Melbourne’s most loved café and restaurant scene is known the world over, with all of us enjoying that hidden café down a laneway or our favourite local that’s become like a second home during Covid, with many of us enjoying a small opportunity to grab a coffee or some food and see a friendly face.
Melbourne’s world-renowned food culture is usually thriving not only from us but also from our international guests which are no longer able to visit. The industry has taken a huge blow with the constant strain of lockdowns and the waste of food supplies that occur when this comes about. The hospitality industry is now only able to provide take out or takeaway to us the consumers during the lockdown and then only limited numbers indoors when those restrictions are reduced.
Melburnians, it’s now up to us to support more than ever our favourite dining destinations so they will remain open when this is finally all over.
Melbourne My Style’s list of ways to support this industry during the lockdown and restriction periods are:
Pick up a takeaway coffee while grabbing your groceries each and every day. Cafés have become important places to visit during the current lockdown, for some, it’s a place to visit on a daily walk and for others, it’s a chance to have a brief encounter with another human being outside the four walls of their home, that can be causing anxiety and desperation. This simple stop at a café each day can become so much more. While you’re there a great way to support your local would be to leave a little tip or jump online and give them a wonderful google rating.
Four Figs Café – located in Beaconsfield are currently offering FREE house-made muffins when you spend over $10. All you need to do is ask one of the staff members nicely. A little giving back goes a long way during these times.
Take a night off from Cooking and Order Take Away or Home Delivery. Nowadays you can pretty much order from any restaurant and have it delivered with Uber Eats, Menu log, Deliveroo, and DoorDash popular choices.
We have asked our readers which restaurants you’d like to give a shout-out to and here are a few we have selected from across Melbourne.
The Rise Pizzeria – The Rise Pizzeria Café is a family-run business serving delicious brunch favorites by day and bringing a slice of Italy to the local community by night!
Open for brunch and coffee daily and dishing up traditional wood fire pizza & authentic Italian cuisine, we pride ourselves on providing friendly service and top-quality food!
Try one of the amazing lockdown 5.0 Meal Deals such as 1 pizza, 1 Pasta plus 1 entrée or dessert for $55
Shop 1 Oakview Blvd, Narre Warren North 3804 https://www.therisepizzeria.com.au/
District Group – District Group was established in 2015. Our first restaurant is located in Sunbury “District 3429”. Being a popular modern eatery, District Group expanded to its second location in January 2019, taking after Werribee’s postcode “District 3030”.
The menu is extensive, to say the least with both ready-made dishes, or try ordering a delish District Box already prepared for you to make and heat at home.
For more information, please see https://districtgroupau.com/
The FoodStore Café – With a steady flow of regulars queuing up for their morning fix, The FoodStore Cafe has evolved into an icon within our community…
The FoodStore Cafe is a friendly local – reliable, consistent, and always there to say hello. We offer creative and seasonal all-day meals & specialty coffee.
Enjoy a takeaway warm cheese toasty, croissant with your morning coffee!
464 Auburn Rd, Hawthorn.
For more information, please see https://thefoodstorecafe.com/
PB’s Pizza Bar – is known for two things – Pizza. Bar. That’s it! Slingin’ wood-fired pizzas and shakin’ mouth-watering cocktails, 6 days a week for you and your crew.
Food and drink menu offerings are available for pick-up including delicious Mac and Cheese Croquettes, Lightly Fried Calamari, Polenta Chips, and of course Pizza and Pasta that includes vegan options.
60A Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
For more information, please see https://www.pbsbar.com.au/
Chin Chin – The renegade of the Australian dining scene, we do things our own way.
Since 2011, Chin Chin has earned its place in Melbourne’s cultural tapestry. Even though we’ve become a so-called institution, we’re definitely not an establishment. We don’t just make (admittedly, amazing) food, we make a statement.
Make me at home which Chin Chins has called ‘Make Me Feed Me’ is now into Week Two and it’s even more drool-worthy than the first. Once again, their Chefs have smoked, roasted, and braised for days, so all you have to do is heat and eat. This week’s pack serves two and comes with simple instructions on how to prepare and plate everything – they’ve even included a playlist to bring the Chin Chin vibes to your dinner table (or couch, we don’t judge).
If you’re not into making at home, then order takeaway from the extensive menu that also includes cocktails. Please see https://chinchintakeaway.melbourne/
Biagio’s Restaurant – Offering modern dishes, inspired by Italian gastronomy. Takeaway dishes include traditional Chicken Parma topped with melted Cheese & Napoli Sauce with Chips & Italian Salad, Wagyu Beef Burger using Wagyu Beef Patty, Caramelised Onion, Cheese, Tomato Relish, Bacon, Tomato & mixed Salad Leaves on a Seeded Brioche Bun with Beer Battered Chips & Aioli and Arancini to name a few.
336A Keilor Rd, Niddrie
For more information, please see https://biagiosrestaurant.com.au/
Shanikas Berwick – is one of Melbourne’s favourite Italian eating destinations in the Southeast. Boasting an international menu inspired by Italy, Shanikas Restaurant prides itself on quality, delicious food that caters to all taste buds.
Shanikas has recently introduced Shanikas at home which came about during last year’s lockdown and is a great way to boost business.
Shanikas Pantry – is a convenient way to get your favourite sauces & pastas to your door. Using our restaurant-quality sauces you can feed a family of four in under 20 minutes. Offering in-store pickup 7 days a week to pre-order your favourite sauces so you don’t miss out.
For more information, please see https://www.shanikas.com.au/
Mocha Jo’s – burst with excitement over quality ingredients and next-level service. Currently open for takeaway service Mocha Jo’s Lockdown 5.0 is offering delicious Toasties, Combo deals, and pastry boxes for your WFH pleasure!
87 Kingsway Glen Waverley
For more information, please see https://mochajos.com.au/
For our hospitality industry to remain an important part of our economy, they need a regular customer base. Without the support of you, this industry will continue to struggle for some time to come with limited patron numbers also causing havoc.
Written by Melinda Sullivan
