Footscray VIC, Australia

A local friend steered us here, and we’re glad they did! While Footscray has no shortage of excellent banh mi, this spot stands out for its generous serves, lack of queues, and unbeatable value – with banh mi available for just $6.50. The banh mi are piled high with tasty classic fillings and served on crispy baguettes (though we’d skip the all-meat combination and opt for something a bit lighter next time). Ba Le also doubles as a grocer, with shelves lined with Asian ingredients, tinned goods and pantry staples.

Bar Thyme is a welcoming neighbourhood wine bar that’s perfect for a glass of wine and snack out on the street, or to settle into the cosy interiors for a night of great food, drinks and hospitality. The seasonal menu changes weekly (sometimes daily), with dishes designed for sharing. The wine list features natural wines from small producers, thoughtfully curated to complement the food. There’s an excellent selection of classic and seasonal cocktails, plus alcohol-free options including house-made sodas and a very tasty house-made white vermouth. The space is warm and relaxed, with vintage London menus hanging on the walls, shelves lined with empty bottles, and knick-knacks collected from the owner’s travels. A mix of new and old vinyl provides the perfect soundtrack to your meal (Jazzmatazz was on rotation when we visited), and they're always open to requests.

This independent record store is tucked in a pedestrian arcade, next to the recently refurbished Maddern Square. The staff’s good vibes are contagious, and they’re more than happy to help you hunt down that rare find or recommend something unexpected. The collection spans new, re-pressed and second-hand vinyl from local and international artists, with a strong focus on supporting Melbourne musicians. Co-Co Bananas regularly hosts events, exhibitions and gigs, and their annual Banana Alley Festival transforms the store and laneway into a free three-day celebration of Melbourne bands, complete with stalls, food, and drinks. You can also grab a delicious milkshake or coffee from their laneway window and sip while browsing the bins, or watching the world stroll by from a seat in the arcade.

This compact grocer is another venture from the D&K family – run by Vien Tran, son of the owners behind D&K Live Seafood. The store is a carefully curated space filled with Vien’s favourite Japanese and Korean ingredients, plus spices, condiments, a fantastic range of sake, and specialised grilling equipment. Despite its small size, the shop is impressively well-stocked with essentials at reasonable prices. The staff are welcoming and incredibly knowledgeable – don’t hesitate to ask for cooking advice or product recommendations to elevate your home cooking.

This no-frills seafood store is a Footscray institution. Tanks are filled with live crabs, lobsters, abalone, yabbies, sea urchin and sea snails, plus an impressive array of the freshest catch. But the real drawcard here (and why we love it!) is the oysters. There are over 20 varieties on offer, from Sydney Rock to Coffin Bay, and several Tasmanian varieties. We (accidentally) ordered 18 oysters, which were freshly shucked and served ready to enjoy at one of the tables on the street – they were so cheap we thought there was a mistake! If you’re not in the mood to linger, staff will fillet and prep your seafood on the spot, or you can grab pre-prepared items to take home and cook. D&K supplies many of Melbourne's best restaurants, so you know the quality is exceptional – and the prices far more friendly than what you would pay at a white tablecloth establishment.

Directly across from sister store D&K Live Seafood, Elka Sushi serves premium made-to-order sushi and sashimi, using the freshest fish from the family business. Inside the pared-back sushi bar, a striking wave-patterned wall mimics fish scales, a large cabinet displays fresh seafood, and a Japanese vending machine dispenses cold drinks. The menu showcases a dry-ageing method – you'll see the fish hanging in the front window – that enhances texture and flavour. We had a delicious selection of beautifully presented nigiri and inari, delicately seasoned and elegantly garnished, with a house-made soy sauce that perfectly complemented the fish. There’s limited seating inside, but we recommend grabbing a table on the street to enjoy the people-watching while you dine. Elka Sushi is also licensed, and they have a great selection of sake available.

Tucked upstairs in a converted mid-century shopping arcade, Five Walls is an artist-led independent gallery with a focus on contemporary abstraction. The space is divided into a main gallery and four project rooms, each hosting different artists in regularly changing exhibitions – with the aim of fostering meaningful dialogue between artists, collectors and the broader community. When we visited, Sean Hogan’s latest show was on display – a series of vibrant and graphic two-tone, acrylic works. The upstairs windows offer unexpected views over Footscray’s rooftops and laneways, adding another layer of visual interest to your visit. Open Wednesday to Saturday, 12–5pm, with the stockroom accessible by appointment for serious collectors.

Overlooking the Maribyrnong River, this 50-year-old independent arts precinct is dedicated to strengthening community through the arts. A heritage building houses exhibition spaces and community activity rooms, while a new contemporary wing houses a large open exhibition space, performance room, and co-working and art studios. Programming prioritises First Nations artists, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ artists, and artists with disabilities. Exhibitions change regularly, so check their website to see what’s currently on. The new outdoor Lango stage is a community-led performance venue that hosts free and low-cost live music, performances, and community events throughout the year. There’s a cafe on-site if you get thirsty or hungry while exploring.

This iconic 10,000 square metre indoor market is one of Melbourne’s most diverse food destinations – a repository of immigrant success stories and a meeting place for Footscray’s many communities. Over 70 independent traders fill the space with seafood, meat and poultry, Asian groceries, aromatic spices and hard-to-find specialty items. The fruit and vegetable stalls are famous for their vast range of tropical, Asian and interesting produce (some we’d never seen before). The market’s food court is reminiscent of Singapore’s hawker halls, with perfectly-aligned circular tables and stools where you can grab plates of authentic dishes from dozens of vendors. There’s also miscellaneous stores selling everything you could imagine, and items you didn’t even know you needed. Whether you’re doing a grocery shop or not, Footscray Market is fabulous for a mosey – bustling at any time of day with a wonderful array of languages filling the air.

This record store is a digger’s paradise, with around 6,000 records in circulation at any given time. Owner and curator Joshua Smith started the business online, during lockdown in 2020, before finding the perfect bricks-and-mortar home on Leeds Street, where it now has a solid community following. Whether you’re expanding your listening into weird and wonderful genres (from psychedelia to Ethiopian wedding songs!) or hunting for something more mainstream, there’s something for every music taste – plus treasures you won’t find elsewhere. The store also stocks turntables and vinyl accessories, with everything available online too.

This revitalised riverside space along the Maribyrnong River has been transformed into a walking and recreation area, with seating, shade, BBQ shelters and planting along an accessible pedestrian and bike path. The historic wharf, originally constructed in the 1880s and supporting river transport for 100 years, is a tangible reminder of the area’s industrial past. If you have time, head north (from Footscray Community Arts) along the trail for a 3 kilometre loop. Along the way, you’ll pass the heritage-listed Footscray Park with its Edwardian gardens and the striking Heavenly Queen Temple precinct. Or simply sit for a while in one of the reclining seats and enjoy a unique perspective of the city skyline.

Kariton is a Filipino-inspired ice cream store that has earned a cult following for its creative flavours and chef’s approach to traditional gelato. The vibrant scoops are made in-house in small batches using quality ingredients that showcase the diverse and distinctive flavours of Asia. The selection of flavours rotates regularly – including their core ‘KS Classics’ and inventive seasonal specials – so you can discover something new each visit. You might find Ube Halaya (purple yam gelato with blackberry jam), Durian Chiffon (with chiffon cake and palm sugar jelly), Buko Pandan sorbet, Taho (silken tofu soft serve), or Keso (yes, cheddar cheese gelato with crackers). You can order by the scoop, or get a tub to take home, plus there’s also gelato sandwiches and ice cream cakes. Whatever you get, it will be delicious!

This family-run Filipino eatery, within the Footscray Market food court, has been serving authentic karinderia-style home cooking for over a decade. There’s a selection of traditional dishes on offer, from familiar favourites to lesser-known regional specialties. The friendly team is happy to explain unfamiliar dishes, making it easy to dive into Filipino cuisine even if you’re new to it. We had a large spring roll packed with delicious flavours, and the plates on offer looked equally appealing. It’s affordable, authentic, and tasty – home-cooked food without the fuss.

This colourful Latin American venue, on the edge of Footscray Market, is a hub for Latin culture and community. You'll find South American expats and locals alike enjoying generous plates of authentic, home-style meals. The menu celebrates the flavours and ingredients of Latin food, beyond just tacos, spanning from Mexican to Venezuelan to the Caribbean. There’s empanadas (delicious), arepas with your choice of filling (also delicious), slow-cooked stews, and specials including whole grilled fish and Chorrillana (Chilean loaded fries). Wash it down with South American drinks like namesake Papelon (sugar cane lemonade), Lulada (a Colombian fruit drink) and Cocada (a coconut drink).

Built from repurposed shipping containers, on what was once an unused family-owned lot, Rudimentary has become a welcoming community hub in the heart of Footscray. The cafe has an inclusive, laid-back vibe, with plenty of communal tables inside and out, and space for children and fur-children alike. The menu has brunch classics, like smashed avo, eggs on toast, and a Philly burger, alongside some more interesting options including shokupan, congee, and a kare pan toastie with Japanese beef curry. Plus there are lighter options if you’re just after a snack to have with coffee (the banana bread is delicious). The on-site kitchen garden supplies fresh herbs, vegetables and edible flowers that make their way onto your plate, adding a farm-to-table touch to the suburban setting.

Down a short pedestrian arcade, you’ll find this cheerful shop serving Filipino and El Salvadorian-inspired sandwiches with proper personality. The walls are covered in hand-drawn portraits on brown paper sandwich bags, and the young, smiley team makes everything fresh to order. We had the tuna melt, which was delicious, but the menu is full of inventive options like the Filipino Philly Bistek, Pork n Pickles (a Filipino Cubano), and Pastrami & Curtido (an El Salvadorian take on the Reuben). Many of the classic menu items come with a dip or soup on the side. To drink, there’s bottomless batch brew and house-made horchata, including a Filipino ube version. Grab a seat at the communal table inside or perch on the colourful crates in the arcade – it’s a perfectly Footscray setting.

The Cavallaros have been perfecting their craft for 70 years, and it shows in every bite. Stepping into this Footscray institution feels like walking through a time capsule, straight into a Sicilian pasticceria from the 50s. The timber fittings, cafe tables and chairs, and glass cabinets filled with handmade sweets have remained largely unchanged since Tommaso and Sarina Cavallaro opened their doors in 1956. Now run by third-generation family members, the selection of traditional Sicilian biscuits and cakes (with some recipes dating back to the late 19th century) is extensive. But the one item you shouldn’t miss is the cannoli – crisp shells filled with sweet ricotta, that offer an authentic taste of Sicily. You can order an espresso with your sweet treat, and there’s also a range of coffee equipment for home.

This bustling corner shop on Nicholson Street is known for its cơm tấm (Vietnamese broken rice), and one look at the queue snaking out the door tells you everything you need to know. Don’t be deterred though – it moves quickly, and you can watch the kitchen team preparing dishes through the front window while you wait. The atmosphere is vibrant and communal, with shared tables, bottomless tea from thermos flasks, all the condiments you could want, and plenty of smiles exchanged between strangers. We ordered the broken rice with shredded pork, pork cutlet and a poached egg, plus the bun (vermicelli noodle bowl) with spring rolls and grilled pork cutlet. The diners opposite us had pho that looked incredible too. Tan Thanh Loi is chaotic, delicious, and quintessentially Footscray – and we can’t wait to go back.

The 2 Men Cafe is a bright, bustling specialty espresso bar on Leeds Street. While their lattes and cold brews are good, it’s their creative Vietnamese-inspired drinks that have earned the cafe a devoted following. The Coconut Cream Blended coffee is especially delicious, and the Salted Cream comes highly recommended for its sweet-salty balance. There are also matcha and strawberry drinks, fancy frappes and seasonal specials like the Blue Mountain – an Instagram-worthy vibrant blue creation. The cafe has recently expanded into The 2 Men Bakery next door, and on weekends the outdoor seating is filled with locals soaking up the sun. Staff are friendly, the space is clean and contemporary, and there are freshly baked pastries and treats to accompany your drink. Videos of the drinks being made play throughout the space, adding to the energetic atmosphere.

This spot specialises in one thing: banh cuon, or Vietnamese steamed rice rolls. The silky crepe-like rolls are steamed to order and stuffed with various fillings – we shared the version filled with fried donut (quay) and pork meatloaf, a recommendation from friends. It was generous in size and utterly delicious. Service is impressively quick, which is fortunate because it fills up fast at lunchtime – get in early if you want to avoid the crowds! Located in the entrance to Footscray Market, there’s also excellent people-watching while you eat, with a constant stream of market-goers passing by.

This unassuming shopfront is lined with freezers and fridges filled to the brim with house-made dumplings and bao (steamed buns). It's perfect for stocking your freezer with authentic dim sum – whether you want easy weeknight dinners, or your own at-home yum cha experience! The selection is overwhelming, in a good way, and diverse, so if you’re stuck on a choice, try a mixed pack. We made a very modest selection to take home and cook up, and the pot-sticker dumplings were crispy, juicy perfection. All the dim sum are made daily in-house, with generous fillings and high-quality ingredients.