We have been enjoying spending time in Fitzroy and Collingwood for a while now. Smith Street, at the heart of these two vibrant suburbs, was recently crowned the coolest street in the world by 27000 voters in a survey by local guide TimeOut. What makes Smith Street so special? We think it’s the great boutique shops, bars, and restaurants, and the relaxed vibe that the local community brings to this strip. Keep reading for the best places to eat, drink, shop, and more on Smith Street curated by United Co.‘s team.
Eat on Smith Street
Whether it is breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, or a snack, the options are endless on Smith Street.
Located on the Collingwood side of Smith Street, Friends of the Earth (312 Smith Street, Collingwood) is a vegan organic cafe and food co-op, appealing to locals who shop for fresh, vegan, and healthy groceries. Focussed on local, ethically sourced products, Friends of the Earth provides a bright atmosphere for sustainable shopping and dining.
Smith Street Alimentari (302-304 Smith Street, Collingwood) is an Italian-influenced cafe and food store, offering quality take-home meals, pantry staples, and dining options. Accommodating seating inside the restaurant and courtyard, which includes an open fire, Alimentari Cafe presents a cosy European small-town feel.
Moreover, fitting into the traditional Fitzroy culture, Pavlov’s Duck (401 Smith Street, Fitzroy) is housed in an industrial space. Customers are spoiled for breakfast, brunch, or lunch with a Sri Lankan-inspired menu and single-origin espresso.
Located inside United Co. (425 Smith Street, Fitzroy) is Eight Grains Feedstore, or 8G in short. Comes in true Melbourne style, this cafe is a little bit hidden gem. Once you enter the cafe via United Co’s reception area, you find a selection of fresh and healthy meals, specialty coffee, as well as a selection of sweets, pastries, and snacks. The cafe and specialty store provide a cozy atmosphere to meet and catch up, but it is also a great destination for a quick takeaway meal. Try their Chicken Katsu Sandwich or Chicken Tikka Roll, both hearty options that make a satisfying and quick lunch.
Another lunch that we love on Smith Street is a Vietnamese roll from Trang Bakery and Cafe (382 Smith Street, Collingwood). This lunch spot is renowned for its high-quality Vietnamese rolls, featuring succulent meats as well as vegan options. Be prepared to get in line for these mouth-watering rolls.
If you’re a burger lover, Huxtaburger (106 Smith Street, Fitzroy) is a must-visit. Since opening in 2011, this Fitzroy favourite has built a reputation for bold flavours and a menu of unique burgers that keep locals coming back.
Who doesn’t love a plate of homemade pasta?! Pasta Classica (352 Smith Street, Collingwood) has been serving artisan pasta to the local crowd for as long as we can remember. The award-winning restaurant offers options for both take-away and dining. The environment is inviting and warm, producing food that is both budget-friendly and of exceptional Italian quality. If you feel like cooking your gourmet plate of pasta, Pasta Classica sells fresh pasta to help you take your home cooking game to the next level.
Known for its flavoursome Mexican cuisine, Hotel Jesus (174 Smith Street, Collingwood) transports customers to a 70s Mexican taqueria through its restaurant design and menu options. The Burritos are the most popular item on the menu. Some say they are the best burritos in Melbourne. Best enjoyed with a refreshing margarita.
On a bright sunny day, Piccolina Gelateria (296 Smith Street, Collingwood) is the perfect stop for a sweet treat. With its authentic Italian recipes and rotating range of seasonal flavours, there’s always something delightful to discover.
Pubs and Bars in Collingwood
For a long time, Smith Street has been overshadowed by Fitzroy’s Brunswick Street. However, the Pubs and Bars on Smith Street are well worth a visit.
Built in 1859, the Hotel Collingwood (376 Smith Street, Collingwood) is a traditional Collingwood institution. A favourite gathering place for locals, the bar menu has a variety of quality pub food and local beers, whilst the restaurant section in the back offers a tapas menu and a more relaxed atmosphere.
If you like board games and beer, Beermash (306 Smith Street, Collingwood) is perfect for you. Beermash is a well-known spot in Collingwood, recognized for the 22 rotating beer taps available in the store. Tours are given, describing the variation of beers and allowing customers to taste samples if unsure. Each table also has a board game, which entertains both individuals and groups.
Smithward (48 Smith Street, Collingwood) is an intimate bar, catering to specialised Victorian wines. The menu is appreciated with its attentive food designs and recipes, making it the perfect spot to spend a winter’s night.
Shopping on Smith Street
Smith Street is the perfect destination for boutique shopping. At Vintage Garage (318 Smith Street, Collingwood), you can discover a vast selection of vintage clothing and memorabilia. Known as the local ‘go to’ for rare and fabulous pieces, Vintage Garage displays Melbourne’s iconic quirky, funky, and edgy fashion in one store with reasonable prices.
Happy Valley (294 Smith Street, Collingwood) provides affordable design, books, vinyl, and art that is certain to blow your mind! The range of rare products is extensive, stocking eclectic gifts from around the world and unique artifacts that you didn’t even know you needed.
If you enjoy spices from around the world, you have to shop at Sonsa Markets (216-218 Smith Street, Collingwood). Stocked with a diverse range of produce and rare ingredients and spices sourced from Asia, Africa, the Mediterranean & the Middle East, this independent grocer will fulfill all your culinary needs.
Meatsmith (273 Smith Street, Collingwood) is not your typical butcher. Whether you discover quality meats or exceptional cooking advice, purchasing meat from this store is an experience. The staff at Meatsmith will not only provide you with ingredients but will also help you with recipes to create your special dish.
Smith Street Bazaar (305-307 Smith Street, Fitzroy) establishes a vintage collection of designer furniture, bringing together 12 designers. Quality furnished items kept in immaculate condition are displayed around the store, worth a visit if you appreciate both classic and cool retro furniture pieces.
Neel Dey Furniture (386 Smith Street, Collingwood) specializes in eco-friendly custom furniture pieces. All items are crafted from recycled timber by a team of local artists, providing unique designs.
Displaying a variety of statement pieces, vintage furniture, and stylistic homewares, Nook Vintage (378 Smith Street, Collingwood) holds a special place in local hearts due to the warm and inviting atmosphere the staff creates.
Hosting exhibitions featuring both local and international artists, Outre Gallery (319 Smith Street, Fitzroy) specialises in new contemporary, international pop, and underground art.
Read More About the 11 Best Cafes in Fitzroy
Exercise on Smith Street
There’s no better way to start or end the day than with a workout that leaves you feeling recharged.
Project Better (436 Smith Street, Collingwood) has quickly earned a reputation as one of the area’s favourite community gyms. Loved by locals for its welcoming atmosphere, it offers clean, modern equipment along with 24/7 access, plus recovery options such as a sauna and ice bath.
For those who prefer mindful movement, Das Studio Pilates (356 Smith Street, Collingwood) delivers sessions that blend strength and flow in a calm, contemporary setting. Similarly, Sasana Yoga and Pilates (354 Smith Street, Collingwood) provides a holistic experience, combining yoga and pilates to help members improve flexibility, build strength, and find balance.
Together, these spaces reflect the neighbourhood’s dedication to wellbeing, offering locals not just a place to exercise, but a chance to connect, recharge, and feel part of a supportive community.
Work in Smith Street
Smith Street is not only a cool place to eat, drink, and shop but also a great place to work. Whether you are looking to mix up work-from-home life with a collaborative coworking space or need to set up an office for a team, United Co. can help you out.
United Co. is located at 425 Smith Street, Fitzroy, and offers a range of solutions to help businesses thrive, from Coworking to short or longer term Office Space, to Meeting Rooms and corporate Venue Hire.
You do not have to come into the office to enjoy the perks of United Co. A Virtual Office Membership allows you to get a Business Address in the coolest street in the world while you comfortably run your business from home.
Read More About 7 Reasons to Work in Fitzroy
Getting to Smith Street
Fitzroy and Collingwood are very easy to get around, pedestrian and bicycle-friendly suburbs. If you are visiting from elsewhere in Melbourne, tram 86 takes you from Parliament Station to Smith Street in under 10 minutes. Alternatively, Victoria Park train station is just a short stroll from Smith Street. If you are arriving by car, simply exit the M3 at Alexandra Parade and turn onto Smith Street.
United Co.
425 Smith Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Melbourne, Australia
Wurundjeri Country
