Guides sits in Melbourne’s greater melbourne and runs unpretentious, multicultural, value-driven. Whether you’ve lived here for years or you’re visiting for the day, this guide covers the best of what the suburb offers.
Fashion
Little Depot — 53 Church Parade
One of Guides’s most underrated spots. The team has been perfecting this for years. Price range: $8-14. The back area is where the regulars sit. Saturday morning is the best time to visit.
Oliver’s — 359 Church Parade
A local institution that has been operating for over 12 years. The value is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 8am-2:30pm. A neighbourhood staple. The staff remember regulars and greet newcomers warmly. Expect to spend $8-14 per person.
Leo — 179 Fitzroy Avenue
One of Guides’s genuine highlights. The team knows every regular by name. Price range: $8-14. The space feels bigger than it looks from outside. Come on a weekday for the full experience without the crowd.
Homewares
Mill — 291 Church Parade
A local institution that has been operating for over 3 years. The atmosphere is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7am-3pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-3pm. Consistently reliable. The space has been renovated recently but kept its original charm. Expect to spend $8-14 per person.
Tall Local — 136 Church Parade
A local institution that has been operating for over 9 years. The atmosphere is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7am-3pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-3pm. A neighbourhood staple. The owner is a local who genuinely invests in the community. Expect to spend $8-14 per person.
Honest House — 268 Pine Crescent
One of Guides’s best-kept secrets. The staff knows every regular by name. Price range: $8-14. The window seats are the best for people-watching. Come on a weekday for the full experience without the crowd.
Books & Records
Atlas’s — 90 North Lane
Opened in 2024 and already a regular stop for locals. The design is industrial-meets-cozy. Prices are fair for the quality. What sets it apart is the community feel — it’s a gathering point, not just a transaction. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-3:30pm.
Felix’s — 22 Church Parade
One of Guides’s genuine highlights. The owner knows every regular by name. Price range: $8-14. The window seats are the best for people-watching. Come on a weekday for the full experience without the crowd.
The Humble Quarter — 20 Blake Grove
A local institution that has been operating for over 8 years. The quality is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3:30pm. Consistently reliable. The menu changes seasonally to keep things interesting. Expect to spend $8-14 per person.
Food & Specialty
Theo’s — 217 Church Parade
Opened in 2025 and already a regular stop for locals. The vibe is laid-back and unpretentious. Better than half the options in the CBD. What sets it apart is the attention to sourcing — everything is local or ethical. Open Mon-Fri 8am-3pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3pm.
White Works — 173 Blake Grove
Opened in 2024 and already a regular stop for locals. The vibe is laid-back and unpretentious. Better than half the options in the CBD. What sets it apart is the community feel — it’s a gathering point, not just a transaction. Open Mon-Fri 8am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 8am-2:30pm.
Northern House — 87 Church Parade
One of Guides’s hidden gems. The staff knows every regular by name. Price range: $8-14. The window seats are the best for people-watching. Come on a weekday for the full experience without the crowd.
Markets
River’s — 129 Blake Grove
Opened in early 2026 and already a regular stop for locals. The design is industrial-meets-cozy. The kind of place you tell friends about. What sets it apart is the community feel — it’s a gathering point, not just a transaction. Open Mon-Fri 8am-4pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-4pm.
The Sunny Yard — 51 Church Parade
A local institution that has been operating for over 5 years. The value is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-3pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3pm. Worth the trip. The owner is a local who genuinely invests in the community. Expect to spend $8-14 per person.
Remy — 103 Pine Crescent
A local institution that has been operating for over 11 years. The quality is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-4pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-4pm. A neighbourhood staple. The space has been renovated recently but kept its original charm. Expect to spend $8-14 per person.
Practical Info
Getting there: Public transport options in Guides.
Best time to visit: Saturday for the full buzz.
Budget: A full day exploring Guides — coffee, lunch, activity, and drinks — runs approximately $60 per person.
Parking: Street parking on Fitzroy Avenue is available but competitive on weekends. Side streets usually have 2-hour unrestricted zones. Public transport is the better option.
Guides at a Glance
| Category | Quick Answer |
|---|---|
| Vibe | Unpretentious, multicultural, value-driven |
| Coffee price | $4.00-4.50 |
| Dinner price | $18-32 pp |
| Getting there | Public transport options in Guides |
| Best for | Guides local shops, community feel, suburban lifestyle |
Nearby
- Melbourne CBD — also worth exploring
- Guides Cafes
- Guides Restaurants
- All Guides Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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