Why Keilor is the best suburb in Melbourne
IT’S come a long way since its goldrush origins. With trendy cafes, wood-fired pizza joints, specialty coffee shops, a couple of wineries and even a local brewery — this might be the best place to live in Melbourne.
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WHEN it comes to craft beer, specialty coffee and smashed avo, Keilor and surrounds aren’t typically the first places that comes to mind.
But if lifestyle and liveability factors are what you seek, this north western star is shining brighter than ever. From craft breweries and farm cafes to historic homesteads, haunted castles, heritage-listed churches, small-scale wineries and a plethora of Neapolitan-style pizza places — Keilor is fast becoming one of the north’s hottest foodie and daytrip destinations.
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North of the Calder Freeway, the suburb’s sparsely populated streets are punctuated by grassy plains, empty paddocks and bushy ravines through which the Maribyrnong River is free to meander (as well as a few idyllic bathing pools), while on the south side, grey gum and blossom tree-lined streets are characterised by a mix of single-story clinker-brick homes, charming period mansions and modern developments.
Add to that its close proximity to the CBD, Tullamarine Airport. DFO and Watergardens shopping centres — and the former gold rush-era camping ground has seriously upped its cool ante.
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With a strong community spirit, family-friendly atmosphere and plenty of trendy weekend brunch spots, it’s no wonder Keilor is considered by locals to be one of the true hidden gems of the north.
Here’s everything to eat, see, explore and do in captivating Keilor.
CAFES
37 McFarlane Street, Keilor East
This modern cafe has to be one of the best kept secrets in the north. With a menu that boasts local avocado on olive break with ricotta cheese, pickled beetroots, fresh daikon and basil, hot cakes with fresh local berries, Nutella mascarpone, honeycomb, maple syrup and fairy floss and rotating specialty blends from ONA Specialty Coffee — it’s pretty easy to see why locals are lapping it up.
676 Old Calder Highway, Keilor
This pet-friendly cafe is all about friendly service and wholesome food enjoyed in laid-back, fun atmosphere. As well as dishing up some of the best Pad Thai in the north and some seriously insta-worthy French toast, there are so many delicious menu options that choosing something is the hardest part.
1 Ronald Grove, Keilor East
What’s better than fresh-baked Zeally Bay Sourdough sandwiches? It’s a trick question. There isn’t anything. Thankfully, at Crumpet & Co, sandwiches are kind of a big deal and their handcrafted specialty sangas are the best thing since sliced bread. Try the Melanzane (fried eggplant, tomato sugo, ricotta and Grana Padano) or the Porchetta (roasted pork, Grana Padano, artichoke cream and green leaves).
48 Wingara Ave, Keilor East
Coffee and crochet might just be the next big thing to hit Melbourne. And Keilor’s Unwind Craft Cafe is leading the charge. Stop in for a cuppa, a sweet treat and a good yarn, literally.
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Milleara Shopping Centre, Corner Milleara Road and Buckley Street, Keilor East
For strong coffee, some of the best local spanakopita and a selection of freshly-baked Italian-style treats, The Long Macc has you covered.
53 Wingara Ave, Keilor East
A bustling brunch spot with a back-to-basics menu (hello, perfectly poached eggs), where you can get breakfast and coffee for two, with change from a pineapple. Try: The baked eggs and gluten-free ricotta hot cakes are a real treat, but the zucchini and halloumi fritters are hard to pass up.
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14 Centreway, Keilor East
It’s often difficult to achieve the right balance between laid-back cafe and stylish dinner spot. But this all-day eatery — with its stylish, not-too-crowded interior and scrumptious menu — has got it spot on. Try: For dinner, their woodfired pizzas are always a crowd pleader or, if you’re after something a little more fancy, the seafood hot pot is a real sizzler. Meanwhile, at breakfast, the pulled pork benny and bacon rosti (a potato rosti topped with smashed avo, poached egg, bacon and a tomato and cucumber salsa) are the picks of the bunch.
RESTAURANTS & TAKEAWAY
When it comes to date nights and family dinners, Keilor has no shortage of options. From fancy fare to fuss-free fast food, you can find a cuisine to suit every craving, without having to leave the suburban boundary. For authentic north Indian-style cuisine, head to Dhaba by Aangan. This roadside restaurant is decorated in traditional Punjabi style and the food matches the drapes. Try their dal makhani, spicy prawn masala and samosa chaat.
If you’re after a more causal Indian affair, The Chicken Machinecombines three of our favourite things — chicken and chips, Indian flavours and home delivery. And it’s easily some of the best takeout in the area.
For a pan-Asian feast, head to The Potsticker. The Wagyu beef is fall-apart tender and the Peking duck is, in a word, delicious. Also — give their waffle entrees a go. Sushi and smoothies might not seem like the most likely food pairing, but at Hollisushi it seems to work. The sushi is super fresh and the smoothies go down a treat.
The Keilor Hotel is one of the oldest, family-run pubs in Victoria — it’s been in the same family since the 1840s — and its ambient bluestone-walled bistro has all your pub classics (think succulent hand-crumbled schnitzels and parmas) as well as hearty, homemade favourites like slow-cooked lamb shanks and steak and bacon pies.
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Get your southern American on at Houston’s BBQ, which is currently popping up at Fury & Son Brewing. The small-batch, wood-smoked barbecue is all about eight-hour smoked pork burgers, Angus beef hot dogs and smoky chicken wings. Drool.
Take your tastebuds on a seriously indulgent date at all-day eateryFat Chef. From choc-espresso pancakes and smashed poached pitta in the AM (that’s charred pitta bread topped with hummus, smashed avo, charred pepper coulis, two poachies and a croquette, and drizzled with lemon and poppy seed dressing) to Greek snack packs, roasted pork belly, boss burgers and $15 cocktails in the PM — everything packs a punch.
DETAILS
Dhaba by Aangan (3/900 Old Calder Highway, Keilor); The Chicken Machine (51 Dinah Parade, Keilor East); The Potsticker (694 Old Calder Hwy, Keilor); Hollisushi (13 The Centreway, Keilor East); The Keilor Hotel (670 Old Calder Highway, Keilor); Houston’s BBQ (46 Concorde Drive, Keilor Park); Fat Chef (Shop 16-18, 235 Milleara Road, Keilor East).
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ITALIAN
Lovers of Italian cuisine are spoiled for choice in Keilor, with myriad options for dining in or taking away. The Village Pizzeria is a local institution offering crispy-based wood-fired pizzas, homemade gnocchi and, arguably, the best pear and Nutella calzone this side of the city.
Pizza 500is dishing up authentic southern Italian-style cuisine. Don’t miss their arancini balls, calamari fritti or the Don Ciccio pizza topped with a white base, mozzarella, Italian pork sausage, Neapolitan-style broccoli, chilli and garlic.
Having friend’s round for Friday night footy? Marinelli’s is your go-to. Grab a great-value kingsize pizza slab — which is basically two large pizzas in one.
Get a taste of Chicago from Al Capone’s Pizzeria, which come piled high with toppings and packed with flavour.
There’s nothing fancy about Stefano’s Pizzeria — but there doesn’t have to be when the pizzas speak for themselves. This humble pizza place has been Italian-owned for more than 20 years and it shows in the quality of the food.
For a midweek dinner date somewhere along the cobbled streets of Naples, head toClasse 90 Pizzeria. This highly rated local offers authentic, wood-fired pizzas and a casual, atmospheric setting. Wash your meal down with a selection of craft Italian beers, an Aperol spritz or a glass of local wine and finish on some house-made tiramisu.
The outdoor play area makes Slices Family Restauranta hit with kids and parents alike. Not only is the food (which is rustic Italian) yummy — but mum and dad can kick back with a glass of vino while the kids keep themselves entertained on the playground.
DETAILS
The Village Pizzeria (662-664 Old Calder Highway); Pizza 500 (7A Fosters Road, Keilor Park); Marinelli’s (Shop 6, 39 Dinah Parade, Keilor East and 129A Copernicus Way, Keilor Downs); Al Capone’s Pizzeria (43 Wyong Street, Keilor East); Stefano’s Pizzeria (46 Wingara Avenue, Keilor East); Classe 90 Pizzeria (47 Wyong St, Keilor East); Slices Family Restaurant (920 Old Calder Highway, Keilor).
WINE & BEER
Fridays in Keilor are never boring, especially when you can head to the hella-cool Fury and Son Brewing Company’s local brewpub for some amber nectar and American barbecue. Kick back in the industrial-style warehouse and work your way through their selection of pilsners, pale ales and IPAs.
If you prefer your beers more on the lager side, make your own beer at The Beer Factory— a microbrewery where you can choose from hundreds of tried and tested recipes to create a brew that’s uniquely you. Once you’re done, treat yourself to one of their rotating beers on tap. At $2.50 a pot or $4 for a schooner — it’d be rude not to.
If wine is more your thing, Keilor is also home to a couple of award-winning wineries. Arundel Farm Estateis a boutique winery located within the Sunbury Wine Region, with their vineyard dedicated to growing shiraz and viognier. Stop in for a rustic Italian feast on Saturday or Sunday.
Or, for a taste of Tuscany in East Keilor, head toRose Creek Estate— a boutique winery and olive grove that produces some of the finest olive oil in the state, as well as beautiful cool-climate wines including chardonnay, shiraz and cabernet franc.
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DETAILS
Fury and Son Brewing (46 Concorde Dr, Keilor Park) The Beer Factory (18 Translink Drive, Keilor Park); Arundel Farm Estate (321 Arundel Road Keilor); Rose Creek Estate (2 Craig Street, East Keilor).
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As well as being a foodie mecca, Keilor also boasts plenty of indoor and outdoor fun. Keen golfers can take to the fairway at Keilor Public Golf Course. Brimbank Parkis the ideal setting for picnics, walks, fishing, canoeing and bird watching, all set within 326 hectares of pristine parklands. The 4.3km Australian Plant Trail offers a lovely weekend wander and, for the avid weekend cyclists among us, links up with the Maribyrnong River Trail, follows the river from Keilor to Footscray. The Horseshoe Bend Loop Walk (2km) is a lovely nature walk where you can get up-close-and-personal with the local wildlife and, if you’re lucky, maybe even a wallaby. If the weather doesn’t permit outdoor adventures, have an indoor one instead. Let the kids run amok at Croc’s Playcentre(2 Harrick Road, Keilor Park) while adults kick back with a coffee at the Muffin Break cafe. History buffs can take a step back in time with a visit to Overnewton Castle (51 Overnewton Road, Keilor), which was built in 1849 by William Taylor, one of the earliest settlers in Keilor. The stunning Tudor style castle, inspired by 16th century English and Scottish architecture, is now a popular wedding reception venue and functions centre, but you can book in for their monthly High Tea or Devonshire tea surrounded by the grace and grandeur of a bygone era.
HAVE WE MISSED ANYTHING? LET US KNOW IN THE COMMENTS BELOW.
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