Andrew Zuccala

Andrew Zuccala is the Melbourne Editor for Concrete Playground, writing about all the best things to do in the city. This includes sharing the most exciting new bars and restaurants you need to check out, the coolest events taking place each week, and just about anything else that’ll help you explore Melbourne to the fullest.

Andrew has a heap of experience as a lifestyle writer — focusing on food and travel — having worked for several publications in Australia and the UK. He’s always eating and drinking about town, hitting up exhibitions, dancing at live gigs and going on day trips around Victoria. Concrete Playground is where he’s sharing all these adventures.

Favourite restaurant in Melbourne: I love Amiconi Restaurant in West Melbourne. It’s an old-school Italian joint that’s been around for over 60 years, serving up authentic Sicilian eats with a BYO wine license. If you're going with a group, make sure you order the banquet feast — there's no way you'll be leaving hungry.

Bar
Caretaker's Cottage

139-141 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

This Melbourne bar is home to some of the world's best cocktails.

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Restaurant
Central Club Hotel

240 - 248 Victoria Street, North Melbourne

Find the recently renovated pub right across the road from the Queen Vic Market.

Book a Table

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News
We're Giving Away the Ultimate Lake Macquarie Getaway for You and Seven Mates

The prize includes an $800 voucher to spend at the lavish 8 at Trinity restaurant as well as a two-night stay at Luxe Terrace for up to eight people.

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The Courthouse

86-90 Errol Street, North Melbourne

The Courthouse Hotel is officially back open for business following a stunning restoration and refurbishment project by four hospo pros.

Book a Table

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News
Australia's Largest Sneaker Convention Is Bringing Its Rare Kicks to Sydney This Summer

When Sneakerland hits town expect live sneaker auctions, a sneaker museum, huge prizes, basketball comps and DJs.

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Restaurant
Longrain Melbourne

44 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne

Dine on modern Thai dishes within an impeccably restored horse stable.

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Restaurant
Amiconi Restaurant

359 Victoria Street, West Melbourne

This dining institution has been serving up authentic Italian fare to West Melbourne locals for over 60 years.

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News
Chasing the Sun: Nine Nature-Filled Western Australian Holidays You Can Book Right Now

Jump on a luxury cruise around the Top End, swim with whale sharks at Ninglaoo Reef or road trip around Margaret River wineries.

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Event
The Sydney Gin Festival 2023

Fri, 21 Jul - Sat, 22 Jul 2023
WINX Stand, Royal Randwick Racecourse, Randwick

Some of the most exciting players in Australia's craft gin game are descending upon Sydney for two days of tastings.

Buy Tickets

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Event
Nocturne: An Immersive Journey

Thu, 1 Jun - Thu, 15 Jun 2023
The Rocks

Explore Sydney with recordings from a group of First Nations guides on this immersive walk around The Rocks and Walsh Bay.

Buy Tickets

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Restaurant
Lana

5-7 Young Street, Sydney

Prepare for a highly creative, well-polished yet unpretentious dining experience in the heart of Sydney

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News
From African Safaris to Diving with Whales: Eight Epic Holidays for Animal Lovers You Can Book Now

Book these once-in-a-lifetime nature-filled travel experiences through Concrete Playground Trips.

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Restaurant
St Kai

38 Balmoral Road, Mortdale

Brunch gets a Japanese makeover at this Mortdale cafe.

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Restaurant
Kosta's Takeaway

412 West Botany Street, Rockdale

Sangas for days.

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Restaurant
Happyfield

96 Ramsay Street, Haberfield

Haberfield's fast-paced American-style diner.

Book a Table

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Restaurant
Maggio's Cafe

457 Miller Street, Cammeray

Come for the Italian pastries — stay for the brunch, pizza and pasta.

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Restaurant
Queen Ester

7 Robertson Road, Newport

This spot is championing brightly flavoured Israeli food — and is home to some of Sydney's best falafels.

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Bar
Bar Ampere

16 Russell Place, Melbourne

End your night with French aperitifs and raclettes at this Parisian-style bar.

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Bar
Caz Reitop's Dirty Secrets

80 Smith Street, Collingwood

Late-night cocktails on Collingwood's Smith Street.

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Bar
Henson Park Hotel

91 Illawarra Road, Marrickville

Marrickville's beloved home of rugby league and beer garden bevs.

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