There's a bit happening out in the southeast suburbs of Melbourne. A short drive from the beach and just shy under 20km to the CBD the region of Cheltenham, Moorabbin and Mentone has started to brim with options.
From early-morning coffee and croissants from a small-batch bakery, sangas from a corner deli and even imported rosé from a French-inspired wine bar, it's now easier and more tempting than ever to keep it local.
Here are some of the best restaurants, bars and cafes, in Cheltenham, Moorabbin and Mentone:
Bar Savarin
CHELTENHAM
Situated on Keys Road, in a very unassuming stretch of Cheltenham's industrial estate, Bar Savarin is the wine, diner and bottle shop, providing a French-inspired oasis to nearby residents. Centred around classic Euro flavours there's a bistro-style approach to the menu, dishes small and large designed to be paired with one of the quality imported drops that line the shelves of the retail wine selection.
Applehead Deli
MENTONE
This quaint sanga and coffee destination is brimming with vibe, inside Applehead's painted brick store on Latrobe Street you'll find a menu laden with deli-style sandwiches. Taking cues from New York's handheld masterpieces, the team serve up their own spin on Reubens, meatball rolls, tuna melts as well as a rotating selection of weekend specials. While there you'll also have a chance to get the mind-melting cream cheese and cinnamon creations of Sebby Scrolls, game-set-match.
Bromley's Bread
CHELTENHAM
Probably one of Melbourne's most underrated pastry and bread destinations, Bromley's Bread is the shared venture from the duo Scott and Jenny Bromley. What started out as a travelling stand at farmers' markets has transcended into two stores (Cheltenham and Carnegie) as well as being stocked all over town. Here you'll have your pick from expertly crafted almond croissants, danishes with fruit and custard spilling out and crunchy yet dense cinnamon cruffins.
Sunnyside Sliced
MENTONE
Taking a slice straight out of Queens, the New York Borough-style Pizza diner is a game-changing addition to the main drag of Mentone. The sheer brick shopfront of Sunnyside is illuminated by the neon light that rests above. The pizza here pays homage to true NYC style with 18-inch pies which you can take in full or by the slice. This slice destiantion is serving up familiar combinations from the pepperoni classic to the more contemporary white-based Sicilian, with whipped ricotta, caramelised onion, pecorino romano, lemon zest and parsley.
Stomping Ground At Morris Moor
MOORABBIN
The Stomping Ground Brewing Co.'s 1250sqm inside Morris Moor is a sight to behold. One of the best spots to get a drink in the Moorabbin region, the mammoth venue which seats around 450 people features a sprawling beer garden with plenty of sunshine and 26 different beers on the pour. Inside the beer hall, you'll find cathedral-like high ceilings, a menu of pub classics as well as pizzas, charcuterie and snacks.
There's always more to discover, hit us over here if there's a spot we need to visit.
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Image credit: Bar Savarin (supplied)