Where To Eat & Drink In Thornbury Guide (2027)

MELBOURNE | While its neighbours get plenty of attention when it comes to inner-north dining, Thornbury has quietly evolved into one of Melbourne’s most diverse and exciting food and drink destinations. Walk up and down High Street, and you’ll find that Thornbury’s independent, creative streak shines through across its venues.

Be it old school cafes that have been around for decades, selling things like traditional Greek pastries, or modern spots shining a spotlight on up-and-coming makers and producers. All in all, it’s a neighbourhood that’s confident in its identity.

I’ve been out and about in the area a lot over the years, so have pulled together a guide covering everything from Mexican taquerias and atmospheric small bars to exceptional Portuguese tarts and neighbourhood pubs.

To help you plan your next food and drink adventure, here is my local’s guide to the best food to eat and drink in Thornbury.

At-A-Glance: Where To Eat & Drink The Best Food In Thornbury

Dining, Cafes & Casual Eats

Chabela

Husband and wife duo Harry Lawrence and Karla Martinez opened Chabela to bring the flavours of Mexico City to Thornbury, drawing on family recipes passed down through Karla’s family. The tight menu features blue corn masa tortillas made in-house and vibrant regional dishes.

Must-Try: The marrow-poached elotes with queso fresco and chipotle mayo, followed by the enfrijoladas filled with cochinita pibil and covered in a rich refried bean sauce.

832A High Street, Thornbury VIC 3071

Casa Nata

Run by Nelson Coutinho and Ruben Bertolo, Casa Nata was born from a mission to find authentic pastéis de nata in Australia. After learning from bakers across Portugal, they set up shop in Thornbury to serve authentic custard tarts.

Must-Try: The traditional pastéis de nata with wonderfully flaky, buttery pastry and sweet custard.

846 High Street, Thornbury VIC 3071

Short Round

A small local’s spot along High Street, Short Round serves top quality specialty coffee alongside a creative brunch menu that’s consistent and reliable.

Must-Try: Single origin coffees and seasonal brunch dishes.

731 High Street, Thornbury VIC 3071

The Local Bean

The Local Bean is a great little cafe that’s worth visiting for its traditional Greek baked goods and sweets such as galaktoboureko, spanakopita, and baklava.

Must-Try: A slice of galaktoboureko with a cup of strong Greek coffee.

661 High Street, Thornbury VIC 3071

Neighbourhood Kneads

Taking over the former All Are Welcome site, baker Pankaj Bajaj has brought life back to the space with Neighbourhood Kneads. Backed by years of experience in his family’s hospitality business, Bajaj is keeping things simple by supplying High Street with honest, slow-fermented breads and viennoiseries.

Must-Try: A freshly baked sourdough loaf or morning pastry.

887 High Street, Thornbury VIC 3071

Pizza Electrica

A popular local spot for New York-style pizza, Pizza Electrica serves up large, 15-inch pizzas made using a 36-hour fermented dough. It’s whole pizzas only, with no ‘by-the-slice’ option. There’s sauces on the side to dip your crusts in, and sides like olives, Torres potato chips, and mini garlic pizza.

Must-Try: My favourite, the ‘Fontana’, topped with tomato sauce, provolone, fennel sausage, roast portobello mushrooms, onion, oregano, and grana padano.

167 Darebin Rd, Thornbury VIC 3071

Juju’s Deli

Juju’s Deli is a neighbourhood deli serving up stacked fresh foccacia and toasted sourdough sandwiches with internationally inspired flavours. There’s also a small selection of brekkie options.

Must-Try: Miso breakfast slider, stacked with egg, bacon, sausage, a crispy hash brown, and melted cheese, signature breakfast sauce, and sweet chilli miso.

750 High St, Thornbury VIC 3071

Capers

Capers is a late night cafe, bar, diner, event-space, and gallery. The food menu focuses on Cypriot home cooking, complimented by a wine list that highlights natural Greek native varietals, and Greek-inspired cocktails.

Must-Try: Spanakorizo – creamy leek and rice cooked in extra virgin olive oil, lemon, and herbs.

843 High St, Thornbury VIC 3071

Umberto Espresso Bar

Moving into new digs in 2025, after a decade of operation, husband and wife spot, Umberto Espresso Bar, remains a top choice on High Street for anyone seeking honest, home-style Italian food, proper coffee, and Italian drinks in a welcoming space where everyone feels at home.

Must-Try: Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with extra virgin olive oil, garlic, anchovies, chilli, and pangrattato.

917 High St, Thornbury VIC 3071

Bars & Nightlife

The Thornbury Local

The Thornbury Local, which some might know as Bender Bar from way back, is a great little bar on High Street that’s all about creating a friendly, welcoming atmosphere for people from all walks of life. There’s no pretension or attitude here, just a whole lot of simple fun, great drinks, and live music from local bands and DJs.

Must-Try: Drinks and casual vibes late into the night thanks to the 3:00am license.

635 High Street, Thornbury VIC 3071

Jacket Bar

Created by musician Tamer Taşkaya alongside Studio Heck, Jacket Bar is an intimate venue cantered around live music performed by up-and-coming local artists, locally sourced drinks, and a great community vibe.

Must-Try: A cosy drink while catching live jazz or soul records spun on vinyl.

719 High Street, Thornbury VIC 3071

Nasty’s

Run by former bartender Nick Matheson, Nasty’s is a super chill, narrow bar with Budapest-style ruin bar vibes, upcycled furniture, and a great rear courtyard.

Must-Try: Rotating taps of local craft beer and great music.

806 High Street, Thornbury VIC 3071

Cafe Gummo

A self-appointed filthy dive bar with a strictly inclusive ethos, Cafe Gummo is a cornerstone of High Street for independent live music, local brews, and community fundraisers.

Must-Try: Local music with a real community spirit.

711 High Street, Thornbury VIC 3071

Pallino Bar

Occupying a former 1950s Italian cafe, Pallino Bar is a quality local’s bar inspired by vintage bocce nights and traditional Italian warmth.

Must-Try: A house classic cocktail made with premium spirits recommended by the knowledgeable bar staff.

790 High Street, Thornbury VIC 3071

Carwyn Cellars

High Street institution, Carwyn Cellars operates as both one of the best bottle shops in town and a welcoming back bar pouring some of the best independent craft beers and other drinks in Melbourne’s north.

Must-Try: A beer from their impressive craft beer list.

877 High Street, Thornbury VIC 3071

Kitty Somerset

A quirky neighbourhood bar on High Street, Kitty Somerset offers a space that evokes memories of Rapture during its prime—something that will only make sense to Bioshock fans. Visit for tasty cocktails, bar snacks, and a great rotating program of local DJs.

Must-Try: A glass of local natural wine paired with a bite from the snack menu.

565 High Street, Thornbury VIC 3071

Bar Lingo

A cosy neighbourhood drinks spot, Bar Lingo provides a relaxed setting for evening drinks and tacos. Chill outside in the alfresco seating, perch yourself at the bar, or head upstairs for a more intimate setting.

Must-Try: Board games and footy on the TV in the upstairs games room.

875 High Street, Thornbury VIC 3071

My Top Thornbury Dining Tips

1. Stroll High Street: Start your morning with coffee at Short Round or pastries from Casa Nata, then explore the independent bars and shops stretching up High Street.
2. Explore the Small Bar Scene: Drop into Carwyn Cellars for an incredible beer and wine selection or unwind at lesser-known gems like Jacket Bar and Nasty’s.
3. Getting Around: Thornbury is easily accessible via the South Morang (Mernda) train line or the Route 86 tram running straight up High Street from the CBD.

Heading Further Down High Street?

Explore more of Melbourne’s inner north with my guide to Where To Eat & Drink In Northcote.