Murrumbeena: The Melbourne neighbourhood where art and heritage thrive

Murrumbeena may be one of Melbourne’s smaller suburbs, but it’s big on personality. Art, community, heritage and greenery thrive here – matching a burgeoning cafe scene.

Case in point: Levi, the denim-factory-turned-cafe, is filled with character and top eats. Try its take on an eggs Benny, with slow-cooked beef short ribs, baba ganoush, burnt-butter hollandaise and pickled onion.

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Just outside there’s The Story of Big Frog, a vibrant mural of colourful dancing amphibians from celebrated artist (and Murrumbeena local) Anthony Breslin. Across the way is Neerim Road’s heritage-protected 1880s-era shopping strip.

Head south and you’ll find Murrumbeena Community Garden filled with sculptures, signs and art – as well as fruit and veg. It’s a testament to the suburb’s focus on community and sustainability, providing green space for residents to grow fresh produce.

Head north for Boyd Park, named for the suburb’s links to the Boyd artistic dynasty, which contributed to ​​Australia’s 20^th-century art and cultural heritage through painting, sculpture, architecture and more. (There’s also a self-guided Boyd walking tour for more local arty hotspots.)

Top up on coffee at Karate Kid-inspired cafe Daniel Son. Owned by mother-and-son duo Trish and Todd Pryse (both Murrumbeena locals), it serves hearty breakfast and lunch staples.

Or head to Citizen Cafe, whose animal-themed menu includes the fan-favourite and very green Frog – a medley of smashed avocado, pesto, spinach and green beans on a bed of scrambled eggs and toast. Or try Jack the Milkman for brunch and specialty coffee housed in an old-school milk bar.

Other food options include Ciccio’s Woodfire Pizzeria for traditional pizzas and family classics like Nonna Tina’s eggplant parmigiana, and Streets of Hyderabad for authentic Indian street food.

Or head to Oasis bakery, a multifaceted venue combining bakery, cafe and grocery store, where you can indulge in Middle Eastern eats and shop international ingredients.

As evening falls, Murrumbeena Wine Bar is the spot to unwind – perfectly positioned for commuters filing out of Murrumbeena train station at knock-off time. There are more than 50 Australian wines on offer and a rotating menu of snacks that could easily substitute for a midweek dinner.

This article first appeared in Domain Review, in partnership with Broadsheet.