Eat like a local: St Kilda

Savannah is a local who has lived in St Kilda multiple times in her life. As the president of Just Food, her recommendations are about more than just flavours, she values restaurants based on their principles, convivial vibes, staff happiness, and of course – in a bustling neighbourhood – a place where she can find some occasional peace and quiet!

Where do you go for your morning coffee?

“My partner and I love going on early morning walks to get coffee, this is one of my favourite times of the day. We used to live in the nearby suburb of Balaclava, where we would walk to Wall Two 80 and order a cappuccino and a strong latte, sit under the heaters with our backs to the Tom Gerrard street art, and watch the locals come and go. Since moving to St Kilda, we love going to Frankie’s. It’s just off the beach, on an Elm tree lined quiet street. They have amazing food, including an indulgent banana bread with wattleseed mascarpone, candied nuts and edible flowers. Because they have comfy seats, heaters, and the ocean as a backdrop, you’ll want to sit outside. I think we’ve found our new morning coffee spot here!”

Your favourite quick bite?

“Maybe I am a bit weird, but I could eat fish and chips no matter what the weather. Just down the street from me is the ridiculously good Northern Soul Chip Shop, but if the queue’s too long here I might go to Pink Flake on Acland St which has never disappointed me. Otherwise it’s a short drive to the Cerberus Beach House at Half Moon Bay – my absolute favourite!”

Bakery of choice?

“It’s got to be
Woodfrog. Woodfrog has two locations in St Kilda, one on Barkly Street and the other just opposite Coles in the Acland Court Shopping Centre. Before Covid the main bakery used to do coffee and unlimited toast with toasters on the tables! I can’t wait until they bring that back! Until then, I am honestly just happy walking past the bakery, and smelling their distinct house sourdough ferment. It’s intoxicating. They also make beautiful soft pumpkin bread, challah rolls, and my favourite date scones! I recommend eating slightly warmed with a slathering of butter!”

You’ll find me shopping for food at…

“It can’t be overstated just how impressive Meatsmith is. Everything here is delicious and of the highest quality. I recently took home an entire beef wellington to cook in my own oven and share with family – it was mind blowing! The attention to detail and emphasis on sustainably-farmed, heritage meats elevates them from their competitors and is so good for the community.”

I’d take someone to dinner at…

“For this question I have two answers and both are at the same St Kilda Beach venue. Pontoon is the cheaper dining option, and Stokehouse the more expensive one. But both are amazing. I had the best steak I have ever eaten at Stokehouse, but love going to Pontoon for dinner, and watching the sunset over the beach. These restaurants have seasonal menus and seasonal vibes too. In winter Pontoon is the perfect place for a quiet dinner, and in summer it comes alive with an additional fish and chips kiosk and outdoor aperitivo bar.”

St Kilda’s secret gem is…

“Good Love has to be St Kilda’s secret gem. Just Food had our very first meeting here, it’s never too loud and the food always comes out fast. They have incredible cocktails, mocktails, coffee and an amazing selection of vegan food! I actually prefer this to the super-popular vegan restaurant Sister of Soul located further down Acland St. I love coming to sit here on a cold winter’s night, with the ambient neon pink lighting, next to a heater or rugged up under supplied blankets. The owner, Dylan, is kind and makes sure everyone feels welcome, no matter who you are.”

St Kilda is a great place to eat because…

“St Kilda is a one-of-a-kind suburb, I have never lived somewhere so distinctly itself and so dynamic, it’s ever-changing. In summer, because it’s a beach town, it’s full of life and new faces. In winter, it’s just the locals, and a lot of probably very hungry seagulls. The colours of St Kilda are always beautiful, bright blues and greens while it’s warm, and deep oranges and browns in the winter from the deciduous trees and art deco buildings. In terms of food and drink, St Kilda is just as dynamic. The food scene is diverse and always changing but with several long standing institutions. For example it’s the birthplace of Di Stasio, the many European cake shops along Acland St, and the famous Espy Hotel. There is something in St Kilda for everyone.”

Your St Kilda address book:

Frankie’s Top Shop: 20 Cowderoy St, St Kilda West VIC 3182

Wall Two 80: 280 Carlisle St, Balaclava VIC 3183

Northern Soul Chip Shop: 6 Inkerman St, St Kilda VIC 3182

Pink Flake: 92A Acland St, St Kilda VIC 3182

The Cerberus Beach House: Boat Shed,16 Cerberus Way, 212 Half Moon Bay, Black Rock VIC 3193

Woodfrog Bakery: 108 Barkly St, St Kilda VIC 3182

Meatsmith: 227A Barkly St, St Kilda VIC 3182

Pontoon: 30 Jacka Blvd, St Kilda VIC 3182

Stokehouse: 30 Jacka Blvd, St Kilda VIC 3182

Good Love: 56 Acland St, St Kilda VIC 3182

Sister of Soul: 73 Acland St, St Kilda VIC 3182