A Bayside Story: Ormond Road, Elwood
With leafy streets and beachside views, Elwood nestles comfortably into a refined and relaxed pocket of Melbourne’s bayside. Today, C&G takes a trip down Elwood’s main precinct, Ormond Road, for its best little spots to grab a coffee, pick up a bite to eat and do a spot of cheeky shopping.
Foodies will know of Dandelion, the modern Vietnamese restaurant brought to life by lauded chef Geoff Lindsay. Visit here for wonderfully lavish, authentically flavoured Vietnamese dishes – our tip is to visit with friends for a full Dandelion feast! Share curries, claypots, fragrant salads and meat and fish fresh from the coconut grill. For the budget-conscious, you can’t go wrong at Jimmi Jamz. The Elwood institution cooks up twenty gourmet pizzas which all come in under $10 – or a pocket-pleasing $6 if you happen to visit on a Monday or Tuesday, or between 12pm-5pm from Wednesday-Friday. Pastas, foccacias and salads are also available.
Ormond Road also has a couple of relative newcomers that are making a bit of buzz on the café scene. BOSQUE Eatery boasts an all-day breakfast and brunch/lunch menu, and is winning customers over with dishes like Buttermilk pancakes with caramelised peaches, vanilla mascarpone & pistachio biscotti crumbs, and ‘Three Little Pigs’ - sticky pork, grilled pineapple & lime salsa and chipotle mayo avocado served on a house made flour tortilla’s. We also hear the coffee affogato is a winner! The Joinery brings a country café feel to the Elwood strip, and is a huge hit with the locals – and not least of all because of the superb Coffee Supreme brew. Much loved favourite Combi Coffee have moved to gorgeous new premises at Shop 1/140 Ormond Road Elwood. If you are in the market for an organic cold pressed juice, fresh raw super food smoothie or yummy healthy brekkie and lunch options then make sure you check it out.
If you’re on for a bit of shopping, Ormond Road has some beautiful shops to explore. Don’t miss out on The Grumpy Swimmer, a bookstore and true Elwood establishment. Helmed by friendly and knowledgable staff, you’ll find a treasure trove of tomes old and new. The Grumpy Swimmer thrives in its celebration of books and the Elwood community with book clubs and literary events. Take a look at C&G’s interview with owner Clifford Posner here.