Chef’s guide: Where to eat, drink in Diamond Creek and surrounds
It may be located in Melbourne’s outer northeast, but this leafy locale has plenty of foodie offerings to be explored — including some of the best coffee you’ll find 25km from the CBD.
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It may be located in Melbourne’s outer northeast, but this leafy locale has plenty of foodie offerings to be explored.
Diamond Creek resident Rufino Ramos co-owns La Central at South Melbourne Market — Melbourne’s first Spanish bodega which includes a deli, wine store and wine bar. These are his picks of the best places to eat and drink in the suburb and surrounds.
THE VINES CAFE/NILLUMBIK CELLARS
My family has been coming here for the nine years we’ve lived in the area. What has been a constant here has been the great selection of sweet treats — we can never go past the flourless chocolate cake with a gooey chocolate centre. While the lovely deli that operated out the back is gone, the bottle shop offering a great selection of local, Australian and international wines and beers is happily going strong.
11 Chute St, Diamond Creek
PICCOLO MECCANICO
One of the best things about Melbourne is that you can still find amazing coffee 25km from the CBD.
Piccolo Meccanico roasts its own coffee on Tuesdays and has an ever-changing selection of specialty blends as well as single origin, so every visit offers a new discovery.
Every coffee is made with love in this small operator-run store, and he is always happy to chat about the blend.
57 Chute St, Diamond Creek
CAFE EDEN
Coffee at the cafe nestled inside Edendale Community Farm and Indigenous Nursery is always great.
The delicious breakfast and daily baked treats are mind-boggling when you consider how economic they need to be in the tiny caravan.
The setting is beautiful; expect to hear ambiance a typical farm.
30 Gastons Rd, Eltham
BRIDIE’S BEANERY
This place opposite the Diamond Creek train station is perfect for a cheeky five-minute stop, caffeine shot, and quick read of the paper.
The place is small and cosy on a cool day and they offer a range of healthy treats like their VDG (vegan, dairy free and gluten free) bar.
48-50 Main Hurstbridge Rd, Diamond Creek
SMALL PLATES
Small Plates is our go-to place for a quick midweek dinner.
Specialising in tapas and mezze style eating, there’s a good selection of wines by the glass.
The ambience is intimate and the shared table give it a sense of informality that make it perfect for sharing dishes.
9A Arthur St, Eltham
INSANE CREATIONS IN MELBOURNE’S FIRST BURGER CRAWL
SECOND HOME
Second Home, in Eltham’s semi-industrial zone, is my favourite place for a leisurely weekend brunch.
It’s a beautiful space with floor-to-ceiling windows and a slick fit-out to match the hipster cafes of Collingwood.
My favourite dish here is the poached fruits with granola.
21 Brougham St, Eltham
A BOY NAMED SUE
This is no-frills and homely, but the wood-fired pizza is delicious.
The portobello mushroom, taleggio cheese and thyme is my new favourite.
The last time I visited on a warm Saturday night, the outdoor area with bonfire and fairy lights made the place look magical.
87 Burns St, St Andrews
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