Guidebook for South Yarra
Food Scene
Great spot for weekend brunch. Take a short stroll through the gardens and rejuvenate here. Try and dine out the back in the herb garden if the weather permits and if not too busy.
10 locals recommend
Jardin Tan
Birdwood AvenueGreat spot for weekend brunch. Take a short stroll through the gardens and rejuvenate here. Try and dine out the back in the herb garden if the weather permits and if not too busy.
Another favourite within walking distance. Great ambience in French style historic mansion mixed with excellent coffee, fine steak frites and friendly service. Closest late, so we do find ourselves there for a night cap at times.
55 locals recommend
Entrecote
142-144 Greville StreetAnother favourite within walking distance. Great ambience in French style historic mansion mixed with excellent coffee, fine steak frites and friendly service. Closest late, so we do find ourselves there for a night cap at times.
LuxBite
38 Toorak RdBeautiful pattisserie cafe offering sweet treats.
If you have a fix for Japanese grill. Beautifully prepared Japanese where you can select sashimi, to grill style dishes. Love the private room here (ask when booking for groups of 4 to 8).
9 locals recommend
Wagyu Ya (South Yarra,Victoria )
156 Toorak RdIf you have a fix for Japanese grill. Beautifully prepared Japanese where you can select sashimi, to grill style dishes. Love the private room here (ask when booking for groups of 4 to 8).
Tivoli Road Bakery
3 Tivoli RdArtisan bakery. A must go.
Lovely brunch venue. Menu can be quite innovative. Simple produce prepared well in a rustic outpost setting. If the weather permits, it is a joy to sit in their rear courtyard.
51 locals recommend
Tall Timber Cafe
60 Commercial RdLovely brunch venue. Menu can be quite innovative. Simple produce prepared well in a rustic outpost setting. If the weather permits, it is a joy to sit in their rear courtyard.
Our local Hong Kong style canteen. Prepare to escape to another world, like Hong Kong, amidst the hustle and bustle of this restaurant.
27 locals recommend
Pacific Seafood BBQ House
210 Toorak RdOur local Hong Kong style canteen. Prepare to escape to another world, like Hong Kong, amidst the hustle and bustle of this restaurant.
Our favourite pizza joint (order the Barefoot Investor pizza!) run by two brothers, Rob and Andrew who excel in making you feel welcome. Tell them we sent you!
Cafe Rosco
407d St Kilda RdOur favourite pizza joint (order the Barefoot Investor pizza!) run by two brothers, Rob and Andrew who excel in making you feel welcome. Tell them we sent you!
A moody romantic favourite of ours (Italian of course!). It has this lasting rustic charm that is so rare nowadays.
20 locals recommend
Da Noi
95 Toorak RdA moody romantic favourite of ours (Italian of course!). It has this lasting rustic charm that is so rare nowadays.
Beautiful French fare. Open till midnight ... Bustling institution of Melbourne and South Yarra.
84 locals recommend
France-Soir
11 Toorak RdBeautiful French fare. Open till midnight ... Bustling institution of Melbourne and South Yarra.
Pinocchio Pizza Restaurant
152 Toorak RdI love the thin crust pizza's here
Picnic
60 Toorak RdLovely brunch venue
Another of our local favourites. A local brunch hang out with great service and menu - must go at least once during your stay given how close it is plus it is on the way to Toorak Rd and Chapel St.
15 locals recommend
Cafe Gaia
4 Avoca StAnother of our local favourites. A local brunch hang out with great service and menu - must go at least once during your stay given how close it is plus it is on the way to Toorak Rd and Chapel St.
Meatmaiden
195 Little Collins StLove the smoked meats here.
Pretty decent steaks here in a bustling environment. We are also absolutely in love with the beef ribs. Best to book well in advance.
13 locals recommend
Squires Loft South Yarra
166 Toorak RdPretty decent steaks here in a bustling environment. We are also absolutely in love with the beef ribs. Best to book well in advance.
Kin Thai
206 Toorak RdAuthentic and simple Thai - our new favorite
Versachi's Pizzeria e Cucina
129 Toorak RdExcellent gourmet pizzas
Love the casualness and cleanliness of this place. Great range of seafood and combination platters. Dine alfresco if the weathers good, otherwise a very good take-away option for a quiet night in. Very close to Sweet Caroline.
8 locals recommend
Beluga Fish & Chippery South Yarra
39 Toorak RdLove the casualness and cleanliness of this place. Great range of seafood and combination platters. Dine alfresco if the weathers good, otherwise a very good take-away option for a quiet night in. Very close to Sweet Caroline.
Our favorite cafe, full of charm and a secret spot known only to locals. It also doubles as a simple convenience store to get your milk, bacon or freshly made pastries.
36 locals recommend
The Lawson Grove Shop
1 Lawson GroveOur favorite cafe, full of charm and a secret spot known only to locals. It also doubles as a simple convenience store to get your milk, bacon or freshly made pastries.
Right on the sand. Within easy reach from the apartment. Easy going and casual. Perfect for families and a good spot to see the dogs playing (dog friendly part of the beach).
51 locals recommend
West Beach Bathers Pavilion
330A Beaconsfield ParadeRight on the sand. Within easy reach from the apartment. Easy going and casual. Perfect for families and a good spot to see the dogs playing (dog friendly part of the beach).
Our favourite Vietnamese restaurant. The pancake and fresh rolls are must orders.
37 locals recommend
Ying Thai 2
110 Lygon StreetOur favourite Vietnamese restaurant. The pancake and fresh rolls are must orders.
Cafe Amba
497 Chapel StLovely specialty coffees and brunch menu.
Beautiful boutique french restaurant with a new menu almost every week! One of our new favourites.
6 locals recommend
Tu Restaurant and Bar
41 Toorak RdBeautiful boutique french restaurant with a new menu almost every week! One of our new favourites.
Thirty Eight Chairs
4 Bond St Romantic Italian, served in a cosy eatery on a side street.
Luck Thai
69 Davis AveTruly our favourite Malaysian casual dining at the moment. It;s relatively new, but already we are drawn to their Curry Laksa, Fish Noodle and Beef Rending. Managed by owner/chefs, the chef coming from a renowned Malaysian eatery.
Mai Jia
280 Toorak RdTruly our favourite Malaysian casual dining at the moment. It;s relatively new, but already we are drawn to their Curry Laksa, Fish Noodle and Beef Rending. Managed by owner/chefs, the chef coming from a renowned Malaysian eatery.
An absolute gem on Church Street (otherwise known as designer furniture street). We constantly find new surprises in the menu - but the staples are just as good.
63 locals recommend
Pillar of Salt
541 Church StAn absolute gem on Church Street (otherwise known as designer furniture street). We constantly find new surprises in the menu - but the staples are just as good.
Start off the day on the right note with a 15 minute walk along the river and rejuvenate at this bustling cafe. Great menu, high quality and nice if you can get a table outside (if the weather is kind). You could then explore the design shops (furniture) along Church St.
161 locals recommend
Top Paddock Cafe
658 Church StStart off the day on the right note with a 15 minute walk along the river and rejuvenate at this bustling cafe. Great menu, high quality and nice if you can get a table outside (if the weather is kind). You could then explore the design shops (furniture) along Church St.
If you are around Albert Park Lake, this is a hidden gem (in a converted Tram(!) hence MART, for quality food.
29 locals recommend
Mart130 Cafe
If you are around Albert Park Lake, this is a hidden gem (in a converted Tram(!) hence MART, for quality food.
Brother Burger and the Marvellous Brew
560 Chapel StreetFor your burger fix. Opens late.
It's new, it has everything you need for a light breakfast, and as important is so close to Sweet Caroline. A welcome addition to Toorak Road.
23 locals recommend
Ned's Bake Cafe and Restaurant
134 Toorak RdIt's new, it has everything you need for a light breakfast, and as important is so close to Sweet Caroline. A welcome addition to Toorak Road.
Lovely French bakery - just 5 mins walk from Sweet Caroline. Their heritage is that they supply a number of restaurants in Melbourne with bread and pastries.
18 locals recommend
La Parisienne Pâtés
17 Toorak RdLovely French bakery - just 5 mins walk from Sweet Caroline. Their heritage is that they supply a number of restaurants in Melbourne with bread and pastries.
Essentials
Our go to place for fresh fruits and vegetables. Also stocks selection of gourmet treats. Friendly and cozy grocer.
17 locals recommend
Finer Fruits
123B Park StOur go to place for fresh fruits and vegetables. Also stocks selection of gourmet treats. Friendly and cozy grocer.
Woolworths South Yarra
670 Chapel StWe go here for our 'big' weekly supermarket top up.
A food lover's stop.http://www.foodieabouttown.com/gum-tree-good-food/
34 locals recommend
Gum Tree Good Food
114 Toorak RdA food lover's stop.http://www.foodieabouttown.com/gum-tree-good-food/
Toorak rd laundry services
33 Toorak RdFor all your laundering needs.
Entertainment & Activities
Rod Laver Arena
200 Olympic BlvdHome of the Australian Open and other events.
Melbourne Cricket Ground
Brunton AvenueHome of Aussie Rules footy, cricket and other events.
Beautiful running track. Start from Caroline St and try and complete the lap around the gardens.
91 locals recommend
Tan Track
Tan TrackBeautiful running track. Start from Caroline St and try and complete the lap around the gardens.
Fawkner Park Tennis Centre
65 Toorak Rd WestFancy some tennis?
Palace Cinema Como
Chapel StreetCatch a movie in this lovely theatre.
Roc's Jam Factory
500 Chapel StFor the latest flicks.
More than just an awesome swimming pool. There are:
Wave pool including toddlers play area
Spa, Sauna and Steam Room
Water slide
Dive boards
Hydrotherapy Pools
MSAC FlowRider
10 court squash facility with international standard glass show court
12 court badminton stadium
27 table table tennis facility
10 court basketball facility including the 1800 seat show court
3 volleyball Courts
110 locals recommend
Melbourne Sport and Aquatic Centre
30 Aughtie DrMore than just an awesome swimming pool. There are:
Wave pool including toddlers play area
Spa, Sauna and Steam Room
Water slide
Dive boards
Hydrotherapy Pools
MSAC FlowRider
10 court squash facility with international standard glass show court
12 court badminton stadium
27 table table tennis facility
10 court basketball facility including the 1800 seat show court
3 volleyball Courts
Albert Park is popular for a range of activities like dog walking, jogging, cycling, sailing and rowing. Apart from the lake itself, other attractions include sporting facilities, ovals, playgrounds, restaurants and a 5km walking and running track. Sporting facilities include a golf driving range, gymnasium and the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre. Enjoy a barbecue or picnic with the family. Hire a boat and explore the lake. Walk, cycle or jog around the track, past green lawns and playing fields.
843 locals recommend
Albert Park
Albert Park is popular for a range of activities like dog walking, jogging, cycling, sailing and rowing. Apart from the lake itself, other attractions include sporting facilities, ovals, playgrounds, restaurants and a 5km walking and running track. Sporting facilities include a golf driving range, gymnasium and the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre. Enjoy a barbecue or picnic with the family. Hire a boat and explore the lake. Walk, cycle or jog around the track, past green lawns and playing fields.
Albert Park Golf Course
Lakeside DriveGreat for Yoga and Pilates classes. Runs regular special trials for first time visitors (perfect if you are here for a short stay).
17 locals recommend
One Hot Yoga
36 River StGreat for Yoga and Pilates classes. Runs regular special trials for first time visitors (perfect if you are here for a short stay).
Arts & Culture
National Gallery of Victoria
180 St Kilda RdFantastic art museum. Check what's on.
Love the architecture and the significance of it. A lovely walk from Caroline Street.
341 locals recommend
Shrine of Remembrance
Love the architecture and the significance of it. A lovely walk from Caroline Street.
Great kids section ... perfect for a change of pace and when the weathers not too kind ...
7 locals recommend
Toorak/South Yarra Library
340 Toorak RdGreat kids section ... perfect for a change of pace and when the weathers not too kind ...
The Sidney Myer Music Bowl has architectural importance and is rare as the largest, purpose built, permanent outdoor performance venue in Australia. The Bowl was constructed during a period of experimentation in new forms of construction and since completion its tensile structural system has not been surpassed in scale or complexity. The development of the venue also embodied remodelling the surrounding Domain which was sculptured into a bowl with the sound shell providing an umbrella like roof over part of that landscape. The design sought to integrate built and natural elements in a harmonious and organic whole. The audience was provided for in an egalitarian manner with simple timber bench seats arranged under the permanent structure and an open sloped lawn beyond it.
Sidney Myer Music Bowl
The Sidney Myer Music Bowl has architectural importance and is rare as the largest, purpose built, permanent outdoor performance venue in Australia. The Bowl was constructed during a period of experimentation in new forms of construction and since completion its tensile structural system has not been surpassed in scale or complexity. The development of the venue also embodied remodelling the surrounding Domain which was sculptured into a bowl with the sound shell providing an umbrella like roof over part of that landscape. The design sought to integrate built and natural elements in a harmonious and organic whole. The audience was provided for in an egalitarian manner with simple timber bench seats arranged under the permanent structure and an open sloped lawn beyond it.
Shopping
Love the hustle yet peaceful nature of this fresh food market.
338 locals recommend
Prahran Market station
Love the hustle yet peaceful nature of this fresh food market.
See if you can find the $1 oysters, amongst many other attractions!
431 locals recommend
South Melbourne Market
322-326 Coventry StSee if you can find the $1 oysters, amongst many other attractions!
Sightseeing
Chapel Street
Chapel StreetFamous shopping street.
The Morell Bridge is an arch bridge over the Yarra River in South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Completed in 1899 by John Monash and J. T. N. Anderson, it is notable as the first bridge in Victoria that was built using reinforced concrete.
It features decorations on the three arch spans, including large dragon motifs and ornamental Victorian lights. The gutters on the bridge are cobbled bluestone, with a single lane bitumen strip running down the middle. The Bridge is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.
6 locals recommend
Morell Bridge
The Morell Bridge is an arch bridge over the Yarra River in South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Completed in 1899 by John Monash and J. T. N. Anderson, it is notable as the first bridge in Victoria that was built using reinforced concrete.
It features decorations on the three arch spans, including large dragon motifs and ornamental Victorian lights. The gutters on the bridge are cobbled bluestone, with a single lane bitumen strip running down the middle. The Bridge is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.
Parks & Nature
Perfect for a stroll through, a picnic, throwing a frisbee, especially over summer! This is a heritage listed park, and also features a popular open air theatre over summer.
1262 locals recommend
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
Perfect for a stroll through, a picnic, throwing a frisbee, especially over summer! This is a heritage listed park, and also features a popular open air theatre over summer.
St Kilda beach
Fawkner Park
24-88 Commercial Rd