MELBOURNE | In a city full of excellent Italian restaurants, it takes something special to stand out. Roma Ristorante, the latest opening from Con Christopoulous, does this, by focusing solely on Rome as its inspiration. From the moment you enter, the attention to detail that’s gone into Roma Ristorante is apparent. The main dining room has an classic feel to it, with white tablecloths, a chequered tile floor, and vintage Italian light fittings. Lattice covers the ceiling, and the outdoor terrace. In the centre, a giant marble table filled with antipasto and flowers in vases.
The classic approach extends to the service, which is warm and attentive, but not overbearing. It’s not surprising given that the front of house is led by Giovanni Patane, who used to own Supermaxi with his wife Rita Macali. Rita can be found in the kitchen, cooking with head chef Matt Wilkinson.
The menu is extensive, covering the range of dishes that you can find in Rome’s traditional trattorias. It’s full of familiar favourites, plus dishes that are rarely, if ever, seen on the menus of Italian restaurants in Australia. A full page dedicated to offal is evidence of Roma Ristorante’s commitment to its concept. Other sections include appetisers, seafood, pasta and risotto, home cooked classics, and from the garden. If it’s just a small bite-to-go that you’re after, there’s also an adjoining snack bar and gelateria out front.
Golden-fried suppli, the Roman equivalent of Sicily’s arancini, come filled with either tomato and cheese; or snails, garlic, and parsley. They’re a delight. From the offal menu, you need to try the Cervella Fritte con Capperi (Fried Lamb Brains with Caper Salsa), and Polpetti con Fegato di Maiale all’Agliata (Liver & Pork Mince, Chestnut & Garlic Sauce). If you’re not convinced on offal, these two dishes may convert you.
The house-made pasta is outstanding. Nettle Ravioli, filled with Spinach and ricotta, is topped with a punchy Roman Dressing that uses olive oil, vinegar, and fermented anchovies. If you want to get indulgent, try the Risotto al Salto — Inspired by Rome’s famed restaurant, Due Ladroni, it’s an intoxicating mix of creamy rice, with a crispy top layer, plus bone marrow and oxtail sauce. All pasta and risotto is served with a wonderful umami bomb that’s sees XO sauce given an Italian spin, fresh chilli oil, pecorino, and parmesan.
There’s whole fish, whatever’s good at the markets that day, fillets, along with grilled prawns and calamari. For meat, you have options like rose veal chop, pork scotch neck, and lamb shoulder chop. For dessert, it’s hard to go past Rita’s crostata with mascarpone cream.
Drinks wise, the wine list is where Roma Ristorante excels. An extensive selection of Australian and Italian wines, reasonably priced.
Roma Ristorante
120 Collins Street Melbourne Victoria 3000 Australia
MELBOURNE | Centred around Sydney Road and Lygon Street, just north of Melbourne’s CBD, Brunswick and Brunswick East are where you’ll find some of the most exciting food and drink in Melbourne. It’s a rapidly evolving neighbourhood defined by contrast: long-standing cafes, bakeries, and restaurants established by the area’s immigrant community sit comfortably alongside vinyl listening bars, natural wine spots, and world-class specialty coffee roasters.
Whether you’re looking for a morning coffee, wood-fired pizza, authentic pierogi, or late-night craft beer, these two suburbs offer one of the most vibrant culinary stretches in Australia.
Here is my complete guide to the best places to eat and drink across Brunswick and Brunswick East.
At-A-Glance: Brunswick & Brunswick East Dining Overview
Category / Vibe
Focus Strip
Experience Highlights
Coffee, Brunch & Bakeries
Sydney Rd, Lygon St & Side Streets
Coffee roasters, sourdough bakeries, and high-end brunch plates
Gelato & Snacks
Sydney Rd & Lygon St
Small-batch artisanal ice cream, experimental gelato, and Japanese soy treats
Casual Lunch Spots & Street Food
Sydney Rd & Lygon St Corridor
Middle Eastern bakeries, cult burgers, banh mi, and street tortas
Lygon Street Wine Bars & Modern Dining
Lygon Street (Brunswick East)
Produce-driven dining, wood-fired grills, and natural wine bars
Global Flavours
Sydney Rd, Lygon St & Side Streets
Middle Eastern feasts, Greek tavernas, Polish pierogi, and Japanese izakayas
Pubs, Breweries & Nightlife
Sydney Rd & Industrial Pockets
Vinyl listening lounges, independent craft taprooms, and local pubs
Coffee, Brunch & Bakeries
Disciple Roasters
For serious coffee lovers, Disciple is an essential Brunswick stop. One of Melbourne’s best coffee roasters, they focus heavily on single-origin filter and espresso, roasting on-site with meticulous attention to detail.
Location: 16 Black St, Brunswick VIC 3056
Why Go: Outstanding single-origin beans from the world’s most innovative growers, and precision-brewed specialty coffee.
The City Lane Tip: Have a chat with the staff to find out what beans they’re loving right now.
Kohi No Deshi
Bringing Japanese-influenced coffee culture to Brunswick, Kohi No Deshi is the milk-coffee sister venue to black-coffee focused Disciple.
Location: 18 Black St, Brunswick VIC 3056
Why Go: Japanese-style drip coffee and peaceful morning atmosphere.
Contraband Coffee Roasters
An unassuming coffee roastery and cafe spot offering visitors the chance to smell every bean on offer.
Location: 312-314 Lygon St, Brunswick East VIC 3057
Why Go: Excellent house blends and micro-lot single origins.
Catalogue Coffee
A sleek, design-focused cafe serving exceptional brews and light breakfast options. They stock beans from some of the best local and international roasters.
Location: 1/36 Lygon St, Brunswick East VIC 3057
Why Go: Minimalist interiors paired with precision specialty coffee.
Code Black Coffee
Code Black’s Brunswick HQ is a massive, dark-timber industrial warehouse that houses their flagship roastery, cafe, and green bean lab. It remains one of Melbourne’s premier coffee destinations for both high-end filter and reliable house blends.
Location: 15-17 Weston St, Brunswick VIC 3056
Why Go: Flagship coffee roastery, spacious industrial vibes, and an inventive brunch menu.
Core Roasters
Tucked into Brunswick East side-street, Core Roasters delivers top-tier specialty coffee with a low-key industrial neighbourhood vibe.
Location: 14 Barkly St, Brunswick East VIC 3057
Why Go: House-roasted espresso, batch brews, and Malaysian-inspired baked treats.
The City Lane Tip: Try the kaya latte, made using coffee and house made pandan kaya.
ONA Coffee Melbourne
Hailing from Canberra, Ona’s Melbourne outpost offers an extensive, reserve-grade menu categorized by flavour profiles, milk pairings, and rare processing methods.
Location: 22 Ovens St, Brunswick VIC 3056
Why Go: World-class espresso and filter flight experiences.
The City Lane Tip: Try one of their rare, frozen-origin espresso options for a unique coffee experience.
Ovens Street Bakery
Tucked down a quiet street, Ovens Street Bakery produces some of the finest sourdough loaves and pastries in the inner north.
The City Lane Tip: Get in early for the traditional Polish pączki (doughnuts) filled with sour plum jam or custard, based on the owner’s grandmother’s recipe.
Wild Life Bakery
A Brunswick East staple housed in a spacious warehouse, Wild Life combines a full-scale sourdough bakery with an exceptional cafe menu.
Location: 90 Albert St, Brunswick East VIC 3057
Why Go: Incredible sourdough bread, house-made condiments, and great brunch options.
Vandels Bakery
Opened by a former fine dining chef, Vandels is known for creative sweet treats, savoury bakes, and artisanal bread.
Location: 446 Sydney Rd, Brunswick VIC 3056
Why Go: Outstanding pastries and seasonal baked specials.
Beautiful Jim Key
A cosy bar tucked away in Brunswick, Beautiful Jim Key offers creative brunch inspired by Melbourne favourites and South Asian flavours.
Location: 7 Wilson Ave, Brunswick VIC 3056
Why Go: Exciting brunch dishes without any pretension.
Brunswick Eats
Brunswick Eats is a relaxed neighbourhood cafe from a former Hardware Societie chef, serving up great specialty coffee, fresh juices, and classic Melbourne breakfast and brunch plates.
Location: 120 Nicholson St, Brunswick East VIC 3057
Why Go: A friendly, relaxed local spot, away from the busier parts of the neighbourhood.
Bellboy Cafe
A light-filled, spacious cafe, Bellboy offers tasty Melbourne brunch plates, and some of the best bagels in the area.
Location: 131 Nicholson St, Brunswick East VIC 3057
Why Go: Reliable full-service breakfast, lunch, and specialty coffee.
Gelato & Snacks
Luther’s Scoops
A local’s favourite, making small-batch, seasonal ice cream completely from scratch. Everything, from the custard bases to the jams, and pie crust mix-ins, are made in-house using local ingredients.
Location: 528A Sydney Rd, Brunswick VIC 3056
Why Go: Exceptional artisanal ice cream with subtle, perfectly balanced flavours that rotate regularly.
The City Lane Tip: Gelato is why you come here, but the pies are well worth a try too.
Fluffy Torpedo
Fluffy Torpedo is an eccentric, colourful gelato spot crafting wild, experimental, and unexpected flavour combinations.
Location: 213 Sydney Rd, Brunswick VIC 3056
Why Go: Creative, fun, and unexpected gelato flavours that push the boundaries.
The City Lane Tip: The Vanilla Coke with whipped cream is a personal favourite of mine.
Tofu Shoten
Tucked down Saxon Street, Tofu Shoten is a tiny, Japanese-inspired artisan soy deli producing fresh, handmade tofu daily, creamy house soy milk, and other soy-based treats.
Location: 6B Saxon St, Brunswick VIC 3056
Why Go: Silky, incredible house-made tofu, and unique sweet treats like kinako-dusted tofu doughnuts.
The City Lane Tip: Be sure to grab a bottle of unsweetened Earl Grey soy milk.
Casual Lunch Spots & Street Food
Cumbé
Cumbé is a vibrant spot serving comforting Mexican flavours, and specialty drinks.
Location: 551 Sydney Rd, Brunswick VIC 3056
Why Go: Delicious, authentic South American tortas and Mexican twists on Aussie favourites.
Juanita Peaches
Raph Rashid’s cult-favourite spot, Juanita Peaches, is famous for serving some of the best fried chicken sandwiches, juicy cheeseburgers, and fresh glazed doughnuts in Melbourne.
Location: 12 Edward St, Brunswick VIC 3056
Why Go: Golden fried chicken, classic cheeseburgers, and casual vibes.
The City Lane Tip: The double cheese burger is a must. Pair it with a doughnut for later.
Charrd
Operating as a tiny hole-in-the-wall, Charrd serves award-winning charcoal-grilled burgers packed with smoky flavour.
Location: 74 Lygon St, Brunswick East VIC 3057
Why Go: Charcoal-cooked patties with incredible smoky depth and addictive sauces.
The City Lane Tip: Order the Charrd Double with a side of shoestring fries seasoned with chicken salt.
Nico’s Sandwich Deli
Nico’s is known for its fresh and toasted sandwiches made with premium ingredients and house sauces.
Location: 1 Piera St, Brunswick East VIC 3057
Why Go: Delicious deli sandwiches and toasties for a quick, satisfying lunch.
A1 Bakery
A true Melbourne institution operating for decades. A1 Bakery is the heartbeat of Sydney Road’s Middle Eastern bakery scene, serving flatbreads, spinach pies, and dips at unbeatable prices.
Location: 643-645 Sydney Rd, Brunswick VIC 3056
Why Go: Authentic, affordable Lebanese baked goods and bustling community energy.
The City Lane Tip: Order the spinach triangle or the moreish chicken tawook platter/wrap.
SEASON Chargrilled Chicken Service / Good Days Hot Bread
A dual-concept favourite combining rotisserie chargrilled chicken, along with banh mi featuring innovative fillings.
A family-run Sydney Road spot serving freshly made gozleme, plus an assortment of traditional Turkish street food fare.
Location: 373 Sydney Rd, Brunswick VIC 3056
Why Go: Quality gozleme and classic Turkish street food options.
K&H Hot Bread Bakery
A classic, no-nonsense Sydney Road Vietnamese bakery that has built a cult local following for serving some of the best banh mi in the inner north.
Location: 397 Sydney Rd, Brunswick VIC 3056
Why Go: Crispy baguettes baked fresh daily, heavily loaded with crunchy pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, paté, and succulent pork.
The City Lane Tip: Get the classic cold cuts, bánh mì thịt.
Lygon Street Wine Bars & Modern Dining
Etta
A hatted, produce-driven neighbourhood restaurant, Etta sets the standard for modern Australian dining in Brunswick East.
Location: 60 Lygon St, Brunswick East VIC 3057
Why Go: Exceptional seasonal cooking, creative vegetable-forward plates, and an intuitive wine list.
The City Lane Tip: Opt for the chef’s tasting menu to experience the kitchen’s full range.
Old Palm Liquor
From the team behind Neighbourhood Wine, Old Palm Liquor combines a retro 1970s wood-panelled interior with a massive wood-fired grill and an extensive natural wine list.
Location: 133B Lygon St, Brunswick East VIC 3057
Why Go: Charcoal-fired grill dishes, low-intervention wines, and a cosy neighbourhood atmosphere.
Rumi
Chef Joseph Abboud’s iconic Middle Eastern restaurant, Rumi, offers generous, spice-laden banquets designed for sharing.
Figlia is a wood-fired pizzeria and wine bar serving naturally leavened sourdough pizzas topped with thoughtful, seasonal ingredients.
Location: 335 Lygon St, Brunswick East VIC 3057
Why Go: Outstanding sourdough pizza crusts, cured meats, and a great selection of natural wines.
The Forager’s Fork
The Forager’s Fork is a relaxed neighbourhood gem prioritising wild, foraged ingredients and seasonal local produce.
Location: 51 Sydney Rd, Brunswick VIC 3056
Why Go: Creative, farm-to-table cooking with a focus on sustainability.
The City Lane Tip: Visit on Sunday for one of the best proper, English-style Sunday Roasts in Melbourne.
Global Flavours
Alpha Ouzeri
An authentic Greek taverna, Alpha Ouzeri serves traditional mezze plates, charcoal-grilled seafood, and Greek-inspired cocktails.
Location: 281 Victoria St, Brunswick VIC 3056
Why Go: Homely Greek dining experience with generous portions designed for sharing.
Taverna
Cosy Brunswick East spot, Taverna, focuses on regional Greek cooking, warm hospitality, and regional wines.
Location: 434 Lygon St, Brunswick East VIC 3057
Why Go: Comforting Greek classics cooked with care that straddle the line between tradition and modernity.
Ari.BKK
Named after Bangkok’s trendy Ari neighbourhood, this vibrant Lygon Street spot delivers punchy, modern Thai street food, aromatic curries, and charcoal-grilled skewers paired with natural wines.
Location: 323 Lygon St, Brunswick East VIC 3057
Why Go: Bold, regional Thai flavours inspired by the owner’s mother’s Thai hometown.
ima Asa Yoru
Visit Ima Asa Yoru for a Japanese cafe and eatery serving traditional teishoku-style breakfast sets by day and seasonal izakaya plates by night.
Location: 1 Duckett St, Brunswick VIC 3056
Why Go: Refined Japanese home-style cooking, grilled fish sets, and peaceful hospitality.
The City Lane Tip: Check out their retail space a few shopfronts up, offering premium local and Japanese goods.
Nerudas
Colourful Chilean-owned and operated eatery and cultural space, Nerudas, celebrates South American street food, empanadas, and poetry.
Location: 66 Breese St, Brunswick VIC 3056
Why Go: Hand-made Chilean empanadas, complete with warm, soulful music and art.
The Rocket Society
Sister-venue to Rumi, The Rocket Society serves punchy Lebanese-inspired street food, and interesting local and Lebanese wines.
Location: 2 Village Ave, Brunswick East VIC 3057
Why Go: Bold spices, vibrant flavours, and casual indoor/outdoor dining.
Yakamoz
Yakamoz is a stylish spot exploring Turkish and Levantine flavours, highlighting charcoal-grilled meats, wood-fired flatbreads, and hot mezze.
The City Lane Tip: Be sure to try the ‘cold’ baklava.
Kura
Refined Japanese eatery, Kura, serves up delicate sashimi, smoky yakitori, innovative dishes, and thoughtfully paired sake.
Location: 1/22-30 Lygon St, Brunswick East VIC 3057
Why Go: High-quality Japanese dining, and outstanding yakitori, in an intimate space.
Eat Pierogi Make Love
Eat Pierogi Make Love is an ode to the owner’s Polish heritage. Visit for hand-rolled pierogi filled with traditional savoury and sweet mixtures, and Polish comfort dishes.
Location: 161 Lygon St, Brunswick East VIC 3057
Why Go: Authentic Polish comfort food paired with vodka shots.
The City Lane Tip: If you see kluski leniwe aka Polish lazy dumplings on the menu, order them.
Lunar By Hikari
A modern Japanese concept serving precise bento, ramen, and seasonal small plates from breakfast through dinner.
Location: 458 Sydney Rd, Brunswick VIC 3056
Why Go: Exceptional Japanese comfort food with modern presentation.
Ramen Misoya Sake Bar
Ramen Misoya Sake Bar specialises in rich, regional miso-based ramen varieties alongside a selection of Japanese sakes.
Location: 165A Sydney Rd, Brunswick VIC 3056
Why Go: A lighter style of miso ramen built on a clean chicken or vegetable broth.
Patris
Head to Patris for a charming spot for Cypriot specialities, with influences from the wider Eastern European and Mediterranean region.
Location: 140 Barkly St, Brunswick VIC 3057
Why Go: Low-key evening atmosphere with honest, delicious food.
Pubs, Breweries & Nightlife
Miss Moses
Miss Moses is a Sydney Road neighbourhood pub with a sunny beer garden, impressive craft beer taps, independent wines and spirits, and classic pub meals.
Location: 581 Sydney Rd, Brunswick VIC 3056
Why Go: Great drinks list, casual pub food, and welcoming community vibes.
Waxflower
Waxflower is an intimate vinyl listening bar and wine lounge equipped with a custom sound system, small-intervention wines, and seasonal snacks.
The City Lane Tip: Book in advance if you plan on visiting during peak times to ensure an inside spot.
Bahama Gold
A boutique wine bar and bottle shop offering a curated line-up of hard-to-find natural wines and light bites.
Location: 135 Lygon St, Brunswick East VIC 3057
Why Go: Vibrant neighbourhood atmosphere to drink in or pick up a bottle to take home.
Bar Spontana
Bar Spontana is where you’ll find vibrant, authentic Thai food paired with a wine list focused on minimal-intervention wines and spontaneous fermentation beers.
Location: 4 Saxon St, Brunswick VIC 3056
Why Go: Some of the best Thai food in Melbourne, paired with interesting natural wines.
Ramblin’ Man
A relaxed neighbourhood bar, serving classic cocktails, local beer and wine, with an excellent take-away selection.
Location: 76 Lygon St, Brunswick East VIC 3057
Why Go: Unpretentious drinks and friendly local energy.
Sporting Club Hotel
This iconic 1890s corner pub has returned to its original name under the team behind Fitzroy’s Marquis of Lorne. It’s a quintessential Brunswick pub featuring a central horseshoe bar, an elevated pub menu, and a leafy beer garden with a retractable roof.
Location: 27 Weston St, Brunswick VIC 3056
Why Go: Outstanding local taps, a warm neighbourhood vibe, and a great beer garden off Weston Street.
Co-Conspirators Brewing Co.
Co-Conspirators‘ taproom is a vibrant, community-focused space pouring their full line-up of character-driven craft beers alongside delicious food pop-ups.
Location: 377 Victoria St, Brunswick VIC 3056
Why Go: Outstanding local craft beers on tap, and local wines and spirits in a friendly space
The City Lane Tip: Grab a tasting paddle to sample their latest limited-release brews alongside the core line-up.
Rocky Ridge Brewing Co.
The Melbourne outpost for Western Australia’s famed independent brewery, Rocky Ridge. Pouring dozens of experimental craft beers on tap.
Location: 130 Barkly St, Brunswick East VIC 3057
Why Go: Huge range of independent craft beers, plus great burgers and fried chicken by Jolly Good Diner.
The City Lane Tip: Sparkling hop-infused hop water is available on tap, and is free.
Welcome to Brunswick
A massive indoor-outdoor community precinct and beer garden hosted in partnership with 4 Pines Brewing, featuring rotating food trucks, local art, and plenty of space.
Location: 408 Sydney Rd, Brunswick VIC 3056
Why Go: Great for large groups, families, and dog owners looking for open-air drinks and varied street food options.
Tenko Sake and Wine
A serene, dimly lit Brunswick East spot offering a curated, boutique selection of Japanese sakes, minimal-intervention wines, and small izakaya-style bites.
Location: 472 Lygon St, Brunswick East VIC 3057
Why Go: Intimate atmosphere, incredible sake flights, and knowledgeable staff.
Getting To & Around Brunswick & Brunswick East
By Tram: Take the Route 19 tram straight up Elizabeth St / Sydney Rd for Brunswick, or the Route 1 or 6 tram up Swanston St / Lygon St for Brunswick East.
By Train: Take the Upfield Line from Flinders Street Station and get off at Jewell, Brunswick, or Anstey stations.
Pro Tip: Sydney Road and Lygon Street run parallel to each other. Walking between the two takes only 10–15 minutes via streets like Blyth St or Albion St, making it easy to cross back and forth during a food crawl.
The Verdict
Brunswick and Brunswick East represent the absolute best of Melbourne’s inner-north food scene. From long-running bakeries like A1 to hatted dining at Etta and vinyl lounges like Waxflower, you could spend several days exploring these streets and barely scratch the surface.
MELBOURNE | Former Rockpool chef Ronnel “Ron” Pineda and his sister Jennalyn “Jenny” Verzosa launched their catering business, Kusinero’s Catering Company, in 2022. Within a year, it grew from a food truck popping up at parties for family and friends to a commercial kitchen in Tullamarine catering to a wider range of clients. While appreciative of Kusinero’s success, it wasn’t fulfilling the desire Ron had when leaving Rockpool: to get creative with his Filipino heritage. Enter Eli Cafe, which Jenny recently invited me to check out.
Much of the former butcher shop’s original interior has been repurposed, to the joy of the retired butcher and his family, who now count themselves as Eli Cafe regulars. It’s a small, white-tiled space with a prep counter, coffee station, pastry display cabinet, and around 20 seats. Out back is the main kitchen for both Eli Cafe and Kusinero’s.
The food at Eli Cafe is a tribute to Ron and Jenny’s grandmother and mother. It’s influenced by family recipes, their Pampanga upbringing, and time spent in the Ilocos Region of the Philippines. Ron and Jenny have always loved food, having previously run their own carinderia (local eatery) in both Pampanga and Ilocos. Ron also draws on his experience at Rockpool, alongside inspiration from fellow chefs in Melbourne’s Filipino diaspora who present traditional flavours in new ways.
Ron makes as much as possible from scratch, sourcing quality produce from suppliers he’s built relationships with over the years. The sandwich menu features items like soft, fluffy Pan De Juan pandesal stuffed with crisp lechon, house pate, pickled jalapenos, and tamarind sauce; rich and tender short rib caldereta served atop soft flatbread with pickled veg; and toasties with assorted fillings. The pandesal stuffed with juicy chicken adobo, a thick hash brown, and American cheese is particularly moreish.
Beyond sandwiches, you’ll find a rotating selection of Filipino classics: dishes like pork sisig, beef pares, and chicken inasal rice bowls. The latter is served with Ron and Jenny’s grandmother’s eggplant atchara (pickles) instead of the usual papaya atchara.
For dessert, there are treats like leche flan, ube toast, pastries, and cookies. Many sweets feature Ron’s house-made ube halaya. The ube toast is wonderfully caramelised, served with a generous dose of house-made ube halaya, young coconut, coconut ice cream, and cookie crumbs.
To drink, it’s quality espresso and filter coffee by Five Senses, plus nicely balanced creations like the ube latte, iced earl grey dulce de leche, and calamansi montblanc.
How To Spend A Weekend In Nikiti, Greece: 48-Hour Guide (2026)
GREECE | Sitting at the gateway to the Sithonia peninsula in Halkidiki, Nikiti is a town of two distinct personalities. Up on the hillside lies Old Nikiti. It’s a quiet historic village of 19th-century stone houses, Agios Nikitas Church, and panoramic views across the city. It’s also a resort town, with a modern promenade that stretches along the beautiful Toroneos Gulf coastline.
Using Thessaloniki as a base, there are plenty of great little towns to relax and spend a weekend in. Just a 90-minute drive from Thessaloniki Airport (SKG), Nikiti offers a wonderful mix of traditional Greek Macedonian charm, pristine beaches, and delicious local food.
Whether you’re visiting for a quick weekend road trip or building a longer Halkidiki itinerary, here is my complete 48-hour guide to where to eat, drink, swim, and explore in Nikiti.
At-A-Glance 48-Hour Itinerary
Timeframe
Area / Focus
What to Do
Friday Morning
Town Center
Local Farmer’s Market & Pantry Prep
Friday Evening
Old Nikiti
Old Town Walk & 45-Year-Old Historic Taverna
Saturday Morning
Coastline
Specialty Coffee, Bougatsa & Red Rocks Coastal Hike
Saturday Afternoon
Coastal Bay
Free Beach Swimming & Modern Greek Beach Club
Saturday Evening
Waterfront
Promenade Rooftop Cocktails & Local Craft Beers
Sunday Morning
En Route
Global Brunch & Historic Malagousia Vineyard Tour
Day 1: Friday – Farmer’s Markets, Old Town & Heritage Tavernas
Arrive & Stock Up on Fresh Produce and Pantry Items
To get the most out of your weekend, arrive in Nikiti by Thursday night or early Friday morning. Every Friday, the town hosts its main Nikiti Farmer’s Market, where regional producers set up stalls selling the best local produce at very affordable prices.
If you don’t get a chance to visit the market, FRESH CORNER is a great little independent fruit and veg shop just off the main strip. You can also pick up excellent quality pantry items and wine from the little shop at ERGON Beach House Nikiti. Putting together your own picnic spread using these spots is one of the best ways to enjoy a low-key beach lunch while saving money.
Location: Town Center, Nikiti.
Why Go: Stock up on hyper-local fruit, vegetables, and other produce/pantry items for weekend beach picnics.
The City Lane Tip: Cash is king at the market—bring small Euro notes.
Wander Through Historic Old Nikiti
Spend the afternoon wandering through the cobblestone streets of Old Nikiti. Most of Nikiti’s development in the 1900s occurred towards the coast. This led to a decline of the old town. Unlike many coastal resort towns, this decline (and restoration in recent decades) has resulted in the original hillside village preserving its traditional 19th-century stone architecture.
Walk past restored stone homes with wooden balconies and shaded courtyards filled with bougainvillea, winding your way up to the Church of St. Nikitas (built in 1867) for panoramic views over the red-tiled roofs toward the Gulf of Toroneos.
Location: Old Nikiti (Hillside).
Why Go: Quiet historic charm, traditional stone architecture, and stunning panoramic views.
Dinner: Traditional Feast at Taverna Sonia
When it comes to dinner, avoid the main beach promenade. The tourist-focused strip right on the water tends to be overpriced with inconsistent quality. Instead, head to Taverna Sonia. Operating since 1977, this local institution serves authentic, unpretentious Greek food done right, with a focus on fresh seafood.
Pair your meal with a glass of Malagousia—an ancient Greek white wine varietal that was thought to be extinct until winemaker Vangelis Gerovassiliou helped rediscover and revive it in the 1970s. It yields an aromatic, beautifully balanced wine that pairs perfectly with seafood.
Location: Nikiti.
Why Go: Authentic Greek hospitality and family recipes.
Must-Try Dishes: The grilled octopus and creamy house-made fava dip.
Day 2: Saturday – Specialty Coffee, Red Rocks & Sunset Cocktails
Breakfast: Coffeeni & Studiose – Just Baked
Start your Saturday with the absolute best coffee in Nikiti at Coffeeni. They source high-quality beans roasted by Thessaloniki specialty roaster The Coffee Rawsters, serving expertly pulled espresso and precision filter brews alongside beans to take home.
Next, grab breakfast from nearby Studiose – Just Baked. They bake incredible house-made bougatsa (crispy phyllo pastry filled with custard or savory fillings), freshly baked olive bread, and a surprising variety of vegan options.
Coffeeni: Specialty espresso and filter coffee using The Coffee Rawsters beans.
Studiose – Just Baked: Freshly baked bougatsa, olive bread, and vegan pastry options.
Morning Walk: Red Rocks of Meteora & Gazebo Cafe Bar
After breakfast, head out for a coastal walk toward the Red Rocks of Meteora (a striking coastal rock formation located a 50-minute walk or a quick 10-minute drive from the center of Nikiti). The trail offers sweeping sea views as the coastline transforms into vivid red earth and stone. For part of the walk you’ll have to hit the main road, or take off your footwear and navigate some rocks. The impacts of the devastating supercell storm of 2019 can still be seen along this stretch of the coast.
On your walk back, make a pit stop at Gazebo Cafe Bar. It’s the ideal spot to sit by the water, rehydrate, and enjoy a cold drink after taking in the red rocks.
Location: Coastline west/south of central Nikiti.
Why Go: Scenic coastal terrain away from the main beach crowds.
The City Lane Tip: Bring sneakers or sturdy walking shoes if you’re doing the 50-minute coastal walk from town.
Afternoon: Quieter Beaches & Lunch at Ergon Beach Bar
If you want to spend time on the beach, skip the crowded main tourist strip. Simply walk a short distance to either side of the main waterfront zone to find far quieter, wide stretches of free beach.
For lunch, head to Ergon Beach Bar Nikiti. Known for its refined take on modern Greek dining, no visit to Nikiti is complete without a meal here, so arrive hungry. You can spend the afternoon lounging on their daybeds with incredible cocktails while watching the sea, then browse their boutique shop selling high-end Greek artisanal pantry items and wine.
Location: Nikiti Coastline.
Why Go: Modern Greek dishes, sunset loungers, fantastic cocktails, and an artisanal Greek pantry store.
The City Lane Tip: Pick up a few items from the Ergon shop to bring home.
Sunset Cocktails & Nightlife: Cancun & The Fuckin Pub
As the sun begins to set, head up to CANCUN SUSHI BAR. Alternatively, hang around at Ergon for sunset. While it sits along the busier stretch of the promenade, its rooftop vantage point offers sweeping views straight across the strip and out over the water, making it a great choice for a sunset cocktail.
For dinner, head a short walk up from the main promenade for a traditional tavern meal at Apovrado Taverna Karalis. Later, head to colourfully named, The Fucκin Pub. It is the only dedicated craft beer spot in Nikiti, boasting a great selection of local Greek craft brews and international bottles, plus a small selection of tasty local wines and cocktails.
Cancun Sushi Bar: Rooftop cocktail bar with panoramic sunset views over the promenade and sea.
The Fucκin Pub: Nikiti’s sole craft beer haven for independent brews and casual late-night vibes.
Day 3: Sunday – Global Brunch & A Winery Pit Stop
Morning: Brunch at The Pattern BISTRO
Before leaving town, grab breakfast at The Pattern BISTRO. If you’re looking for a short break from traditional Greek breakfast staples, Pattern serves not just quality Greek specialty breakfast options, but also a rotating menu of global dishes, great coffee, and fresh juices.
Location: Nikiti.
Why Go: Modern brunch plates, international options, and fresh coffee in a relaxed setting.
On the Road: Visit Ktima Gerovassiliou Winery
On your 90-minute drive back toward Thessaloniki Airport, make a detour to Ktima Gerovassiliou. Located in Epanomi (just over an hour’s drive from Nikiti), this world-renowned estate was opened in 1986 by Vangelis Gerovassiliou—the man responsible for saving the Malagousia grape from extinction.
The estate features a pristine vineyard, a world-class wine museum, and tastings of some of the finest single-varietal Malagousia and Mediterranean blends in the world.
Location: Epanomi (En route to Thessaloniki Airport).
Why Go: Taste benchmark Malagousia right at the source where the grape was revived.
The City Lane Tip: Book a tasting slot online in advance if you want to tour their wine museum before your flight.
Nikiti Travel Essentials
Getting Around: Organise a transfer in advance from Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) for the 90-minute drive to Nikiti.
Beach Strategy: Avoid paying for commercial sunbeds on the congested main strip—walk just 5–10 minutes either side of the main strip for quiet, free beach spots. Even the loungers towards the eastern end of the strip are more affordable than the most central ones.
Dining Strategy: Hit up my recommendations like Taverna Sonia and Ergon. Avoid generic tourist restaurants along the main beach strip.
Local Harvest: Don’t leave without picking up local Sithonian pine honey, extra virgin olive oil, and a bottle of Malagousia wine.
The Verdict
Nikiti strikes a rare balance in Halkidiki: it offers pristine beaches, a well preserved old town, and enough quality food and drink spots just outside of the tourist centre to keep you satiated for the weekend.
THESSALONIKI | Grigoris Helmis and Andreas Diakodimitris opened ΨΙ by Mezen (Psi by Mezen) in 2024. A spinoff of their contemporary Volos and Thessaloniki tsipouradika, ΨΙ by Mezen reimagines the traditional chasapotaverna (a hybrid butcher and and taverna), with a focus on seafood rather than meat.
The best quality seafood is sourced daily from Nea Michaniona, Thessaloniki’s central fish market, and transformed into an assortment of products and dishes that visitors can purchase for home, or eat in. Fish is dry-aged and cut-to-order into fillets and steaks, and prepared into ready-meals, fish charcuterie, and pantry essentials. The entire drinks menu is also available to take home, with a focus on local natural and low-intervention wines, and spirits from small Greek producers.
When I first heard of ΨΙ by Mezen, I couldn’t help but think of Josh Niland’s Sydney restaurant, St Peter. What St Peter’s bar menu is to casual Australian pub fare, ΨΙ by Mezen’s menu is to casual Greek taverna food. Collars, tails, and offcuts are transformed into edible delights, while flavours and textures are altered by dry aging. The dry aging chambers, prep space, and kitchen are all in view of the dining space, enhancing the immersion of the experience.
Small bites see flying squid, shi drum, and tuna transformed into souvlaki; while swordfish is compressed and crumbed to become schnitzel. Tuna takes the place of pork to make pastirma and louza, and swordfish becomes pastrami. It’s inventive, exciting and delicious. For salads, try the vibrant medley of carob rusks, cherry tomatoes, smoked grey mullet, and pastirma fish roe mousse. On the side, a serve of the moreish cracked fried potatoes with sfela cheese is a must.
The larger ‘fish cuts’ section of the menu features things like zesty fresh shrimp tartare with peach and chilli, dry aged tuna belly on the grill with tabbouleh, and butterflied saddled seabream on the grill. Again, it’s all outstanding. Paired with a glass of bright, citrusy, acidic Assyrtiko (I highly recommend the Hatziemmanouil Assyrtiko), you can’t go wrong.
If you’re looking for some of the best seafood in Greece, prepared and served in innovative ways that you won’t find elsewhere, ΨΙ by Mezen needs to be on your list.
NIKITI | Since opening their first retail concept in Thessaloniki in 2008, Ergon have expanded both in Greece and abroad, with various concepts focused around quality Greek food and produce, with a focus on small, independent producers. They’ve also branched out into the world of accommodation, one of which is Ergon Beach House Nikiti.
For visitors to Nikiti, even if not staying at the glamping-style beach house, there’s still plenty of reasons to visit. Indeed, much of the property is open to the public. There’s loungers along the beach, where you can enjoy a drink, snack, and a swim; a coastal bar; a restaurant; and a small retail deli selling a selection of excellent quality pantry items, wines, and beachside essentials.
I didn’t stay at the accommodation, but I did pop in for a supply run on my second day in town, and returned the following evening for sunset cocktails on the loungers, followed by dinner. For drinks, it’s an easy sell – the quality that Ergon is known for, spectacular views of the water, and just far enough out from the main promenade to feel a whole lot more chilled.
As for the dinner, it was one of the best meals I ate in Nikiti. Culinary Director and Executive Chef Panagiotis Xanthis and Executive Chef Lefteris Athanasopoulos oversee the modern Greek menu across all of Ergon’s locations in Greece, working with individual head chefs and teams to tweak things. So while there’s a lot of crossover and familiarity, the menu at Ergon Beach House Nikiti still has its own identity.
From the meze section, fava bean “falafel” with tabouleh, tahini dressing, and a spicy red pepper spicy sauce is a great way to kick things off. So too, the grilled dolmades. Served with tzatziki and ladolemono, they’re some of the best dolmades you’ll eat in Nikiti.
The Greek salad does a great job of showcasing the quality of the produce used. A medley of cherry tomatoes, grilled peppers, feta cheese, onions, sprinkled with dried Kalamata olives, served with fluffy pita bread. Dietaries are well catered to – two of my friends are vegan, and many of the dishes were able to have their dairy/meat component served to the side, like the feta in this salad.
Peinirli, wood-fired boat-shaped filled sourdough flatbreads are a must. Meat lovers should order the “Lahmatzoun” with beef and lamb mince, semi-hard cheese, and yoghurt. The vegan option, with mushrooms, dairy free cheese, and truffle oil, is also great.
The catch of the day is also something you shouldn’t pass on. Whatever fish are best and fresh that day are listed, priced by the kilogram, and available to enjoy grilled, steamed, or fried. I opted for the grilled pagrus, which was deboned tableside. Flaky, smoky, and served simply with salt, pepper, and ladolemono to the side.
To drink, it’s hard to go past a bottle of one of the many excellent local wines on the menu. The collaboration wines between Ergon and some of Greece’s best independent winemakers, are particularly interesting.
NIKITI | Most visitors to Nikiti stick to the main, central waterfront section when looking for a bite to eat. As is the case with any beach front tourist spot, the quality of food options here are, let’s say, mixed. Just a few streets up from the water, and about a 15 minute drive out of the centre of town, however, you’ll find a gem in Taverna Sonia.
This family-run joint has been serving up delicious traditional Greek taverna fare since 1977. No big concept, just great versions of the classics made using top quality local produce. They take particular pride in their seafood, which is outstanding. The grilled octopus, fava bean dip, and lightly battered and fried calamari are particularly delicious.
The wine list showcases Greek producers, with a particular focus on regional, independent winemakers. A bottle of Malagousia from Ktima Gerovassiliou, just an hour’s drive from the restaurant, is highly recommended. It pairs perfectly with the fresh seafood at Taverna Sonia.
The place is popular with locals (and Germans, supposedly because of a single article in a German newspaper over a decade ago), so book ahead if you plan on eating there.
MELBOURNE | The once sleepy Brunswick East end of Lygon Street has quietly transformed into one of Melbourne’s best spots for food and drink. Moving away from the traditional Italian trattoria strip further south in Carlton, this northern stretch is defined by low-intervention wines, custom audiophile sound systems, and wood-fired small plates. This targeted night guide focuses purely on where to drink, listen, and graze along Lygon Street.
for MY full roundup of the area’s best food and drink
At-A-Glance: Lygon Street Wine Bars & Vinyl Lounges
Venue
Address / Location
Focus / Specialty
Daphne
52 Lygon St
Euro cocktail bar front & snacks
Ramblin’ Man
76 Lygon St
Cosy couches and a local drinks list
Eydie’s
86 Lygon St
Low-key tunes & cozy rear courtyard
Waxflower
153 Weston St
Hi-Fi vinyl listening bar & natural wine
The Alderman
134 Lygon St
Dim-lit lounge & classic cocktails
Bahama Gold
135 Lygon St
Boutique wine bar & bottle shop
Mr Wilkinson
295 Lygon St
Neighbourhood bar & sourdough pizza
Tenko Sake and Wine
472 Lygon St
Japanese sake & izakaya bites
The Best Lygon Street Wine Bars & Vinyl Lounges
How to walk the strip: This guide is ordered strictly south-to-north along Lygon Street. Start at the southern end near Park Street, pop around the corner onto Weston Street behind The Quarry Hotel for Waxflower, then continue north through the central wine bar cluster towards Tenko.
Daphne
Brought to you by the team behind Etta, Daphne offers a nostalgic, old-school trattoria feel serving exceptional wines, classic cocktails, and wood-fired Euro-inspired snacks.
The City Lane Tip: Perch at the walk-in front bar for an evening cocktail and a quick bite before heading further up the strip.
Ramblin’ Man
A relaxed, unpretentious neighbourhood bar serving classic cocktails, local craft beer, and accessible wines with a friendly, welcoming local energy.
Location: 76 Lygon St, Brunswick East VIC 3057
Why Go: Welcoming atmosphere for a casual evening drink or a late-night nightcap away from the busier dining rooms.
The City Lane Tip: Grab a drink at the bar for one of the most low-key, easygoing late-night spots along the southern end of the strip.
Eydie’s
A warm, dim-lit neighbourhood staple featuring velvet booths, vintage furnishings, and a vinyl-focused soundtrack that sets an easygoing late-night tone.
Location: 86 Lygon St, Brunswick East VIC 3057
Why Go: Great classic cocktails, local beers on tap, and an intimate, unpretentious atmosphere.
The City Lane Tip: Grab a cosy booth near the back or take a stool near the turntable setup for one of the best casual date-night vibes on Lygon Street.
Waxflower
Located just around the corner from Lygon Street tucked behind The Quarry Hotel, Waxflower is an intimate vinyl listening bar equipped with a custom audiophile sound system, natural wines, and seasonal small plates.
Location: 153 Weston St, Brunswick VIC 3057
Why Go: World-class audio quality, curated vinyl selectors, and an exceptional low-intervention wine program.
The City Lane Tip: Book in advance if you plan on visiting on a Friday or Saturday night to secure an indoor booth near the speakers.
The Alderman
A long-standing Lygon Street institution, The Alderman is a dim-lit, atmospheric refuge featuring vintage wood panelling, cosy booths, and a hidden rear garden courtyard.
Location: 134 Lygon St, Brunswick East VIC 3057
Why Go: Timeless neighbourhood charm, excellent classic cocktails, and a thoughtful wine list without any pretence.
The City Lane Tip: Grab a booth in the front room on a cold weeknight for a glass of red, or head out back to the leafy courtyard during warmer months.
Bahama Gold
Bahama Gold is a funky wine bar and bottle shop offering a highly curated line-up of hard-to-find natural, organic, and biodynamic wines alongside light bites.
Location: 135 Lygon St, Brunswick East VIC 3057
Why Go: Vibrant neighbourhood vibe where you can drink in at the communal counter or pick up a unique bottle to take home.
The City Lane Tip: Grab a bottle of your favourite wine to-go before you leave
Mr Wilkinson
Named after Thomas Wilkinson, the 1840s founder of Brunswick, this long-standing institution offers a relaxed, unpretentious setting for natural wines, craft brews, and 72-hour cold-fermented sourdough pizzas.
Location: 295 Lygon St, Brunswick East VIC 3057
Why Go: A true neighbourhood staple with comfortable front booths, an intimate rear courtyard, and an extensive spirit and wine collection.
The City Lane Tip: Slide into one of the large street-facing booths on a rainy evening, order an 11-inch pizza from the kitchen, and explore their rotating seasonal wine list.
Tenko Sake and Wine
A serene, dim-lit spot at the northern end of the strip offering a curated, boutique selection of Japanese sakes, minimal-intervention wines, and small izakaya-style bites.
MELBOURNE | Known globally as a coffee capital, Melbourne’s inner north is ground zero for specialty roasters, experimental bean labs, and artisan sourdough bakeries. While my master guide covers the complete dining landscape across Brunswick and Brunswick East, this dedicated morning trail is curated for purists chasing single-origin filter pours, alternative lattes, and seasonal baked treats.
Whether you’re planning a weekend crawl along Sydney Road or weaving through the industrial side streets of Brunswick East, here is your definitive coffee and bakery itinerary.
The Ultimate Brunswick & Brunswick East Coffee & Bakery Trail
Venue
Focus / Specialty
The City Lane Tip
Disciple Roasters
Single-origin filter & espresso
Ask the roasters about their latest micro-lots
Kohi No Deshi
Japanese-style milk coffee
Perfect for a quiet, contemplative morning drip
Code Black Coffee
Flagship roastery & inventive brunch
Order a filter flight in the industrial bean lab
ONA Coffee Melbourne
Reserve-grade frozen origin flights
Try a rare frozen-origin espresso experience
Core Roasters
House-roasted coffee & pandan treats
Try the iced pandan kaya latte
Contraband Coffee Roasters
Micro-lot single origins
Smell the beans at the counter before ordering
Catalogue Coffee
Multi-roaster specialty coffee
Sleek, minimalist environment for precision brews
Ovens Street Bakery
Sourdough & traditional pastries
Arrive early for the Polish plum-jam pączki
Wild Life Bakery
Sourdough loaves & full cafe menu
Grab a loaf of sourdough and house condiments
Vandels Bakery
Creative sweet & savoury bakes
Watch for seasonal weekend pastry specials
Trail Tip: Sydney Road and Lygon Street run parallel to each other roughly 10–15 minutes apart on foot. If you’re tackling this in one morning, start on the Sydney Road / Black Street pocket (Disciple, Code Black, Ovens St) before cutting across Blyth Street or Brunswick Road to finish along Lygon Street and Nicholson Street.
Specialty Roasters & Coffee Spots
Disciple Roasters
For serious coffee purists, Disciple is an essential Brunswick stop. One of Melbourne’s premier roasters, they focus heavily on single-origin filter and espresso, roasting on-site with meticulous attention to detail.
Location: 16 Black St, Brunswick VIC 3056
Why Go: Outstanding single-origin beans sourced directly from innovative international growers, brewed with precision.
Kohi No Deshi
Bringing Japanese-influenced coffee culture to Brunswick, Kohi No Deshi operates as the milk-coffee sister venue to the black-coffee-focused Disciple right next door.
Location: 18 Black St, Brunswick VIC 3056
Why Go: Precise milk pairings, and a serene, peaceful morning atmosphere.
Code Black Coffee
Code Black’s Brunswick HQ is a massive, dark-timber industrial warehouse housing their flagship roastery, full-service cafe, and green bean laboratory. It remains a cornerstone destination for both high-end filter and reliable house blends.
Location: 15-17 Weston St, Brunswick VIC 3056
Why Go: Flagship roastery energy, spacious industrial aesthetics, and an inventive brunch menu to match the coffee.
ONA Coffee Melbourne
Hailing from Canberra, ONA’s Melbourne outpost offers an extensive, reserve-grade menu categorised by flavour profiles, milk pairings, and rare processing techniques.
Location: 22 Ovens St, Brunswick VIC 3056
Why Go: World-class espresso and filter flight experiences served by exceptionally knowledgeable baristas.
The City Lane Tip: Try one of their rare, frozen-origin espresso options for a truly unique sensory experience.
Core Roasters
Tucked into a Brunswick East side street, Core Roasters delivers top-tier specialty coffee alongside a relaxed industrial neighbourhood vibe.
Location: 14 Barkly St, Brunswick East VIC 3057
Why Go: House-roasted espresso, batch brews, and Malaysian-inspired baked treats.
The City Lane Tip: Try the kaya latte, made using house-brewed espresso and house-made pandan kaya.
Contraband Coffee Roasters
Contraband is an unassuming roastery and cafe offering visitors the chance to smell every bean on offer before making their selection.
Location: 312-314 Lygon St, Brunswick East VIC 3057
Why Go: Excellent house blends and micro-lot single origins served in a welcoming environment.
Catalogue Coffee
A sleek, design-focused cafe serving exceptional brews and light breakfast options, stocking rotation beans from elite local and international roasters.
Location: 1/36 Lygon St, Brunswick East VIC 3057
Why Go: Minimalist interiors paired with precision specialty coffee.
Sourdough & Artisan Bakeries
Ovens Street Bakery
Tucked down a quiet backstreet, Ovens Street Bakery produces some of the finest naturally leavened sourdough loaves and laminated pastries in Melbourne’s inner north.
The City Lane Tip: Get in early for the traditional Polish pączki (doughnuts) filled with sour plum jam or custard, based on the owner’s grandmother’s recipe.
Wild Life Bakery
A Brunswick East stalwart housed in a converted warehouse, Wild Life combines a full-scale sourdough bakery with an exceptional, grain-focused cafe menu.
Where To Stay In Uzbekistan: The Best Hotels In Tashkent, Samarkand & Bukhara (2026)
UZBEKISTAN | Traveling through Uzbekistan along the ancient Silk Road is one of my favourite travel experiences. From the sprawling, turquoise-tiled madrasahs of Samarkand to the preserved medieval alleyways of Bukhara and the modernist capital of Tashkent, the country offers an incredible blend of history, culture, and architecture.
However, accommodation quality across Central Asia can vary significantly. To help you plan a smooth trip, I’ve put together this guide to the best hotels in Uzbekistan across the primary destination hubs, balancing modern luxury, local character, and prime locations based on my stays.
City
Hotel
Style & Atmosphere
Ideal For
Tashkent
Swissôtel Tashkent, Mirobod
Premium Modern Luxury / Business
Wellness, Dining & Capital Base
Samarkand
Mövenpick Hotel Samarkand
Modern 4-Star / Retro 90s Vibe
First-Timers & Sightseers
Bukhara
Mercure Bukhara Old Town
Heritage Style / Boutique Luxury
Old Town Walks & Hammam Spa
Best Hotels in Tashkent
Swissôtel Tashkent, Mirobod
Located in the northern part of Mirobod, Tashkent’s central business, dining, and diplomatic district, Swissôtel Tashkent, Mirobod marks the Accor brand’s premium entry into the Uzbek capital. The hotel blends Swiss precision with warm Uzbek hospitality, providing a sleek, modern base surrounded by tree-lined streets and excellent local eateries.
Location: Mirobod neighborhood on Shakhrisabz Street. It’s roughly a 15 minute drive from Tashkent International Airport, a 20 minute walk to nearby Metro stations, and right across the street from the vibrant Food Mall.
Highlights: 182 bright, spacious rooms featuring private balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows, and heated bathroom floors. Wellness facilities include a heated indoor pool, saunas, private hammams, a state-of-the-art gym, and Pürovel Spa.
Best For: Travelers wanting a high-end, wellness-focused base in Tashkent with easy access to the city’s food scene.
Originally constructed in the early 1990s as the President Hotel (and later the Registan Plaza), Mövenpick Hotel Samarkand reopened after a comprehensive renovation. What I love about this property is how it retains its grand 1990s architectural character while offering fully modernized guest rooms.
Location: Dagbitskaya Street, roughly a 10 minute walk to the Gur-Emir Mausoleum and a 20 minute walk to Registan Square.
Highlights: 165 contemporary rooms with subtle Uzbek textile accents, indoor/outdoor pools, full spa facilities, and Mövenpick’s signature daily “Chocolate Hour” in the atrium lobby.
Best For: Travelers seeking reliable international standards close to Samarkand’s primary monuments.
Opened in late 2022, Mercure Bukhara Old Town provides a polished alternative to the city’s smaller, family-run guesthouses. While the exterior architecture seamlessly fits into the UNESCO-protected neighbourhood, the inside offers a full suite of modern creature comforts.
Location: Samarkand Street on the eastern fringe of the Old Town, about a 10 minute walk from the central Lyabi-Hauz complex.
Highlights: 57 rooms featuring traditional Uzbek carved woodwork and textiles, a basement pool with a 16th-century style hammam, and a rooftop dining terrace.
Best For: Travelers wanting boutique heritage design, spa amenities, and easy taxi access.
Book High-Speed Trains Early: The high-speed Afrosiyob train connects Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara effortlessly, but tickets regularly sell out weeks in advance. I always recommend locking in rail transit before finalising hotel stays.
Keep Your Registration Slips: Hotels issue paper registration slips upon check-out. Keep these tucked into your passport, as border control officials occasionally verify them when you depart the country.
Explore Beyond the Hotel Doors: In Tashkent, check out the Food Mall across from the Swissôtel; in Bukhara, don’t miss the Tajik salad (Qurutob) at Kurutobxona Bukhara, directly adjacent to the Mercure.
Whether you’re starting your journey in Tashkent or traveling straight to the historical cores of Samarkand and Bukhara, Uzbekistan’s hotel options have modernised significantly. Choosing these well-located properties gives you a comfortable, reliable base to return to after long days exploring Silk Road and Soviet-era modernist architecture.
