Melbourne’s top spots for European dining and recreation
Many Melburnians’ grand plans of escaping winter for the European summer have been quashed by the coronavirus pandemic. But here’s how you can still get a real taste and feel of Europe without boarding a plane.
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Have you ever just craved a croque madame on a sleepy Saturday afternoon?
Wanted to whip out to a market in your sweat pants, grab some fresh produce, and finally attempt that Mediterranean-inspired recipe.
Or maybe it’s just sitting in a park, snacking on prosciutto and olives until the final beam of Sunday sun strikes the ground and slithers away into a dark corner.
These are thoughts and cravings you probably have because you miss Europe and live in a culinary city where you are spoiled for choice.
While the coronavirus pandemic has quashed many travel plans, the Leader is offering its top suggestions on where to go this winter for an authentic taste and feel of Europe.
May Rd, Lalor
In the densely Italian-populated suburb of Lalor, all roads lead to the humble May Rd shopping strip. Here, you can find some classic Italian sweets at Pastry Paradise, fresh fruits and vegetables from its many markets — or some of the best Mediterranean-imported savoury goods at Santino’s continental deli.
Often busy with older Europeans carting around grocery wagons full of fresh produce, the precinct is also home to one of Melbourne’s few piazzas. The locals use the Bourke St mall-type corridor, which runs through the centre, as a gathering space. Tight circles of silver-haired Italians chat among themselves while fruiterers yell out the latest specials in the background — it’s that much of a romantic cliche.
Former Whittlesea councillor Sam Alessi wanted to extend the piazza onto May Rd. The plan would have cut off traffic and limited parking, but no doubt made this unknown pocket in Melbourne’s outer-north seem even more like the bustling centre of a Tuscan village.
That’s Amore Cheese, Thomastown
Just a few streets away from May Rd, is one of the most sought-after cheese factories in Melbourne.
In 2004, Giorgio Linguanti arrived on the shores of Port Phillip Bay from his homeland.
And in just four years, the young Sicilian went from not speaking a word of English to opening his own cheese company, That’s Amore Cheese.
The company boasts many different types of award-winning cheeses and exports the popular products across Australia and to 10 countries.
The company has grown so much it now calls itself a “retail outlet”, where you can get your hands on the finest cured meats, fresh bread, olives and artisan cheeses from its deli.
While the cafe also features freshly made cheese — it also uses traditional Italian recipes and locally sourced, seasonal produce.
And it’s not a proper Italian experience without an authentic ricotta-filled cannoli.
Taste them straight out of production until 3pm every day.
Eaton Mall, Oakleigh
Absolutely the vanguard of Greek hospitality in Melbourne, just a quick wonder through this strip will take any nostalgic traveller back to downtown Athens.
Breakfast can easily segue into lunch, and even dinner, with its many espresso lounges, gyros bars and souva spots.
Even the shop signs are in Greek, but if you still need more convincing, then perhaps just how much Melbourne’s Greek community swears by Eaton Mall is enough to sway you.
Edinburgh Gardens, North Fitzroy
This impressive green space is brimming with people and picnic rugs in fine weather, but it’s what the gardens are near to which makes the area have such a European charm attached to it.
Just a short walk up to the corner of St Georges Rd and Best St is French cafe Rynne, popular Italian eatery Pinotta and Billy’s Van ice-creamery.
Overlooking this little cultural hub is Italian powerhouse Piedimonte’s.
When the sun is out, on any weekend, in any season, you can bet Piedimonte’s will be full of people looking for cured meats and cheese to take back with them to Edinburgh Gardens.
Preston Market, Preston
There is something for everyone at Preston Market.
Queues of shoppers line up at Publique bakery for a baguette, while Eat Cannoli offers the classic Sicilian sweet.
Slavonija Deli is there for all your cured meats needs.
But these suggestions are just a very small portion of what’s available at this cultural gem.
Lygon St, Carlton
Lygon St has been popular for many years and for good reason.
Restaurants, cafes, patisseries and gelatarias line the street from East Brunswick all the way to the fringe of Melbourne’s central business district.
It’s also home to two of the city’s favourite piazzas, Argyle Square and Piazza Italia.
Rathdowne St, Carlton
Rathdowne St is the dark horse of Carlton and Melbourne’s inner suburbs.
It’s where the locals go to escape the steady stream of tourists or hypebeast clout chasers travelling to and from university.
Dine at La Luna bistro for a fancy and modern taste of Europe or wander up to Capitano for a masterclass of traditional Italian cooking.
Capitano’s tiramisu is a must.
What makes Rathdowne St stand out from its neighbouring culture strips is the greenery.
It’s covered with a canopy of street trees, while also home to Curtain and Macarthur squares and Carlton Gardens.
Le Cafe Flo, Thornbury
The warm sounds of Gainsbourg, Piaf and Françoise Hardy meets the rumble of the 86 tram at the Paris end of Thornbury.
Le Cafe Flo is a charming spot that will satisfy any croque monsieur craving and cure every Monday morning depresso with a very strong espresso.
The host Monsieur Florian brings his heavily-accented culinary flair and his world famous pear and chocolate tart from the Atlantic seaport of La Rochelle to this High St cafe.
Baguettes, les oeufs, croissants, pain au chocolat, croque monsieur et madame bien sûr!
But don’t forget to sample classic French dishes of the day as you bask in the friendly village atmosphere of the Psarakos Market precinct.
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