Richmond is a classic Melbourne destination for those far and near; with its old-world charm, narrow alleyways covered in posters and its vibrant array of cafes, restaurants and shops – everything is right at your fingertips in the 3121. If you’re a local, you might think you know everything there is to know about Richmond, but we bet our list could have you stunted a little and thinking “hmmm I’ve never heard of that place before”…
Ternary Tuckshop
7/3 Bromham Pl, Richmond
Far from the public eye is this tuckshop-style café in the Ternary block in Richmond. Surrounded by a number of corporate businesses, the tuckshop appeals to a lot of 9-5 workers in need of a quick lunch. For those busy bees who need food in a jiffy, the Ternary Tuckshop uses the Rewardle app which allows you to pick up your lunch and go. They even write your name on your paper lunchbag, old-school style; just like a packed lunch from mum. The Ternary Tuckshop is set to bring out your inner child with their innovative canteen-esque themes and dishes. A classic and crowd-favourite with the regulars is The Tuckshop Burger and The Teacher’s Pet – smashed avo with creamy fetta, poached eggs, mint and dukkah on seeded toast.
The industrial themed furnishings tie in nicely with the surrounding office blocks, their exposed brick, lightened timber, concrete tables and hanging light fixtures proving to be a beautiful match. This hidden Richmond gem is hard to find, but will quickly become a regular hangout after just one visit.
Tip: Lunchtime between 12 – 2pm is hectic, so try go before or after these times to take in the serenity and snag a seat on the leather couches up the back.
Concrete Boots Bar
Ground 381 Burnley St, Richmond
This brand new bar is about to take Richmond by storm. Located down the road from Burnley Station, at the end of Swan Street, the bar is solely focused on the old days in Melbourne when gangsters roamed the streets and used certain spots as their hangout. The bar got its inspiration for the name from The Yarra River where supposedly a number of enemies of the mobsters would be fitted with ‘concrete boots’ and thrown into the water. You don’t need much of an imagination to figure out what happened next… The front door of the bar is even adorned with a round of bullets thanks to Melbourne gangster – Squizzy Taylor. But enough about the dangerous past of the bar, the more important thing is their amazing range of food and drinks on offer. They have a rotating roster of local brews and wines that gets featured on the drinks menu on a weekly basis, as well as their own homemade basil infused gin, which features in their Love Lychee cocktail. Their Avocado Tartare, Spam Chips and old-school Hip Hop beats are the perfect accompaniment to any brew or cocktail you choose.
You can even host your next function at Concrete Boots! Find out more here
Cheerio
323 Lennox St, Richmond
This tiny café only seats 15 people at a time, but with the small seating space comes the intimate nature of Cheerio and the cosy feel of your surroundings. With a lot of love, care and thought put into their food, Cheerio has a menu that really entices and spoils the senses. The café is hidden on Lennox Street, but this doesn’t stop it from being consistently filled with people. However, they do do takeaway – so how about grabbing something on the go next time you’re in the area?
Noir
175 Swan St, Richmond
Noir is an award-winning restaurant on Swan Street with an understated shopfront, but a truly impressive menu. The One Hat restaurant features French cuisine and offers delectable fine dining. This classy establishment only includes the finest, quality ingredients but really brings authentic French cuisine to the plate. The menu is seasonal and usually has four courses, whereby they utilise whatever is on offer from the local markets. Noir is perfect for date night when you’re looking for something a little bit fancy but want to avoid those snooty waiters at typical fine dining restaurants.
The Old Barbershop Café
251 Church St, Richmond
True to it’s name, this café once used to be a barbershop called Barbers Of Seville. Since the owner – Danny Klotz – has taken over, this modest eatery is bursting with amazing food and coffee. Located on Church Street, the outside of the café is a classically designed Richmond terrace house, where inside you’ll fine lovely dark mahogany furnishings. It must be said however, that the best thing about The Old Barbershop Café is the food. You can expect the usual breakfast/brunch classics, but all made to perfection with modern twists. The easygoing café is unpretentious and all about intimacy. Check it out for yourself.
Maeve fox
472 Church St, Richmond
Maeve Fox is an insiders secret, with its drinking den vibes and rustic décor. The cosy atmosphere, ambient lighting and chocolate-coloured leather couches provide a minimalist feel, with nothing too posh or fancy to detract from the real star – the drinks. The extensive cocktail list and amazing bartenders make Maeve Fox a crowd-favourite and a regular haunt for many locals. There’s a main bar area, The Glass Room and The Trophy Lounge for you to choose from so all you have left to do is pick your poison, sit back and enjoy the rest of your night. They’re closed Mondays and Tuesdays, but open late every other night.
Looking for an awesome function space? You’ve hit jackpot! Find out more here
Black Gold Café
285 Lennox St, Richmond
Brand spankin’ new is exactly what this Richmond café is. Having only opened on the 6th of April this year, Black Gold includes an impressive menu of specialty coffees and classic breakfast items. Located on Lennox Street, this café very well could become your favourite haunt before work or on your lazy Sunday mornings where you’re in desperate need of some liquid gold. Check them out in person to see if they really are one of Richmond’s hidden gems…(we think they are)!
By Nora Omar
