Quality beats quantity in Mont Albert in Melbourne's inner east

Mont Albert, a sleepy pocket in Melbourne’s inner east, offers quality over quantity with a tight but charming selection of cafes, bakeries and shops.

Since opening in 2019, day-to-night eatery and deli Via Porta has built a local reputation as strong as its coffee. Inside you’ll find sun-kissed terrazzo interiors to fit its Southern Italy-inspired menu.

During the day get beef brisket toasties with house-made kimchi, crushed broccoli, mozzarella and spicy mayonnaise. By night, the team serves share-friendly antipasti, pasta and other Italian-leaning mains. Or stop by for coffee from Five Senses, and rotating roasters like Padre, Bench and Maker.

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Then there’s Matilda, an old milk bar that’s been converted into a French-inspired-cafe. Like your eggs served soft-boiled or perfectly fried on top of a croque madame? Find both on the menu alongside bagels, toasties and sweets, including cinnamon scrolls.

The cafe-corner store hybrid is across the road from smaller takeaway-only spot Petite by Matilda. Enjoy all the same goods on-the-go, as well as new catering options and celebration cakes.

Along Whitehorse Road is the family-run Swiss-style Hilltop Cake Shop. Pick from a glass cabinet generously filled with a neat and colourful array of fruit-glazed mini custard tarts, savoury pies, mini quiches and cake. Try a classic carrot, cherry and hazelnut, or espresso. Or venture further north to Madame Sourdough – a hidden gem for bread and pastries. Get in early for (sell out) rustic loaves and viennoiserie.

Take a break from food to visit Discrepancy Records & Gallery for its extensive and impressive range of new and used vinyl LPs. Or get active along several trails, most notably the Koonung Creek Trail – great for cyclists and walkers.

There are also local parks, including Elgar Park, Kingsley Gardens and Mont Albert Reserve, for dog-walking, leisurely strolls or casual weekend catch-ups.

As the sun sets local mainstays like St Albert’s Pizzeria serve comfort food. Known for its sourdough pizzas, opt for a fresh sugo or bianca base with your preferred toppings. Or take a seat at Flame Greek Tavern for simple grilled spit roasts and traditional home-style share plates.

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