Chef’s guide: Where to eat, drink in Yarraville

From a cafe disguised as a butcher’s shop, rocking wine bar and family-friendly farmer’s market — here are the best spots to eat and drink in Yarraville.

From a cafe disguised as a butcher’s shop, rocking wine bar and family-friendly farmer’s market — here are the best spots to eat and drink in Yarraville, according to Hecho En Mexico founder Parveen Bajar.

BARKLEY JOHNSON WINE & DELI

This deli/wine bar is very popular for a few very good reasons. This place used to be a barber shop, and it’s the perfect place to come and just unwind with a glass of wine (or beer cocktails) and a great selection of snacks from the deli. It is also a one-stop shop for stocking up supplies for your next dinner party.

11 Anderson St

Fried salmon at The Cornershop, Yarraville.

CORNERSHOP YARRAVILLE

Cornershop is one of my favourite brunch spots. It is located right in the heart of Yarraville village, next to the Sun Theatre and bookshop. It gets busy, but the staff are always friendly and happy to take your name and phone number, so you can explore the shops until they give you a ring when a table is available.

9/11 Ballarat St

Butcher 128 in Yarraville. Picture: Eugene Hyland

BUTCHER 128

At first glance, it may look like the local butcher. Really, it’s a cafe! The owner has preserved most of the original signage and even the old meat case is still in use, but that’s about as butcher as it gets. Enjoy great coffee and don’t forget to try the “Butcher’s BBQ Plate” with charred beef brisket, pastrami, grilled black pudding, salad, pickled figs and cucumber on sourdough.

128 Roberts St

PLUMP ORGANIC GROCERY

This grocer has been around for as long as I know. My family and I love getting our organic goodness and fair trade groceries from this shop. Jock and his staff members are always there to help with great service and the freshest produce. There are shelves of herbs, condiments and organic honey as well as fridges of quality local dairy. Don’t forget to try their special blends of tea, especially when you need a soothing brew for a good night’s sleep.

24 Ballarat St

YARRAVILLE VILLAGE FARMERS MARKET

The market is on every first and third Saturdays of the month, and my family and I would try and get out here whenever we can to enjoy a nice outdoor stroll as well as to shop a great selection of food and fresh produce from local farmers. It’s a great way to support the community especially during tough times.

Corner of Wood St and Castlemaine St, Yarraville Village

Chef guide to Yarraville Parveen Bajar from Hecho En Mexico

FYI: Hecho En Mexico offers authentic street-style Mexican food at six locations across Melbourne, including Fitzroy, Carnegie, Brighton and Yarraville. hechoenmexico.com.au