Guide to Elsternwick: Best things to do in Elsternwick Village

Those in the know have long known that Elsternwick Village is the hottest spot in Melbourne for eating, playing and shopping – and now the cat’s out of the bag!

With so many great places to eat, shops to visit, and wonderful experiences to be had, where does one start?

We’ve got you covered.

Here’s our ultimate guide to the best things to do in Elsternwick Village. Bookmark it, and get out your diary to start making plans today.

Where to eat in Elsternwick Village

In a city as food-obsessed as Melbourne, there are certain names that constantly come up in foodie guides – and they’re in Elsternwick Village.

Melburnians travel from all over the city to experience Bang Bang’s Indochine-influenced menu in the cool dining room and relaxed courtyard, or to immerse themselves in the cool vibe of Hanoi Hannah while dining on its famous spring rolls and fragrant Vietnamese bowls.

Budapest is loved for its mix of traditional and modern Hungarian and European dishes, and you’ll rediscover your love of pasta with Etto’s house-made, fresh pasta cooked with seriously delicious sauces.

If you like your meals served with a dose of kudos, check out 48h Pizza e Gnocchi Bar, winner of the best pizzeria in Oceania 2021. Or for that perfect combo of stunning interiors, beautiful food, and a sophisticated drinks list, make a night of it at Copycat.

For those nights when you want to grab-and-go, Elsternwick Village has you covered too. Bissel B combines the best of New York bagels with Melbourne cafe culture; Glazed Gluten Free Patisserie has an enormous range of cakes, desserts, artisan breads and savoury delights that are free from gluten, dairy, nuts and has vegan options; and with over 50 flavours on offer, Will’s Batch Ice Cream is the handmade ice creamery that needs to be experienced to be believed.

Where to grab a drink in Elsternwick Village

Elsternwick Village is dotted with an eclectic mix of unique and exciting bars, and you’ll want to sample them all!

Antique Bar, with its candlelight and chaise lounges provide an endlessly comfy ambience. Goat House Cafe Bar Restaurant is the local locals love, with a relaxed atmosphere and themed events like Irish Night.

If you enjoy a drop with some live music, head to Umbrella Lounge, and Upstairs Cellar is the perfect spot to enjoy local wine and Victorian spirits accompanied by a uniquely Australian cheese board.

After dinner drinks are catered for at Elsternwick Village with restaurants such as Bang Bang and Copycat featuring their own bars.

Best coffee in Elsternwick Village

Coffee lovers are spoiled for choice at Elsternwick Village, with cafes offering a wide bean selection, served by award-winning baristas.

Damm Good Cafe lives up to its name in a casual and relaxing atmosphere; Loco Coffee is just crazy about the brown drop; and Mothers Instinct serves up great coffee and is a brunch favourite.

Naked Espresso Bar does coffee with all the seriousness of a European coffee bar, Rustica Cafe Deli does coffee with a Middle Eastern flair.

Where to shop in Elsternwick Village

Fashionistas flock to Elsternwick Village for new season looks, quality designs, and a wide range of fashion stores for men, women and children.

For women’s fashion, you’ll find an eclectic mix of Australian and international designers at Energie Spirit; international designer imports and a selection of top Australian and New Zealand designers at Perugia Ladies Clothing; and all the latest trends at Sussan. Find more women’s fashion here.

For the blokes, Hattams offers a range of menswear and boys’ clothing, or for that special something or a suit that will last the distance, check out the exquisite Italian tailoring at Profile by Pino Curcio.

Elsternwick Village is famous for its ‘op shop trail’, with shoppers on the lookout for vintage, retro or bargain buys beginning at one end of the precinct and making their way through all the op shops that call Elsternwick Village home.

Locals love their shopping, and their go-to stores include the Avenue Bookstore for all their reading needs, Dalgarno’s of Elsternwick for homewares and sprucing up their decor, Glo Health for health food products, Ruby’s Gifts for presents, Green Envy for plants, and H&H Jewellery and Meurers Jewellers for that special piece of jewellery or gift to last a lifetime.

Things to do in Elsternwick Village

Memorable experiences are made in Elsternwick Village, with a wide range of unique experiences on offer.

The iconic Classic Cinema’s calendar is filled with foreign film festivals, Q and A screenings with actors and directors, special anniversary sessions, and advance screenings – and its gorgeous setting turns even a casual night at the flicks into a special event.

The paint and sip trend is in full force at Elsternwick Village. At UpVibes Paint & Sip Studio you’ll learn painting techniques from actual artists and then get to work on your own art, enjoying food and wine between brushstrokes.

If pottery is more your thing, why not get your hands dirty by taking a class at Céramiques, Elsternwick Village’s much-loved pottery workshop!

Perhaps the most wonderful aspect of a visit to Elsternwick Village is the energy of the precinct; the vibrant community feel and the welcoming nature of our store owners. You can come and experience it all in Elsternwick Village!