Why South Yarra is the perfect place to spend a lazy weekend

No suburb has been better built for spending a lazy weekend than South Yarra. And trust us, there is plenty more to the suburb than Chapel Street – although it’s worth a lengthy stop.

To begin, grab a takeaway coffee from Gilson on Domain Road. Then join the hordes of weekend locals and get some brisk exercise with a morning walk around the Tan.

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Post-cardio, you could head back to Gilson for breakfast – or visit Kanteen, a cosy cafe on Alexandra Avenue overlooking the Yarra. There’s an all-day breakfast menu, but if you’re getting a late start we’d recommend the pides for lunch.

You could also head to Tivoli Road Bakery for a pastry (regardless of the time of day, it’s hard to go past the doughnuts), or choose Ned’s Bake on Toorak Road for an extensive breakfast menu, followed by some sweet treats.

There’s also new kid on the block Zita’s Focaccia, which is well worth the typical long line. It’s open from 12pm until sold out – this usually happens pretty quickly, so make sure you get there fast.

Now suitably fuelled, it’s time to do some shopping. The space at 41-43 Clifton Street is often home to warehouse sales, so keep an eye on what might be popping up.

For homewares and cosy winter robes, stop in at Hommey on Toorak Road or head to West Elm on Chapel Street for furniture. Scanlan Theodore and Zimmermann both have outposts on Chapel Street, or if you’re looking for a bargain hit up Secondo consignment store on Toorak Road.

In the market for bridal wear? Kyha is conveniently located on Chapel Street, too – we advise following your visit with a chicken sandwich next door at Rustica.

As for dinner, the obvious favourite is France-Soir. But for something casual, Pink Ginger has a loyal following, and newcomer Token is rapidly winning fans, too.

End the night with a film at Palace Cinema Como – it’s hard to beat that plush movie theatre feel, and a jumbo box of popcorn.

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