Perfection is hard to achieve … but the city of Melbourne comes close. Draped along the banks of the Yarra River, it’s a historic capital that wears its passions on its sleeves. One that’s unafraid to express itself through art or architectural design and can always be relied upon to push the boundaries in the kitchen – and on the sports field.
It’s also a fantastic place to live, work and play, repeatedly ranked among the world’s most liveable cities, and you don’t have to travel far to enjoy a taste of the city at its finest. Yarra’s Edge, a buzzing, waterfront village only 2.4km from the CBD, is a neighbourhood in demand.
With a stellar location and fantastic city views, plus a vibrant community and dining scene to match, it’s a place residents can’t wait to return to after a day at the office. The new Voyager tower – selling now – is upping the ante even further, featuring luxurious apartments and a dazzling residents’ Skydeck rooftop space and bar, with the best of Melbourne right at its feet.
The homewares boutiques of Port Melbourne and the famous South Melbourne Market – not to mention a delicious mix of bars and restaurants – are all within easy reach, while Melbourne CBD is only a short stroll away across the eye-catching Webb Bridge, or along the Yarra River.
Victoria and Demian Gibbins, owners of The Espressionist cafe, in the nearby Array Tower overlooking the marina, have called Yarra’s Edge home for many years. Their popular cafe and wine bar has grown and evolved with it, too. Though they originally envisioned it as an art gallery and exhibition space, they saw the potential to offer something that would get them more involved in the community.
“There’s such a strong community vibe here, which is surprising considering it’s high-rise living in the city,” Victoria says. “We saw a real need for specialty coffee offering. You’ll now see the same faces getting their morning coffee, lots of social groups out, and so many people out walking their dogs. They all know each other and their dogs’ names too.”
An established favourite on the brunch circuit, The Espressionist has also opened a wine bar that’s bringing a taste of CBD style across the Yarra.
The Espressionist has since evolved into a full restaurant experience, open seven days for breakfast, brunch, and lunch. In late 2020, in anticipation of Voyager’s opening, it also added a sleek wine bar, complete with blush-pink lounges, art deco-inspired decor, and a killer dinner and cocktail menu. And it’s not the only fabulous dining option in the neighbourhood.
If you don’t want to go into the city for something great to eat, you don’t have to. Here are some of the best bites and bars by the river, in Yarra’s Edge.
Pasta, just like mamma used to make
At Sassone Cucina Italiana, a family-owned restaurant on the River Esplanade, every bite is like a passport to the streets of Italy. Established by Frank Sassone and inspired by decades of family tradition, the restaurant offers dishes – from luscious chicken and mushroom risotto to baked rigatoni with eggplant and meatballs – that are generous and made with love.
A feast from the pearl of the Middle East
Fusing modern techniques with Lebanese family recipes passed down through generations, Corniche Restaurant is a feast for the eyes and the soul, as well as the stomach. Think mezze platters as beautiful to behold as they are to devour, makanek (Lebanese sausages) drizzled with a delicious pomegranate sauce, and lahem meshwi (lamb backstrap) marinated for hours in a fragrant mix of spices – and that’s barely scratching the surface of the menu.
Fine food and wine with a breathtaking view
The Espressionist is all grown up. An established favourite on the brunch circuit, it has also opened a wine bar that’s bringing a taste of CBD style across the Yarra. From Thursday to Saturday you can drop in for dinner or pull up a chair by the bar and explore wines sourced from Australia’s top wine-producing regions. Try to time your visit for sunset, when the windows of the city skyline blaze into life, reflecting kaleidoscopic shades of purple, pink and gold.
Anchor Eatery is housed in a distinctive ship-like building at the western end of Yarra’s Edge.
Fresh smoothies and indulgent pastries
Anchor Eatery is a popular spot for locals and office workers seeking a lunchtime escape from the CBD. Stop by for yoghurts, wraps, smoothies and juices, or pick up a great coffee and pastry. Owner Nick Totos says you won’t find a better view than right at his doorstep – whether during the day or in the early evening as the city lights burn into life.
Seafood to your heart’s content
Sometimes the flavours of the sea are just what the doctor ordered. Hooks at the Yarra is renowned for its fresh seafood – think succulent prawns, oysters and Moreton Bay bugs – and the location couldn’t be better. Positioned right at the edge of the Webb Bridge, overlooking the marina, it’s a perfect spot to meet up with friends, raise a glass or two, maybe find yourself a beanbag to stretch out on, and enjoy stellar views of the skyline.
Keen to experience what else awaits? Yarra’s Edge is ready for you to take a bite.
