We challenge ourselves every time we visit Melbourne, to try a new café or restaurant / hotel / bar / bakery and believe me it’s not hard to do.

They may be new establishments or ones that have been around for years, but we’re gradually making our way around to the ones that catch our eye for one reason or another, or come from others recommendations.

It helps to keep a list on the phone of the next places we want to visit and my phone notes are always being added to, for places we have to see and try in each state. It seems like for each destination crossed off another two or three are added.

Thanks to the excellent public transport network in Victoria, it’s easy to make your way by tram, bus or train and of course by foot, to city and inner suburban venues, like these three we discovered during our last visit.

The Danish Club – Melbourne CBD

Located in Denmark House in Little Bourke Street Melbourne, this restaurant that in their words is ‘the venue for Danish design, food and hygge in the heart of Melbourne’, came onto my radar when I saw the food options on social media.

The cuisine that caught my eye, was the traditional Smørrebrød (open sandwiches on rye bread) on the lunch menu that looked incredible, and were loaded with toppings that were fresh and delicious, with seafood being a big part of it too.

The restaurant on the third floor of the building which houses the Danish and Swedish Consulates in Melbourne, is light filled and oozes Scandi chic décor. As well as the beautiful looking and tasting food, they have a good wine list, akvavit range and Danish Carlsberg beers to buy.

You don’t have to be a member to dine in and the staff were all very welcoming and happy to show us other spaces in the venue. This is a gorgeous spot for lunch in the CBD and one that we need to revisit.

Daddy Bar – Brunswick

Sometimes you just want a dark and moody bar to have a drink and relax in and Daddy Bar in Brunswick is one to check out with its plush looking interior, decorated with comfortable salvaged and recycled furniture.

At one end of the bar are DJ decks with mirror balls overhead and the vibe here is friendly, welcoming and fun. The furniture and décor is a mismatch of eras and styles but somehow it all works and looks like it completely belongs together. Very eclectic – very Brunswick.

Outdoors on a verandah are more places to sit and watch the Brunswick locals and dogs wander by, and there are cushion bedecked benches in booths for groups to get comfy in, while surrounded by hanging ferns.

During the day it’s a café where you can have a coffee and a toastie while playing a board game, and it’s also a gallery space for local artists.

Ovens Street Bakery – Brunswick

This micro bakery in a backstreet of Brunswick is popular with locals and it’s no surprise why, with amongst other things, freshly baked breads, fruit Danish, croissants, baguettes and amazing Polish doughnuts.

They also sell free range eggs and you can enjoy a coffee and breakfast sitting at tables out the front 5 days a week from Wednesday to Sunday.

Word has it, to get in early so that your favourite product doesn’t sell out and if you have to line up, you can enjoy the sunflower artwork and bread puns on the wall while you’re waiting.

Be warned though, everything looks and tastes amazing so be prepared to overspend.

Enjoy

Glenys