The Localist: Melbourne - Concrete Playground

Concrete Playground
September 17, 2019

Online shopping is great and everything, but it’s not quite the same as doing it IRL. If you want to trawl through racks of vintage clothes, meet the people who actually made the thing you’re buying or stumble across something you never knew you needed, you need to get out there and hit the pavement.

Luckily, Melbourne has no end of high streets, village strips and gem-filled suburban pockets for you (and your credit card) to explore. But knowing where to go isn’t always easy. That’s why, together with American Express, we’ve created The Localist.

We’ve sifted through our directory — from Carlton to Collingwood, Footscray to St Kilda — to seek out the best local boutiques, grocers, specialty stores and food stops for when you’re on the hunt for something super specific or extra special. And, as a bonus, all of these shops and eateries will accept your American Express Card, meaning that you can Shop Small with ease. So browse our shopping guides and use our handy map to find what you’re looking for or plan a weekend shopping adventure.

Find Your Playground

Inner North

Inner East

Inner City

Bayside

Eastern Suburbs

Western Suburbs

Choose Your Moments

Find a store near you to suit your needs — whatever the situation may be.

Guide
Set Menus to Order When You Want to Eat Well But For Less Than $50

Pay less, eat more.
Guide
Where to Eat When You're Craving All the Food You Ate on Your Trip to Japan

Go to Japan without ever leaving Melbourne.
Guide
Where to Eat When You're Saving but Don't Feel Like Another Meal at Home

Places for a weeknight feed that won't blow the budget.
Guide
Five Conveniently Located Cafes That Also Serve a Quality Cup of Joe

A good coffee spot should have two things: a top-notch brew and a convenient location.
Guide
Six Eateries to Hit When You're Running Errands and Need a Good Feed to Keep You Going

There's nothing like hanger pangs to ruin your day, so fuel up on Korean fried chicken, sushi and monster salads.
Guide
Where to Eat When It's Not Quite Payday But You Just Can't Eat Anymore Leftovers

Warm the soul with ramen, tuck into a stacked burger and dip into a curry, even when money is tight.
Guide
Six Local Grocers to Hit When You're Feeling Like a Culinary Master

From locally made sausages to imported cheeses and obscure vegan snacks, these grocers have all the ingredients you need to take your next home-cooked meal to the next level.
Guide
Where to Shop When You're Craving More Hygge in Your Home

Make your place a cosy hideaway with pastel homewares, comfy linens and unique art pieces from these design shops.
Guide
Six Kid-Friendly Spots to Hit When Everyone's Feeling Hangry

Calm the nerves and tanties and fill bellies at these spots for the fam.
Guide
Where to Enjoy Your Champagne Tastes on a Beer Budget in Melbourne

Live the high life without the high price tag.
Guide
Seven Eateries to Hit When You're Trying to Make Meat-Free Monday a Habit

With options like these, you may even opt to go meat-free more than just once a week.
Guide
Where to Eat Pizza When All Your Friends Are Doing Italian Summer and FOMO Levels Are High

From chewy Neapolitan rounds to some of the best slices in the word.
Guide
Seven Date Spots in Melbourne Perfect for Celebrating a Landmark Anniversary

Whether you're celebrating two months or two decades, these cosy spots will let you do it over date-appropriate martinis, dishes and dessert.
Guide
Where You Can Eat, Drink and Bring Your Fur Baby in Melbourne

Put an end to the separation anxiety.
Guide
Where to Brunch When a Celebration Is in Order

Brunching is for any event, but especially for celebrations.
Guide
Five Spots Where You Can Channel Your Inner Child in Melbourne

For those weeks when you've had enough of adulting.
Guide
Where to Eat Outside in Melbourne When You Need Some Vitamin D

After being holed up all week in the office, get out and soak up some sun.
Guide
Where to Take Out-of-Towners to Eat When You Want to Show Off Your City

Treat yourself and your newcomer to a food-tour of the city.
Guide
Where to Eat When You Want to Be Healthy but a Cleanse Sounds Like Hell

Healthy doesn't have to mean boring.
Guide
Where to Become Human Again in Melbourne After a Big Night Out

Some of Melbourne's best places to turn your hangover around.
Guide
Where to Eat Burgers in Melbourne when Mondayitis Hits Hard

Melbourne’s best and most cheerful restaurants for a burg and a brew when you need it most.
Guide
Where to Eat Solo When You Just Need Some You Time

Just because you're hermitting that doesn't mean you have to eat every meal at home.
Guide
Where to Drink Good Wine in Melbourne After a Tough Day at Work

Establishments to cater to any post-work need (or crisis).
Guide
Where to Eat in the City When You Want to Feel Like the Boss

Places that are ideal for smart lunches with big groups of friends or colleagues.
Guide
Melbourne's Best Retro Spots for When You're Feeling Nostalgic

The question isn't just where to go, it's which era to spend time in.
Guide
Melbourne's Best Happy Hours for Some Serious Co-Worker Bonding

Options that will put the mate in workmate.
Guide
Where to Make It Rain (Within Reason) on Payday

For when you get that urge to splurge.
Guide
Where to Go When a Big Bowl of Pasta Is the Only Thing That Will Make You Feel Better

For when only carbs can make things right.
Guide
Melbourne's Most Impressive Spots for When You Finally Meet the Parents

Respectable restaurants that'll set the tone and put you in their good books.

SHOP SMALL ALL AROUND MELBOURNE

Love where you live — wherever that may be.