The Best Things To Eat, Drink And Do In Thornbury in 2026

No longer just Northcote’s little sister, Thornbury has quietly become a food and culture hotspot well worth hopping on the 86 tram for. Known for its strong Greek and Italian migrant communities—and their incredible food—Thornbury also boasts Lebanese roots, Australia’s first Islamic Museum, and a dedicated Portuguese pastry spot. There’s no shortage of cultural influences here.

Since Umberto’s kickstarted Thornbury’s food boom in 2010, plenty of spots have come and gone. What ties them all together? A deep connection to heritage. Many local joints embrace their building’s original charm, blending new life with old-school fixtures. While this can make some places hard to spot, just ask a local—they’ll happily point you in the right direction. 

Here’s your 2026 guide to Thornbury’s best:

Thornbury Restaurants

Pizza Elettrica 

167 Darebin Rd, Thornbury

Isme 

752 High St, Thornbury

Image: Isme | Instagram

 

Translating to “my name” or “it’s me” in Lebanese, Isme brings the best of Beirut-style dining to Thornbury. Originally opened in Fitzroy—which closed quickly due to COVID and building issues—it has been reimagined next to Joseph Rahme’s other venture, Juju’s Deli. Isme is a modern take on Middle Eastern hospitality, with a roaring wood-fired oven and an oversized communal dining table designed for sharing and celebrating.

The menu is a bold celebration of tradition - with a bit of influence from Joseph's mum. Start with fire-scorched mountain bread and a trio of dips, then move on to sujuk dumplings and some tangy fatteh topped with crispy pita shards. The show-stopping slow-roasted lamb shoulder is fall-apart tender and pairs beautifully with a glass of Lebanese vino. For dessert, the pecan and walnut cheesecake is unmissable, as are the inventive cocktails.

Capers

843 High St, Thornbury

Image: Capers | Instagram

If your Yiayia opened a bar, it would look like Capers. This High Street gem embraces kitsch in the best way possible, offering a warm, nostalgic atmosphere. But don’t let the decor fool you—Capers knows how to throw a party. You'll find live music on most Tuesdays, then on Friday and Saturday nights, DJs tend to take over from 9pm-ish. That's when the courtyard comes alive with community vibes.

The food is simple but satisfying Greek and Cypriot fare, served alongside wine in cups for a true no-fuss experience. Whether you’re here for a date or a friends’ catch-up, Capers always delivers. Hot tip: Dirty martini lovers need the Capers Greek Salad Martini. Phenomenal.

Carwyn Cellars

877 High St, Thornbury

Image: Carwyn Cellars | Instagram

Carwyn Cellars might just be Melbourne’s coolest beer bar—judging by the Friday night crowds. This independent bottle shop and bar has been a Thornbury staple since 2007, boasting over 200 beers, 32 rotating taps, and a cellar full of rare gems. Regular tap takeovers from international breweries keep the lineup fresh, while the undercover beer garden is a go-to in any weather.

When hunger hits, you've got beer-friendly feeds, with half piece wings on Wednesday and half price burgers on Thursday. Non-beer drinkers are sorted too, with an excellent wine and spirits selection. And if nothing on tap catches your eye, grab a bottle from the cellar and enjoy with a modest corkage. 

Gigi

Level 2/917 High St, Thornbury

Image: Gigi | Instagram

Nestled above Umberto’s (see below) is Gigi, a hidden gem you’ll only find if you know to look for it—no signage from the street here. This micro rooftop bar is Thornbury’s one and only (for now at least), and it’s just as charming as you’d expect from the Umberto team.

Don’t expect city skyline views; instead, enjoy suburbia’s golden hour while sipping on the signature grapefruit house spritz, aptly named “The Gigi.” Snack options can range from seared scallops to stuffed zucchini flowers, with pizzas and burgers for something heartier. Non-drinkers are welcome too, with a dedicated low- and no-alcohol section. Be sure to check Instagram for opening updates, as Gigi tends to hibernate in winter.

Thornbury Cafes

Umberto Espresso Bar

917 High St, Thornbury

Image: Umberto Espresso Bar | Instagram

 

Where do we even begin with this local legend? Many credit Thornbury’s foodie rise to Marco Finanzio, who opened the original Umberto Espresso Bar just a few doors down. Now housed in a 100-year-old former shoe store, “Arthur’s Shoes,” complete with original signage, it’s oh-so-Thornbury.

Stop by for lunch, dinner, or a classic Genovese espresso. For lunch, think prosciutto panino with mozzarella di bufala, and for dinner, the handmade pasta takes centre stage. Whether it’s veal ragu or gnocchi alla pizzaiolo, Umberto’s delivers. Bonus points if you pair it all with a glass of vino over a lively game of scopa–buona indeed.

Rat The Cafe

72 Wales St, Thornbury

Image: Rat the Cafe | Instagram

Not quite a Ratatouille situation, Rat The Cafe is Thornbury’s hidden gem, nestled between High Street and Victoria Road under a giant tree. It's all wholesome goodness here, from heart-warming shakshuka to sourdough crumpets with fresh, seasonal fruits and Mascarpone. And the sausage rolls and sandwiches? Stellar. Stunning. From Monday to Friday they're open til 7pm, switching into casual bar mode, complete with happy hour.

In sustainability terms, they’re smashing it. As well as using mostly organic produce, they’ve gone fully electric (with green power!), have a milk keg-and-tap system to avoid waste, give BYO discounts for keep cups, recycle grounds and soft plastics and minimise food waste by using their surplus (leftover croissants? Tomorrow’s French toast loaves). Bonus points for the dog-friendly outdoor seating—it’s a favourite among locals.

Casa Nata

846 High St, Thornbury

Image: Casa Nata | Instagram

 

For the tart-obsessed, Casa Nata is a must try. Opened in April 2020, this High Street gem proudly claims the title “Melbourne’s home of the Portuguese tart.” Co-owned by second-generation Portuguese-Australians, Casa Nata perfects pastéis de nata with milk, flour, eggs, butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Their precision and dedication are unmatched.

Located at the quieter end of High Street bordering Preston, Casa Nata may be easy to miss but we recommend going that extra tram stop for it. Their sleek neon “we love tarts” signage is as iconic as the tarts themselves. Now, cross your fingers they bring back their limited edition soft-serve soon—it’s one for the books.

Short Round

731 High Street, Thornbury

Image: Short Round | Instagram

If you were to look up “Melbourne brunch culture” in a dictionary, there'd be a pic of Short Round. That stylish but humble fitout, soft florals and exposed brick, where the simplicity lets flavours shine. Think, stacked ricotta hotcakes with streaky bacon, crispy chilli folded eggs and a brekky spin on the anchovy toast. House-made crumpets are a must for the first-timer, and a lemongrass congee with shiitake and egg beckons the savoury-toothed. 

The menu changes with seasons, but always keeps that quintessential brunch spirit, with coffees, smoothies and everything you need to start your day sunny side up.

Things To Do Thornbury

Thornbury Picture House

802 High St, Thornbury

 

Image: Thornbury Picture House | Instagram

Impossible to miss, this joyful corner building is home to Thornbury Picture House, an independent cinema bursting with passion for film. Co-owned by the director of The Lost City of Melbourne, the space was once a drive-through petrol station—now lovingly renovated with a nod to its former life.

Inside, you’ll find a comfy 57-seat theatre screening a mix of new releases, documentaries, cult, and classic movies. The menu is classic cinema snackery with a few bougie twists, like olive oil popcorn and Luther's Scoops ice cream tubs, as well as the tried-and-true choc-tops and lolly bags. Much better bevs than your standard cinema, though - movie and a margarita? Ok, sold. Head there on a Wednesday for $14.50 tickets all day, or $17 Mondays. 

Shotkickers

744 High St, Thornbury

Image: Shotkickers | Instagram

 

Thornbury finally got the live music venue it was waiting for with Shotkickers. Since opening in 2022, this bar and bandroom has become the spot for local gigs and big-name acts alike, 7 nights a week, even hosting events from the Always Live roster.

Though small in size, Shotkickers punches above its weight with packed residencies and a lineup of free gigs. The atmosphere is electric, so it’s no surprise it was nominated for Music Victoria’s Best Small Venue award. And the $20 burger and beer happy hour ain't bad either. Keep a close eye on their Instagram for upcoming shows. 

Psarakos 

2/8 Clarendon St, Thornbury

Image: Psarakos Market | Instagram

 

Psarakos Market is a Thornbury icon. Split into sections for meats, nuts, baked goods, cafes, and fresh produce, it’s truly a one-stop shop for everything from groceries to grappa. Established in 1972 by the Psarakos siblings, this beloved market has been serving Thornbury ever since.

The fresh produce section is where it’s at—look out for bargain bags filled with ripe veggies like zucchinis and capsicums for just a few dollars. Also keep watch for their regular wine tastings and try something new. Psarakos is a slice of European market culture in the heart of Thornbury. Whatever you come in for, you'll leave with so much more.

Perimeter Books

734 High Street, Thornbury 

Image: Perimeter Books | Instagram

A book shop that almost feels like a gallery, you never know what you'll find when you're browsing Perimeter Books. Since 2011, Perimeter has stocked shelves and tables with art and design, big thinking from small press, indie zines with unusual ideas, exhibition publications, international magazines and everything in between. Have an eye for photography? A love of subgenres and subcultures? A burning need to know more about architecture, food culture, ecology or punk history? This is where you can find fresh perspectives and surprises. 

Look out for book launches and talks from artists and writers. Perimeter's the place to get your culture fix.