Coburg is a diverse suburb located in Melbourne’s north, known for its thriving cultural scene, rich heritage and lush green spaces including Coburg Lake Reserve and the Merri Creek Trail.
From family-friendly eateries and rustic cafes to the fine dining of Pentridge, Coburg is an intersection of multicultural culinary establishments.
Here are the Coburg restaurants, cafes and bars that you need to hit in 2023:
Hotel Lombardo
Steeped in a deep 70s New York aesthetic, reminiscent of late-night clubs ala the Copacabana in Goodfellas, Hotel Lombardo brings all the charm and craft to Coburg. The bar, diner, and beer garden each pack in hordes of eager locals and visitors for their 72-hour rested pizza dough— which they cook to leopard-spotted perfection with simple yet memorable toppings, from a classic Marg to a Nduja and Sopressa salami number.
Trivelli Cakes
Situated at the intersection of Syndey Road and Munro Street is Trivelli Cakes, a venerable Italian institution that has established itself as a cornerstone of Coburg. The family-run legacy has been creating special-occasion cakes, crafting biscuits and piping fresh cannoli since 1965, using cherished family recipes and trade secrets.
The Glass Den
Backing onto Pentridge Prison, The Glass Den stands as one of the earliest redevelopments within the former prison complex, attracting patrons fascinated by the historical allure of what used to be the prison’s gatehouse.
The cafe exudes a prison-themed charm with its imposing sandstone wall entrance and has evolved into a local brunch destination. Offering a modern Australian menu with contemporary twists, each dish is enchantingly presented with a vibrant and creative touch.
Two Franks
Two Franks is a new addition to Coburg’s culinary scene, having just opened its doors in 2023. Previously a traditional butcher shop, it is now under the ownership of longtime Coburg residents and sisters who have transformed the space into an all-encompassing deli, grocer and cafe.
Beyond the deli cuts and pantry staples, this charming establishment serves up coffees through its window front—while the interior is adorned with milk crates brimming with a wide selection of pastries including cinnamon twists and almond croissants.
Zaatar
Zaatar, a Middle Eastern cafe and bakery, has secured a prominent place among the Sydney Road favourites, offering warm hospitality and authentic and aromatic Lebanese share plates that feature a signature spice blend.
While their menu showcases a variety of dishes with Middle Eastern flair, including their mezza plates with house-made dips, pies and 'Zoccacia'—a spin on focaccia, there’s no doubt that the Zaatar—a flavourful blend of spices on a crisp flatbread—is the crowd-favourite.
Brewdog
Brewdog has transformed the bygone prison yard of Pentridge into a slick beer garden. Their taproom and brewpub set within the bluestone walls of Melbourne's historic gaol is a 500-person beer oasis, one of the team's most ambitious ventures yet.
Transforming the entire E Division Building, the all-new Brewdog is split between two levels and features an expansive outdoor beer garden, an indoor dining room, a lounge, and even an event space.
North & Common
Set within the former Pentridge Prison mess hall, North & Common is giving punters another reason to visit the northside precinct. The kitchen is headed up by Mark Glenn (ex-Cumulus and Dinner by Heston), who brings his modern take on contemporary, yet approachable, Australian cuisine to this stunner of a space. Some stars of the show include—but certainly aren't limited to—spanner crab risoni, and a grilled ox tongue and cashew cream.
Olivine
Situated deep in the heritage cells, this 100-seater wine bar includes a walk-in cellar door and intimate booths making it the perfect date night destination. On offer inside the dense bluestone walls of Olivine is a small grazing-style menu that features specialities including raw tuna with truffle cream, Japanese scallop tarts with a Yuzu emulsion and dried tomato powder, and appellation rock oysters served with a peach mignonette dressing.
Make sure to browse the ‘book of wine,’ curated by the renowned sommelier, Liinaa Berry, and features over 500 labels from national and international producers.
Back Alley Bakery
Tucked away behind a pink roller door and a red-brick frontage in North Coburg’s industrial estate is Back Alley Bakes. Famed for their buttery croissants, English muffins and house-made baguettes among other items.
While some menu items change from week to week, their staples including the loaded chicken sandwich, luscious Basque cheesecake and a range of Danish flavours seem to be the locals' top choices. In addition, the accidental-born ‘Croissausos’—sausage rolls encased in croissant dough—remain the neighbourhood’s go-to.
The Post Office Hotel
If you’re in Coburg,, chances are you’re familiar with The Post Office Hotel. Located on Sydney Road in the heart of the northern suburb, this venue is a meeting place for family and friends alike, with a killer menu and relaxed atmosphere. They’re a pub, music venue and brewery all in one, so they’re the best Melbourne pub to stop by for a one-size-fits-all kind of outing.
Half Moon Cafe
Situated in a thriving side street just off Sydney Road is Half Moon Cafe, an eatery established from humble beginnings. Migrating to Australia from Egypt, owner Nabil Hassan has been gracing Coburg residents with the flavours of his homeland with falafel and kebabs that keep locals returning.
What sets the falafels apart and adds to the cultural experience at this venue is their Egpitan preparation, using broad beans instead of chickpeas, offering a distinctive taste.
The Boot Factory
The Boot Factory has emerged from its historical roots as a place where inmates crafted footwear into one of Coburg’s best brunch destinations.
The interior is a mishmash of vintage furniture, squishy couches and rustic farmhouse tables. The cafe gives new meaning to prison food with its extensive menu that is grounded in seasonal produce, you can expect anything from a mean chilli scramble to a hearty yellow lentil dahl.
Wild Timor
Wild Timor is truly a unique Coburg cafe, known for its direct supply of organically grown coffee from Timor Leste and its nutritious Timorese-inspired cuisine, it is no wonder that Coburg has evolved as a multicultural hub.
The dishes are distinct and hearty as reflected in their signature plate— sweet and sour eggs served atop a house-made potato rosti, paired with a Timorese chilli sauce and spinach among sides.
Stix
The dessert bar Stix perfectly encapsulates its brand name, taking classic desserts such as waffles and putting them on a stick. The joint may appear to be a pop-up but it’s taken up full residence on Sydney Road.
The frozen cheesecakes on a stick have gained notable popularity, drizzled in addictive toppings. With flavours like Golden Gaytime, Nutella and lemon pistachio, indulgence knows no bounds.
Ohea’s Bakery And Deli
The family-run and owned legacy, Ohea’s Bakery is a thriving deli-cafe. Resonating with the charm of an Italian corner store, every nook and cranny of this place is filled with Italian pantry essentials from biscotti to fresh fruits and vegetables. Within its walls, you’ll also uncover cured meats, traditional panini loaded with meatballs or cold cuts and the sought-after cannoli.
Cornerstone Pizzeria
Perched on the corner of Harding Street among a quaint strip of establishments is Cornerstone Pizzeria, a family-friendly eatery, renowned for its traditional Italian cuisine. The exposed brick that envelopes the place, open fireplaces and street-side dining radiates Italian charm.
You can anticipate dishes from polenta chips and Sicilian-style arancini to nonna-made four-cheese gnocchi and a wide variety of pizzas all using the highest quality San Marzano tomatoes— a choice that would earn a nod of approval from any nonna.
Wang Wang Dumpling
Located within a Coburg supermarket car park, Wang Wang Dumpling is a modest and budget-friendly Chinese restaurant. It presents a Shanghai-inspired menu, featuring options from comforting noodle soups to sizzling hotplates and steaming hotpots.
While the menu is overwhelming in choice, you can never go wrong with their speciality—dumplings—filled with a variety of meats or veg or their Shanghai pork mini buns—a crowd-favourite.
Hanoi Lotus
A well-embraced local diner, Hanoi Lotus stands as one of the most authentic Vietnamese establishments in Coburg. The menu showcases a range of traditional dishes, think bun noodle salads and stir-fries generously coated in a selection of sauces from black bean to chilli lemongrass.
Amidst the multitude of choices, the comforting Pho— a rich beef broth served with fresh rice noodles, spring onion and crisp bean shoots remains the stan
Check out everything to eat in Moonee Ponds over here.
Image credit: Two Franks (supplied)