Melbourne’s west may be considered out of the way to some, but it’s home to many of the city’s best kept food secrets. Footscray is the vibrant, multicultural gateway for these untapped culinary delights, leading the way with its authentic cuisines, under-the-radar menus, and hidden live music venues.
While it’s possibly most well-known for the best banh mi in Melbourne, Footscray also houses plenty of other options. Where the sun sets you’ll also find some of the best bars of 2022 waiting for you. We’ve curated a list of just a taste of the best, must-try cafés, restaurants and watering holes of Footscray so that you can skip the city and go west this weekend.
Slice Shop
Deep in the heart of Footscray adorned in the native colours of red white and blue, Slice Shop is the little corner store serving up large slices of NYC-inspired pizza. Helmed by the same team as Burn City Smokers, the neon-lit sign out front is a shining beacon for the 18-inch pizza pies which you can tackle by the slice or in full. The menu features plenty of staples from a spicy meatball with provolone, to a classic pepperoni, there's even a vegan option with greens, jalapenos and artichoke. Designed to accompany the bustling Footscray nightlife, Slice Shop is the perfect accompaniment on any night out, you can even order a pie directly to the nearby bar, Baby Snakes.
Ollie’s Deli
Melbourne loves a sandwich moment in 2022. For some of the best sangas in the west, head to Ollie’s Deli, where the pastrami is insta-worthy and the BFC (buttermilk fried chicken) will hit right where you want it. Located on the well-loved Barkly Street, Ollie’s welcoming green signage and delicious coffee supplied by Industry Beans makes for the perfect lunch stopover.
Karlaylisi
Blink and you’ll miss the unassuming shopfront of Karlaylisi, home to the best hand-pulled noodles in Footscray. This restaurant serves up authentic Uyghur cuisine that gets our mouth watering just thinking about it—go the classic spicy noodles with lamb and vegetables, or try the crowd-pleasing beef dumplings. You know what? Get it all. You won’t regret it.
Mamma Chen’s
The mother-daughter duo behind Mamma Chen’s are bringing the sound and the good times every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Reclaiming the space that was once known as The Dancing Dog, this female-driven, inclusive space welcomes everyone—and their fully accessible band room—makes for a fun night out for all. There’s no food to be had here, so grab an $18 house draught or non-alcoholic bev and get your groove on.
Hotel Westwood
Where the Reverence Hotel once ruled now lives Hotel Westwood. Owned by James Young, the legend behind Cherry Bar and Yah Yahs, this beloved spot hosts live music seven days a week and cultivates a community space for everyone. With a 350-capacity bandroom, a 70s style front bar, and a stunner of a beer garden, you’re covered for everything from tearing up the dance floor to your next Sunday sesh. In the kitchen you'll find cult burger purveyors Goldieboy, who after stealing the hearts of Melburnians following various pop-ups, are settling in for the next while and slinging their insane burgs at Hotel Westwood.
Mr West
Beer lovers will not want to miss the award-winning bar and bottle shop Mr West. With 24 taps to choose from and a carefully curated dream list of indie craft beers, natural wines and seasonal cocktails, this two-storey joint will have you feeling all warm and tingly with their exclusive products—not available anywhere else in town. Enjoy those immaculate industrial vibes and dimmed drinking halls with a board of cheese and other goodies and the pic is complete.
Rudimentary
These converted shipping containers house one of Footscray’s best cafés, Rudimentary. With a sprawling garden to give customers a reprieve from the urban feel of Footscray, you can enjoy the outdoors while sipping on your morning coffee. The kimchi toastie or crispy eggplant roll are worth a munch, but the menu is bursting with eye-catching dishes that reflect the diversity of the area.
Nhu Lan Bakery
Locals may be divided over who takes the title for Footscray’s best banh mi—check out our full list of Melbourne’s best banh mi here—but Nhu Lan Bakery is hard to go by (our other top pick is To’s Bakery). We’re talking cult status here. Unpretentious, fresh, authentic Vietnamese at its absolute finest is on display, and the fast-moving line isn’t enough to deter their devotees. The pork or the tofu are crowd favourites.
Ras Dashen
The service is as good as the food at Ras Dashen, the Ethiopian eatery that welcomes you with a smile and an abundance of delicious dishes to try. The injera bread is a must, and you can wash it down with Ethiopian beer or coffee depending on your mood. There’s a reason locals keep coming back for seconds and there are plenty of vego-friendly meals to satisfy your whole table—that is, if you can get one at this bustling, cheap and cheerful joint.
Baby Snakes Bar
If you’ve got the crew, Baby Snakes has the vibes. Disco balls, DJ sets and dreamy cocktails await you at this hip locale. Local live acts are a regular so your ears will be in for a treat while your eyes feast on the colourful interior design. To stop you from drinking yourself silly with their glorious international and local wine list, there’s cheese and charcuterie you won’t want to gloss over.
Bar Thyme
Got a hot date? Bar Thyme is the place to go. Another Barkly Street haunt for 2022’s hall of fame, you’ll instantly feel at home among its stylish interiors, featuring an intriguing vinyl collection and craft spirits to tempt you all night long. There’s grilled garfish on braised whitebeans, buckwheat and walnut risotto with wild mushrooms, and chocolate mousse with house-preserved cherries on offer. Plus, a chef with Attica on his resumé? Sold.
Now, check out the best of Essendon here.
Image credit: Mr West
@snapshotdragon - Slice Shop