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Melbourne homewares label Mozi is known for its colourful designs and whimsical touches. Their Fitzroy store doesn't disappoint, selling everything from printed tea towels to deliciously scented body products. Caution: Mozi products may make you do a Martha Stewart and match your mugs to your apron. Don't say we didn't warn you!

Head to Brunswick Street in Fitzroy to watch the N2 mad scientists use liquid nitrogen to freeze flavours on the spot. If you can dream it, they can make it (seriously, they take suggestions) and with new flavours concocted each week there will never be a dull scoop!   

Tucked away in Howey Place, Nevenka is a boutique that celebrates all things feminine and beautiful. Designer Rosemary Masic draws inspiration from embroideries and embellishments of her Eastern European background. The result? A luxe bohemian style made for the modern dreamer. Expect ready-to-wear women's fashion, plus bespoke tailoring and A-Grade bridal wear. 

The Understudy sits with 1806 on Exhibition Street, patiently shining bright in its own way and waiting for its fifteen minutes of fame. If you stumble across The Understudy, you won't be disappointed with a unique cocktail list and degustation menu that is not for the faint hearted. Sure, they stock the regular beverages too, but when exceptional effort has been made to create a menu fit for a star, why would you party with the extras?

Known for its stellar range of Australian and international designers, Oscar & Wild is a firm favourite of the eastern suburbs' most fashionable. Their Camberwell store does not disappoint, stocking cult brands as well as unique, harder-to-find labels. With such beautiful clothing, Oscar & Wild will turn the tamest of women a little bit loco.

Looking for something beautifully unique or perhaps something to help add to the atmosphere of the home? Pan After is a boutique in Collingwood is a go-to spot that can help add some serious aesthetic to any space. Walking into their shop come showroom on Cambridge street just off Victoria Parade, you’re met with a light-filled space with an immaculate collection of goods that celebrate various cultures from all over the world.  

Foxes Den in Elwood has reinvented the takeaway chicken concept, with a menu that boasts free-range chickens, scrumptious salads and a selection of gourmet rolls. Wholesome fun for the whole family, these smart chooks have the recipe just right.

Don't you wish that when you wanted to get some takeaway chicken, there was something better than those greasy fry joints? Well, that's what the crew behind Foxes Den thought too. Their menu has a healthy focus, with oven roasted free range chicken, lots of delicious salads, homemade drinks and sweet treats. You can even get a hot chicken roll or a chicken curry - yum! So if you're craving some chicken, avoid the line at the grocery store and treat yourself to Foxes Den at Port Melbourne.

Inspired by the trattorias of Italy, the homely dining space at Franco Choo's is the perfect backdrop to the honest food and attentive service that's on offer. The cuisine reflects simple and traditional flavours, recalling the Mediterranean cultures from which the dishes are derived, yet with a few twists inspired by seasonal variety. Since its opening in 2011, the restaurant has gained a loyal following from people who enjoy creative, ever-changing menus and an interesting wine list of locally grown, food-friendly varietals - which happens to be everyone.

Nestled into the heart of Richmond′s Bridge Road precinct, lies The Collection Bar, an institution held close to the hearts of those who know of it and a memorable detour for passersby. Southern nosh accompanies their classically inspired cocktail list using fresh and homemade ingredients and their local and imported wines. Get amongst their $15 smoked steak night, it's Richmond famous. 

We would typically shy away from grabbing a kebab when we're sober, but George Calombaris has put paid to that by opening up his souvlaki bar, Jimmy Grants, in the heart of Fitzroy. Calombaris puts a gourmet spin on souvas - think prawns, honey, mayo, mint and coriander - in the beautiful Aegean-inspired space, splashed with street artist Dan Wenns' wall features.

In an era where everyone is buying a kindle, the Brunswick Street Bookstore continues to provide the best of the printed matter. Established 25 years ago, the traditional bookstore upgraded their premises as Brunswick Street got busier and now services the locals with new and past fiction, an extensive non fiction section and a completely stress free browsing environment. 

Unassuming from the outset, A-Esque's Chapel Street South Yarra store is inviting and classy, with clean, modern appeal. Designed for practicality and luxury, A-Esque bags make a sleek and modern style statement. Ex-Mimco designer Amanda Briskin-Rettig knows her stuff, and you'll be proud to carry one of her simply stunning leather bags.

If you're looking for a luxury bag or accessories on Collins Street, but don't want a big name brand stamped all over it, then Melbourne made label A-Esque is sure to tempt. Made from Italian leather and designed by ex-Mimco designer, Amanda Briskin-Rettig, A-Esque bags are both beautiful and elegant.

If sweet smelling things are important to you, The Lab Organics on Rathdowne Street in North Carlton will be heaven to your nose. A bright and airy perfumery and gift store stocking luscious fragrances, homewares, skin and hair care, The Lab Organics is an ideal place to stock up on gifts for him, her and home. Stock up on goodies from the likes of Sans Ceuticals, Jacqueline Evans, Cowshed and Be Genki.

Right up the top end of Bourke street, The Paperback Bookshop has been trading since the early 1960s. Originally specialising in rare paperbacks, today the still-independent bookshop carries hardbacks, paperbacks, speciality topics and journals, both Australian and International. Stocking books on all manner of subjects, the staff will be more than happy to help you track down hard to find titles at this Melbourne instituton. 

If the shoe fits, buy it in every colour at Zomp boutique on Flinders Lane, a Melbourne shopping institution. A sophisticated set up welcomes you, with minimalist colours and lines making the shoes the highlight. Stocking a range of fashion forward shoe brands and accessories, Zomp is the go-to destination for any special occasion.

When Cinderella needs to go to the ball, she visits Green with Envy in the CBD for gorgeous designer threads. Acne, McQueen, Dion Lee, Ellery, Nicholas and Alexander Wang are just a few of the names you'll find here, in garments of all shapes and sizes. Don't forget shoes and accessories too. 

Australian based fashion retailer Green With Envy has a flagship store in Chapel Street South Yarra, hosting designer labels from all over the world. For the perfect outfit sure to impress, Green With Envy stocks leading brands, exclusive lines and one off creations for their stylish clientele.

Housed in newly opened Emporium Melbourne centre, the Gorman store takes organic to a whole new level with wood grain throughout and an easy-going nature. The label, founded in 1999, produces quirky knitwear, vintage-inspired pieces and adheres to a strict philosophy of sustainability. Every Melbourne woman's go to.

The eco-friendly Gorman, on Chapel Street Prahran, is a quirky and colourful store in a crowded fashion space. Founded in 1999, Lisa Gorman created her label for the Melbourne woman, with knitwear, accessories, shoes and garments that add a touch of life to any outfit. 

A stalwart of Chapel Street, South Yarra, the organic Gorman store proves sustainable can be fun. With signature prints, knitwear and accessories, Lisa Gorman has produced a label that appeals to the Melbourne woman, catering to fashion and function.

On the ground floor of the Cathedral Arcade, right between Flinders Lane and Swanston Street, is Lenko, a quirky boutique with something for everyone. From the fashionable to the fun, Lenko offers threads and accessories for men, women and kids, all in the one place. Everyone loves Lenko.

On Glenferrie Road in Hawthorn, Mozi is a sunny homewares haven. Cushions, plates and linens in pretty colours, candles and soaps, prints and patterns adorn the store, appealing to the 1950s housewife in all of us. Great for gifts, or to brighten up your own abode.

Our favourite hip-hop yoga studio has moved, and the new digs are SERIOUSLY pretty. Now sitting in a white-walled loft above Swan St in Richmond, Yoga 213 is an LA-inspired yoga practice that's generating a fair amount of Melbourne buzz. Mostly because they swapped the meditation tapes for some Kanye.  

On Brunswick Street in Fitzroy, edgy designer Alpha60 has made a name for itself. With clean lines and a sophisticated feel, Alpha60, created by brother and sister team Alex and Georgie Cleary, is a modern design dream. Stock up on monochromatic pieces with an urban edge.

Among the cool and cosmopolitan retailers of Chapel Street Prahran, Alpha60 stands out with its signature sleek and monochromatic style and class. Conceived in 2005 by siblings Alex and Georgie Cleary, Alpha60 is a label synonymous with Melbourne and design.

When searching for a shoe that's special, look no further than Zomp boutique on Little Collins Street in the CBD. With a host of shoe brands in stock, including Robert Robert, Jeffrey Campbell and Beau Coops, you are sure to find something to suit the occasion.

When you are spoilt for choice, it's an easy decision to head to Zomp on Chapel Street South Yarra for all your footwear needs. Heels, boots and sandals adorn the shelving in this minimalist store - here, it's all about the shoes. Zomp also stocks a selection of beautiful bags. 

Keeping burgers simple yet dellicious is the secret to Huxtaburger's success – their CBD shop on Fulham Place, Huxtaburger II, offers just six kinds of burgers on a brioche bun. With a cult following in Collingwood and now among the worker bees, the combo of a burger, beer and crinkle cut fries has the masses lining up. Vegetarian and gluten free are also catered for.

Found on the corner of Little Bourke and Little Williams Streets in the Melbourne CBD, Patricia Coffee Brewers is standing room only and does a roaring trade in takeaway coffee. Sourced from Seven Seeds, Market Lane and Proud Mary, the sensational coffee and smattering of pastries make this a popular pit stop on the way to work.

Pei Modern, at Collins Place on Collins Street, is Mark Best's hatted restaurant, serving breakfast and lunch weekdays, and dinner Monday to Saturday. A mouth watering, modern Australian menu of fresh market produce makes for a great bistro experience. An inner city sanctuary.

The bright, white space of Hammer & Tong 412 is as inviting as the casual elegance and delicious food this eating house and coffee bar in Fitzroy offers. Owners Dennis Ferreira and chef Simon Ward have a wealth of hospitality experience at the likes of Vue de Monde, which is immediately evident from the food, to the fitout and service. Serving up classics with a twist, Hammer & Tong offers is a great option for brunch and lunch, but are no longer serving dinner as of June 2015.

Famed for its live music and housed in a former church, the Wesley Anne on High Street is one of Northcote's best loved pubs. With a menu featuring above-standard pub fare and an extensive beer and cider list (in addition to a few international wines), the relaxed nature of this pub will see you tapping your feet in time with the tunes.

Fonda Richmond has a slightly more intimate feel than it's brother and sister Fonda's. Might be a side effect of Swan St's laid-back vibe. This place feels more 'Date Night' than 'Night On The Town'.

A cycling store that doubles as a café, The Little Mule specialises in breakfast and lunch on Somerset Place in the CBD. The team are famous for their sandwiches and fresh seasonal salads and soups, in addition to killer sweets. Get on your bike and discover this gem.

Head over to St Kilda to Milk The Cow, to indulge in two of life's greatest pleasures. The fromagerie and bar opened in 2012, and is all about the very best of cheese and wine, combined with superb hospitality. Enjoy something French and creamy, with a matched wine or signature cocktail – or take the lot to go. With over 100 cheeses, you are spoilt for choice.

A hard day's work and life stresses can often result in us citing the need for a strong drink, and Whisky & Alement, Melbourne City, delivers. A speciality whisky bar with over 500 varieties in stock, the bar has only four items on their 'bar snacks' menu, noting that their business is booze. Beer, cider, wine and cocktail drinkers are not forgotten – the menu has more than a few to choose from, and if you are really keen on picking your single malts from your world whiskeys, there are classes to sign up for.

A hidden gem in Fitzoy, The Panama Dining Room boasts views of the Melbourne CBD and surrounds through the stunning arch windows, and serves amazing French-inspired food. With dining in the restaurant or at the bar, a serious list of cocktails and wines to choose from, and a Sunday Roast lunch, The Panama Dining Room is an excellent choice for dinner, drinks or a special occasion. Kitchen open from 6pm.

Winner of several bar awards, Eau de Vie On Melbourne's Malthouse Lane is a self-proclaimed speakeasy, taking their customers on a journey through time to remember when martinis were the drink of choice and the bartender knew everyone's secrets. Tapas is good and cocktails are great here, in a dimly lit, jazz infused escape from the city.