Time Out has dropped its annual list of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods, and guess what? Our very own Brunswick East has snagged the sixth spot. Yes, you heard that right—sixth in the entire world against some fierce competition from heavyweights like Tokyo, New York, London, and Berlin. It also came out on top as the coolest neighbourhood in Australia.
This accolade isn’t just a fluke, either. The rankings were crafted from the insights of over 12,000 people who took part in the Time Out Index survey. From there, a team of savvy city editors pored over the data, weighing factors like community spirit, social initiatives, green spaces, and vibrant street art scenes.
Now, we’ve noticed (and helped) Brunswick East become a lively hub for multicultural dining, entertainment, and snug little bars that you’ll find yourself revisiting time and again. To help drill the accolade home, we’ve compiled some must-visit Brunswick hangs for the uninitiated.
Brunching in Brunswick
Brunswick has a reasonably well-known reputation as a great coffee and brunch destination. Bellboy Cafe is a stylish gem that’s redefining the Melbourne brunch scene. Known for its modern twist on classic dishes and a dedicated New York-style bagel menu, this café is the place for food lovers. Coffee enthusiasts will appreciate the beans roasted on-site, ensuring every cup is as fresh as it gets.
Wholefoods in Brunswick East is your go-to destination for all things organic and eco-friendly. This well-stocked store boasts an impressive array of 4,000 items, including fresh organic fruits and vegetables, bulk grains, dry goods, and various personal care and household cleaning products. Whether you’re looking to green up your pantry or home, Wholefoods has you covered. Plus, with convenient pick-up and home delivery services, making sustainable choices has never been easier.
Chimmys Bakery is one of the best bakeries in Brunswick and a must-visit for anyone craving bread, pastries, and savoury treats. Renowned for its authentic sourdough, Chimmy’s prides itself on using no preservatives or additives and only unbleached flour. The secret to their delicious bread lies in the locally sourced grains from Country Victoria, which are expertly blended into the bread culture. Add a fresh loaf or a tasty pastry to your brunching experience!
Brunswick East & EBV is a Dream for Dogs Lovers
East Brunswick Village (EBV) is a haven for dog lovers, offering a variety of dog-friendly spaces where you and your furry friend can relax, explore, and now, even get fit together!
Project Better
First up, Project Better Gym at the EBV Wellness Centre is now open, offering a welcoming and inclusive gym experience for everyone – including your pup! That’s right, EBV understands the importance of pet parenthood and caters to those seeking a fit lifestyle for both themselves and their canine companions.
Speaking of pampering your pooch, the highly-anticipated self-serve dog wash at EBV is finally here! Get your pup squeaky clean and smelling fresh for just $10 (cash or card) with five easy-to-use features: shampoo, rinse, conditioner rinse, flea & tick rinse, and a blow dryer. Local resident Mitch and his adorable pup Remi couldn’t agree more – they gave the dog wash their paw of approval, raving about how simple and convenient the process was.
But wait, there’s more! Brunswick East is a true doggo paradise, with plenty of nearby dog-friendly parks to burn off energy and socialise with other canine pals:
- Fleming Park Dog Off-Leash Area: This spacious park boasts a dedicated zone for letting your dog run free and frolic. There’s also a walking track around the perimeter for a more leisurely stroll.
- Balfe Park: Another fantastic off-leash area, perfect for your pup to make new friends. Just remember to keep them on a leash near playgrounds and picnic areas.
- Merri Creek Trail: Take your dog on an adventure along the scenic Merri Creek Trail. With designated off-leash sections alongside the waterway, it’s a beautiful way to get some exercise and enjoy nature together. Explore Jones Park, Abrahams Reserve, or Roberts Reserve for leash-free fun along the trail.
These are just a few of the many dog-friendly parks in Brunswick East. With so many options to choose from, you and your furry friend are sure to find the perfect spot to have a blast!
Pubs, Restaurants and Entertainment
Pubs
Bridge Road Brewers has brought its iconic Beechworth charm to Brunswick East, becoming a key attraction in the new retail and entertainment hub, Bluestone Way. This expansive 350-seat dining hall offers a menu celebrating regional produce, with delicious pizzas taking centre stage. Beer enthusiasts will be thrilled with the onsite production brewery and an impressive selection of 30 craft beers on tap. Whether you’re there for the food, the brews, or the vibrant atmosphere, Bridge Road Brewers Brunswick is a standout destination in the heart of Brunswick East.
Restaurants
Joseph and Nat Abboud, the culinary visionaries who helped shape the vibrant Lygon Street dining scene, have brought their beloved Middle Eastern restaurant, RUMI, to East Brunswick, and trust us when we say it is a must-try. The new RUMI seats 80 guests and maintains its signature warm, inviting, and communal atmosphere with private dining, a function space, and a communal bar, making it a versatile spot for any occasion. With its rich flavours and welcoming ambience, RUMI continues to be a cherished spot for one of the best meals you’ve ever had in Brunswick East.
RUMI also has a fun little add-on inspired by Lebanon’s utopian 60’s space dreams. The Rocket Society bar is a lively spot that offers an impressive selection of wine, liquor, and mezze, featuring Lebanese flatbread sandwiches by day and a variety of mezze by night. With an ever-changing menu, there’s always something new to delight your taste buds; plus, the music and vibe are consistently on point. Open daily from 11am to late, The Rocket Society is the perfect place to enjoy great food and drinks in a fun, retro-inspired setting.
Craving a healthy twist on sushi? Look no further than Tacoya Nori Express, the latest pop-up to hit Bluestone Way!
These aren’t your average sushi rolls, folks. Tacoya Nori specialises in crispy nori tacos – perfect for satisfying your sushi cravings on-the-go. They’ve got all the fresh ingredients you love, from classic sushi to seafood snacks and delicious sides.
Entertainment
FoMo Cinemas, from the Cinema Nova team, has brought a fresh, food-focused cinema experience to East Brunswick. Short for ‘Food + Movies’—and not to be confused with the fear of missing out—FoMo Cinemas is truly something you don’t want to miss. Inspired by dine-in cinemas worldwide, this unique concept combines delish cuisine with your movie-going experience. With six screens showcasing a mix of big blockbusters, timeless classics, and popular upscale releases, there’s always something for everyone.
Brunswick isn’t just cool, it’s also a great community to live in. With so much to offer and all located just 6km from the Melbourne CBD, East Brunswick Village is a big part of the area, with plenty of things to check out, eat and drink. See what makes us so special today.