Fitzroy is one of Melbourne’s most exciting dining suburbs because it has personality in every direction. Brunswick Street brings casual eats, bars, late-night dining and long-running neighbourhood energy. Gertrude Street is more polished, with bistros, wine bars and restaurants that feel made for date nights and group dinners. Smith Street adds another layer again, with modern dining rooms, fire-driven cooking, bars and venues that sit right on the Fitzroy-Collingwood edge. Johnston Street brings its own late-night and European influence, with Spanish dining, bars and social restaurants adding even more variety.

This guide focuses on five verified Fitzroy restaurants worth knowing: Poodle, Masti Indian Restaurant Fitzroy, Madame Saigon, Flint and Manolo Bar And Restaurant. Each one gives the suburb a different kind of meal, from European bistro dining and modern Indian food to Vietnamese comfort dishes, open-fire cooking and Spanish tapas.

1. Poodle

Poodle is one of Fitzroy’s strongest choices for a proper night out. Set on Gertrude Street, it has the feel of a polished neighbourhood bistro: stylish without being stiff, lively without feeling chaotic, and flexible enough for drinks, dinner, dates, birthdays and group bookings.

The venue’s personality sits somewhere between European bistro and Fitzroy bar. You can start with a drink, settle into the dining room, or use it as a special-occasion restaurant without the formality of fine dining. The menu is inspired by European flavours, with classic dishes reworked in a way that suits modern Melbourne dining.

Poodle works especially well when atmosphere matters. The Gertrude Street setting, the art-deco-inspired bar and the bistro feel make it a strong pick for date nights, long dinners with friends, birthdays and occasions where you want the room to feel as considered as the food.

For Fitzroy, Poodle fills an important role: it is not a quick casual stop, but it is also not overly formal. It is the restaurant to choose when you want drinks, food, style and service in one place.

Address: 81–83 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy

LIQUID DESSERT

2022 Braida Brachetto d’Acqui – Piedmont IT (120ml)

$24

2018 Greenstone ‘Cordon Cut’ Viognier – Yarra Valley VIC (90ml)

$23

2022 La Perle D’Arche Semillion blend – Sauternes FR (60ml)

$19

NV Pennyweight Gold Riesling blend – Beechworth VIC (90ml)

$18

NV Vincent Couche Ratafia Chardonnay de Montgueux Solera – Champagne FR (60ml)

$28

Marco De Bortoli Marsala Superior Oro Riserva (60ml)

$35

David Franz ‘Old Redemption’ XO Tawny – Barossa Valley SA (60ml)

$28

DIGESTIFS

Montenegroni

$24

Montenegro, gin, quince vermouth, rosemary

Hine Rare VSOP

$19

Joy Hors D’age XO 15yr

$22

Michel Couvreur 10yo Vin Jaune Cask

$32

Jura FR

Levi Serafino Grappa Di Moscato

$20

COFFEE by Allpress

Black

$4.50

White

Oat / Soy +1

CHEF’S SELECTION

Leave it up to us with our sharing style chef’s selection designed for the whole table to enjoy. This showcases our favourite dishes from on and off the menu.

House-made spent coffee & rye sourdough, kefir butter

Spanner crab & cod roe profiterole

$11

Prawn scotch egg

$28

Parmesan scroll, fried shallot, sherry vinegar caramel

Pork neck skewer, smoked orange butter

$12

Ox tongue, porcini, fried bread, buttermilk

Charcoal grilled duck heart & guanciale skewer

$10

Pea, ricotta & Comté tart

$37

Fish of the day

curry leaf, Mick’s foraged rocket MP

Duck breast

$46

grilled endive, pepper jus

250g Hanger steak

$46

mustard fruit & peppercorn sauce

500g Cape Grim club steak

$100

Café de Poodle butter, fries

1kg Vintage rib eye

$200

pepperberry gremolata

ON THE SIDE

Mixed leaves

$11

tarragon vinaigrette

Heirloom cucumber

$12

confit garlic, nigella, dill

Sweet & sour poached leek

$12

sesame cream

Silverbeet gratin

$15

white miso, parmesan

French fries

$12

buttermilk aioli

Salt & vinegar onion rings

$11

SAUCES

Café de Poodle butter / Pepper jus / Mustard fruit & peppercorn

SAMPLE POODLE CHEF SELECTION - $90pp

SAMPLE

Goats curd stuffed date

Ox tongue, porcini, fried bread, buttermilk

Beetroot & orange cured swordfish, preserved lemon, basil

Malt carrot, salted mushrooms, Comté tart

Heirloom cucumber, confit garlic, nigella, dill

Hanger Steak, mustard fruit & peppercorn sauce

Mixed Leaves, tarragon vinaigrette

Lemon curd, strawberry, torched meringue

ADDITIONAL

House-made sourdough, cultured butter

$7pp

Sydney Rock Oyster, finger lime mignonette, mandarin oil

$6.50

$6.5ea

French Fries, buttermilk aioli

$12

APERITIFS

NV Taittinger Cuveé Prestige Brut

$29

Champagne FR

Picon Biere

$15

Picon, Estrella Damm Lager

Kir Royale

$20

Crème de Cassis, sparkling

Whiskey or Mezcal highball

$20

Spritz – your way

$18

Americano Sour

$24

Cocchi Americano, Bulleit Bourbon, lemon, saltbush, pepper

Delgado Zuleta ‘La Goya’ Manzanilla Sherry

$16

COCKTAILS

Tiny Slipper

$13

vodka, melon liqueur, cucumber bitters

Spring Has Sprung

$23

vodka, elderflower, pear, coriander, rosemary

Wet Poodle

$24

Tanqueray gin, house blended vermouth, pickled onion

French Cowboy

$24

peach, lemon, sparkling, earl grey & cinnamon lacto-clarified Tanqueray gin

RAW BAR

Rock oyster

$6.50

finger lime mignonette, mandarin oil

Yarra Valley smoked salmon caviar

$48

seaweed madeleines

Beetroot & orange cured swordfish

$22

preserved lemon, basil

Steak tartare

$26

tarragon mayonnaise, soy cured egg yolk

DESSERT

Lemon curd

$14

strawberry, torched meringue

Banana & ricotta mille feuille

$18

Soft chocolate

$14

Mount Zero olive oil, maraschino cherry

Fromage du jour

$18

quince, sourdough

2. Masti Indian Restaurant Fitzroy

Masti Indian Restaurant Fitzroy brings modern Indian dining to Brunswick Street. It is led by chef Manpreet Sekhon, known as the Curry Queen, and the restaurant presents Indian food with a strong sense of colour, spice, atmosphere and hospitality.

The food is rooted in Indian cooking rather than watered-down fusion. Expect curries, tandoori dishes, fresh breads, vegetarian options, vegan choices, cocktails and dishes built for sharing. It is the kind of restaurant where the best meal usually comes from ordering across the table: something from the tandoor, something rich and saucy, bread, rice and a few smaller dishes to balance the meal.

Masti works well for Fitzroy because it has energy. Brunswick Street suits restaurants that feel social, and Masti has the kind of room and menu that make it useful for birthdays, group dinners, casual dates and nights that might continue with drinks nearby.

It is also a useful pick for mixed groups because Indian menus are naturally flexible. Meat eaters, vegetarians, vegans and gluten-free diners can usually find something satisfying, which makes Masti a practical choice when you are organising dinner for a table with different needs.

Address: 354–356 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy

PELLA SWAAD

Appetisers & Indian Street Food

SAMOSA V, VVO

Pomegranate & green mango powder spiced potato, peas, crisp pastry, chutney

SAMOSA CHAAT V, VVO

$14

lip-smacking chaat made with samosa, chickpea, various chutneys and spices.

ONION BHAJI GF. V , VV

$18

Crispy onion fritters with homemade chutney

HARREY MASALEY KI SOYA CHAAMP V

$20

morsels of soya marinated with tangy green coriander and mint paste

PAPDI CHAAT V, VVO

$20

Masti Style nachos with lip-smacking chutneys, a must try

DAHI PURI CHAAT V, VVO

$19

A tongue-tickling chaat with potato, chickpeas, yoghurt & tangy chutneys, fresh coriander

PANNI PURI

$15

every Indian first love, small, hollow puris ,tangy tamarind chutney, spicy mint-cilantro water (pani), boiled potatoes, chickpeas, onions

HONEY CHILLI CAULIFLOWER V, VVO, GFO

$22

Crisp cauliflower coated with sesame seed, honey, chilli, spring onion

PANEER TIKKA GF , V

$22

Cottage cheese marinated with home ground spices cooked over glowing embers

CHEESE CHILLI V,GFO

$22

Indo Chinese spicy and tangy paneer cubes

MOMOS VEG |CHICKEN

$22

Dumplings, a beloved street food, zesty dip

AMRITSARI FISH GF

$22

batter fried fish from Amritsar ,The answer lies in it’s ‘marination‘

CHICKEN TIKKA GF

$21

Free range boneless chicken fillets marinated in spices

TANDOORI CHICKEN GF

$24

chicken marinated in tandoori masala & mint chutney

Spicy Lamb Chops (GF)

$19

Two chops are more than just a dish; they're an experience

SAANJHA SWAAD

Indian Curries Melbourne

ANJEER KOFTA GF, V ,N

$22

Fig & pomegranate kofta, cashew & shallot curry. Certainly not just for vegetarians —

House Black Daal (GF,V)

$22

Masti signature dish - 24 hours slow-cooked black Daal, a labour of love

DAL TADKA GF, V, VV

$22

Yellow Daal: A vegan comforting culinary masterpiece

CHICKPEA VINDALOO GF

$22

Chickpea simmered with bursting flavors of garlic & spices. Goan style

ALOO GOBHI GF, V, VV

$22

Potato cauliflower curry, very popular North Indian vegan dish.

PUNJABI KADHI PAKORA GF, V

$22

onion fritters dunked in a spiced yogurt sauce. Classic village dish from Punjab.

BHINDI DO PYAZA GF ,V ,VV

$22

spicy Indian stir-fried okra and onion, a delectable veggie marriage made in heaven

PALAK PANEER GF ,V

$23

soft cottage cheese cubes in a mild spiced smooth spinach sauce

KHADAI PANEER GF ,V

$23

Paneer cooked with bell pepper, tomato, coriander seeds

VEG KORMA GF,N

$23

luxurious blend of assorted vegetables,creamy fusion of cashews,exquisite spices.

Mix Vegetables GF ,V, VV

$22

Harmony of mixed baby vegetables with assorted spices

PUNJABI BUTTER CHICKEN GF

$25

Tender chicken pieces in makhani sauce, traditional style

CHICKEN|PRAWN TIKKA MASALA GF

$25

Roasted chicken or prawn in onion, tomato, cashew spiced curry sauce. Crowd-pleasing curry

CHICKEN |LAMB SAAG GF

$26

chicken/lamb tempered with cumin seed and cooked with tomato and fresh spinach

KADAI CHICKEN GF

$25

A rich flavorsome curry with crushed tomato, capsicum and green chilies in a thick masala sauce

CHICKEN KORMA GF,N

$25

luxurious blend of chicken,creamy fusion of cashews,exquisite spices.

LAMB ROGAN JOSH GF

$26

lamb, fennel seed, black cardamom, bay leaf and cloves

CHICKEN |LAMB VINDALOO GF

$26

Chicken/Lamb simmered with bursting flavors of garlic & spices. Goan style

CHICKEN |LAMB MADRAS GF

$26

Chicken/Lamb simmered with bursting flavors of coconut and curry leaves.

GOAT CURRY GF

$27

Boneless Goat curry,an absolute show stopper. Dhaba-style

Malabari Curry -Fish or Prawn GF

$26

South Indian sytle- fish or prawn curry flavoured with kokum and secret spices

Tandoor

Fresh Tandoori Breads & Vegan Naan

ROTI VEGAN |Butter

Wholemeal flat tandoori bread

VEGAN NAAN

Choice of Plain, Butter, Garlic, Chive, Sesame, Onion Seed or Chili Naan (red or green)

GLUTEN FREE ROTI-Popularly known as Missi Roti

NAAN

Plain floor tandoori bread

NAAN

Choice of Butter, Garlic, Chive, Sesame, Onion Seed or Chili Naan (red or green) -

MASALA KULCHA

Stuffed bread with spiced peas, potatoes & cottage cheese

LACHA PRANTHA

Wholemeal layered butter bread

CHEESE NAAN

Stuffed with onion,cheese,chilli

KASHMIRI NAAN

$10

coconut, raisins ,nut bread

PUDIANA ( MINT ) PRATHA

CHICKEN KULCHA

$12

RICE & BIRYANI

RICE GF

Saffron Rice

COCONUT PULAO GF,N

$10

pulao loaded with the goodness of coconut and raisin

Veg | Chicken | Lamb Biryani GF

$23

A flavourful, gluten-free rice dish with your choice of vegetables, chicken, or lamb, cooked with aromatic spices and herbs

SALADS & SIDES

GARDEN SALAD GF

$10

Lettuce, cucumber, tomato, carrot, onion with dash of lemon

MASALA ONION SALAD GF

$10

onion, chat masala, black salt, coriander

RAITA

yogurt with cucumber, onion, roasted cumin

PAPADUM

Papadum with dips

MASALA FRIES

$10

MITTHA

Indian Desserts]

GULAB JAMUN

$10

Indian donuts

MANGO LASSI GF

Mango,cardamom,yogurt smoothie

DAKHE WALI KULFI

$10

Traditional ice cream infused with pistachio or mango

GAJAR HALWA GF,N

$15

Carrot pudding

MASALA TEA

Signature COCKTAILS

Our Indian-inspired signature cocktails are crafted with turmeric, cardamom, rosewater, mango and spiced tequila — flavours of India in every sip.

THE PINK CITY

$24

Gin, Hibiscus, Pomegranate, Lemon

OH MY COCONUT

$24

Coconut Rum, Pineapple Rum, Lime, Coconut Water

TURMERIC TOMMY'S

$24

Blanco Tequila, Mezcal, Lime, Agave, Turmeric, Black Lava Salt

TEA-GRONI

$24

Orange Peel Tea Infused Gin, Sweet Vermouth, Campari

ROSES ARE RED?

$24

Gin, Rosewater, Creme de Violette, Lemon

MASTI LASSI

$24

Rum, Mango, Coconut, Yoghurt

MANGO MARGARITA

$24

1800 coconut tequila, green mango, Cointreau

THE GOLDEN CITY

$24

Gin, Lemon, Golden Delicious Apple, Cardamom

THE GREEN CITY

$24

Bourbon, Lime, Lemongrass, Coriander, Mint

FROM INDIA WITH LOVE

$24

Vodka, Beetroot, Dill, Celery, Ginger Beer

MASTI CLASSICS

All the classics, made properly — Old Fashioned, Espresso Martini, Aperol Spritz and more.

OLD FASHIONED

$24

Bourbon or Rye Whiskey, Angostura bitters

AMARETTO SOUR

$24

Amaretto liqueur, Lemon juice, Simple syrup, Angostura bitters

WHISKY SOUR

$24

Bourbon or Whiskey, Lemon juice, Simple syrup, Angostura bitters

APEROL SPRITZ

$22

Aperol, Prosecco, Soda water

LONG ISLAND

$28

Vodka, Tequila, Rum, Gin, Triple sec, Lemon juice, Simple syrup, Cola

ESPRESSO MARTINI

$25

Vodka, Coffee liqueur ,espresso

MARTINI

$25

gin/vodka + vermouth

MARGARITA CLASSIC |SPICY

$24

tequila, Lime juice, Cointreau), Simple syrup

MOCKTAILS

Our mocktail menu brings Indian street drink classics to Fitzroy — Aam Paana, salted lassi and fresh Nimbu Soda, all alcohol-free.

VIRGIN MOJITO

$15

refreshing blend of zesty lime, mint, soda water

AAM PAANA

$15

A refreshing and tangy mango-based summer cooler

FRESH NIMBU WATER | SODA

Nothing quenches thirst better

MANGO | SALTED LASSI

EVENING IN MASTI

$17

Cinnamon, lime, cranberry, ginger beer

APPLE SPRITZ

$17

Apple, cranberry , cinnamon ,lemonade

SPARKLING

125ml Glass 750ml Bottle

Ruggeri 'Argeo' Prosecco V

$13

Veneto Italy | Stone fruits, apples & pears & fragrant nose, crisp apples & pears on the palate.

WHITE

125ml Glass 750ml Bottle

ATLAS 'WATERVALE' RIESLING

$12

Clare Valley SA | Dry Riesling. A fresh mix of Granny Smith apples, spring blossom Perfect with spicy food with a super fresh and dry finish.

MONTEVECCHIO MOSCATO (V)

$12

Heathcote Vic | Lightly spritzed Moscato that’s bursting with sweet, fruit flavours and has a refreshing finish.

STARBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC

$12

Marlborough NZ | Fresh passionfruit aromas, lovely grassy undertones & rich powerful tropical fruit flavours.

MACCAN PINOT GRIGIO (V)

$13

Friuli Italy | Fresh fruit aromas of juicy pear & subtle tropical fruit, crisp clean finish.

FLAMETREE EMBER CHARDONNAY

$13

Margaret River WA |The palate is full flavoured with white nectarine, stone fruits with tropical fruits and citrus notes

QUARTIER PINOT GRIS (V)

Mornington Pen. Vic | Dried apple, caramelised citrus, sweet almond blossom, nashi fruit juiciness texture

ZONZO CHARDONNAY

$15

Yarra Valley | Pear and apple peel, lemon zest and background notes of biscuits, fleshy white stone fruit and oak elegance

ROSE

125ml Glass 750ml Bottle

HENRIETTA KENNEDY ROSE

$12

Heathcote Vic | Aromas of red apple and citrus rind. Fresh palate of red berries, mandarin and subtle spice

Red

125ml Glass 750ml Bottle

San Pietro Pinot Noir

$13

Mornington Pen. Vic | Lively & bright with a seductive aroma leading to strong spicy overtones of red fruits.

Rob Dolan ‘White Label’ Pinot Noir (V)

Yarra Valley Vic| Dark raspberry fruit with complex layers of black cherries, spice & herbal notes.

Gapsted ‘Alpine Road’ Sangiovese Barbera

$12

King Valley Vic | Bouquet of cherry & violets and the palate is mixed berries, long velvety & supple.

Sogno di Ulisse Montepulciano

$12

Abruzzo Italy | Plum & cherry aromas, with blackcurrant & savoury fruits. Soft with great fruit intensity.

Flametree Cabernet Sauvignon

$13

Margaret River WA | Bountiful aromas of cassis & cherries back by a rich generous palate with fine tannins.

Cooper Burns GSM –Grenache blend (V)

$14

Barossa Valley SA | Bright and soft yet a concentrated wine with plenty of raspberry, plum & dark berries.

Paxton ‘NOW' Shiraz (V) Preservative Free

$13

McLaren Vale SA | Medium bodied. Explosion of berries form the forest highlighted with raspberries, strawberries, mulberries & plums.

Kennedy Shiraz (V)

$14

Heathcote Vic | Ripe red berries, dark plum & exotic spice form the backbone of this wine.Rich, complex and balanced

tap BEER

Kingfisher 300ml

$12

Kingfisher 500ml

$16

Bottle BEER

CASCADE PREMIUM LIGHT

$12

GREAT NORTHERN ZERO

$12

COOPERS PALE ALE

$12

HAWKERS IPA

$13

Victoria Bitter ( VB)

$12

CORONA

$12

CARLTON DRAUGHT

$12

MONTEITH'S CRUSHED APPLE CIDER

$12

SPIRITS

We're one of the only bars in Melbourne pouring all three premium Indian single malts — Rampur, Amrut and Indri — alongside a full range of gin, scotch and bourbon.

Southern Comfort

$13

Bacardi

$12

Malibu

$12

Bundaberg

$12

Captain Morgan

$12

Old Monk

$14

Sailor Jerry spiced rum

$14

Black Bottle Classic Brandy

$14

Sierra Tequila

$12

Espolon Tequila

$14

Don Juan Escobar Mezcal

$15

Gordon

$12

Bombay

$14

Melbourne Gin Company

$15

Four Pillars

$15

Hendrick's

$15

Smirnoff

$12

Grey Goose

$14

Johnnie Walker Red

$12

Johnnie Walker Black

$14

Chivas Regal

$14

Glenfiddich Single Malt

$15

Rampur Single Malt

$18

Amrut Single Malt

$16

Indri Single Malt

$18

Jim beam

$13

Canadian club

$13

Wild turkey

$13

Makers mark

$13

Jack Daniel's

$13

Jameson

$13

SOFT DRINK

Capi Pink Grapefruit

Capi Cola

Capi Sparking Water 750ml

Capi Ginger Beer

COKE

COKE ZERO

LEMONADE

RASPBERRY LEMONADE

LEMON LIME BITTER

Juice Apple | Pineapple | Orange | Cranberry

$10

MANGO LASSI | Salted Lassi

3. Madame Saigon

Madame Saigon is a casual Vietnamese restaurant on Brunswick Street, useful for quick lunches, easy dinners, takeaway and low-pressure meals in the middle of Fitzroy. It gives the suburb a practical Vietnamese option, especially for diners who want something fresh, filling and affordable.

The menu is built around Vietnamese comfort food. Pho, banh mi, rice dishes, vermicelli bowls, bao-style snacks, coffee and iced drinks all fit the style of the venue. It is the kind of place where you can eat quickly, keep the meal casual, or grab something before heading elsewhere in Fitzroy.

Madame Saigon is especially useful during the day. Fitzroy has plenty of restaurants built for longer nights out, but sometimes the best option is a casual spot where you can get a good bowl, roll or rice dish without turning the meal into a major booking.

It is best for pho, banh mi, Vietnamese lunches, takeaway, casual dinners, solo meals and anyone who wants something easy on Brunswick Street. It adds an everyday option to this list, balancing the more polished restaurants around it.

Address: 263 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy

Chef Special

Stir-Fried Seafood With Vegetables On Rice

$20.80

Savoury seafood and vegetables served on a bed of rice.

Family box

Vegan Sharing

$45

vegan springroll with salad.. Crispy lemongrass tofu. Stir fry lemongrass tofu noodle salad. Black pepper tofu on rice

Meat Lover Box

$65

. pork banh mi . pork skewers 2pcs . pork springrolls with salad.. fried egg . grilled pork or grilled chicken noodle saldad

Starter

Pork Springrolls

$15.95

Homemade. Serving with lettuce mints. Popular

Vegetarian Springrolls

$15.95

Homemade. Serving with lettuce mints.

Black Pepper Tofu

$14.95

Two skewers topped with peanuts, sesame, spring onion, fried shallots.

Salt And Pepper Deep Fried Chicken Spare Ribs

$18.95

Chicken ribs deep fried with s&p

Lemongrass Beef Summer Rolls

$10.95

Two pieces. Rice vermicelli noodles fille with lettuce, pickle, carrots, Vietnamese herbs wrapped in rice paper.

Chicken Rice Paper Rolls

$9.95

Two pieces. Rice vermicelli noodles fille with lettuce, pickle, carrots, Vietnamese herbs wrapped in rice paper.

Taco_Baos

$16.95

Three pieces.

Taco Bao With Crispy Pork

$14.95

Two soliders.

Deep Fried Quail With Salt And Pepper

$14.95

Fried quail with salt and pepper, onion

Deep Fried Calamari With Salt And Pepper

$24.80

SALT AND PEPPER CALAMARI

Grilled Chicken Summer Rolls

$9.95

Two pieces. Serving with peanut hoisin sauce, chilli mayo.

Grilled Pork Summer Rolls

$8.95

Two pieces. Serving with peanut hoisin sauce, chilli mayo.

Prawn Summer Rolls

$9.95

Two pieces. Serving with peanut hoisin sauce, chilli mayo.

Rice Bowl

Grilled Chicken And Fried Egg

$18.95

Grilled chicken served with a fried egg on a bed of rice.

Fried Rice & Fried Egg

$18.95

Savoury rice dish topped with a fried egg.

Chicken Curry On Rice

$19.95

chicken curry on rice

4. Flint

Flint is one of Fitzroy’s most distinctive modern restaurants. Located on Smith Street, it is built around open-fire cooking, smoke, charcoal and a dining style that feels more focused and dramatic than a standard neighbourhood restaurant.

The restaurant’s point of difference is simple but powerful: everything is shaped by fire. That gives the food a stronger sense of depth, whether the dish is built around meat, seafood, vegetables, fermentation or smoke. It is a restaurant for diners who like technique, flavour and a bit of theatre in the cooking.

Flint suits people who want dinner to feel like the main event. It works for date nights, special occasions, serious food lovers, small group dinners and anyone looking for a restaurant that feels very different from a casual Brunswick Street stop.

The Smith Street location also gives it a good edge-of-Fitzroy energy. You can use it as a destination dinner, or build a night around food and drinks nearby. For diners who want a more adult, moody and fire-driven restaurant experience, Flint is one of the strongest options in Fitzroy.

Address: 199 Smith Street, Fitzroy

Small Plates

FLINT’S FIRE FLATBREAD (VO)

$15

Labneh, pickled apple & smoked bone marrow butter

HOUSE PICKLES (V)

$15

SASHIMI OF THE DAY

$27

Rice vinegar, fermented dragonfruit, pickles

GRILLED CAULIFLOWER (V)

$18

Fermented leek butter, charred cashew paste, chili, teriyaki glaze

PICKLED MUSSELS

$15

Confit garlic and pickles on miso-pumpkin bread

Mains

PORK BELLY CHOP

$67

Bone-in 550g, fermented & pickled apple

DIMATINAS PURE WAGYU MS9+

$104

Porterhouse 300g, fermented garlic & pickled cabbage

LAMB EYE LOIN

$52

250g, smoked pickled plum, fermented leek butter

RAINBOW TROUT COOKED ON COALS

$55

Deboned and butterflied, with fermented chilli butter and parsley-garlic verde

Sides

CARROT CARROT (V)

$22

Fermented, charred, and smoked carrot with garlic labneh

CHARRED CUCUMBER (V)

$14

Coal roasted, vinegar, buckwheat

Dessert

SMOKED WHISKEY ICE CREAM (V)

$17

Charcoal meringue, caramelised barley

Cocktails

Flint Specials, Sours, Flint Martinis

Soft Heat Margarita

$22

Espolon Blanco, fermented red chilli, lime

Hibis-Kiss Spritz

$24

Bombay London Dry, lemon, hibiscus. Mocktail option $14

Pramble

$23

Never Never Vodka, fermented peach , lemon. Mocktail option $14

Carrot Sour

$24

Jameson, carrot juice, lemon. Mocktail option $14

She’s So Sour

$24

Never Never Vodka, shiso, hibiscus. Mocktail option $14

Cherry Sour

$24

Nikka Grain Whisky, Heering Cherry Liquor, lemon

Espresso Martini

$24

Oyster Shell Martini

$25

Never Never Oyster Shell Gin, dry vermouth, lemon twist

Classic

$25

Gin or vodka. dirty, filthy, or with a twist

Oysters

JAPANESE MIGNONETTE

$6.50

Brown rice vinegar, white soy, shallot

NATURAL

ROASTED ON COALS

Smoked chicken miso butter

5. Manolo Bar And Restaurant

Manolo Bar And Restaurant adds Spanish flavour to Fitzroy’s Johnston Street dining scene. It is a warm, social restaurant built around tapas, wine, cocktails and the kind of shareable food that works naturally for groups, dates and relaxed nights out.

The appeal here is the Spanish format. Instead of ordering one main each and leaving quickly, the best meal is built across several plates: patatas bravas, chorizo, seafood, cheeses, montaditos, paella-style dishes, wine and cocktails. That makes Manolo especially useful when the table wants dinner to feel like a shared experience rather than a formal sequence of courses.

Manolo works well for intimate dinners, birthdays, group bookings, happy hour drinks and nights where you want a lively but still comfortable Fitzroy venue. The Johnston Street location also makes it easy to build a night around dinner and drinks nearby, especially if you want something with European character but a relaxed Melbourne feel.

For Fitzroy diners, Manolo gives this list a different flavour again. Poodle brings the bistro feel, Masti brings Indian energy, Madame Saigon covers casual Vietnamese food, Flint brings fire-driven dining, and Manolo rounds it out with Spanish tapas, wine and a social restaurant mood.

Address: 57–61 Johnston Street, Fitzroy

Tapas

Croqueta De Setas (VG) (UND)

Mushrooms & truffle croquette

Croqueta De Jamon (UND)

$5.50

Jamon croquette

Croqueta De Morcilla (UND)

Blood sausage croquette

CROQUETA DE LA CASA (UND)

Our chef’s weekly special

PATATAS BRAVAS

Crispy golden potatoes served with home made alioli & smoky brava sauce

FRESH OYSTERS (EA)

Ocean-fresh complimented by saffron, prosecco & refreshing granita

TUNA TARTARE

Finely diced Yellow Fin tuna mixed with shallots & capers, served with double baked sourdough slices

TORTILLA DE PATATAS

A traditional Spanish omelette with soft layers of potato & caramelized onion

TORTILLA DE MANCHEGO

A luxurious take on the classic, featuring aged Manchego for a deeper flavour

ACEITUNAS DE LA CASA

A selection of marinated Spanish olives

To Share

PLATO DE JAMÓN IBERICO

$48

80 grams delicately sliced Jamon Ibérico accompanied with double baked sourdough slices & Spanish olives

ANCHOAS

Cantabrian Gold Series anchovies, drizzled with the finest olive oil & garnished with fresh garlic & parsley

BOQUERONES

Delicately marinated white anchovies, perfectly balanced with vinegar, garlic & fresh herbs

CHICKEN PATE

A smooth & flavourful home made chicken liver pâté, served with double baked sourdough slices

TABLA DE QUESOS (VG)

$28

A curated selection of three exquisite cheeses accompanied with Spanish olives & picos

TABLA DE EMBUTIDOS

$31

A fine selection of premium cured meats, including Jamon Ibérico accompanied with Spanish olives

From the tin to the plate

OLIVES

$12

MARINATED MUSSELS

$12

SARDINES

BANDERILLAS (8)

pickled skewers

FILLED CAPSICUM W COD

BERBERECHOS

clam meat w lemon

Bocadillos

SANTANDER ROLL

$15

tuna, roasted red capsicum, salad & alioli

LA MANCHA

manchego cheese, salmorejo & grilled eggplant

BADAJOZ

jamon iberico roll w salmorejo

MADRID

calamari w salmorejo, salad

Raciones

ENSALADILLA RUSA

A classic Spanish style tuna & potato salad, enriched with olives, pickles, red capsicum & alioli

CHAMPIÑONES AL AJILLO

A rich medley of sautéed mushrooms in garlic, infused with Spanish herbs

GAMBAS AL AJILLO

Succulent prawns simmered in sizzling garlic-infused olive oil with a hint of chilli served in a terracota dish

CHORIZO AL CAVA

Authentic recipe by Rogelio, prepared on a base of olive oil & a splash of Spanish Cava

ALBONDIGAS

Our family recipe of six Spanish meatballs bathed in a velvety home made romesco almond sauce accompanied with toasted olive bread

PORTARLINGTON MUSSELS

Fresh mussels steamed in a fragrant tomato broth, served with toasted olive bread

ENSALADA DE TOMATE CON ATÚN

A refreshing salad of vine-ripened tomatoes and premium imported tuna

UNIÓN PERFECTA (VEGAN)

Roasted red capsicum & chargrilled eggplant drizzled with Hacienda Guzman Olive Oil, your choice of olive bread or bread roll ~ The perfect union

CALAMARES A LA ROMANA

Tender & golden panko crumbed calamari with salad

PULPO A LA GALLEGA

$35

Galician-style octopus, tenderly cooked & served with paprika dusted potatoes garnished with olive oil & sea salt

GARLIC MUSSELS

Plump mussels in a rich garlic, tomato & capsicum broth, paired with olive bread

PINCHO MORUNO

Succulent skewers accompanied by yogurt, mint & salmorejo

Arroces

PAELLA DE POLLO (GF)

chicken, green beans & capsicum. Add chorizo

PAELLA DE MARISCOS (GF)

prawns, calamari, mussels & clams

PAELLA DE ARROZ NEGRO CON ALLIOLI (GF)

calamari, prawn & alioli

PAELLA DE VERDURAS (GF, V)

seasonal rosemary infused vegetables

PAELLA DE LA CASA

ask our staff for our weekly house paella

Mains

ANGUS SCOTCH FILLET

Chargrilled to perfection, served with crispy local potatoes, thyme, baby carrots & red wine jus

JOHN DORY

Delicately poached white fish, accompanied by baby potatoes, vegetable purée & a velvety sauce made from prawn shells, creating an umami-rich depth of flavour

PORK BELLY

Succulent pork belly, cauliflower, baby carrots, broccolini and red wine jus

PORK FILLET

Marinated sliced fillet served with a reduction sauce of piquillo peppers

Especiales

CRISP WHITE BAIT

South Australian bait with spicy alioli, lemon, olive bread & green salad

FISH AND CHIPS

200G Blue Whiting with crispy potatoes, seasonal salad & a blend of creamy and spicy sauces

ORANGE ROASTED CHICKEN

Herb-infused chicken with a zesty orange sauce & seasonal vegetables

ORANGE ROASTED DUCK

Herb-infused duck finished in the oven, with a wine jus & citrus sauce served with seasonal vegetables

Postres

BASQUE CHEESECAKE

Creamy baked cheesecake typical from Basque Country

TARTA DE SANTIAGO

Traditional almond cake from Galicia, topped with powdered sugar and the iconic St. James cross

CREMA CATALANA

Creamy custard with citrus, cinnamon, and a caramelized sugar top. Spain's elegant answer to crème brûlée

FLAN

Classic Spanish caramel custard with a golden caramel glaze

CAKE OF THE WEEK

Ask to discover the delicious tart of the week

LA SOBREMESA TASTING FLIGHT

Tasting of three traditional Spanish digestifs

Lunch Set Menu

Limited Time Only

¡A Comer!

$54

Start your weekend with a taste of Spain. Enjoy a glass of Spanish Cava or Vermouth on arrival, a selection of Spanish montaditos, your choice of main course, and finish with dessert.

Cavas

MERITUMFREIXENET

BARROCOFREIXENET

MARQUESDELACONCORDIA RESERVABRUTNATURE

MARQUESDELACONCORDIA RESERVABRUTROSE

MARQUESDELACONCORDIA GRANRESERVA

Sherry

LAGUITAMANZANILLADRY

DOSPASASPEDRO JIMENEZDULCE

TRESPASASPXMONTULIA

Rosados

FERMOYESTATEFEROSE

Clásicos

RUNNINGBULLSANGRIA

MAHOU

ESTRELLADAMM

ESTRELLAGALICIA

ESTRELLA INEDIT BY FERRAN ADRIÀ

CRUZCAMPOGRANRESERVA

VOLL-DAMM

Blancos

2022 – DON LEON

2017– CAL Y CANTO VERDEJO

2017– ARCO DE LA VIÑA

2018 - ARAVO ALBARIÑO

2016 – FERMOY ESTATE FE SAUVIGNON BLANC

2022 – MARQUES DE CACERES VIURA

2022 – MARQUES DE GRIÑON VERDEJO

Tintos

2018 – IMAGINATION TEMPRANILLO

2016 – CAL Y CANTO ROBLE TEMPRANILLO

2017– 5 OROS GARNACHA

2015 – 5 OROS CRIANZA TEMPRANILLO

2015 – FINCA BESAYA TEMPRANILLO

2016 – MARQUES DE CACERES

2019 – ARCO DE LA VIÑA ROBLE

2015 – ARCO DE LA VIÑA CRIANZA

Final word

The best restaurants in Fitzroy Melbourne cover more than one kind of night out. Poodle is the polished Gertrude Street bistro for European-inspired dining, drinks and special occasions. Masti Indian Restaurant Fitzroy is the Brunswick Street pick for modern Indian food, curries, tandoori dishes and cocktails. Madame Saigon is the casual Vietnamese option for pho, banh mi and quick meals. Flint is the Smith Street destination for open-fire cooking, smoke and a more considered dinner. Manolo Bar And Restaurant is the Johnston Street Spanish pick for tapas, wine, cocktails and social dining.

Together, they show why Fitzroy remains one of Melbourne’s most interesting food suburbs: creative, varied, casual when it wants to be, and capable of delivering a serious restaurant night when the occasion calls for it.

Best Restaurants Near Me In Fitzroy Melbourne

1. Poodle

LIQUID DESSERT

DIGESTIFS

COFFEE by Allpress

CHEF’S SELECTION

ON THE SIDE

SAUCES

SAMPLE POODLE CHEF SELECTION - $90pp

ADDITIONAL

APERITIFS

COCKTAILS

RAW BAR

DESSERT

2. Masti Indian Restaurant Fitzroy

PELLA SWAAD

SAANJHA SWAAD

Tandoor

RICE & BIRYANI

SALADS & SIDES

MITTHA

Signature COCKTAILS