Dig Into the 10 Best Brunswick Restaurants

When someone says ‘Melbourne’ what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Good coffee, arts capital of the country, gorgeous regional hotspots – and, of course, to-die-for restaurants.

It’s no secret that the food scene in Melbourne is thriving, but did you know that you don’t need to stay in the CBD to taste the best flavours of the city?

Head over to the city-fringe and uber-cool suburb of Brunswick, where an explosion of flavours meets a grungy-chic vibe that’s brimful of tasty dishes and every cuisine under the sun. 

Plus, most of these joints are in proximity to Rambla @ Solarino House for ultimate convenience. So, let’s dig into 10 of the best Brunswick restaurants to plan your visit.

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Casa Chino

212-214 Albion St, Brunswick

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What do you get when you add Chinese Cantonese cuisine, authentic Peruvian flavours, and shiny new premises in the heart of bustling Brunswick? One of the best restaurants in town, of course!

Right next door to Rambla @ Solarino House you’ll find Casa Chino, a succulent fusion restaurant that serves up the best (and possibly only) Chifa cuisine in Brunswick.

Traditional flavours come alive in dishes like black beans cazuelita,  octopus y papas skewers, and tasty sambal chicken & leek siu mai dim sum. 

All this in a lush, light-filled setting that adds to the vibrancy of your foodie experience. Plus, when you’re done, it’s a quick trip back to your home-away-from-home in Rambla (aka, right upstairs).

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Edinburgh Castle Hotel

681 Sydney Rd, Brunswick

Craving a classic pub feed? You haven’t truly experienced one yet – not until you’ve paid a visit to the Edinburgh Castle Hotel, that is.

Not to be confused with the historic castle in Scotland, Brunswick's Edinburgh Castle Hotel is a longstanding craft beer haven in the heart of Sydney Road.

With a gastro pub menu and quintessentially Melbourne grunge-cool decor, this pub is more than a watering hole – it's a cultural experience, and even just one visit will have you living like a local.

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Neruda’s South American

66 Breese St, Brunswick

Dive into Santiago's culinary heritage at Neruda’s South American, where simple, traditional ‘a lo pobre’ cuisine reigns supreme. 

The restaurant itself is quintessential Brunswick (and Melbourne) in a nutshell. An eclectic fusion of ‘70s retro and bright South American vibrancy, the decor and colourful allure are enough to draw in locals and tourists alike.

Top menu picks include the Colombiana Empanadas, the Chivito al Plato, and the fresh Ceviche.

Named after the great Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, this quaint spot is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner – does it get much better?

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Bar Oussou

653 Sydney Rd, Brunswick

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Arthouse vibes, live performances, fabulous drinks, and cosy tables can only mean one thing: Bar Oussou, one of the most iconic Brunswick bars and eateries.

When it comes to food, we recommend visiting Bar Oussou between Friday and Sunday. The Oussou kitchen serves up a sumptuous tapas-style Anatolian feast every weekend. 

The set menu features diced roast lamb shoulder, bulgur, capsicum and zucchini dips, Anatolian-style hummus with burnt paprika, and, of course, freshly made flatbreads.

With dimly lit, ultra-cosy bar tables and a lineup of the best local music and spoken word acts, this iconic bar offers an immersive experience of the local scene.

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Howler

7-11 Dawson St, Brunswick

Another perfect place for dinner and a show is Howler,a standout restaurant in Brunswick and a sparkling treasure trove of diverse live music.

This converted woolshed boasts multiple open-plan spaces, an eclectic beer list, and a menu of delicious comfort food-style dishes (think cheesy chicken parmigiana, fried calamari, eye fillet steak, caesar salad, and vegan burgers).

With a performance space out back featuring local indie artists and experimental electronic acts, Howler is where art, music, and great food converge.

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Alchemy Brewing

396 Lygon St, Brunswick East

For after-work drinks, weekend lunches, and nighttime festivities, Alchemy Brewing is your go-to. Trust us – we’ve been there, and it’s everything you could ever want in a classic Melbourne bar and restaurant.

Set in an industrial-chic converted warehouse, this brewery, bar, and restaurant promises a premium craft experience in a spacious, vibrant setting full of lush greenery.

Wander to the back of the venue and you’ll find the on-site micro brewery, where skilled brewers passionately create a diverse array of beers using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.

Beer not your thing? Take your pick from the exceptional wine list, a curated selection of spirits, or the house-made cocktails, all of which complement the moreish gastropub-style menu. 

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400 Gradi

99 Lygon St, Brunswick East

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Looking for a little extra indulgence? Follow your nose along Lygon Street and discover the finest Italian cuisine at 400 Gradi, a high-end restaurant with a touch of moody Melbourne decor. 

From wood-fired pizza to handmade pasta and an exquisite wine and cocktail list, 400 Gradi captures the essence of Brunswick's culinary scene.

This award-winning restaurant is by far one of the finest and most delicious establishments in Brunswick and wider Melbourne. Sit back and enjoy premium service, authentic flavours, and food that will make you want to *chef’s kiss* at every bite.

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Mazi Brunswick

317 Sydney Rd, Brunswick

Fill your plate with Hellenic cuisine at Mazi Brunswick, a fresh and inviting bar offering a variety of seafood, char-grilled meats, and banquets. 

This unassuming gem on Sydney Road is always bustling thanks to its mouthwatering Mediterranean-inspired dishes – which are in abundance, as you'll see when you peruse their extensive menu!

Some of our top recommendations include the Mediterranean Grilled Mussels, the Gozleme with Spinach and Cheese, and the Chicken Souvlaki Plate.

Mazi Brunswick offers in-house dining as well as takeaway, so if you’re craving a feast in the comfort of your own serviced apartment room, order online and take the deliciousness home with you!

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Hanoi Rose

161 Sydney Rd, Brunswick

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Savour authentic Vietnamese flavours at Hanoi Rose, a spacious yet intimate restaurant catering to vegetarians, vegans, and meat-lovers alike. 

With over 50 dishes, the menu reflects the North Vietnamese cooking style, delivering a culinary journey through the streets of Hanoi.

Fill up on all your Vietnamese cravings like rice-paper rolls, bahn mi, pho, spring rolls, shaking beef, and corn-fed duck in orange sauce (to name a few).

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Postmistress Eatery

71 Melville Rd, Brunswick West

Visit Postmistress Eatery for rustic Italian with a modern twist. This stylish contemporary bistro serves up scrumptious bites like arancini, calamari fritti, wood-fired pizza, and innovative dishes such as beetroot gnocchi and scialatelli. 

Owners Vitale Ferrante, Patrick Ciccaldo, and Hugo Diaz have transformed this historic building into a gastronomic haven. No wonder it’s touted as one of the best restaurants in Brunswick.

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Stay Close to the Culinary Heart of Brunswick

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So, have we tempted your taste buds yet? Next time you’re visiting Melbourne, ditch the CBD and cosy up in Brunswick where good food is on tap.

Whether you’re in the mood for fresh Vietnamese, decadent Italian, flavourful South American, or a good old craft beer and pub feed, the thriving selection of Brunswick restaurants has you covered.

Book your stay at Rambla @ Solarino House in Brunswick. Good times and scrumptious vibes are just a dumpling away.