Best places to eat and drink in South Yarra

A cult-famous French restaurant, world-best pizzeria and a very “Melbourne” cafe make up some of the best places to eat and drink in this well-heeled suburb.

48h Pizza e Gnocchi Bar’s Michele Circhirillo and Fabio Biscalddi sink their teeth into something delicious. Picture: Nicki Connolly

A cult-famous French restaurant, world-best pizzeria and a very Melbourne cafe make up some of the best places to eat and drink in well-heeled South Yarra.

Hyatt Centric Melbourne executive chef Ryan Dunn shares some of his favourite places.

A Market Lane coffee at the Prahran Market is essential. Picture: Kylie Else

Best place for a coffee and breakfast

Market Lane and Q Le BAKER

For an easy breakfast, you can’t beat a Q Le BAKER ham and cheese croissant. Talk about serious pastry lamination, with a dough that’s light, flaky and ready to melt in your mouth. If you go with kids, don’t miss the Mexican Maestro playing children’s tunes from 10am Thursdays; it’s the perfect distraction while you get your pastry fix. Grab a loaf of crusty sourdough to go.

Prahran Market, 163 Commercial Rd

Wrap your laughing gear around this Leonard’s House of Love cheeseburger. Picture: Nicole Cleary

Best counter meal and beer

Leonard’s House of Love

This ’70s-style log cabin with American dive bar energy has plenty of attitude and all the sauce. There are “options”, but stick with the classic double cheeseburger if you know what’s good for you. It’s one of Melbourne’s best burgers (a big call, I know). Made from a no-nonsense smashed brisket and short rib patty, American cheese, buttermilk buns and plenty of pickles, I wash it down with Leonard’s Bathtub Lager – it’s a thing and delicious.

3 Wilson St

48h Pizza e Gnocchi Bar is behind some of the suburb’s best pizzas.

Where I take the family

48h Pizza e Gnocchi Bar

My wife and daughter heavily influenced this choice. The ladies go wild for 48h’s speckled, leopard-crust Neapolitan pizzas. The team is kind, funny, and hold great conversation. 48h pushes the ‘number one’ pizza metric, but if you ignore the marketing and take in the hospitality, all will be well. FYI, ditch the knife and fork. You must honour the Neapolitan fold and eat your crusts. Do the right thing.

373 Malvern Rd

Miss Amalie Gourmet Pies is new to the Prahran Market. Picture: Rebecca Michael.

Where I stock the pantry, fridge and freezer

Prahran Market

This place is a no-brainer for stocking the fridge or pantry. It has all of the delis, butchers, fishmongers and veg suppliers you could ask for. Don’t forget the massive Essential Ingredient store next-door. Grab a $30 veg box from Pino’s and get inspired by ingredients you otherwise wouldn’t select; buy those fancy condiments you normally see in restaurants, or buy cheese and cold cuts for the ultimate grazing table.

163 Commercial Rd

France Soir is one of Melbourne’s beloved French restaurants.

When I want to be a little fancy

France Soir

Ooh la la, give me those crisp white tablecloths, vest-wearing waiters and impeccable wine list any day of the week. I have a soft spot for well-done French brasseries. In a time when everyone plays down the experience, it’s refreshing to be reminded of what dining out can still feel like. Although it’s not spacious and gets loud when busy (nearly always) this only adds to that Parisian experience. Slurp the oysters, have your Pretty Woman moment with a snail and devour a Steak Au Poivre. You deserve it.

11 Toorak Rd