The Best Restaurants on Brunswick Street
As the main artery of Melbourne’s oldest suburb, Brunswick Street has undergone countless transformations. Each generation of locals and business owners has left its mark on the two-kilometre strip, creating a layer cake of cuisines, cultures, people and identities. And through gentrification, rent hikes and the pandemic, many of its institutions have stayed open. Marios speaks to the area’s Italian history, while 40-year-old Afghan Gallery pays homage to Melbourne’s Afghan community. Today, no matter where you get off the number 11 tram, you won’t be far from great vegetarian, Japanese or Indian spots. Here are the best places to eat on the iconic strip, curated by Broadsheet’s expert food and drink editors.
Words by Holly Bodeker-Smith
Updated on 24 June 2024
Restaurant
Gogyo
Swing by for a bowl of the signature burnt-miso ramen at lunch, or izakaya-style snacks and cocktails after dark.
Restaurant
Bon Ap' Petit Bistro
Not your average French bistro. Think steak frites, French onion soup and crème brûlée – but forget the waistcoated staff. The wine list covers the major French regions and follows on with whiskies and classic cocktails.
Restaurant
Masti
Pass under the glowing neon sign to find this vibrant North Indian diner. Go for crispy honey-chilli cauliflower, fig and pomegranate kofta, and Punjabi butter chicken that (importantly) isn’t sweet. Plus, find Indian-leaning cocktails levelled-up with ingredients like turmeric, mango and cardamom.
Restaurant
Afghan Gallery
This Brunswick Street institution is one of Australia’s oldest Afghan restaurants. Adored by locals and tourists alike, the veggo- and vegan-friendly spot is one of Fitzroy’s most essential dining experiences.
Restaurant
Vegie Bar
Melbourne’s enduring mecca for nourishing vegetarian fare (including vegan, gluten-free and lactose-intolerant). Enjoy the down-to-earth vibe, infectious bonhomie and broad range of dishes with an Asian influence. Stake your claim early.
Bar
Naked For Satan
One of the area’s classics – it’s loud, fun and good value. Visit during happy hour for well-priced pizzas, tapas and sangria jugs. It still serves vodka from an old Fitzroy distillery. Don’t forget to head up to the rooftop for inimitable city views.
Restaurant
Marios
Some places like to keep it simple: breakfast all day, coffee with full-cream milk and spaghetti with Napoli sauce. That’s exactly what you get at Marios. It’s as unpretentious as
an Italian joint gets, with a neon-red sign that’s been buzzing day and night since 1986.
Restaurant
Deep End
Chances are you haven’t had these in Melbourne. Deep End’s owner studied in the US and brought its pizza back here. Choose from thin New York-style; crispy-cornered Detroit-style; and hulking Chicago deep-dish pizzas.
Restaurant
Mukka
Traditional recipes made with topnotch ingredients make this one of the better Indian diners around. Sample ultra-thin dosa, slow-cooked biryani and all the curry favourites.
Restaurant
Farro Pizzeria Fitzroy
Gluten-free gourmands will feel at home. Spelt flour pizzas and pastas (farro means spelt in Italian) and vegan cheese are menu staples at this modern pizzeria, which caters to those with dietary intolerances. Fans always return for the house-made tiramisu.
Bar
Little Hop
This taqueria is a simple kind of place, with just two beers on tap and tunes spinning away on the turntables behind the bar. Local hospitality workers like to stick their heads in for a quick chat and a taco before their shift. It’s open until late on weekends, so many return for a wind-down drink after work too.
Bar
Amarillo
A night of tapas and wines at this glowing wine bar is cheaper than a ticket to Spain. Order Iberian share plates (including plenty of seafood) and Jalapeno Margaritas, while Grace Jones plays in the background.
Restaurant
Blue Chillies
True, authentic Malaysian flavours.
Restaurant
Rice Queen
A bright, buzzing diner with kitsch interiors serving a creative pan-Asian menu. Dinner might include nam jim kingfish, Sichuan eggplant or pork dumplings. Pro tip: book the karaoke room out back for a night to remember (or forget).
