Elsternwick is one of those suburbs you either go to or you don’t. It’s not like Prahran or Fitzroy, where people flock there daily to try the newest restaurant. But times may be changing folks. In recent months, Elsternwick has picked up a few town-crossing worthy venues which sit perfectly next to the suburb’s older staples, creating a killer eating scene on the south side. Here are some of our favourites. And yes, we crossed town to try them out.
Pressed Juices Café
Pressed Juices stores are popping up everywhere at the moment, but Elsternwick won the green juice lottery with the opening of the first Pressed Juices Café where juice meets coffee, sandwiches, hot broths, raw peanut butter cookies, and more. This of course goes along with all the ready-made foods as well including a new Salted Caramel, Macadamia, and Thyme tart. Along with the signature exposed woods, the café also sees pastel chairs and dark booths. It’s light, bright, and of course, healthy.
242 Glen Huntly Road, Elsternwick, 3185 VIC
Official website
Artful Dodger
Artful Dodger Coffee, roast their own coffee, which they’ve sourced from around the globe. They serve it up in a number of their cafes including their first cafe Artful Dodger on Glenhuntly Road in Elsternwick, right near the train station. They’ve got Melbourne classics like the Acai bowl topped with spelt granola and strawberries, and the smashed avocado served with beetroot hummus. If you’re looking for something a little different you can go for the quinoa crumbed eggs or waffles with green tea ice agave, cacao, and salted caramel ice cream.
267 Glenhuntly Road, Elsternwisk
Official website
Bancroft Brewers
This new one to the Elsternwick scene has some big names behind it. Restaurateur Jason M Jones (Entrecote, Stables of Como), coffee roaster Ramez Abdulnour (Rosso Roasting Co., Drugstore Espresso, Union St Brewers), and chef Alan Wineera-Timu (ex former Tonka and Coda). We told you. The menu seems like a list of only the good things. Think bruschetta of avocado, Meredith goats feta, parsley, mint, pink peppercorns, lemon zest, Salmon Nicoise Salad, the Bancroft Cheeseburger of Hopkins River wagyu beef, pickles, herby mustardy aioli, fontina cheese with French frites, and an on-trend smoothie of almond milk, espresso, dates, banana, and raw cacao powder.
480a Glen Huntly Road, Elsternwick
Glovers Station
From Jim Marinis, Mary-Jane Daffy, and chef Brett Hobbs Glovers Station is one of those special venues. The space itself built in the early 1900s is breathtaking. The food is organic, seasonal, and free range, and the coffee is from Dukes. You sold yet? The menu is a little more refined than most. Think orecchiette pasta, braised lamb Ragu, gremolata, and feta, or the poached ocean trout, quinoa, kale and goji berry salad, poached egg, and whipped avocado. Or maybe even their take on Eggs Benedict days served with braised ham hock and fresh apple.
258 Glen Eira Road, Elsternwick
Official website
After The Tears
Ever been to Borsch, Vodka, and Tears in Chapel Street? After The Tears is the sister of said vodka house found near the cinema in Elsternwick. After The Tears is visually the daggy sibling of the family, but that doesn’t mean the food and vodka are any less authentic or tasty. You can start with potato blintzes with sour cream and salmon, or crispy calamari with shallots, lettuce, and mustard. The menu continues, for a while, with crepes, saganaki, beetroot and feta salad, borsch, veal goulash, and even apple strudel. Polish food and over 100 vodkas. We’re in.
9b Gordon Street, Elsternwick
Official website
Aviv Cakes and Bagels
This place has gathered quite a cult following. And the second you taste one of their sticky date and pear cakes with hot caramel sauce, you understand why. With a focus on traditional European cakes you’ll also find the most addictive Bubka on the menu. Some of our favourites? The flourless chocolate cake, which is so dense you’ll need to put your conversation on hold, and the Lemon Tart, which balances sweetness, and tartness perfectly. Trust us on this one, it won’t matter which you choose, you’ll be glad you did.
412 Glen Huntly Road, Elsternwick
Official website
Mexico City
Sometimes you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, or a restaurant by its name and exterior. Mexico City has a little bit of a taco bell vibe on the outside, but the food and the service are definitely worth it. The menu is pretty standard. Start with corn chips and dips, move to tacos, quesadillas, fajitas, and even paella. The menu is simple but the flavours are strong and the produce fresh.
313 Glen Huntly Road, Elsternwick
Official website
