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 influence 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 2025 guide to Thornbury’s best:
Thornbury Restaurants
Rat The Cafe
72 Wales St, Thornbury
A rat that serves frogs? Let us explain. Not quite a Ratatouille situation, Rat The Cafe is Thornbury’s hidden gem, nestled between High Street and Victoria Road under a giant tree. Here, embrace your inner child (or actual child) with their nostalgic Frog in a Pond, which pairs surprisingly well with an iced batch brew. Hungry? Go for their pulled pork burger or one of their stellar sandwiches served on local All Are Welcome bread.
Rat’s sustainability efforts are also next level. They’ve worked with Darebin Council to electrify their operations, compost with Reground, and use refillable milk kegs to cut single-use plastics. Locals can even refill their own bottles here. Don’t have a keep cup? Borrow a Wangim cup, part of a 26-venue reuse network across Darebin. Bonus points for the dog-friendly outdoor seating—it’s a favourite among locals.
Pizza Elettrica
167 Darebin Rd, Thornbury
One of Thornbury’s newest additions, and it’s a biggie—big New York slices, that is. Pizza Elettrica opened in June 2024 and is already making waves with its unconventional, electric-cooked ‘pies’. Situated on Darebin Road, this spot dishes up 15-inch pizzas with blistered crusts and minimal toppings, crafted using New York-style 36-hour fermented dough.
The menu is packed with quirky creations, like the 10-inch Everything Bagel pizza or the aptly named “Fun Garlic Bread Thingy,” made with miso garlic butter and toasted sesame. For pizza purists, the Spicy Marg (a collaboration with Six-Eyed Scorpion) or the Peppi are guaranteed winners–only venturing slightly from their original forms. The drinks list is just as playful, featuring local and Mexican beers, Mexican Coca-Cola, and a small but stellar selection of wines. Pro tip: orders close at 9pm, so plan ahead to avoid missing out.
Isme
752 High St, Thornbury
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 open fire and an oversized communal dining table designed for sharing and celebrating.
The menu is a bold celebration of tradition, with Joseph’s mum, Therese, still having a strong influence, just as she did in the original. Start with fire-scorched mountain bread and a trio of dips, then move on to tangy fatteh topped with chargrilled prawns and crispy pita shards. The show-stopping slow-roasted lamb shoulder is fall-apart tender and pairs beautifully with a glass of Lebanese Nebbiolo. For dessert, the baklava cheesecake is unmissable, as are the inventive cocktails, one featuring a surprising hint of wasabi.
Sandro
822 High St, Thornbury
New yet familiar, Sandro has undergone several iterations before finding its stride as a casual pasta and wine bar. Initially a pasta shop by the Umberto team, it later became Prova before relaunching as Sandro in November 2024.
The menu offers a mix of Italian staples and creative surprises, from charred mortadella skewers to sumac pavlova with strawberries and crème fraîche. While handmade pasta remains the star, dishes like smoked baba ghanoush served with crisp flatbread add a modern twist. Most meals are under $40, making Sandro the perfect spot for a laid-back dinner with neighbours or friends.
Capers
843 High St, Thornbury
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. On Friday nights, DJs tend to take over from 9pm-ish, and the courtyard comes alive with community vibes.
The food is simple but satisfying, 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. Locals love it so much, the energy often spills onto the sidewalk.
Carwyn Cellars
877 High St, Thornbury
Carwyn Cellars might just be Melbourne’s coolest beer bar—judging by the Friday night crowds (and the phone reception dropping out by 8pm), the locals tend to agree. This independent bottle shop and bar has been a Thornbury staple since 2007, boasting over 200 beers, 16 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, the onsite food truck serves up burgers, wings, and fries ‘til late. 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—with zero corkage when you spend $75 or more (perfect for splitting with a friend).
Gigi
Level 2/917 High St, Thornbury
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 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
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 al pomodoro, Umberto’s delivers. Bonus points if you pair it all with a glass of vino over a lively game of scopa–buona indeed.
All Are Welcome Thornbury
887 High St, Thornbury
You’ve likely heard of this cult-favourite Melbourne bakery, but did you know its Thornbury location offers more seating to devour those famous sausage rolls? Housed in an old bakery with “High Street Bakers & Confectioners” signage intact, All Are Welcome is the perfect place for snacking and chatting with friends. Open until 1pm daily (though hours do vary, so check Insta), this spot is beloved by locals who know it’s best to get in early before the cabinets sell out.
The menu features khachapuri pastries, deli sandwiches, and buttery croissants ranging from cinnamon-almond to ham-and-cheddar. Pair it all with their exclusive house coffee, crafted by the talented team at Fieldwork Coffee—it’s the perfect balance to all that richness. And keep an eye out for their signature blue caps; they’re a staple around Thornbury.
Casa Nata
846 High St, Thornbury
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, Pepe Saya 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.
Things To Do Thornbury
Thornbury Picture House
802 High St, Thornbury
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 far less cinema-esque–created in collaboration with Umberto’s, offering antipasto, polenta chips, and meatballs, alongside drinks from fellow locals Three Ravens and nearby Noisy Ritual. And yes, popcorn and choc-tops are still a thing. Head there on a Wednesday for $13.50 tickets all day.
Shotkickers
744 High St, Thornbury
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, even hosting events from the Always Live roster.
Though small in size, Shotkickers punches above its weight with packed residencies from artists like Jazzparty 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. Keep a close eye on their Instagram for upcoming shows.
Psarakos
2/8 Clarendon St, Thornbury
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 under $4. There’s also an in-house florist with some of the very best seasonal blooms. Psarakos is a slice of European market culture in the heart of Thornbury, perfect for a coffee-and-shop experience.