Nine Must-Visit Spots in Glebe for Every Occasion
Escape into inky worlds in quiet bookshops, lay claim to cosy cafe corners and end the day jumping between local watering holes.
Nine Must-Visit Spots in Glebe for Every Occasion
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Escape into inky worlds in quiet bookshops, lay claim to cosy cafe corners and end the day jumping between local watering holes.
Need some respite from the CBD hustle and bustle? Spend some time exploring the historic terrace-lined streets of Glebe. This endearing 'burb perched on the glistening harbour foreshore presents a tight-knit community charm you might not expect from such an inner city neighbourhood. You'll likely be met by shopkeepers who have been serving the village for decades, so have your best banter ready to rumble and learn about the colourful human histories of the area with each encounter.
In partnership with American Express, we've found a joint that'll sort you out whatever occasion brings you to Glebe — from a gift-hunting expedition to a night out with old friends.
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This Glebe Point Road mainstay is a one-stop-gift-shop specialising in classic blooms. When you’re in the fresh-cut flower game for more than two decades like the folks at Flowers on the Point, you learn the best way to commemorate a special date in floral form is with simple but stunning (and surprisingly affordable) bouquets.
Alongside buckets of dazzling proteas and smiling sunflowers, you’ll find a row of swiss cheese plants and elegant potted orchids for the houseplant obsessed. Since it’s likely your flora order won’t eat up your entire anniversary budget, peruse the shelves of soaps, candles and gift-giving accoutrement that’ll really make your present pop.
Image: Cassandra Hannagan
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Need to zhuzh up a spare room? Or, perhaps your new space needs a full makeover. Whatever your vision might be, the poised staff at Orient House can help select excellent interiors for your home. This rather fancy warehouse ships antiques, furniture and home decor from Africa, China and Southeast Asia right to the Bridge Road bend in Glebe.
You can colour a room with African textiles, splurge on vintage furniture from far-flung Chinese provinces and peruse a huge collection of handwoven lampshades and baskets.
Image: Elise Hassey
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We asked The Charleston co-owner Chris Morrison for his pick of the neighbourhood and he had this to say about Galluzzo Fruiterers: “It’s such a special place, so warm and welcoming. You might pop in to pick up groceries and end up chatting for much longer,” he says. “You’ll find the owners on the floor sharing their knowledge about the produce, then see them carrying customers’ groceries to their car for them.”
The Galluzzo family has tended to the fruit, veg and deli needs of Glebe residents for three generations. Whether you’re after a single summer peach as you pass the footpath stand or a home delivery of seasonal produce, Galluzzo Fruiterers will fill your cart with family food wisdom accumulated since opening day in 1934.
The adjoining deli and cheese room ensures the entire suburb is well-stocked with pickles, preserves and cured meats, as well as luxurious fromage imports of gorgonzola dolce and gruyere. Towering cream and maraschino cherry-topped Italian cakes also occasionally grace the shelves, and you can pick up weekly supplies bright and early from 6am, Monday to Saturday.
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You don’t need your astrological chart memorised to appreciate the crystal magic at Mineralism. If amethyst caves and healing gemstones mystify you, the absolute gems behind the counter in this jam-packed jewel warehouse are happy to explain the properties of any sparkly object that catches your eye.
Pick up personalised jewellery with a rough-cut birthstone or give the gift of positive thinking and confidence with a deck of affirmation cards. These unique objects exude meaning rather than wealth or status, so you can head home with a statement piece as well as handfuls of chunky rose aura quartz, smooth jade, cleansing candles, incense and tarot cards.
Image: Kitti Gould
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Join the fast-moving queue outside Ramen Goku if you’re after a hearty midweek lunch. It goes heavy on the pork-laden tonkotsu goodness but soy, miso, shio and even seafood tonkotsu broths are also available and provide alternative salty excursions.
Traditionalists can stick to the house-named ramen which ticks off the basics of the Japanese noodle soup: roasted pork, bamboo, shallots, delicate egg noodles and a gelatinous boiled egg. Mix up your bowl with an infusion of house-made black garlic oil, or order the yasai ramen and your rich soupy bowl will be crowned with stir-fried veg. Whatever ramen path you take, your dine-in or take-out feed won’t eat up a lobster ($20 note).
Image: Trent van der Jagt
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There’s an art to the act of brunch. The maybe-not-necessary meal requires casual elegance, a diverse all-day menu and camera-ready dishes, all of which The Wedge Espresso excels at. Pull up a stool at the long window bar and order the aptly named Brunch Bruschetta, featuring seasonal tomatoes, Paesanella ricotta, fresh basil and lemon oil on Brickfields sourdough or rye.
While the narrow space is best suited for one-on-one brunching, the menu could feed an army with dishes ranging from granola and hotcakes to pastrami and pickle toasties, plus expertly poured coffee from Single O. Every dish is plated as if ready for an art showing with this sundrenched spot acting as the perfect gallery.
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Whether history and architecture capture your literary heart or your bookworm soul belongs to science fiction, Gleebooks will likely have a rafter full of reads to freshen up your bookshelves. This split-level space is packed with stories from new writers and beloved ink maestros, and the upstairs area is a cosy soapbox for writers’ talks, book launches and lively literary debates throughout the week.
You’ll be well served here if you’re after the newest novel recruited by the infallible Reese’s Book Club, but the rambling Sappho Books is literally right next door should you crave secondhand pages or a Hemingway-style spot to simmer over wine and a good read.
Image: Kieran Gilfeather
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Pub grub devotees and their more discerning dinner mates will all be charmed by The Glebe Hotel. The Victorian terrace had a massive revamp in 2019, so the classic pub in front (flatscreen sports viewing and all) now runs in tandem with an elegant dining room out the back and a leafy, twinkly light-lit beer garden.
The same menu is available across all seating areas, so wherever your gang decides to take up residence they can throw back schooners of Tooheys and Guinness or sloe gin spritzes and complex wines by the glass. Similarly, almost every taste will be catered to with a food menu featuring everything from scotch eggs and chicken parmies to chargrilled octopus and beetroot salad.
Image: Guy Davies
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Whether your pooch is of the pampered variety or simply has an untameable mop, the expert groomers at Pets on the Point will transform your pup into a catwalk-ready canine. You can book your dog in for a basic wash and dry or a full groom and puppy pedicure. Pricing is dependent on your dog’s size and hair type (afghan hounds will have to go in for the premium service), and all shampoo, conditioners and fragrances are natural and antibacterial.
While you’re there, you can restock your dog’s cupboard with dry and fresh food, splurge on new doggo accessories and bedding, and get your pal’s flea, tick and worm treatments sorted.
