Melbourne: sights, lights and good eats
In September, Nightworks’ Sales Account Manager, Harriet Bowker, and Director, Kiri Wahrlich, made their way to Melbourne to experience the city’s vibrant design, dining, and shopping scenes — scenes that never disappoint. Below they share some of Melbourne’s hidden gems and design destinations, offering a glimpse into the best the city has to offer.
Eat
With its distinctly Japanese aesthetic, Supernormal stands out from the moment you spot the simple katakana signage and the glowing crimson neon cherries from Flinders Lane.
Inside, the space is sleek and understated, featuring a beautifully crafted interior and an open kitchen. The menu, heavily influenced by chef Andrew McConnell’s time in Shanghai, offers an exciting blend of flavours with that unmistakable McConnell x-factor. A popular choice amongst locals and visitors alike, be prepared to queue for a table. While you wait, we suggest grabbing a drink across the street at Apollo Inn or Nomad.
Must-try dishes: Lobster Roll, Marinated Shiitake & Oyster Mushrooms with Silken Tofu, and the Wagyu Beef Buns.
Tucked down a laneway off bustling Malvern Road, Baker Bleu is Melbourne’s answer to Daily Bread (a favourite of ours in Auckland). Specialising in sourdough, it’s a place where locals regularly pop in to grab their daily loaf. The architectural fit-out by IF Architecture is nothing short of iconic. Alongside their bread, you’ll find a carefully curated selection of providore items — olive oil, salt, jam, honey, and filter coffee — plus a range of pizza slices and filled sandwiches.
Yes, there’s a theme with our restaurant picks! Nestled in the heart of Brunswick’s Nightingale Village and designed by Breathe, Ima Asa Yoru serves traditional Japanese breakfast and lunch (asa) by day and Izakaya dishes (yoru) by night. The space features bold design choices, from Yves Klein blue noren curtains to oversized paper lampshades and Steve Edwards furniture in small production batches: each element reflecting the spirit of the menu. Just a few doors down, their sister venue, Ima Pantry, offers takeaway food, drinks, and grocery items.
Other recommendations:
Spread across seven levels, this Art Nouveau building is a hive of activity. Whether you’re in the mood for a cocktail at Cookie, tequila and tacos at Mesa Verde, or perusing Metropolis bookstore, Curtin House is a must-visit.
A concept store blending homewares, design, and food, Cibi aims to enrich your everyday life with thoughtful, well-crafted products.
As Melbourne’s highest rooftop bar, Fleet offers stunning views of the Yarra River. Located atop the Vibe Hotel, it’s the perfect sun-drenched spot to unwind and watch the city commute roll by. Be sure to book a window table!
Possibly Melbourne’s smallest pub, this 100-year-old caretaker’s quarters oozes charm. If you can’t squeeze inside at the bar, the private courtyard is ideal for long summer evenings. We were recommended to try the Guinness, and we’re passing that suggestion on. It’s well deserving of its place on the World’s 50 Best Bars list.
Shop
In the heart of Fitzroy, Hay’s Melbourne store is styled like an open-plan apartment, combining Danish design with an Australian twist. Alongside their iconic furniture, lighting, and home accessories, you’ll also find collaborations like Hay x Asics. The store’s façade, designed by local artist Jasmine Mansbridge, and the point-of-sale system, designed by Adam Goodrum and made from recycled plastic by Defy Design, are as stylish as the products they showcase.
Fitzroy’s oldest vintage collective is a treasure trove for mid-century and modern design lovers. Featuring pieces from both Australian and international designers, it’s a great spot to hunt for unique finds. On this visit, Harriet snagged a piece of art but plans to return for a vintage Italian ‘Tracanzan Alfa’ coffee maker.
Known for selling top-quality pre-loved fashion, Goodbyes is a favourite among those searching for gems from leading Australian, New Zealand, and international designers. With locations in Prahran, Collingwood, and Brunswick, you’re bound to walk away with a special find.
Other notable mentions:
Home to big names like Myer, David Jones, and The Emporium.
A cutting-edge fashion and lifestyle boutique offering a thoughtfully curated range of pieces from over 200 global designers, including their own in-house labels.
A fashion emporium in Fitzroy with a flagship fit-out that impresses as much as its collection. Glass-brick display units and custom zig-zag racking set the stage for their contemporary wares.
Focused on preserving traditional techniques in a modern context, Pan After features intriguing pieces ranging from ceramics to apothecary and textiles. We’ve got our eyes on the Striped Paper vessels and Fabien Cappello objects.
See
Not to be missed, the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) houses a world of art beneath its magnificent contemporary stained-glass atrium. It boasts one of the most impressive collections in the Southern Hemisphere. We were lucky enough to catch the Africa Fashion exhibition, featuring over 200 works that celebrate the creativity, ingenuity, and global influence of African fashion. This dynamic showcase included a diverse mix of textiles, photography, fashion, music, and film.
Just 500 metres from the NGV, the Ian Potter Centre is a must for anyone interested in Australian art. It offers a comprehensive display of both historical and contemporary Indigenous and non-Indigenous works. We visited Wurrdha Marra — meaning ‘Many Mobs’ in the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung language — where First Nations artists share powerful stories. The exhibition highlights the rich tapestry of cultural knowledge, reimagined traditions, and iconography, while embracing fresh forms of artistic expression.
Designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando, M10 Pavilion is a serene meeting place in Melbourne’s art precinct, embodying global collaboration between Australian and international architects. Ando describes it as “a space to reflect, interact, and appreciate what lies within, be it nature, art, or people.” Its offset concrete squares form two entrances, leading to a peaceful sanctuary reminiscent of a Japanese walled garden.
Located in Fitzroy, Oigall Projects is an independent commercial gallery established in 2021, focused on experimental design, contemporary art, and objects. The immersive setting makes for a unique gallery experience. Be sure to check out their current exhibitions or request a catalogue to explore works from the artist stockroom.
Wrap up
After exploring Melbourne’s dynamic spaces, one thing became clear: the city thrives on a balance of bold creativity and understated elegance. Across both retail and hospitality, recurring themes of luxury industrial design, contemporary organic elements. Materials like polished tubing, raw aluminium, brick and crazy paving leave a lasting impression. Melbourne’s ability to marry tradition with innovation is what makes it a constant source of inspiration, whether you’re dining, shopping, or simply taking in the sights.
