Paying homage to Henry Bawa – the father of ‘tropical modernism’ – BAWA Cafe is arguably Hawthorn’s most beloved brunch destination. Among cascading greenery, timber joinery and jungle themed prints, enjoy smashed avocado with a twist, pumpkin piadini or spicy shakshuka eggs. Meticulously brewed, the beans here are supplied by Dukes Coffee Roasters.
Housed with a heritage building on Burwood Road, Methodist is a bright and airy cafe with a boutique roastery out back. The menu utilises local produce, boasting hearty dishes imbued with old school charm. Think house-made ice-cream waffle and mushroom brioche French toast. Their coffee, however, is the main event, made with high grade, ethically sourced blends of beans.
If you have a penchant for South American flavours and fresh sangria, prepare to become a regular at Lulo on Glenferrie Road. Perfect for lively get togethers and intimate catchups alike, the popular tapas spot is known for its friendly staff, warm atmosphere and flavourful list of share plates. Be sure to try the seafood cazuela Caribbean style bisque with prawns, fish, mussels & coconut.
Tinto, which means ‘Red’ in español, is another vibrant Spanish eatery in Hawthorn’s hospitality scene. The name relates to the menu’s comprehensive list of red wines, spanning everything from merlot and pinot noir to cab sauvignon and Tempranillo. Surrounded by cosy decor, tuck into a crisp-fried squid or tasty confit potatoes as you imbibe your drop of choice.
A three-storey Italian restaurant on Glenferrie Road, Santoni is know for doing good food with a view. Here, pastas come fresh, fun and flavoursome, made with gourmet ingredients like lavender honey, blue swimmer crab and burnt butter. Pizzas are wood fired and undeniably authentic with that thin, crispy crust we all know and love. The rooftop boasts panoramic views of the Hawthorn Streetscape and city skyline – the perfect backdrop for a summer soiree.
Comprising everything from Australian-made homewares and handcrafted accessories to sustainable products and indoor greenery, Blackbird and Fox is a Hawthorn staple when it comes to beautiful objects. Thoughtfully curated, the cosy store is run by a team of locals impassioned by helping you find the perfect gift or piece for your home.
Synonymous with women’s fashion in Australia, ECO D. combines home-grown and international labels to form a coveted selection of timeless garments, footwear and accessories. Defined by understated sensibility, pieces from Cable, Jac+Jack, Assembly Label and Viktoria & Woods adorn the shelves, which sit within a light-filled store on Glenferrie Road.
Just metres from your doorstep, Don Arcade is a charming strip lined with eateries and shopping spots. Here you’ll find authentic Asian restaurants, a quaint cupcake bakery, trendy cafes and spots of convenience along with patrons seated on the pavement enjoying cups of coffee.
Taking residence in an old motor mechanics workshop on Riversdale Road, Red Fox Runs is Hawthorn’s quintessential lifestyle hub. Still flashing its original red brick walls, curved ceilings and industrial concrete floors, the store abounds furniture, clothing, art and children’s products – some crafted by Red Rox Runs themselves, others by local artisans. There’s even an in-store smoothie bar when you need to refuel.
An epicurean oasis, Miss Gourmet & Co. is a one-stop-shop for creating the pantry of your dreams. Owned by a pair of passionate foodies, the store stocks fresh and sustainable produce along with artisan teas, sweet treats, dried fruits, condiments and tasty nut assortments.
1km from Arcade, Grace Park is a recreational haven equipped with a range of sporting facilities. The club house offers squash, tennis and snooker tournaments if you feel like engaging your competitive side. Beside the club, a leafy open area is home to an array of community events throughout the year including Carols by Candlelight.
Established in 1900, Central Gardens is a majestic sanctuary just 550m from Arcade. Known as the area’s best picnic spot, the picturesque gardens are dotted with mature trees and lush foliage, with a playground at hand for the little ones. Sprawl out on the lush lawn and while the day away amongst nature.
Hugging a bend of the Yarra River, Fairview Park boasts 5.6 hectares of natural beauty. In the evening, the retreat is a popular spot for dogs and dog owners alike; let your four-legged friend socialise upon the lush grass as you take in the magnificent surroundings.
Just 350m from Arcade, Hawthorn Aquatic and Leisure Centre makes factoring in exercise a breeze, comprising a swimming pool and fully-equipped gym along with an array of additional services like physiotherapy.
Hawthorn’s beloved Lido Cinema is on your doorstep as a resident of Arcade. Whether you’re in the mood for a blockbuster, a throwback or an indie film, this iconic ‘artiplex’ will make your movie night a memorable one. Don’t miss ‘Lido on the Roof’ in the warmer months, where you can enjoy your film from a deck chair under the stars.
Glenferrie Station is just 150m from Arcade, providing a speedy link to Burnley and Richmond before arriving in the CBD in just 13 minutes. Also nearby, Tram No. 16 trundles down Glenferrie Road, carrying passengers to Caulfield in one direction and to Kew in the other.
Offering a diverse range of courses spanning everything from Arts and Humanities to Aviation, Swinburne is one of Melbourne’s most exciting and dynamic institutions. Internationally recognised, the university has strong industry connections and cutting-edge facilities, making it an exceptional place to study.
Just a short tram ride from Arcade, MLC is regarded as one of Melbourne’s finest schools for young women. Employing an inspiring curriculum, world-class facilities, exemplary co-curricular activities and a strong focus on wellbeing, the school is committed to helping each student realise their full potential.
Widely esteemed, the prestigious Xavier College presents an exceptional option for the suburb’s young men. Enrolling boys from ELC to year 12, the school’s outstanding results and alumni are a testament to its compassionate and engaging approach to education.