Secret haunts of Melbourne celebrities revealed
Visit any of these restaurants, bars, cafes and bakeries, chances are you’ll run into a famous face or two. Did your local make the list?
Confidential
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Not all celebrities sip lattes and fine dine at the top end of town.
Many have revealed their secret hangouts to Confidential, and most aren’t the glamorous and trendy places you’d expect.
Here’s some of the surprising haunts where you could find a celebrity in Melbourne and surrounding areas.
Josh Piterman
“Being a Melburnian I’m very particular about my coffee. Oat Magic… I know! For me, the place that serves up the best coffee is “Little Avenue Des Italians” on Little Bourke St. It’s a family owned business and the service is top notch.”
Josh Piterman is a theatre star.
Rhonda Burchmore
“I just love Hero at Federation Square. It’s run by the delightful Karen Martini who is the best host and chef ever! Fabulous food and wine menu and wonderful atmosphere.
“Perfect location if you want to eat before a show or experience one of the exhibitions at ACMI.”
Rhonda Burchmore is an entertainment legend.
Shane Jacobson
“Coffee and I share a very special relationship, we catch up every morning at least two or three times. I have a coffee machine at home that has been a wonderful servant to my coffee needs, but the truth is I can never seem to make my coffee at home anywhere near as good as my favourite local cafe in the Macedon Ranges where I live, Mr Cafe in Victoria Street Macedon. I firmly believe that is the reason that everyone in the area walks around with a bounce in their step. Mel the manager and her team have a smile on their dial every day and the owners of the restaurant have a genuine love for their clients and the local community. If I didn’t live close to Mr Cafe, I would still be willing to drive the country miles to get there and drink that lifesaving coffee.”
Shane Jacobson is a TV, film and theatre star.
John Foreman
“Leo’s Spaghetti Bar on Fitzroy St in St Kilda is a bit of a Melbourne institution, having been there since 1956. It’s comfort food in a very casual, relaxed atmosphere - and my dog, Fred, is particularly happy with their al fresco dining area on the street!”
John Foreman is a musical director.
Adam Elliott
“My favoriite little cafe-slash-Italian restaurant is Il Salito Posto, just beyond the Hyatt. It’s been there for decades, and it’s a lovely little joint if you want to have coffee, or a big bowl of pasta. It’s lowbrow and very Earthy. I also love Gimlet. I’d live in Gimlet if I could.”
Adam Elliott is an Oscar winning filmmaker.
Jennifer Hansen
“Gimlet in the city is a current favourite of ours. It feels very London or even New York — a sophisticated atmosphere and the service is impeccable, not to mention the food, which is exquisite. It’s definitely top of the list for a ‘special’ date night.”
Jennifer Hansen co-hosts smoothfm breakfast.
Alan Fletcher
“I’m a regular at Elwood Bathers because we love dining with a sea view and good is always great — especially their steak! Being locals means we can walk there and back too.”
Alan Fletcher is a Neighbours favourite.
Simone Elliott
“My favourite lunch spot is James Said Bistro on High Street Armadale. The Green with Envy salad is a must try, I am there a lot and love the vibe.”
Simone Elliott stars on the Real Housewives of Melbourne.
Kevin Sheedy
“The Botanical, that’s where I go when I’m south of the Yarra and when I’m north of the Yarra I always go to The Pullman, the old Hilton near the MCG. They’re my two offices and I don’t see any reason to change.”
Kevin Sheedy is an AFL legend.
Abbey Gelmi
“Tall Timber and New Order are both around the corner and do a mean soy latte. While not so local, the best coffee I’ve had in Melbourne would have to be Jerry Joy in Thornbury.”
Abbey Gelmi is a Channel 7 sports host.
Sarah Jones
“French restaurant Chez Bagou in Albert Park. Their chocolate fondant is one of my favourite things in the world and the staff are so lovely.”
Sarah Jones in a Fox Footy host.
Archie Thompson
“My favourite food cafe is Coe&Coe. Their paninis, salads and pastries are the best. Coffee wise it’s Corcale Cafe, with my crew Benny and Jane.”
Archie Thompson is a soccer legend turned commentator.
Kris Smith
“Uncle Barts in Black Rock is our go to, I love the salmon bowl at Misschu and Nobu is always good for date night.”
Kris Smith is a Myer ambassador and fitness expert.
Karen Martini
“Nigel, in Camberwell, whose tagline is “incredible coffee”, so I simply had to see for myself, and Moby are nearby and both serve great coffee. It’s invaluable to have a decent coffee haunt in your neighbourhood.”
Karen Martini is a celebrity chef and runs Hero restaurant.
Ciaron Maher
“Einstein’s 251 in Caulfield North. In addition to great coffee they also serve some great Middle Eastern dishes and it’s fair to say I have built up a fair appetite having already been up for six hours.”
Ciaron Maher is one of Australia’s top horse trainers.
Jacqui Felgate
“I don’t drink coffee (how boring) but I like Plain Sailing in Elwood for a breakfast you definitely couldn’t make at home. Donovans is the best spot for date night. We had our engagement party there 12 years ago, the service is always impeccable and it brings back so many special memories.”
Jacqui Felgate is a Channel 7 news presenter.
Marty Sheargold
“In my wanderings of the CBD, I unbelievably came across a Tikki Bar in the heart of Melbourne on Little Collins. It’s called LuWow, and for those of you interested in a taste of “Tiki Paradise”, you’d be mad if you don’t!
“Tarts Anon in Cremorne is another gem. It’s a tart business which releases only two types of tarts a week, and you must pick them up within a one-hour window on a specific day or you lose your tart! I love their attitude to business, where they tell me what I can have and when I can pick it up. That’s how I’d run a business. The customer MUST conform.”
The Marty Sheargold Show, 6-9am weekdays on Triple M
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