The Sitchu Awards 2025 Finalists – Victoria

After an incredible wave of nominations from our readers, the results are in — the finalists for the very first Sitchu Awards have been revealed. These are the venues, businesses, and neighbourhood favourites across Victoria that you told us make life that little bit more extraordinary.

From romantic restaurants to artisan bakeries, boutique wellness havens to foodie escapes, this is your chance to celebrate the very best of local living — the places and people who make VIC shine.

Now it’s time to cast your vote for the winners in each category. By voting and supporting your favourites, you will go in the running to win *$1,000 cash.

The Categories & Nominees

Best Date Night Venue

• 98 Lygon St Bar & Bistro (Brunswick East)
• Doju (Melbourne CBD)
• Lola Belle (Fitzroy)
• Vinesmith (Melbourne CBD)
• Zareh (Collingwood)

Best Deli or Sandwich Spot

• Hector’s Deli (Multiple Locations)
• Hugo’s Deli (Richmond)
• JuJu’s Deli (Multiple Locations)
• Nico’s Sandwich Deli (Multiple Locations)
• Stefanino Panino e Vino (Collingwood)

Best Bakery

• Bakemono Bakers (Melbourne CBD)
• Baker Bleu (Multiple Locations)
• Bread Club (North Melbourne)
• To Be Frank (Collingwood)
• Zelda Bakery (Ripponlea)

Best Neighbourhood Bar

• 98 Lygon St Bar & Bistro (Brunswick East)
• Albert’s Wine Bar (Armadale)
• Gemini Melbourne (Coburg)
• Lola Belle (Fitzroy)
• Vinesmith (Melbourne CBD)

Best Region For a Weekend Escape

• Daylesford & Macedon Ranges
• Gippsland
• Great Ocean Road
• The Mornington Peninsula
• The Yarra Valley

Best New Restaurant Opening of 2025

• 98 Lygon St Bar & Bistro (Brunswick East)
• Harriot (Melbourne CBD)
• Muses Wine Bar (Fitzroy North)
• Vinesmith (Melbourne CBD)
• Zareh (Collingwood)

Best Coffee Spot

• Bell Street Coffee Window (Fitzroy)
• Gemini Melbourne (Coburg)
• Good Measure (Carlton)
• Patricia Coffee Brewers (Melbourne CBD)
• ST. ALi (South Melbourne)

Best Small Local Business – Lifestyle, Beauty, Fashion, Wellness

• Blanc Spa (Prahran)
• EQ (South Melbourne)
• Gertrude St Market (Fitzroy)
• Pinky’s (Preston)
• Thinkers & Makers (Caulfield North)

Best Foodie Suburb

• Brunswick
• Carlton
• Collingwood
• Fitzroy
• Melbourne CBD

Voting has now closed, thank you for taking part! Winners will be revealed on 12 November. Subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on Instagram to be the first to know.

*Terms and conditions apply, view them here.