clifton hill

Pizza Shop

Restaurant

Follow the red-neon glow to one of Melbourne’s best pizzerias, attached to an already-excellent neighbourhood bar. Perfectly blistered sourdough pies, left-field toppings and gluten-free options await.

Spensley’s

Restaurant

Visit this light and airy wine bar, in a quiet northside backstreet, for the well-executed food. Stay for the sculptural timber, brass accents, and warm, classic feel.

Queen Margaret

Restaurant

The Margherita pizza was named after Italian royal Regina Margherita. Now there’s a new pizzeria in Clifton Hill bearing her name, albeit in English.

Quiet Time

Cafe

From the food to the decor, everything at this day-to-night cafe is simple and community-minded. By day, find pastries from Ovens Street bakery, comforting breakfasts, and rotating soups and salads. By night, expect DJs and good drinks.

Uncle Drew Cafe

Cafe

Follow the red door and find a cafe that’s as quiet and backstreet as they come. Expect creative, modern Australian breakfasts, Dukes coffee, fresh loaves of sourdough and more.

The Dirty Apron

Cafe

Caters for everyone, from young families and tradies to the elderly.

Cavallini

Cafe

A European-style bakery-cafe in Clifton Hill with artisan bread and pastries. If you can prise your eyes away from the colourful macarons, we recommend going for one of the croissants or fresh sandwiches.

Darling Distillery

Bar

Inside a 19th-century pub, Darling Distillery is the work of three mates who are crafting a small range of high-quality gins. It’s open just once a month – which is your chance to drop in for a free tasting and to pick up a bottle (or get a refill) and chat with the distillers.

Local Brewing Co

Bar

Cafe by day, socially-conscious brewhouse by night. You can feel good ordering the hoppy lager, tropical XPA or jam-doughnut stout here – a meal is donated to charity for every four-pack or pint sold. Plus, there are fun cocktails, hearty toasties and a cafe out the front.

Some Velvet Morning

Bar

Like a super-hip nanna's living room, but with a full bar and live music.

Sundae School Ice-Creamery

Shop

A curved schoolhouse window welcomes you into this American ice-creamery. Here, an ex-Fat Duck pastry chef makes ice-cream flavours like mango lassi, and cardamom, burnt honey and pistachio. And, naturally, loaded sundaes.