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Hard to spell but easy to get to, people often forget how big the suburb of Maribyrnong is. It’s bordered by Maidstone in the south and its namesake river acts as a border to more northern suburbs like Ascot Vale and Aberfeldie. When it comes to eating in Maribyrnong, however, most people will point you to Highpoint – but there’s more to explore that you should know about.
Smokehouse 101
If you’re a barbecue fan, you will have heard of Smokehouse 101. It’s located on the busy Rosamond Road in a small strip of shops that’s easy to miss. Barbecued meat is the name of the game here with the crew smoking meat for up to 18 hours at a time, allowing flavours to really mellow. Smokehouse does barbecue packs which are great value and you can take your pick of protein: there’s chicken, pork belly, beef short rib and chilli beans for the veggos. Don’t skip dessert (it includes a deep-fried brownie).
101 Rosamond Road, Maidstone 3032. 03 9972 2622.
Lisica Café
On the other end of the spectrum, we have Lisica Café, a veggo and vegan café serving up tasty meals on Edgewater Boulevard. The plant-based menu features everything from falafel and Beyond Meat burgers to hearty nacho bowls, acai bowls and breakfast classics. The crispy “chicken” burger is a must-try.
6-7/45 Edgewater Boulevard, Maribyrnong 3032. 03 9317 3265.
Imbue Food and Wine
We suggest hitting up hip wine bar Imbue Food and Wine for date night. There’s a series of sharing plates on offer including three-cheese croquettes, seared scallops, burrata, roasted pork belly and fried chicken. Pair that with some mains like braised ox cheek and confit duck and a bottle of wine, and you’re golden. Imbue additionally offers a five-course feed me menu and it’s also open for brunch Tuesday to Saturday.
2/419 Gordon St, Maribyrnong 3032. 03 9088 8090.
St Burgs
What neighbourhood is complete without a stellar burger joint? Maribyrnong’s is St Burgs, home to some American-inspired smashed burger patties. There are simple burgs like the Cheesy D, or a crumbed mushroom burg, the St Shroom. The Big D looks deceptively like another “big” burger with two Gippsland grass-fed beef patties and “big d sauce” in a three-tier bun. For sides, there are waffle fries, onion rings, buffalo wings and even something called the D Goreng (crispy mi goreng noodles mixed with a smashed burger patty, American cheese and drizzled with Big D sauce). Wow.
4/41-45 Edgewater Boulevard, Maribyrnong 3032. 03 9317 7460.
Thonglor Thai Restaurant
Neighbourhood Thai classics come via Thonglor Thai Restaurant on Edgewater Boulevard. The casual venue is open for lunch and dinner daily, serving up everything from larb gai salad to stir-fried dishes like pad med mamuang and pad see ew and classic curries with lots of spice.
40 Edgewater Blvd, Maribyrnong 3032. 03 9317 9880.