Best places to eat and drink in Melbourne’s industrial southeast
INDUSTRIAL streets and former factory districts in Melbourne’s southeast are now home to edgy new eateries, pubs and breweries. See what’s tucked away behind suburban main streets.
South East
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A GRITTY industrial location was an essential ingredient for hospitality duo Anthony and Emma Chilelli.
The siblings have just opened Meat Flour Wine among the factories and warehouses in Braeside— a former industrial hub of Melbourne—on Boundary Rd, Braeside.
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“We wanted to be in an industrial area on a main road,” Anthony said.
“The idea was that people shouldn’t have to go to the city to experience great food in an exciting venue.”
The pair waited a year for the appropriate permit, and spent another six months on fitting out the space. “We were lucky to have a landlord who had faith in our vision,” Mr Chilelli said
“He was prepared to hold the site without any receiving any rent for 12 months while we waited for the permit to come through.”
248 Boundary Rd, Braeside
Mr Chilelli said the location was “highly visible”, had ample parking and no competition.
“We really are one of a kind in Braeside,” he said
The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner — another point of difference to other venues in neighbouring suburbs.
“The people who work in the area come for breaks or lunch and the dinner is popular with locals,” Mr Chilelli said.
Meat Flour and Wine, which serves modern Australian cuisine with an Italian influence, also has the benefit of a mentor with a lifetime of experience in the restaurant trade — the siblings’ dad Renato Chilelli.
“Dad (Renato) has been giving us a lot of support and advice which has been great,” Mr Chilelli said.
But the Chilellis are not the only hospitality hipsters brightening up Melbourne’s southeastern industrial heartland. The industrial zone renaissance is well underway around Moorabbin and Cheltenham.
Many old streets and former factory areas are now home to fresh new eateries, pubs, breweries and shops.
Other venues worth checking out:
Unit 2/1-3 Bignell Rd, Moorabbin
It’s a funky cafe built around a 1963 Viscount Ambassador caravan. Owner and volkswagen enthusiast Benjamin Cowen brought the caravan, his love of food, his passion for vintage things and VW cars together at the Moorabbin eatery.
80A Cochranes Rd, Moorabbin
The burgers at Fat Bob’s Bar & Grill have been rated as some of the tastiest in Melbourne.
35 Ebden St, Moorabbin
American barbecue inspired eatery, including beef brisket, pork ribs and southern fried chicken wings, and a big range of beer, wine, cider, cocktails and spirits.
4 Joyner St Moorabbin
Tuck into pork sliders, chicken tacos and pizzas and wet your whistle by trying an impressive range of beers and ciders. Also offers live music and brewery tours.
Shop 8/27/29 Nepean Highway, Mentone
The cafe inside a warehouse in Mentone is known for its crazy shakes, loaded with fairy floss, chocolate chip cookies and lollipops.
105/107 White St Mordialloc
A favourite with locals offering top notch coffee and an extensive menu, including a corn and chilli scramble and coconut granola.
133 Nepean HIghway Aspendale
Wins rave reviews for its great coffee and healthy menu.
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