North Melbourne is the kind of place that sneaks up on you. One of those suburbs that the more time you spend there, the more you realise how much it has to offer.
Despite being so close to the city, it’s got all the charm of a tight-knit neighbourhood with just enough grit to keep things interesting. Heritage terraces sit next to modern cafes, old-school pubs pour beers for locals who are well settled in, and there’s a quiet confidence in the way things are done here—no fuss, just good food, good coffee, and a strong sense of community.
One of the fixtures of North Melbourne, and a restaurant that should be high on your list wherever you are, is Manze. A small but mighty wine bar serving up Mauritian food and natty wines.
Local Guides are brought to you by your friendly concierge, Worktones. We’ve got the plug on the best restaurants, cafes, bars and other gems in the neighbourhood by those who know a thing or two about serving up good times in the area.
Mauritian restaurants aren’t the easiest to come by, so when you do end up at Manze, it’s nice to know the ordering is done for you and done right. Pick between a short or full set menu (best pick the full) and let the magic happen.
But what else is there to do in the area? We thought the Manze team could give us a hand. Here’s some ideas.
The Rochford team helping us put together this North Melbourne guide:
- Nagesh - Head of Problem Solving
- Sophie - Venue Manager
- Hannah - FOH wine gal
- Abby - CDP
- Jeed - Chef
What's your go-to when you knock off?
- Nagesh - If I’m feeling boozy and fancy - Caretakers Cottage, which is down the road in an Uber. Or if it’s early enough, a Guinness at The Courthouse - if it’s not, a kebab at Kebab Connection.
- Sophie - Kebab Connection to silently eat a kebab and watch the city lights.
- Hannah - The Townie.
- Abby - The TOWNIEEEE! Super laid back - all are welcome - style bar just up the road on Errol. Open until they’re closed, but they give you plenty of notice when they call last drinks.
- Jeed - The Townie, nice and casual.
Where are you eating on a day/night off?
- Nagesh - M Yong Tofu in Flemington, which is the next suburb over on our 57 tram. Incredible quality, super warm service, and very very nourishing and homely food. It’s what I rely on to recoup after a big week.
- Sophie - The Courthouse! They’re open on Sundays which we always have off and the staff are so lovely.
- Hannah - Whitebark or Udom House.
- Abby - grabbing Khua Kling and Pad Kee Mao from Nora Thai. It’s my death row meal so I make sure to eat there once a week.
- Jeed - Royal Oak, beautifully done pub food.
It's staff party time... where would you take the whole team?
- Nagesh - I would repeat our staff party at Arnold’s in Kensington in a heartbeat - just one suburb over again. Heartfelt cooking, service, food, and beverages that feel like the loving embrace of the bestest of your friends.
- Sophie - I’ve got to say The Courthouse again.
- Abby - We’re closed on Sundays so I’d get everyone over to Abbotsford for Bodriggy’s. Ice cold froffies, live music and samba dancing!
- Jeed - M Yong Tofu, homely Malaysian food!
You have a 15 minute lunch break... where are you grabbing a quick bite?
- Nagesh - Cindy’s Kitchen. Cindy’s special fried rice, the house dumplings, or the Sichuan chicken nuggets and a bowl of rice.
- Sophie - Bread Club to get pastries for the team.
- Hannah - Benchwarmer.
- Abby - Cindy’s kitchen on Victoria St for dumplings and sichuan chicken with dried chillies and peanuts. We all savour the days when Nag announces that we will be having staffy at Cindy’s to give the kitchen a break. <3
- Jeed - Vegemite Shapes from IGA across the road.
Gotta kill time... where are you going window shopping?
- Nagesh - Books for Cooks! Even just for a chat with Amanda and Tim, or to pick up one of the multiple books they’ve spent weeks/months sourcing especially. No question about a cookbook is ever too hard for them, and you’re always guaranteed to find a gem.
- Sophie - Errol St Salvos.
- Hannah - Martin Fella and Ace Antiques.
- Abby - Ace Antiques and collectables for something unique. They’ve got cool jars to store anything and everything from fermented mango skin vinegar to peach pit syrup for summer cocktails. They’re right across the road from Bread Club where I would be obliged to go and acquire a sweet treat or garlic fougasse (look it up).
- Jeed - Books For Cooks at Queen Victoria Market.
The team at Manze wear Worktones’ Mo and Birdy Olive aprons.
