Discover the charm of Fitzroy, Melbourne’s cherished historic oldest suburb. Wander through the iconic streets of Smith, Gertrude, Brunswick, or Johnston, immersing yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of a suburb brimming with grunge and distinctive character.
Since the 1960s, Fitzroy has served as a haven for a lively bohemian community, a spirit that endures to this day. The suburb remains a center for creativity and self-expression. Explore the realm of second-hand shops, savour live music, visit independent galleries, and be captivated by community theatre performances that have become an integral part of Fitzroy’s fabric.
Engage in the local pub culture, where establishments like The Rose, Napier, Union Club, Rainbow, and Labour in Vain contribute to Fitzroy’s vibrant ambiance. Observe the contrast of Fitzroy’s uniqueness, with graffiti artists creating urban art amidst the backdrop of upscale restaurants and designer boutiques, forming an exceptional blend of authenticity and sophistication.
Fitzroy stands as the ultimate destination to immerse yourself in Melbourne’s flourishing dining and fashion scenes.
Supermarkets:
Coles Fitzroy – 95-103 Johnston St, Fitzroy
Coles Collingwood – 172 Smith St, Collingwood
Bottle Shops:
McCoppins Fitzroy – 165 Johnston St, Fitzroy
Fitzroy Cellars – 409 Brunswick St, Fitzroy
Dining & Eateries:
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Hector’s Deli Fitzroy – Hector’s Deli, a beloved sandwich shop in Melbourne, extends its legacy with a new Fitzroy location. The menu features crowd-pleasers like an oversized chicken schnitzel on a potato bun, a doubly cheesy HCT, and a beef and pickles combo with signature Hectic sauce. The well-designed space maintains a classic American burger joint feel with stainless steel, timber, and red-white detailing. 111 Moor Street, Fitzroy
- Lune Croissanterie – Lune is unique; designed to inspire a commitment to precision in each exquisite detail, during every stage of the croissant-making process.Lune is not a shop, nor is it a factory. It is a celebration of the creation, complexity and ultimate enjoyment of a croissant. 119 Rose St, Fitzroy
- Toddy Shop by Marthanden Hotel – Toddy Shop celebrates authentic Keralan cuisine by co-owner Mischa Tropp, inspired by toddy shops in south India. The menu features dishes like fiery fish nadan and okra pachadi served on steel plates. Rotating mains include dry pork or beef fry, kadala, and Tropp’s mum’s cabbage thoran. Rear/191A Smith Street, Fitzroy
- Mile End Bagels Fitzroy – Inspired by Montreal’s top bagel shops, stand out with a subtly denser, sweeter texture. Owners Benjamin Vaughan and Michael Fee, after exploring US bagel ovens, open their Fitzroy shop at 4 am daily. The bagel-making process is showcased, with options like sesame, poppy, and “everything” toppings. 14 Johnston Street, Fitzroy
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Cutler & Co – The pinnacle of Andrew McConnell’s restaurants, offers a refined yet relaxed fine-dining experience. The à la carte menu features small, sophisticated snacks like oysters and duck hearts. Entrees and mains showcase proteins and fish with inventive pairings, while sharing options include monster steaks and suckling pig. For an elevated dining experience, opt for the six-course degustation with optional wine pairings. 55-57 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy
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Deep End – Located beneath the Arts Centre landmark is Saké, a chic Japanese restaurant with outstanding views of the city skyline and Yarra River. Descending from its interstate siblings, eat up all Saké Classics, such as White Soy Snapper, Nori Crisps with Tuna and Kingfish, and seared Paradise Prawn Sashimi. Finish with the hot miso caramel and white chocolate Dragon Egg and thank us later for recommending one of the best Southbank restaurants. 412a Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
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The Napier Hotel –The Napier Hotel exudes a warm British pub charm with its inviting exterior. Boasting a bustling front bar, a fire-lit pool lounge, cozy dining rooms, and a bricked courtyard, it caters to all pub-goers. The diverse menu features internationally-inspired dishes, while the drinks include local draughts, wine, and bottled beer. In the midst of gentrification, the Napier Hotel stands as a proud symbol of Fitzroy culture. 210 Napier Street, Fitzroy
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Marquis of Lorne –The classic three-level pub maintains its charm, featuring a sunny rooftop, private dining, and chef Jacob Swain offering a diverse menu. Enjoy bar food like potato cakes and grilled octopus or heartier options like chicken schnitzel and a 250-gram scotch fillet. The focus is on meat, with offerings like slow-cooked lamb ribs and a lamb roll. Wooden tables outside and a TV screen for footy fans complete the laid-back atmosphere. 411 George Street, Fitzroy
- Rose Hotel – Enjoy classic pub fare with a twist, including snacks, smaller plates, mains, sides, and desserts. The bar offers Carlton Draught, Coopers Pale, and other beer options. 406 Napier Street, Fitzroy
- Anada Spanish Bar – Añada on Gertrude Street, Fitzroy, thrives on loyal customers. Open since 2008, its enduring charm lies in its evolving Spanish menu and chef transitions. The tasting menu lets you sample a bit of everything – from tapas, raciones and squid-ink paella to desserts and cheeses.197 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy
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Everleigh Cocktail Bar – Nestled above Belle’s Hot Chicken on Gertrude Street, The Everleigh welcomes patrons to a world-class drinking experience. The interior boasts a stunning marble bar and leather-bound booths. Renowned for crafting classic cocktails from the golden era, the bartenders uphold impeccable standards. Level 1/150-156 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy
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Marion Wine Bar – Andrew McConnell’s wine bar on Fitzroy’s Gertrude Street, caters to serious grape enthusiasts with an extensive wine list. The industrial-style venue features a mix of seating, standing, and leaning spaces, complemented by an open kitchen and a curved bar. 53 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy
SHOPPING:
- Northside Records – Since 2002, Northside Records has been Melbourne’s go-to for soul and funk vinyl. The store offers a diverse musical range, including rare releases, and welcomes visitors with a vibrant atmosphere. 236 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy
- Vintage Sole – Vintage Sole provides quality used clothing as an ethical alternative to fast fashion. We believe that dressing well can be both sustainable and affordable. We offer a broad product mix informed by contemporary trends and vintage staples. Our items are handpicked and sourced from all over the world. 258 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
- Fitzroy Market – Join us every weekend at The Fitzroy Mills Market, a vibrant one-stop hub with over 70 stalls offering fresh produce, artisan goods, vintage finds, and more. Open all year, Saturdays 9am-2pm, Sundays 10am-3pm. Shop local, enjoy food, and live music in a community-friendly atmosphere. 87 Rose Street, Fitzroy
- Arnsdorf Clothing– Arnsdorf, a sustainability-focused womenswear label, opened its first physical boutique in early 2018 on Brunswick Street. The minimalist store aims to provide a traditional retail experience, offering a range of sizes and responding to customer requests. 299 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
ENTERTAINMENT:
- Melbourne Museum – The Melbourne Museum is a natural and cultural history museum located in the Carlton Gardens in Melbourne, Australia. Located adjacent to the Royal Exhibition Building, the museum was opened in 2000 as a project of the Government of Victoria, on behalf of Museums Victoria which administers the venue. 11 Nicholson St, Carlton
Parks & RECREATION:
- Fitzroy Gardens – Fitzroy Gardens is one of Melbourne’s most historic and beautiful gardens. Located in East Melbourne. The layout follows a classic Victorian era design, featuring pathways lined with magnificent elm trees, known to be some of the best grown in Victoria. There are a variety of flowers and ornamental shrubs and trees, which together with extensive lawns creates a diverse and layered landscape. Wellington Parade, East Melbourne
- Carlton Gardens – Carlton Gardens lies directly north of the CBD and is a key part of Melbourne’s inner-urban open space network. It contains the Royal Exhibition Building, the Melbourne Museum, an abundance of natural and landscaped features, as well as a few permanent attractions and cultural events. 9 Nicholson St, Carlton
- Melbourne Zoo – Just a 10 min drive from the CBD, the Zoo is a fun family day out with over 320 animals to visit. Enjoy a leisurely walk checking out the tigers, monkeys, elephants, giraffes and Australian wildlife.
Adult $46; Children 4-15 Free on weekends and holidays $23 on weekdays. Elliott Ave, Parkville VIC 3052
Transport:
Rental Car Hire: Hertz Car Rental Hire, Melbourne (03) 9659 8890. Shop 3/8 Franklin St, Melbourne
Tram:
The nearest tram station is 16-Johnston St/Brunswick St (Fitzroy)
- Tram Line 11 & 96 goes from Fitzroy straight into the city centre (CBD)
- All tram lines are easily accessible within Melbourne CBD
Bus:
The nearest bus stop to Fitzroy is Brunswick St/Johnston St (Fitzroy)
- Routes 200 & 207