Balaclava Suburb Profile

It’s a grand claim to make in this café-obsessed city, but living in Balaclava just might put you at the heart of 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, living in Balaclava offers a unique cultural experience as it is home to a large portion of Melbourne’s Orthodox Jewish community. You’re just as 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, with kosher restaurants and bakeries turning out some of the best rye bread in town, along with gleaming challah and intricate pastries. Buzzing Carlisle Street is the neighbourhood’s lifeblood, filled with cafés, vintage boutiques, and chic homewares stores. And while things might get a little quiet once the sun goes down, the bright lights of St Kilda are just around the corner. 

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.