An inner-city postcode crawling with culture, Brunswick is home to some of the best bars, coffee and food Melbourne has to offer.
Spots like A1 Bakery and The Retreat Hotel are well deserving of their city-wide adoration, but there are plenty more local spots worthy of cult-status. So we've teamed up with LIV Albert—a new neighbourhood of rental apartments surrounded by Clifton Park & Gilpin Park—to show you exactly how to live (and where to eat) like a local in Brunswick.
Ona Coffee Melbourne
22 Ovens St, Brunswick
Born in 2008, Ona Coffee roasts and pours sustainable blends that won’t just get you up in the morning, but will keep coming back for more at every chance.
Their Brunswick digs are one of five across the country, where you’ll find all the caffeine your heart desires and a banging brunch menu. For brekkie, order yourself the mushrooms—a perfectly plated mix of seasonal mushies, marinated artichoke, stracciatella, truffle butter and sourdough—or the okonomiyaki waffle with apple glazed bacon, fried egg and miso mayo.
Madonna Electric
833 Sydney Rd, Brunswick
Decked out just like nonna’s house, Madonna Electric fuses antique decor, low lighting and old school Italian charm, with great pizza at the centre.
Sip on Negronis at your lace tablecloth-lined table while you dive into antipasto, arancini, and a few rounds of top-tier slices. A masterclass in simplicity, the cacio é pepe pizette comes with creamy mozzarella, cracked pepper and a sharp grana padano. Up for something a little heavier? Opt for the prawn & saseech with garlic prawns and Italian sausage, or the butcher of Brunswick topped with mozzarella, house-smoked ham, hot salami and mortadella.
Hot tip: Head along on Monday nights where for $28.5, staff circle tables with endless trays of all-you-can-eat pizza. Grab as many slices as you can and stuff yourself silly.
Green Refectory
115 Sydney Rd, Brunswick
A day spent trawling the op shops of Sydney Road is sure to leave you in need of great coffee, a good feed and a sweet treat. Luckily, Green Refectory serves all three.
There's barista-made coffee, freshly squeezed juices, a cafe-style menu and a display decked out with pastries, sandwiches, salads and sushi. But the real stars of the show here are the cakes and desserts. Think passionfruit sponge cake, chocolate tart and cheesecake, with more vegan and gluten-free options than you’ll find at most bakeries.
The courtyard seating is perfect for a slow afternoon in the sun, but there’s plenty of seating both in and outdoors. Just be prepared to wait during peak times, the lines can get long.
Waxflower
153 Weston St, Brunswick
A wine and vinyl listening bar, Waxflower nails the brief for a laid-back but very vibey spot to spend a night sipping vino. Taking inspiration from Tokyo and London, the space is low-key, warm and relaxed—but with an elevated edge.
The food hits the mark too, with head chef Dave Falvey taking inspo from European and Peruvian flavours for his seasonal menu. If you’re not a wine drinker, tap beers rotate between different local and independent brews, and the cocktail menu is top-notch.
Green Field
376-378 Sydney Rd, Brunswick
At Green Field on Sydney Road, you'll find BYO drinks, wallet-friendly prices and top-tier Vietnamese flavours (with nods to a few other cuisines from the region) covering all the classics like noodles, soups and stir fries.
All the main dishes are customisable, so take your pick from satay, sweet and sour or salt and pepper and then add your protein, with most options offering tofu, beef, chicken and seafood.
Howler
7-11 Dawson St, Brunswick
Once an empty warehouse, Howler is now a high-energy bar and event space playing host to some of the best nights out in Brunswick. The industrial vibes are still there, but cosy pockets like the beer garden and gallery bar bring a welcome warmth to the space—with nooks and crannies for whatever your night has in store.
Set yourself up in a booth with a cocktail and bar snacks on quieter nights, or get down on a Saturday night for Brunswick City Radio, where local and international talent take over the decks and spin the night away with house tunes.
The Brunswick Green
313-315 Sydney Rd, Brunswick
For a no-fuss pub that pours great drinks, look no further than The Brunswick Green. Hidden among the hustle of Sydney Road, it’s a local gem where the vibes, punters and bar prices are just as good as the bevs.
Inside, you’ll find plenty of cosy seating, while the sprawling beer garden takes its inspo from the tropics, with picnic tables, plenty of greenery and live music across the hotter months. The Green doesn’t serve food, but you can order Uber Eats or grab takeaway from any of the spots along Sydney Road.
Bar Magnolia
295 Sydney Rd, Brunswick
A small but mighty French bistro, Bar Magnolia screams date night. Grab yourself a seat at the bar and be whisked away into a night of excellent wine and even better food.
The menu rotates regularly, but expect to find refined dishes like Sydney rock oysters, yellowfin tartare and duck rilletes, finished with a French dessert and plenty of cheese. A little bit fancy without being over the top—it doesn't get much better for an intimate night out.
The Cornish Arms
163A Sydney Rd, Brunswick
Thanks to its top-tier beer garden, rooftop bar and cosy indoor seating, The Cornish Arms is a year-round people pleaser—with meals to match.
With a ripper selection of vegan and gluten-free options, it's a safe spot to bring your mates with dietaries. We're talking all the pub classics, tweaked to suit your needs. Think plant-based parmas, souvlakis and burgers that are just as tasty as their meaty alternatives.
Get down for $18 burgers on Tuesdays, $20 parmas on Sundays, and trivia on Thursdays.
Brunswick sounding too good for just a visit? Check out brand new studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments renting now at LIV Albert, with flexible leases, sustainable design and focus on community, right in the heart of Brunswick.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by LIV Albert and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.
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