St Kilda is one of Melbourne’s most well-known suburbs, but St Kilda East? It doesn’t get as much notice. It should, though.
The south-side neighbourhood is fast becoming one of Melbourne’s most desirable suburbs to live in, with plenty of green spaces like Alma Park and a friendly village feel. Plus, it’s got some of the most exciting under-the-radar restaurants and bakeries, tucked just off well-known strips like Chapel, Carlisle and Acland Streets.
With new residential developments like 97 Alma Road popping up, moving to the suburb has never been more appealing. The project is the work of multi-award-winning Neometro, a Melbourne-based developer that has specialised in architecturally designed and socially led developments since 1985. Expect a mix of apartments and townhouses designed to suit a variety of buyers, with an emphasis on thoughtful design that encourages connection between residents and the surrounding neighbourhood.
While there’s plenty to do within St Kilda East itself, you also benefit from being right on the border of Windsor, Balaclava, St Kilda, Elwood, Caulfield North, Ripponlea, and Armadale, and just a 15-minute drive from the CBD. Here are some of the best things to eat, do and see in and around the area.
Eat and drink
Venture to Zelda Bakery in nearby Ripponlea, one Melbourne’s most underrated bakeries, where you’ll find chocolate babka, sourdough doughnuts, challah and more expert bakes. Or head to chefs’-favourite Baker Bleu in Caulfield North for just-baked sourdough loaves and croissants.
Neighbouring St Kilda has some of the best Thai food around, including the Hot Listed Yang Thai – a former Earth Angels chef’s fun and fiery Thai answer to the Aussie chicken shop – and Charlong, where an ex-Longsong chef cooks dishes she learnt as a kid while helping out at her grandmother’s food stall in eastern Thailand.
Or pop over to neighbouring Windsor for a plethora of food and drink options. There’s fun and casual pizza joint Freddy’s, Chris Lucas’s 1990s Tokyo-inspired restaurant Tombo Den, Ukrainian restaurant Otakoi and Nepali spot Lah Bros. While in Windsor, stop by the newest outpost of former Coda pastry chef Joane Yeoh and Lux Bite co-founder Bernard Chu’s Kori Ice-Cream. The shop consistently scoops up some of the city’s best ice-cream, with flavours such as caramel purin and miso banana caramel, all inspired by Japan.
Shop
If you’re visiting Glen Huntly Road in neighbouring Elsternwick, don’t miss Avenue Bookstore, where you’ll find a large, curated selection of classics and new releases. And don’t miss Ceramiques, a ceramics studio where you can take a class and make your own beautiful homewares, or purchase something from professional artists. Along Albert Steet in Windsor, you’ll find Lucy Folk that’s home to playful jewellery, sunglasses, clutches, hair accessories, hats and socks.
Do
St Kilda East’s Alma Park is the envy of surrounding suburbs. It’s bisected by the train tracks, giving you two different parks to choose from. The abundance of green is ideal for human and furry residents alike, with a whimsical adventure playground slated for improvements this September. You can also have a friendly hit on the tennis courts, which are soon to be upgraded, too.
Locals love Greenmeadows Gardens, a hidden spot where adults gather by barbeques while kids run around the playground, enjoying sunny days on the swings and slides.
For a culture-packed evening, catch a show at Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre. The independent theatre company has been part of the area’s cultural fabric for the past 25 years, staging original productions from Australian playwrights. Or watch a film (or a double feature) at the heritage-listed art deco Astor Theatre in St Kilda. The single-screen has been operating for the past 90 years, and is known for showing rare prints, new releases and hosting anniversary screenings of cult classics.
If you’re more of a history buff, visit nearby Rippon Lea Estate. It’s home to a gorgeous and well-maintained 19th-century mansion with a ballroom, swimming pool and historical furniture. The estate also has 14 acres of gardens, which you can tour. Plus, it hosts monthly makers’ markets, hosted by Rose Street Market, with stalls from local artists and designers.
This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Neometro.
Dining and Cooking