad thing either, all it means is your going to have a hard time brushing off the many Italian restaurant owners who eagerly try and encourage those who may absent-mindedly forget to follow their nose (it’s very important) into their restaurants. DiMattina’s is a football-founded place that serves up honest, filling Italian, while Ti Amo will send your taste buds and soul into an explosion of happiness. If you’re on a date or celebrating a momentous occasion, Donnini’s is the place to splash out to enjoy high-end service and the best traditional Italian food. Once your full, (well it’s not over yet) Lygon Street is well-known for its mouth-watering selection of Gelato (that’s ice cream kids). “I’m not a dessert person” is an unacceptable statement, because you’d be a fool not to indulge.

For a trendy, contemporary dining experience, The Leveson is undeniably the best. Minimal and modern, it serves fresh, tasty food ranging from burgers to pasta and meat from the grill. Lounge in the courtyard or frequent it on a Sunday during summer months to enjoy live acoustic sets.

Drinking in North Melbourne…

Whether it’s a glass of wine after a hard day’s work or cocktail ‘o’ clock with a bunch of friends, there are many bars and pubs in the precinct. Rrose Bar is a highly commended place for cocktails and their carefully developed boutique wine selection. The bar staff really know their stuff, and use house-infused spirits, fresh fruit and a practiced eye to create truly unique drinks that make for a stand-out cocktail experience. They will advise and chat to you in detail about any of the wines or beers that tickle your fancy, and offer a well-renowned selection of tasty nibbles to accompany your drinks, which is well worth checking out if you’re a little peckish.

The Metropolitan Hotel, or The Met to its regulars is an admirably adaptable venue that changes its tune in sync with the time of day. In the evening, it buzzes with conversation of people enjoying relaxed civilised drinks, which on the Friday often increase in number as the night goes on, until all civilisation has flown out the window and the cabs trickle along outside ready to take the exhausted and intoxicated home to their beds.

If you like a place with real character, The Turf Sports Bar on Queen Street has a warm, friendly atmosphere that gets a little bit wild as the night goes on. Kitted out with numerous plasmas and pool tables, it is a popular place to watch large sporting events and socialise with friends. Its Pub Quiz on Thursdays is always well attended, so if you can plan in advance and book a table you’ll be sure not to miss out on the fun with the Quizmeisters!

Other Things To Do In North Melbourne…

The Comic’s Lounge can be found on Errol Street, and is the only place in the entirety of Australia that offers live comedy 6 nights a week, with favourites from Australian TV and Radio taking to the stage to make you giggle, snort, chuckle, heave, and roll on the floor with laughter. Equipped with a bar and restaurant, it makes a great spontaneous evening activity which is sure to be a little different, and hopefully hilariously funny. It is advisable you check the schedule beforehand, because shows from big comedians may sell out!

Cinema Nova can be found back on vibrant Lygon Street, and has an outstanding reputation for being one of Melbourne’s many art house cinemas. A perfect mix of niche art house independent productions with commercial, shiny Hollywood budget films, Cinema Nova has something for everyone. From the 13th September, it is playing host to film festival Reel Anime 2012, which will show 4 of Tokyo’s newest anime films, celebrating the sheer brilliance of the cutting-edge animation.

For a day out, take a bus to the outskirts of North Melbourne for a truly historic market experience. Queen Victoria has been held dear in the hearts of Melbournians for 130 years. It remains the destination for locals to pick up fresh meat, fish and vegetables on a day-to-day basis, whilst simultaneously catering for the large influx of tourists. Fifty per cent of the market is overflowing with fresh produce, with bountiful offerings of fruit, vegetables, meat, chicken, seafood and delicatessen products each with its own precinct in the market. The history of the place is perhaps what makes it so endearing; the Deli Hall having been built in 1927, and housing authentic delicacies, whilst the Meat Hall that was built way back in 1868 now houses 20 butchers, 10 fishmongers and 3 fresh poultry traders.

The other half of the market is dedicated to clothes, homeware, café’s and speciality goods. The Victoria St shops are quaint, offering a boutique-style shopping experience, whilst the Elizabeth Street precinct is dotted with charming coffee shops and gourmet food shops. String Bean Alley is the home of the hand-crafted joys in life, filled with bespoke furniture, candles, clocks, homewares and beauty products. For younger shoppers, the F Shed Laneway is littered with mobile phone accessories, CDs, DVDs and Vinyls, as well as quirky, cutesy tweenage clothing and novelty items. You’re bound to discover some one-off hidden gems!

Where To Stay…

There are places to stay in North Melbourne that will suit every budget, so have no fear! We know the best place to find you a bed. The Melbourne Metro Hostel is the ideal place to kip for all you travellers, with is pleasant city suburb location and 24-hour access. With Internet, Wifi, parking, bicycle hire, a café and rooftop bar and BBQ area with panoramic views of the city, the metro is undoubtedly a great place to rest without spending huge amounts of cash!

For something a little classier Rydges can be found on Flemington Street, and a trusted hotel chain that will undoubtedly make you feel comfortable and at home. Make sure you check out any deals they have for weekend getaways, if there is something worth going to in Melbourne, such a festivals or theatre shows, Rydges often has a jammy package deal to leave you with a little more money for beers!

Perfect for…

The guy or girl who likes an urban vibe. North Melbourne is a suburb for those who enjoy fine tasting food and wine, and social and cultural events that make for great conversation amongst friends!

by Alexandra MacLeod