20 new retailers for you to try out on Chapel St ahead of Jam Factory’s reopening
The transformation of Chapel Street is in full swing as 20 newcomers open their doors along the famed strip while the $1.5bn Jam Factory redevelopment takes shape.
Inner South
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One of Melbourne’s historic retail precincts is undergoing a renaissance on the back of a $1.5bn redevelopment of the Jam Factory.
And Chapel St bars and clubs are reporting a surge in popularity, with numbers higher than they were pre-Covid.
Chapel Street Precinct Association general manager Matt Lanigansaid said after the opening of the redeveloped Prahran Skate Park he had noticed a “transformation”.
“It’s been hard to keep up, especially over the last three or four months,” he told the Herald Sun.
“As soon as a business closes its doors, another one is in and ready to go – it is almost immediate.”
Mr Lanigan said people coming to Chapel Street were “looking for an experience”, and the diverse range of businesses ensured they were getting one.
“It’s an eclectic mixing pot of hidden gems, big brands, boutique traders, hospitality, art, hair and beauty salons,” he said.
“It’s a really unique experience.”
People returning to working from the office and the successful launch of co-working spaces along the strip have contributed to the growing buzz on Chapel Street, but night life was still the big driver.
“Clubs and bars have reported their numbers are higher than pre-Covid,” Mr Lanigan said.
“There is a huge wellness hub emerging on the Windsor end of the strip as well, with gyms and fitness communities that have strong loyalties and keep coming back.”
Mr Lanigan said the new businesses opening on the strip could be the face of Chapel Street’s new era.
“A positive transformation is really happening,” he said.
“Everything with a strong brand goes through cycles and I think that is what's happening on Chapel Street.”
Stonnington Mayor Joe Gianfriddo said Chapel Street’s rebirth was “exciting”.
“There are a lot of exciting capital works already taking place,” he said.
“The Jam Factory redevelopment and others will continue to transform the area for future generations.”
Mr Gianfriddo said the 100 year plus evolution of Chapel Street had created a cultural hotspot, “famous for an abundance of retail, dining and entertainment”.
“Our Chapel Street businesses continue to offer world-class services and product to the local community and visitors,” he said.
Several new retailers have opened their doors with a few fan favourites from other parts of Melbourne joining the iconic strip’s roster.
Check out what’s new on the strip.
Suzie Q – 247 Chapel St, Prahran
From the minds of CBD and Richmond favourites Ho Chi Mama comes the newest project Suzie Q.
Located at 247 Chapel Street, the Chinese Restaurant was inspired after the popular 1980s’ San Francisco cult classic with the same moniker.
Described as “unapologetically rebellious and alluring”, Suzie Q provides classic Chinese food accompanied with cocktails.
Windsor Wine Bar – 60 Chapel Street, Windsor
The second spot along Chapel Street to come from the Mamas Dining Group is the Windsor Wine Room.
Taking on an European theme, the Windsor Wine Room opened its doors in early June occupying a prime corner location
Twilight Picnics – 667 Chapel St, South Yarra
Elevating picnic dates and girls’ nights in, Twilight Picnics has taken all the hard work out of planning.
Get your own scrumptious picnic box made for you with love from Melbourne’s first luxury picnic service.
Owned by Prahran Market’s previous PR Manager Stef Reilly, you can build your own picnic box and pick it up from 667 Chapel Street.
Inca – Morris Jones Restaurant Bar, 163 Chapel St, Prahran
Inca – Melbourne’s first Nikkei restaurant – mixing Japanese and Peruvian cuisine in a tasty fusion is now calling the newly developed Morris Jones home.
Inside the beautiful heritage listed Morris Jones building, Inca opened its doors earlier this month.
Kebab Lab – 376 Chapel Street, South Yarra
Another addition to the thriving kebab market in Melbourne, Kebab Lab opened its doors on Chapel Street in February.
Open seven days a week, the lab also shares a spot with dessert bar Crave and Go, giving customers a full meal from dinner to dessert.
Akira’s Arcade – 326 Chapel St, Prahran
Something for everyone can be found on Chapel St, demonstrated by Akira's Arcade.
The anime themed arcade opened its doors for gaming enthusiasts in October, offering up the opportunity to win plushies, figurines and more.
Meat & Greek – 121 Chapel Street, Windsor
This Greek spot opened its doors in April, giving customers a mouth-watering opportunity to dive into the Mediterranean cuisine.
The Golden Lounge, 290 Chapel Street, Prahran
The Golden Lounge is the first place in Melbourne where you can get dessert and acai covered in gold.
Opened in December, the dessert and juice can spark a glimmer to any date night.
The Golden Lounge is open until 2am, serving crepes, sugarcane juice, acai bowls and waffles.
Henrietta – 75 Chapel Street, Windsor
This all you can eat, Middle Eastern inspired charcoal restaurant opened its doors last year.
Dishing up Lebanese classics alongside delicious cocktails, Henrietta has quickly become a favourite in the Melbourne foodie community.
Studio Amaro – 168 Chapel Street, Windsor
From the minds of the Commune Group, Studio Amaro was born – a trendy offering to Chapel Street’s roster of moody bars.
Studio Amaro is a restaurant and a basement bar all in one – serving up Italian food and a party, should you be in search of one.
Maker Coffee – 251 Chapel Street, Prahran
Opening it’s second cafe in the Stonnington Council region, Maker Coffee on Chapel could soon be your new favourite.
Serving up seasonal beans, roasted to the highest standards, you can find Maker at 251 Chapel Street.
Delilah on Chapel – 38 Chapel Street, Windsor
Previously operating under the name Frankie, Delilah on Chapel is one of the cosiest cafes on the strip.
Just across the road from Windsor Station, it’s situated perfectly to aid the morning commute for locals.
Elfie Cafe – 33 – 35 Chapel Street, Windsor
Coffee with a dollop of extra love is what you will find at Elfie in Windsor.
A new addition to the Chapel Street community, the coffee shop opened its doors for business in February.
Casa Nata – 166 Chapel Street, Windsor
Bring authentic Portuguese tarts to Melbourne, Casa Nata is not just a new face on Chapel Street, but also graces popular Thornbury foodie strip High St, the Melbourne Emporium and the Winter Night Market at Queen Victoria Market.
Interlude Bar – 44 Chapel Street, Windsor
Aboriginal and female owned Interlude Bar opened its doors to party in April last year.
Patrons can get amongst it with cocktails and platters every Friday and Saturday night.
Kitchen by Quinn – 40 Chapel Street, Windsor
Kitchen by Quin is the newest Vietnamese offering to the strip.
Serving up modern Vietnamese dishes, the team at Kitchen by Quin said they “cook with passion and serve with heart”.
Rainbow Nails – Level 1, 670 Chapel Street
While the salon is not new to the area, it changed management hands in June this year.
Open to customers for manicures, pedicures and everything in between, Rainbow Nails in tucked into the 670 Chapel Street nook, on level one.
Prahran Town Hall – Corner of Chapel Street and Greville Street
The City of Stonnington Council opened the Prahran Town Hall to the public as a study and co-op work space in March.
The project – known as Study@Greville – has public study and work areas, alongside a boutique selection of books and all the usual library resources.
The space is open from Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm and Saturday from 10am to 5pm.
Still to come in 2024:
Cookie Dough Co – to come in July
Tambo Den – by the Lucas Dining Group – to come in August
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