Tradies reveal the best takeaway food outlets in Melbourne
If tradies know one thing well, it’s where to grab good food while on the move. Considering takeaway is the only culinary show in town right now, why not go where the tradies go? Our resident tradie/foodie rates more of his favourite Melbourne smoko spots.
North
Don't miss out on the headlines from North. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Gone are the days of tradies making do with a cold pie and warm can of Tarax from the local servo.
Modern day tradies are more refined and require something more interesting than a stale sausage roll.
Our resident tradie/foodie, landscaper Jake Martin, believes knowing where the good ‘smoko’ joints is almost as important as having the right tools.
These are some of Jake’s favourite takeaway lunch spots across Melbourne …
THE LUNCH BASKET
27 Heatherdale Rd, Ringwood
Jake’s go to for breakfast and lunch anytime he’s working in the area.
From burgers to pies, this little spot is heaven for tradies. Jake says: “Roast pork roll with gravy, and of course crackling, can’t be beat.”
PANINOTECA
130 Gaffney St, Coburg
If hearty and tasty Italian sandwiches is your go, then this place is great. The popular northern suburbs eatery is rated as one of the best for paninis. Jake says: “Get the chips loaded with meatballs, capsicum and cheese.”
BE THE DUCK
131 Burnley St, Richmond
If you hadn’t guessed this place specialises in duck, but not just any duck, it’s restaurant quality duck lavished with flavour and served ready to go with juicy sides. Jake says: “Be bold, anytime I go in there’s always something new to try.”
FIFTEEN POUNDS CAFE
21-23 Railway Pl, Fairfield
It’s not only tradies who enjoy this little lunch spot. Most northsiders rate it as one of the top cafes in the area. Serving good breakfast, top lunch and ridiculously good coffee seven days a week. Jake says: “I’ve tried most of the menu but the pulled pork burgers are top-notch.”
JUST FALAFS
207 St Georges Rd, Fitzroy North
To succeed as a vegetarian restaurant in Fitzroy North you have to be good, and Just Falafs is one of the best in Melbourne. Not normal tradie fare, but Jake rates it after stumbling upon the falafel specialist while seeking a non-meat lunch.
B & T BAKERY
86 Hampshire Road, Sunshine
See above. You need an edge to standout as a Vietnamese bakery in Sunshine due to all the great competition. Jake says take your pick in the area but he rates this bakery as his fav when working on the westside. “I love the satay chicken roll with extra sauce, extra coriander and extra chilli.”
ROLF’S PIES
81 Middleborough Rd, Box Hill South
An eastern suburbs icon. Probably no surprise tradies rate Rolf’s Pies – a popular community spot for decades. Jake says: “I’m here a lot, all the pies are great so I try to get a new one each time, but if it’s your first time then I recommend the bushman’s pie”.
CAFE ZEETA
21 Mills Rd, Braeside
A lot of hungry tradies frequent this gem planted in Braeside’s industrial heartland. No frills breakfast and lunch is ready to go from very early in the morning, including the extremely popular roast beef with vegies and gravy dish. Jake says: “Chicken schnitzel roll, lettuce, tomato, beetroot and mayo, done”.
WHICH OTHER EATERIES SHOULD BE ON THE LIST? COMMENT BELOW
MORE NEWS SPECIALS
TRADIES RATE THEIR FAVOURITE MELBOURNE SMOKO SPOTS: PART ONE
WHAT HAPPENED TO MELBOURNE'S FORGOTTEN SUBURBAN RESTAURANTS