BALACLAVA
GET TO KNOW
THE AREA
Charming little Balaclava is the low-key neighbour to nearby St Kilda, seemingly custom created for hipsters who brunch and buy vintage. It’s also one of the bedrocks of Melbourne’s Orthodox Jewish community, which lends this compact suburb a rich cultural life complete with synagogues and authentic bakeries that are worth braving the winding queues.
Lifestyle
It’s a grand claim to make in this café-obsessed city, but Balaclava just might be home to some of Melbourne’s most in-demand brunch hot spots. Here, snap-happy foodies journey from across town to join the early morning queues for the best breakfast burritos and smashed avo this side of the Yarra.
But there’s more to this delightful little neighbourhood than photogenic eggs (with all of the trimming, nonetheless).
Indeed, Balaclava is home to a large portion of Melbourne’s Orthodox Jewish community. Meaning that you’re just a likely to hear lively snatches of Yiddish as you stroll down the street as you are English. This multicultural community has left its mark on the area’s dining scene, complete with kosher restaurants and dedicated bakeries as well as some of the best rye bread in town. Balaclava’s iconic eateries turn out gleaming challah and intricate pastries.
Read MoreLifestyle
It’s a grand claim to make in this café-obsessed city, but Balaclava just might be home to some of Melbourne’s most in-demand brunch hot spots. Here, snap-happy foodies journey from across town to join the early morning queues for the best breakfast burritos and smashed avo this side of the Yarra.
But there’s more to this delightful little neighbourhood than photogenic eggs (with all of the trimming, nonetheless).
Indeed, Balaclava is home to a large portion of Melbourne’s Orthodox Jewish community. Meaning that you’re just a likely to hear lively snatches of Yiddish as you stroll down the street as you are English. This multicultural community has left its mark on the area’s dining scene, complete with kosher restaurants and dedicated bakeries as well as some of the best rye bread in town. Balaclava’s iconic eateries turn out gleaming challah and intricate pastries.
Buzzing Carlisle Street is the neighbourhood’s lifeblood. Not only will you find more cafés per square metre than imaginable, but also charming vintage boutiques and chic homewares stores. And while things might get a little quiet once the sun goes down (although Balaclava’s growing roster of hip restaurants and bars are setting a change in motion), the bright lights of St Kilda are just around the corner.
Neighbours
With the vast majority of Melbourne’s Orthodox Jewish community hailing from Balaclava, migrants from across Eastern Europe have come to call this tight-knit community home. Young singles and cashed-up city workers are equally drawn to this buzzy little neighbourhood’s pumping café scene and proximity to both the late-night revelry of St Kilda and convenience of the CBD. An increasing number of families are also making the move to the area, thanks to its pretty streets, good schools and warm neighbourly vibe. One thing’s for sure – charming Balaclava is on the rise.
Neighbours
With the vast majority of Melbourne’s Orthodox Jewish community hailing from Balaclava, migrants from across Eastern Europe have come to call this tight-knit community home. Young singles and cashed-up city workers are equally drawn to this buzzy little neighbourhood’s pumping café scene and proximity to both the late-night revelry of St Kilda and convenience of the CBD. An increasing number of families are also making the move to the area, thanks to its pretty streets, good schools and warm neighbourly vibe. One thing’s for sure – charming Balaclava is on the rise.
Area features
BRUNCH
Make no mistake: Balaclava is all about brunch. The cafés here are nothing short of iconic, so expect to queue. Luckily, you can also expect them to be well worth the wait.
CARLISLE STREET
Whether it’s coffee and Eastern European pastries or newspapers with a side of hot local gossip – this thriving street is the centre of all activity in Balaclava.
