Presented by City of Port Phillip, Spring Graze Southside features an exciting array of unique local dining and drinking experiences at both well-loved established venues and high-profile newcomers.
With a focus on local and sustainable food and wine practices, the diversity and quality of hospitality offerings from Elwood to St Kilda, Balaclava to Ripponlea and South Melbourne to Albert Park and Port Melbourne are firmly on the menu.
Visitors and residents can enjoy a raft of independently produced events including unique dining experiences, tastings, tours and bespoke menus.
“Spring Graze Southside affirms St Kilda and Southside’s reputation as one of Melbourne’s most vibrant dining destinations. More than 40 premium bars and restaurants are taking part, showcasing the delicious diversity of hospitality experiences across the City of Port Phillip,” Mayor Heather Cunsolo said.
Venues include neighbourhood watering holes and intimate wine bars (Chronicles, The Walrus), iconic dining spots (Cicciolina, Stokehouse), beachside rooftops (Captain Baxter), historic destination drawcards of the likes of Hotel Esplanade and The Prince, local distilleries and craft brewers as well as boutique retailers, and fresh food traders at beloved South Melbourne Market (including Ugo Burrata Bar and Georgie’s Harvest).
Cr Cunsolo said Spring Graze Southside, which will run until 31 October, is a fantastic opportunity to savour old favourites alongside high-profile venues which have opened their doors over the past 12 months.
These include D.O.C. St Kilda, Karen Martini’s new venue Saint George, contemporary Thai restaurant Charlong opened by ex-LongSong Head Chef Alex Kaew, Albert Park restaurant newcomer Omen and Wally’s. Acclaimed distillery Starward, recognised as the world’s ‘Most Awarded International Distillery’ at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and which recently refurbished its bar and dining hall, is also taking part.
The event further highlight’s Southside’s reputation as a distillery and craft brewery hub with CBCo (Port Melbourne), Pirate Life (South Melbourne) and Westside Ale Works also featured.
Melbourne Food & Wine Crawl and Bite Southside, a signature event series produced by Melbourne Food & Wine and incorporated into Spring Graze Southside, is a program of ‘progressive dinners and moveable feasts’ based on the successful Melbourne Food & Wine Festival event series of the same name.
Melbourne Food & Wine Crawl and Bite Southside will showcase five exciting dining destinations – Acland Street and surrounds, Fitzroy Street, Carlisle Street, South Melbourne and Port Melbourne.
Presented by City of Port Phillip and produced by Melbourne Food & Wine, each Crawl stops for a one-course and one-drink introduction across a total of three venues. A sort of speed-dating exercise between diners and venues, the Crawls are a tasty, informal way to showcase the strength and diversity of food and drink across Port Phillip.
