A day of very good food, a little wandering and making the most of spring in the city.
There’s something about Melbourne in spring that makes you want to spend the whole day outside.
The city feels alive again — sunny walks, new places to eat, a little shopping and plenty of reasons to keep wandering. This is one of my favourite ways to spend a day in Melbourne: start with a very good matcha, make your way through some of the city’s best food spots, and finish with a walk along our iconic Yarra River.
MORNING
Start with Matcha Kobo
First stop: Matcha Kobo. Look for the black and white curtains just off Lonsdale Street, from Nikuland. It’s a little easy to miss, but very worth finding.
They have an amazing selection of matcha and hojicha from different regions of Japan, including Uji, the home of matcha. Matcha Kobo also stone-mill their matcha in house, and if you’re feeling hungry, the desserts are definitely worth a look.
It’s the kind of place that makes a very good start to the day, a little tucked away, very Melbourne and somewhere I happily come back to.
WHAT TO WEAR:
Something easy for a spring morning — a relaxed pant and lightweight top that feels put together but is comfortable enough for walking around the city. Add a light layer for Melbourne’s unpredictable weather.
LATE MORNING
A wander through Crossley Street
From there, head towards Crossley Street. This little laneway is one of the spots that makes Melbourne feel so Melbourne — beautiful buildings, great food a good vibe and plenty happening.
It’s also home to some of the best cheap eats in town, so this is a good place to take your time and have a look around before lunch.
WHAT TO WEAR:
A flowing skirt and an easy top. The kind of combination that feels relaxed for wandering, but still looks pulled together when you stop for lunch.
LUNCH
Super Taco
The hottest place in Melbourne right now? Crossley Street, and specifically Super Taco. It’s casual and fun.
Each tortilla is pressed in-house and ranges from $8–10, with cauliflower, flathead, skirt steak and pork al pastor on the menu. The pork al pastor was my favourite.
There’s also a self-serve salsa bar to complete the feast, which makes the whole thing feel like a very Melbourne lunch.
HOT TIP: Arrive right on 11.30 if you want to grab one of the handful of tables out the front and avoid the queue. By 12, it was already out the door and down the street.
WHAT TO WEAR:
Keep it easy. A relaxed skirt or pant with a fun top makes the perfect lunch outfit. Comfortable enough for street tacos, but still feels like you’ve made an effort.
Côte Basque
Crossley Street is also home to Andrew McConnell’s brilliant new Côte Basque, just a few steps from the iconic Pellegrini’s.
I’d recommend booking, but you can try your luck and walk up for a seat at the stunning bar if you’re after a slightly more bougie lunch.
AFTERNOON
Keep wandering
After lunch, this is the part of the day where I’d resist making too many plans. Melbourne is at its best when you can wander a little.
Take your time around the city before making your way towards the Yarra.
LATE AFTERNOON
Walk it off along the Yarra
There’s no better way to finish a sunny day in the city than with a stroll along the Yarra’s edge.
The light, the trees and the city skyline make it such an easy way to wind down after a day of eating and exploring. No big plans, just a walk and a little time outside.
WHAT TO WEAR:
Something comfortable enough for a long walk, but still put together. A relaxed pant with an easy tee is the perfect combination for taking you from the city to the Yarra.
A perfect spring day
A very good reminder that sometimes the best days in Melbourne are the ones where you simply follow your appetite and see where the city takes you.