5 places to eat and drink in Toorak

Put down your pinky finger. These restaurants in one of the country’s most affluent suburbs are far from pretentious and deliciously worth your time.

These are the best places to eat and drink in Toorak, according to chef Chris Sykes.

It’s one of Australia’s most expensive postcodes, but don’t be put off by pretention.

Shadowboxer Bar & Kitchen head chef Chris Sykes shares his favourite places to eat and drink in Toorak.

Don’t leave without buying a loaf— or three.

Best place for coffee and breakfast

Woodfrog Bakery

You’ll find this tucked away in the Toorak Village shopping centre. My typical takeaway order is a strong iced latte, almond croissant and a pumpkin sourdough loaf, which has great texture. I wouldn’t usually order hot cross buns, but these are always soft, fresh and not overly spiced. The weekends are so busy the shelves are mostly empty by early afternoon. Open from 7am.

459 Toorak Rd

Thai @ Toorak is responsible for truly authentic eats.

Best counter meal and beer

Thai @ Toorak

This is where you’ll find me for a quick bite and beer after a long week. I love the slow-braised crispy pork hock served with a delicious tamarind sauce. I always ask for extra fish sauce and Thai chilli. The pork is so juicy, well-seasoned and has a more-ish crust. Add coconut rice to soak in those dressings and sauces, and a staple salad such as larb gai or nam tok, to cut through the rich pork hock.

313 Toorak Rd, South Yarra

Fresh pasta is the game at Cucina.

Where I take the family

Cucina Toorak

This is where my sister and immediate family dine, as they always have fresh seafood and traditional Italian staples. We start with one Queensland tiger prawn each and half-a-dozen oysters to share. Then we order a fresh pasta: either the prawn and lobster bisque pappardelle or fettuccine Amatriciana. For sides, the cos lettuce and parmesan or rocket and pear salad go alright.

472 Toorak Rd

Scoop is the perfect place to stock the pantry.

Where I stock the pantry, fridge and freezer

Scoop Wholefoods

Come here for quality seeds, grains, nuts, dried fruits, cereals and organic coverture chocolate. I stock my pantry with green raisins, moghrabieh (pearl couscous) and all of the chocolate for all my pastry needs. For teas, the collagen super chai is nourishing after long days in the kitchen. I go midweek to beat the weekend rush.

2/489 Toorak Rd

Behold, Cecconi’s tiramisu.

When I want to be a little fancy

Cecconi’s

The newly reopened restaurant delivers on elegant, perfectly executed food. I love how Cecconi’s tackles regional Venetian food. I love hand-rolled pasta such as spoja lorda (cheese-stuffed pasta squares) or rotolo (lasagne roll-ups). Cecconi’s also has some great Australian steaks. The full-blood Mayura Station hanger steak is great to share, as well as the 550g dry-aged rib-eye. Add grilled sugarloaf cabbage and chips on the side to swipe through the peppercorn sauce or red wine jus.

1/489 Toorak Rd