melbourne deli

I Love Pho

RICHMOND

The name says it all at this cosy, no-fuss Vietnamese diner. Here, they serve up some of the best pho on a street brimming with options. All the classic elements – tender meat, layered broth and fresh garnishes – keep the fans coming back for more. Their diner in the CBD is also worth your time.

Thaiger Rabbit

ABBOTSFORD

A go-to for home-style Thai fare since 1996. Bring your crew and order familiar plates of pad see ew, Thai green curry and roti. Or beeline to the Isan section of the menu for dishes like larb and crying tiger (slow-cooked and grilled beef). Plus, family-recipe ice tea, chrysanthemum tea and coconut juice.

Misschu South Yarra

SOUTH YARRA

Since 2007, Nahji Chu’s hawker-style tuckshops have served fast and down-to-earth Vietnamese. Menu standouts include scallop and prawn dumplings, refreshing rice paper rolls and flavourful curries.

Milton Wine Shop

MALVERN

Housed within a traditional terrace, Milton Wine Shop is the kind of place where lo-fi and classic drops hold equal footing on the evolving wine list. When hunger strikes, there's a short list of seasonal snacks that pairs beautifully with whatever's pouring at the bar.

Tavlin

CAULFIELD

Family-style Israeli cuisine in Balaclava.

Hotel Jesus

COLLINGWOOD

Venue number two from the Mamasita crew introduces a careful element of kitsch but loses none of the attention to detail that made its older sibling such a hit. Take a seat at the bar, order a frosty Michelada and snack on some *huitalacoche* (corn fungus) tacos. Even if you've been to Mexico, you won't find the experience lacking.

Red Sparrow

COLLINGWOOD

This vegan pizza joint will please everyone (even the most avid carnivores). Pass the neon-red sparrow to find perfectly blistered woodfired pie that’s loaded with toppings.

Atta

ALBERT PARK

Sophisticated, contemporary-Indian dishes in a spectacular space.

Hanoi Hannah Vol. II

ELSTERNWICK

Spot number two for the southside’s favourite Vietnamese restaurant.

Leonard’s House of Love

SOUTH YARRA

If you’re really into burgers, tick Leonard’s off the list. This ’70s log cabin-themed burger bar serves some of Melbourne’s best. Expect American-style burger combos centred around beef, chicken, mushroom and vegan pattys. It’s also dog-friendly, so your furry friend might be begging tableside for a bite.

Lawson Grove Shop

SOUTH YARRA

Eat breakfast, then take lunch or a litre of milk home.

Il Migliore

ARMADALE

A sweets shop to be marveled at.

Jerry's Milk Bar

ELWOOD

This Barkly Street icon has stood for over four decades. And after a brief Covid-enforced closure, it's in new hands and is better than ever. Head here for meatball subs, thickshakes and vegan treats made in-house.

Burch and Purchese Sweet Studio

SOUTH YARRA

Where science meets sweetness.

Firebrand Bakery

RIPPONLEA

A family-run favourite that’s been producing sourdough for more than 25 years. It's the kind of reliable neighbourhood bakery that always has you covered with quality bread, or a generously filled sandwich and slice of cake to go.

Mankoushe

BRUNSWICK EAST

A small Lebanese bakery with a local home delivery service.

The Little Grocer

ARMADALE

Your own personal dream pantry.

Fatto a Mano

FITZROY

This organic bakery is a northside institution, that's especially beloved amongst Fitzroy workers for its lunch options. There are a range of classic bakery sandwiches and big, fat slices of pizza to choose from. There's also a regularly changing line-up of pies with traditional fillings to order, too.

Primrose Hill Deli

BRIGHTON EAST

A cafe and deli with its own kitchen garden.

Davey Mac’s

BLACK ROCK

At this long-standing bayside favourite, you'll be transported from Black Rock to the heart of Italy with just one lick of this artisan gelato. Flavour-wise, there’s the usual suspects but if you’re after something a little extra, then the elaborate ice-cream cakes are your go.

The Staple Store

RIPPONLEA

A wholefood store without a superiority complex.

The Wood Frog Bakery

ST KILDA

Bagels and bread are just the beginning.

The Wood Frog Bakery

ST KILDA

Bagels and bread are just the beginning.

Spelt Quinoa

FITZROY

Two ancient grains, one awesome store.

Oasis Bakery Murrumbeena

MURRUMBEENA

A family-run Middle Eastern bakery in the suburbs.

Rowena Corner Store

RICHMOND

Providing the Richmond community with its daily newspaper, milk and bread since 1956. Go for classics alongside Mediterranean-style plates like Turkish cilbir and Greek kaski. Plus, Small Batch coffee and nostalgic thickshakes.

Bertie's Butcher

RICHMOND

A butcher and cafe where provenance means everything.

DOC Delicatessen

CARLTON

Authentic Italian deli by DOC's Tony Nicolini.

The Leaf Store

ELWOOD

A local food store and florist in Elwood.

The Rathdowne Village Delicatessen

CARLTON NORTH

A cosy deli on leafy Rathdowne Street.

Mister Nice Guy's BakeShop

ASCOT VALE

The go-to for vegan and gluten-free treats.

Skinner & Hackett

CARLTON NORTH

An old-school butchery with a modern day ethos.

Simon Johnson

TOORAK

A fine food providore with kitchen goods and a fancy cheese room.

La Belle Miette

MELBOURNE

La Belle Miette is a crème de la crème addition to Melbourne’s macaron craze

Windsor Delicatessen

WINDSOR

A local corner-shop deli with a few seats for lunch.

Albert Park Deli

ALBERT PARK

A local institution for both eating and taking away.

Sweet Greek

SOUTH YARRA

A little slice of Greece in the Prahran Market.

Brunswick Street Alimentari

FITZROY

A rustic Mediterranean deli and eatery in the heart of the action on Brunswick Street.

Smith Street Alimentari

COLLINGWOOD

An Italian-inspired cafe with excellent grab-and-go breakfast and lunch options, and a lush rear courtyard. Don't leave without a visit to their European-inspired goods store (think gorgeous glassware, statement plates and tagines).

Casa Iberica Deli

FITZROY

Authentic Hispanic ingredients and smallgoods since 1975.

Hinoki Japanese Pantry

FITZROY

A high-grade sushi bar and an impressive pantry of hard-to-find Japanese groceries. Stop in for fresh sushi, sweet daifuku, noodles, pickling starter packs and more. Or pick up Japanese ceramics, konro barbeques, glassware and knives for your own kitchen.

The Little Veggie Patch Co

ST KILDA

A patch of Eden for the aspiring kitchen gardener.

Plump Organic

YARRAVILLE

Organic goodness in Yarraville Village.

Bibelot

SOUTH MELBOURNE

Right next to Chez Dre, this dessert boutique is in the business of knockout petits gâteaux, macarons, biscuits and house-made gelato (with chocolate taps at the ready). It’s cakes and tarts also pull their own, especially the lemon meringue number.

Meatsmith Fitzroy

FITZROY

Andrew McConnell’s fancy butchery.

T By LuxBite

MELBOURNE

After they conquered the macaron, the folks at LuxBite opened this tart-focussed bakery.

LuxBite

SOUTH YARRA

Gourmet macarons and cakes in shocking flavours.

Middle Street Food & Coffee

HADFIELD

It might be 30 minutes north of the CBD, but this cafe is well worth travelling for even if you’re not a local.

Doughboys Doughnuts

MELBOURNE

Skip the petrol-station doughnut and head here for ten fresh varieties, plus coffee by Small Batch.

Bendigo Wholefoods

BENDIGO

A grocer, cafe and nursery for hungry vegans.

Percy and Percy

BENDIGO

Decades of history are interred at this corner spot, where accomplished breakfasts are the main attraction.

The Good Loaf

BENDIGO

Sourdough and apple scrolls with a side of vintage charm.

Barkley Johnson

YARRAVILLE

Products from Australia, Italy and Spain keep this neighbourhood enoteca thrumming.

Terra Madre

NORTHCOTE

Step inside a beautiful maze of organic wholefoods.

Heathcote Harvest

HEATHCOTE

Forget the farm-to-table model. Here it’s more like backyard-to-table.

Heathcote Winery

HEATHCOTE

Exposed brick walls, floorboard ceilings and a rustic courtyard provide a warm welcome at this comfortable winery on Heathcote’s main strip. Sample the various vintages and enjoy the pared-back lunch menu from the dining room or courtyard.

McIvor Farm

TOOBORAC

Third-generation regenerative pig farmers making beyond free-range smallgoods.

Dandee Donuts

DANDENONG

One of Melbourne’s original doughnut shops.

Our Kitchenette

HAWTHORN

Feels like breakfast at a mate’s place.

Apples and Sage Organic Wholefoods

BALWYN

Try not to eat the warm, freshly made peanut butter before you get home.

Sagra

MALVERN

A stylish restaurant, bar, alimentari and art gallery.

The Sweet Meadow

ECHUCA

A vegan cafe that doesn’t trumpet its agenda.

Wild Things

FITZROY NORTH

Community-driven organic produce.

House Iberia

GEELONG

A Spanish deli with tapas, pinchos and an all-day breakfast menu.

Vaughan's Cafe Deli

INVERLOCH

A welcoming cafe with a strong cheese game.

Kilcunda General Store

KILCUNDA

Sit on the deck and enjoy the view.

Udder & Hoe

KILCUNDA

A pocket-sized grocer that champions local farmers.

Meatsmith St Kilda

ST KILDA

As upmarket as butchers come.

Clay Health & Organics

CARLTON NORTH

Wholefoods sold with a personal touch.

Beechworth Honey

BEECHWORTH

Taste honey and mead and learn about the pivotal role bees play in our greater food system.

Beechworth Honey CBD

MELBOURNE

A city store, 140 years in the making.

Il Mercato Centrale

MELBOURNE

Il Mercato Centrale brings the best of Italy to Melbourne’s CBD with 23 food vendors selling fresh produce, pasta and booze. Come for the shopping, then stay for a market-style lunch of pizza, piadina, gelato and more.

Aunt Maggie's

FITZROY

Harking back to an era when 'organic food' was simply called 'food'.

La Parisienne Pâtés

CARLTON

Authentic French food purveyors for gourmands and gourmets alike.

That’s Amore Cheese

THOMASTOWN

Several of Melbourne’s top restaurants rely on this factory for soft Italian cheeses such as fior di latte, burrata, ricotta, and mascarpone.

Laikon Deli

RICHMOND

This Greek deli’s third-generation owner is serving contemporary takes on his mother’s recipes.

Harry and Larry’s General Store

FOOTSCRAY

A store in the west selling local grocery essentials, baked goods, foccacias and coffee.

Harry and Larry’s General Store

FOOTSCRAY

A store in the west selling local grocery essentials, baked goods, foccacias and coffee.

Cibi

COLLINGWOOD

“Cibi” is Japanese for “little one”. But this cafe, homewares and furniture store is anything but small. It's in a light-filled warehouse with a spacious, homey kitchen, there are traditional breakfasts and takeaway lunches. Plus, a grocer with produce and pantry goods to take home.

Polish Deli

NORTH MELBOURNE

For decades, members of Melbourne’s Polish community have come to this tiny shop in Queen Victoria Market for traditional sausages, smoked pork loin and handmade pierogi.

Liminal

MELBOURNE

This sea of olive leather, grey velvet and art deco touches is not your everyday foyer cafe. On the menu: French flatbreads you can fold up like a taco, and salads with porchetta or rotisserie chicken.

Oasis Bakery Fairfield

FAIRFIELD

At the second Oasis outpost, expect the same familiar service, a host of menu favourites, and Turkish coffee. Plus, a grocery section full of homemade dips, baklava, herbs and spices.

Via Porta

MONT ALBERT

This all-day diner serves up flavours of Southern Italy with Mediterranean influences. Highlights have included panko-encrusted eggs accompanied by sourdough, salad, ham hock and candied walnuts. Also, fried eggs in a spicy Arrabiata sauce that’s given a lift with ‘nduja, garlic and peppers.

Small Axe Deli

BRUNSWICK

From the team behind Small Axe Kitchen, this spot has a seven-metre terrazzo bar and floor-to-ceiling shelves stocked with Italian cold cuts, cheeses, pickles and take-home meals such as gluten-free lasagne.

MKS Spices’n Things

PRESTON

A South Asian eatery and specialty supermarket where you can buy dinner from $8.95.

Morning Market Fitzroy

FITZROY

Enter this Euro-style grocer and cafe for an impressive salad sanga, Baker Bleu pizza squares and fancy picnic hampers. Plus, two-person cakes (including Marion’s Basque cheesecake), produce, seedlings, fresh blooms and more for home.

Zsa's

NORTHCOTE

A light-filled all-day European bistro, bar and deli stocking fresh pasta, fancy tinned fish and other staples.

Vinoshis

IVANHOE EAST

Two winemakers are behind this cosy wine bar, which pours natural drops from Australia and Europe. Sit in the heritage-listed building and enjoy a glass with some charcuterie, or grab a bottle and some deli snacks to go.

Minh Phat Supermarket

ABBOTSFORD

Opened in 1988, this is one of Melbourne's best – and most established – Asian supermarkets. Its range is extensive with aisles dedicated to tea, herbs and spices, shrimp skins, Japanese seaweed and duck eggs.

Hometown Asian Supermarket

MELBOURNE

Come here for Japanese and Malaysian cuisine including hand rolled udon noodles, Kurbata Pork and umeshu (plum wine). Hometown has a large range of sweets from across the Asia.

KFL Supermarket

FLEMINGTON

This Asian supermarket has its own butcher inside the store plus a huge range of dry goods spanning two levels.

Tang The Asian Food Emporium

MELBOURNE

Tang (formerly known as Great Eastern Foods) has been stocking Asian groceries at its Russell Street residence for over 35 years. Come here for noodles, dim-sims, sambal, soy and sake.

KT Mart

MELBOURNE

This is one of two Korea Marts on Elizabeth Street. Visit for an unsurpassed array of kimchis, gochujangs and other Korean specialties. There are also plenty of frozen dumplings to take home and one of Melbourne's best line-ups of specialty rices.

Tokyo Hometown

MELBOURNE

A one-stop shop for Japanese groceries, cooking materials and confectionary that stays open until midnight every night.

Laguna

MELBOURNE

This supermarket in QV has an extensive range of Asian produce, ingredients and snacks. So it's a handy option if you want to stock up on all of staples in one place.

Matteo’s Delicatessen

ALTONA

Find sandwiches, smallgoods and Italian pantry staples. The floor-to-ceiling shelves are jam-packed, so you can stock up on fancy Italian pantry staples while you're picking up lunch. Plus, grazing platters and flaky pastizzi.

Morning Market Prahran

PRAHRAN

A second permanent outpost for prolific restaurateur Andrew McConnell's Covid success story. Enter the sunny flower-filled grocer for chicken Waldorf ciabattas, salmon melts and jaffa-flavoured cakes. Plus, Baker Bleu loaves, fruit and veg, and fancy pantry staples.

Mabu Mabu Big Esso

MELBOURNE

Indigenous ingredients and cuisine take centre table here – particularly those from Mer Island in the Torres Strait. Enjoy the share plates, which are inspired by chef-owner Nornie Bero’s childhood. Expect buckets of chargrilled prawns, fried crocodile and juicy charred emu. There are also impressive pantry fillers – including spices, sauces and teas – to take home.

The Fishmonger's Son

CARLTON NORTH

This neighbourhood fishmonger sells top-quality seafood, deli items, pantry staples and a range of fish-focused takeaway meals – from salmon bagels to sashimi and nigiri lunch boxes.

Haiku Future

CAMBERWELL

A futuristic take on a Japanese convenience shop from the team behind Haiku next-door. You can pick up fluffy shokupan, fresh bento boxes and imported Japanese groceries. There's also tea, pickled ginger, bonito flakes, chilli oil, miso and many more pantry essentials.

Smith & Daughters

COLLINGWOOD

Fire-based cooking reigns supreme at the second iteration of Shannon Martinez’ pioneering vegan diner, suitably housed inside an old red-brick fire station. Choose from Mediterranean-inspired dishes and booze à la carte, or grab a seat at the intimate chef’s table and let the experts choose for you.

Winespeake

DAYLESFORD

A smart cellar and deli by the Latta Vino team, brimming with minimal-intervention wines from Victoria and abroad. Grab a bottle off the shelf, pair it with European cheese and charcuterie, and enjoy in-house.

Bagels Baby

PASCOE VALE

Classic lox, brisket and Gruyere, or a cannoli-inspired ricotta and strawberry number? At this reborn butcher's shop on a sunny Pascoe Vale corner, it's all about bagels, baby.

Tyler’s Milk Bar

PRESTON

Two sisters have revived the old-school neighbourhood milk bar, with an eccentric space that’s equal parts cafe and corner store. Find everything from pantry basics to nostalgic cafe fare like breakfast muffins, salad sandwiches and house-made sweets.

Bam

ESSENDON

This family-owned corner store is like the pantry you wish you had. Come for bread and milk; leave with a chicken club sanga and something from the shelves full of Melbourne-made specialty staples.

Smith & Deli

COLLINGWOOD

Grab a tray and shuffle down the cafeteria-style counter for hot vegan brekkies, daily salads and desserts. Or hit the vegan deli and carvery for vegan cold cuts, sandwiches, pantry items and more.

Robata

MELBOURNE

Departing from San Telmo's Latin American flavours, here the group focuses on yakitori and kushiyaki cooked over traditional binchotan charcoal. Also, masterfully-sliced sashimi and sake, in a fit-out that resembles a scene straight from the streets of Tokyo.

Uncle Drew Cafe

CLIFTON HILL

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.

Little Prince Wine

ST KILDA

A Euro-inspired wine bar, wine shop and deli set beneath The Prince Hotel. Enjoy classic Australian and European wines; cheese, charcuterie and small snacking plates from the deli; and descend to one of Melbourne’s most impressive wine cellars.

Gloria's Wine

CAMBERWELL

A 70-seater neighbourhood wine bar in a former antiques-restoration shop. Bathe in the chandelier’s buttery glow in the front room, or head out back to get toasty by the fire. There’s a 180-strong wine wall, plus hummus swimming in chilli oil and charcuterie hampers to go.

Meatsmith Balwyn

BALWYN

Andrew McConnell's upscale butchery has something for most home chefs and occasions. Go for eye fillet carpaccio at aperitivo hour; ox tail or pork shoulder over a slow weekend of cooking; or plump house-made sausages and ready-made meals on fast weeknights. There's also pantry items, wine, beer and spirits.

Sunhands

CARLTON

A vibrant corner shop that combines a cafe, wine shop, deli and general store. Enjoy its dippy eggs and morning plates, or grab a bottle of wine and bouquet to-go.

West Footscray Wines

WEST FOOTSCRAY

This west-side wine bar and bottle shop, run by locals, is compact but comprehensive. Grab a bottle to go, or stick around for freshly shucked oysters, local beers and approachable wines in the colourful courtyard out back.

Rocco’s Deli

YARRAVILLE

The lines form early (and out the door) at this no-frills deli. Its main draw is the Rocco Roll – an Italian-style sub that’s made-to-order with antipasti, cold-cuts and cheese. But the cannoli, jam donuts and coffee by Reverence are also worth the wait.

Victor Churchill

ARMADALE

Anthony Bourdain called the original in Sydney “the most beautiful butcher shop in the world”. Its Melbourne outpost has all the same opulence: dark-green marble floors, a wall of solid pink Himalayan salt blocks and vintage 1930s slicers.

Ima Asa Yoru

BRUNSWICK

Carlton’s Ima Project Cafe – the city’s standard-bearer for Japanese breakfast – is now a day-to-night cafe and izakaya, serving dishes like kingfish chirashi and shokupan slathered in mentaiko (cod roe).

Pastificio Sandro

THORNBURY

This pasta shop and Italian grocer (from the team behind Umberto) is an impulse-buyer’s paradise. Watch chefs hand-make your pasta, then grab a ready-made sauce and bottle of vino to match.

Two Franks

COBURG

The sisters behind this neighbourly spot grew nearby, and now serve up pastries, coffee and take-home goods from their favourite local suppliers. Expect house-made chai, cinnamon twists and Mediterranean dips.

Sardinas

RESERVOIR

This all-day eatery, bar and florist is the relaxed sibling to La Pinta, the buzzy Spanish-style bar over the road. Come for wine by the litre, house-made charcuterie, delicious things on toast and seasonal floral arrangements.

Little Molli

ABBOTSFORD

Come for focaccia and ciabatta sandwiches filled with smoked pork shoulder and whipped cod roe. Plus, a selection of charcuterie, cheeses and wines by the glass.

Ruben’s Deli

ARMADALE

This inviting old-school deli is inspired by those found across New York. You’ll find a bagel bar, wine and bottled cocktails to take home, ready-made roasts, dips and salads. And of course, a killer Reuben sandwich.

Deli Boy

SOUTH MELBOURNE

Inside an old mechanic’s workshop, this cafe and deli serves sangas and salads packed with market produce. Try the egg and bacon focaccia, mortadella and honey-glazed eggplant panini, or choose cheese and charcuterie from the deli case.

Smith & Daughters

COLLINGWOOD

Fire-based cooking reigns supreme at the second iteration of Shannon Martinez’ pioneering vegan diner, suitably housed inside an old red-brick fire station. Choose from Mediterranean-inspired dishes and booze à la carte, or grab a seat at the intimate chef’s table and let the experts choose for you.

Hi Fi

COLLINGWOOD

A takeaway-only deli serving hulking mortadella sandwiches; four-cheese toasties with French dip; and crispy, curly fries. These sangas also come with a soundtrack – an eclectic mix of vinyl spins behind the counter all day long.

Bagels Baby

PASCOE VALE

Classic lox, brisket and Gruyere, or a cannoli-inspired ricotta and strawberry number? At this reborn butcher's shop on a sunny Pascoe Vale corner, it's all about bagels, baby.

Olmate’s Southbank

SOUTHBANK

Enter this hole-in-the-wall sandwich shop for its comforting Italian-style meatball subs, roast beef sanga spin-offs with a rogan josh dip, and spiced-up roast cauliflower sandos on crusty ciabatta. With ex-coffee roasters at its helm you’ll also find excellent coffee and batch brew from Reverence Coffee Roasters, along with a tight list of beers.