Blogs

Dining in Ivanhoe East: Five of the Best Restaurants and Cafes in the Area

February 13, 2023

Ivanhoe East’s commercial area thrives in character and culture, leaving a lasting impression among locals and visitors. With all its multicultural trappings and offerings, the area is the go-to place of all residents for their fun night outs.

There is something for everyone in this exciting area, as it is home to some of the best restaurants and cafes in Victoria. So whether you’re just visiting or looking for a new hang-out place, these five dining spots in Ivanhoe East will serve you well:

Lucille Bistro
Hank Marvin
Barr’d Wine & Tapas Bar
East Ivy
Issho Japanese

Lucille Bistro

A space rendered in a soothing black, white, and gray palette, Lucille Bistro emanates affluence and elegance matched only by its impressive menu and excellent service.

Lucille Bistro’s dine-in menu consists of a strong selection of flavors from different cultures. Clients are treated with the likes of grazing plates of cured meats and strong spices, authentic pasta, steaks, casual fries and salads, and resplendent desserts.

The bistro also offers a wide range of luxurious wines. Lined up beautifully across the establishment’s concrete walls, the long and continuous wine shelf gives patrons easy access to their options as it provides them with something interesting to look at.

Lucille Bistro is located at 239 Lower Heidelberg Road, just 10 km northeast of the Melbourne CBD. The bistro is open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 5 PM to 10 PM.

Hank Marvin

With a space built with wood, concrete, and red bricks, Hank Marvin is a warm and aesthetic dining place that offers breakfast and lunch and a selection of alcoholic drinks during the latter part of the day.

Hank Marvin’s breakfast offerings are available until 3 PM. Brekkie Buns, Chili Scramble, Berry Hotcakes, and Classic Croque Monsieur are among the breakfast go-to’s of the restaurant’s loyal patrons. For lunch, they are treated to Baked Gnocchi, Angus Beef Burger, and Hank Marvin’s Fried Chicken Burger among others.

The restaurant also has a coffee line-up that is sure to give caffeine lovers plenty to dream about. On top of that, they can be paired with a pastry of the client’s choice from an assortment of lovingly-made pieces that are not only tasty but also well-presented.

Hank Marvin is located at 269 Lower Heidelberg Road. The restaurant is open on Mondays and from Wednesday to Sunday, from 7 AM to 3 PM. On the weekends, Hank Marvin is open from 8 AM to 3 PM. It is closed on Tuesdays.

Barr’d Wine & Tapas Bar

Barr’d Wine & Tapas Bar is a vibrant hub for food, drinks, conversations, and memories. As soon as you step inside this warm welcoming space, you know it’s more than just another bar. No detail has been left to chance in creating an atmosphere that encourages people to come together over platters of scrumptious tapas dishes from both Spanish and traditional cuisine.

Barr’d understands that everyone has different preferences when it comes to food. That’s why its menu also offers a tantalizing array of gluten-free and vegetarian options – ensuring deliciousness for all! The selection is always topnotch, with seasonal ingredients providing the backbone for both tapas delights as well as imaginative cocktails.

All these are complemented by a superb selection of international wines from around the world alongside exquisite cocktails plus craft beers.

Barr’d Wine & Tapas Bar also boasts of a polite, efficient staff whose aim is to provide the ultimate dining experience.’

Barr’d Wine & Tapas Bar is located at 240 Lower Heidelberg Road. It is open from Tuesday to Thursday from 4 PM to 1 AM, Fridays from 3 PM to 1 AM, Saturdays from 2 PM to 1 AM, and Sundays from 2 PM to 11 PM. Barr’d is closed on Mondays.

East Ivy

East Ivy is the perfect spot to enjoy an authentic Aussie meal with a fusion of influences from different cuisines.

Explore their delicious menu and tantalize your taste buds with fresh salads, cheesy toasts, and buttery poached eggs alongside a myriad of other tasty offerings. Top it off with a delectable Vietnamese Coffee or latte paired with its famous mouth-watering muffins.

Set in a cozy space made pleasingly-aesthetic with its black brick walls, polished concrete floors, granite counters, and white-wooden tables and chairs, East Ivy is a warm place to dine in.

East Ivy is located at 6 Burton Crescent. The restaurant is open on Mondays from 6:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Tuesdays to Saturdays from 6:30 PM to 4:30 PM, and Sundays from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM.

Issho Japanese

Meaning “together,” Issho is the perfect place for Japanese food lovers who want to come together and enjoy a delicious authentic Japanese meal.

With classic Bento boxes, stunning sushi boats with freshly-rolled seafood selections from their sushi masters, donburi rice bowls, Japanese curries, or an array of vegetarian options – there’s something for everyone at Isshō!

Rendered in a minimalist style replete with polished wood, Issho’s dining space manages to be homey while undeniably oriental at the same time. The neat space coupled with good food makes for a desirable dining experience.

Issho is located at 248 Lower Heidelberg Road. It is open from Tuesdays to Thursdays from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM, Fridays, and Saturdays from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM and then again from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Issho is closed on Mondays and Sundays.

Ivanhoe East Is The Place To Be

Looking for a casual spot to grab lunch or something more luxurious for dinner? Name it, Ivanhoe East has it.

From classic cafes to fine dining, there’s something in the suburb’s village shops to suit every taste bud. Take the opportunity to explore some of these amazing eateries today and see why Ivanhoe East is a darling among Aussie foodies.