Northcote Rise

Any time is a good time to pick up knitting, but now that winter has officially arrived, there's never been a better excuse to cosy up with a new project.

is Northcote's go-to destination for knitters, crocheters and fibre enthusiasts of all skill levels. The welcoming store is filled with beautiful yarns, quality tools and inspiration for your next handmade creation, whether you're tackling a complex pattern or picking up the needles for the very first time.

Not sure where to start? Woolarium's classes are the perfect way to learn the basics, build confidence and connect with a community of fellow makers. The knowledgeable team is always on hand to offer advice, answer questions and help bring your creative ideas to life.

So grab a pattern, choose your yarn and embrace the slower pace of the season. Your next cosy winter project is waiting.

📍 265 High Street, Northcote

Northcote locals and visitors alike have found Wazzup Falafel to be a favourite for authentic Jordanian-Palestinian cuisine, bringing the rich flavours and traditions of the Middle East to the heart of Northcote Rise.

Founded by chef and co-owner Ahmad Al Alaea, began as a food truck before finding its permanent home on High Street. Inspired by a desire to recreate the falafel he grew up with in Jordan, Ahmad has built a loyal following around fresh, flavour-packed plant-based dishes made with care and authenticity.

Everything is made in-house, from the pita baked fresh each morning to the hummus, tahini and condiments. At the centre of the menu is Wazzup's signature falafel, crafted using chickpeas, fresh parsley and a unique 21-spice blend that keeps customers coming back for more.

Known for its warm hospitality, quality ingredients and traditional recipes, Wazzup Falafel offers a genuine taste of the Middle East and a welcoming dining experience that reflects the vibrant spirit of Northcote.

📍 343 High Street, Northcote

A great haircut is about more than just hair, and that's the philosophy behind Helluva Hair Studio.

Located at 178 High Street, this relaxed and creative salon is home to founder Jim Mariani, who brings more than 35 years of industry experience to every appointment. With a passion for creativity and a keen eye for detail, Jim and his team work closely with clients to create styles that feel authentic, wearable and uniquely their own.

Whether you're after a fresh cut, colour refresh, curl specialist, conditioning treatment or a complete transformation, Jim combines technical expertise with a warm, welcoming approach that keeps clients coming back.

The salon's laid-back atmosphere makes it easy to settle in, enjoy a chat and take some time out while the team works their magic. It's a place where creativity, connection and great service come together to deliver a truly personalised experience.

📍 178 High Street, Northcote

Today is Hamburger Day, and there's no better place to celebrate on Northcote Rise than 300 Grams!

A favourite among Northcote burger lovers, @300.grams serves up the kind of burgers childhood dreams are made of. The signature 300 Gs burger is stacked with a juicy beef patty, cheese, lettuce, onion, tomato, pickles and their famous 300 sauce, while the crowd-favourite Hot Bird combines Southern fried chicken, slaw, cheese and chilli mayo for the ultimate flavour hit.

Seafood fans can sink their teeth into the Scalable, featuring crumbed fish, tartar sauce, cheese, lettuce and pickles, while plant-based diners are well catered for with vegan burger and vegan fried chicken options on the menu.

Pair your burger with a serve of Mac Fries and an Oreo thick shake, and you've got yourself a Hamburger Day feast worth celebrating.

📍 313 High Street, Northcote

🍔 Happy Hamburger Day from Northcote Rise!

There’s something special about Northcote Rise 💛

From live music and local art to incredible food, wellness services, unique retail stores and the people behind them, High Street is full of creativity, connection and community spirit.

Whether you’re here for your morning coffee, a night at the theatre or a wander through the local shops, there’s always something to discover on Northcote Rise.

Behind the lights, live music and packed-out shows, Northcote Theatre has become one of Melbourne’s most loved cultural destinations — but its story is one of passion, persistence and community.

Speaking with Northcote Rise, part owner Andrew Mansfield shared how the iconic venue at 216–218 High Street was transformed from a largely dormant former wedding reception centre into a thriving live music and arts space. Taking on the project just weeks before Melbourne’s first COVID lockdown, the team faced enormous challenges restoring the heritage-listed building while navigating uncertainty, delays and extensive renovations.

Today, the hosts hundreds of gigs, welcoming audiences from across Melbourne and around Australia. From the very first show with Spiderbait to memorable performances by artists including Charlie XCX, Kim Gordon, Peaches and CMAT, the theatre has built a reputation for bringing incredible live music experiences to the heart of Northcote.

Andrew says the magic of the venue is seeing people come together — whether it’s dancing, discovering a new artist or simply escaping life for a few hours surrounded by community, music and joy.
And on any big show night, you can feel that energy ripple right along High Street. 🎶

Step inside Indigo Republic at 275 High Street and you’ll quickly discover this is much more than a clothing and homewares store — it’s a space filled with story, craftsmanship and heart.

Run by mother-and-daughter team Jennifer and Rochelle, brings together ethically sourced clothing, handcrafted textiles, jewellery and homewares from artisan communities across India, Laos and beyond. Many pieces are handwoven, naturally dyed or stitched by hand, preserving traditional textile practices while directly supporting women’s groups, makers and marginalised communities.

Jennifer’s journey began over a decade ago after spending time living and working with women’s collectives in India, helping create sustainable income opportunities through textile and craft work. The business has become a true family collaboration, with Jennifer’s eldest daughter Chloe — an experienced pattern maker who has worked both in Australia and London — also contributing to the design and garment-making process.

From beautiful quilts and scarves to handmade jewellery and slow fashion pieces designed in-house, everything at Indigo Republic has been thoughtfully chosen with sustainability, ethics and artistry in mind.
A truly special addition to Northcote Rise and well worth a visit next time you’re wandering High Street.

Calling all First Nations artists!

Expressions of Interest are now open for the first featured artwork in Northcote Portraits — a new public art project celebrating the rich First Nations and multicultural stories that shape Northcote today.

Launching the project, this significant artwork will be created for the Northcote Town Hall Civic Square and will set the tone for the wider initiative across the Northcote Rise precinct.

Northcote Portraits will deliver permanent small to medium sized street artworks that honour the people, cultures, histories and lived experiences that make our community so unique. Through creativity and storytelling, the project aims to strengthen community pride, celebrate local identity and transform public spaces.

This initiative is being delivered in collaboration with the Victorian State Government, Darebin Council, the Northcote Business Association and local artist Grace West.

For more information about the Northcote Portraits Project, selection criteria and how to apply, head to the link in our About section.

Have you visited Curiosities Curated by The Jacob Miller Show at 354 High Street, Northcote yet?

This quirky and carefully curated Northcote pop-up is packed with personality, affordable finds and plenty of unexpected treasures. Created by Jacob Miller, the concept was inspired by overseas op shops that still felt fun, welcoming and accessible — with hand-selected pieces, vintage finds, giftware and curiosities all brought together under one roof.

Everything in store is thoughtfully curated, with a strong focus on saving quality items from landfill while keeping prices affordable and inclusive for the community. From clothing and accessories to incense, temporary tattoos and fun gifts, there’s something for everyone to discover.

The space has also become known for celebrating inclusivity and gender diversity through its community-focused events and welcoming atmosphere.

Their upcoming event, “Queeriosities”, takes place on Saturday 17 May from 4.30pm–8pm, honouring IDAHOBIT with storewide discounts and a celebration of the gender diverse community. ✨🏳️‍🌈

Well worth a visit to next time you’re wandering High Street.

Looking after yourself and your loved ones has never been easier with Northcote Rise’s incredible range of health and wellness services right on your doorstep.

Whether you’re searching for a doctor, massage therapist, psychologist, podiatrist, dentist, Chinese medicine practitioner, child speech pathologist or anything in between, the Northcote Rise is packed with local professionals ready to help you feel your best.

From physical health to mental wellbeing, family care and holistic wellness, High Street has you covered.

Support local while taking care of you — check out the Northcote Rise directory today and discover the amazing health and wellness services in our community.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing mums, mother figures and carers in our Northcote Rise community.

To the mums running businesses, supporting families, caring for others and keeping our community thriving — today we celebrate you. Thank you for the warmth, creativity and care you bring to High Street every day.

We’re also thinking of those spending Mother’s Day missing their mums remembering mother figures they’ve lost.

Wishing all of our mum traders and community members a beautiful day filled with love and connection.

Still searching for the perfect Mother’s Day gift? 💐

Northcote Rise has you covered for all those thoughtful last-minute finds. From beautiful flowers, handmade gifts and homewares to fashion, jewellery, books, wellness treats and gift vouchers, there’s something special waiting along High Street.

Why not make a day of it and treat Mum to brunch, lunch, dinner or a sweet treat while you’re here too.

Shopping local not only supports our amazing traders, but helps keep our vibrant High Street thriving.

Take a wander through Northcote Rise this weekend and discover the perfect way to spoil Mum ❤️

Bringing a lively and social dining experience to High Street, Hi Hot Pot is quickly becoming a local favourite for shared meals and big flavours.

Located at 337 High Street, the restaurant specialises in authentic Chinese-style hot pot, with guests able to choose from a range of delicious soup bases — including a special regional Chinese broth unique to the restaurant, alongside favourites like Laksa and Tom Yum.

Diners then build their own hot pot experience by selecting from fresh meats, seafood, vegetables, noodles and dumplings to cook at the table. With plenty of vegetarian options available, it’s an easy and inclusive dining option for groups with different tastes.

The space feels warm and welcoming, thanks to the friendly team and owner Jimbo, whose passion for great food and hospitality is clear from the moment you walk in. Fresh, flavour-packed and seriously satisfying, Hi Hot Pot is the kind of place that keeps people coming back.

It’s another fantastic addition to Northcote Rise’s vibrant and ever-growing food scene.

At 267 High Street, Northcote, Big Dreams is more than a store it’s a reflection of its owner, Mary, and nearly two decades of passion, creativity and community connection—with just a touch of childhood magic woven through it all.

With a background in textiles and years in the fashion industry, Mary brings a deep appreciation for quality, craftsmanship and thoughtful design into everything the store offers. What began as an opportunity to step into retail has grown into a much-loved destination for unique baby and children’s gifts, clothing and toys carefully sourced both locally and from small makers around the world.

Over the years, has evolved organically. Alongside curated brands, Mary has created and nurtured her own labels, including Australian-made pieces and collaborations with local makers from knitted garments to handcrafted accessories. There’s a strong focus on natural materials, timeless design and items made to last, with a growing pre-loved offering that keeps beautiful pieces in circulation.

Step inside and you’ll find that little spark of nostalgia beautiful things to discover, thoughtful details, and a sense of wonder that feels both familiar and special.

A true Northcote local built with love and designed to be discovered.

💐 MOTHER’S DAY ON NORTHCOTE RISE 💐

We’re celebrating all the incredible mums, mother figures, and chosen family in our lives—and we want to know…

If you were planning the perfect Mother’s Day on Northcote Rise, what would you do?

Tell us one of the following:

Where you’d take her to eat or sip
OR
Where you’d find the perfect gift for her

🎁 We’ll be giving away:
2 x $100 vouchers to spend at your chosen spots (up to 2 local businesses per entry)
(to be used between winner announcement and Mother’s Day)

To enter:

Comment your answer below
Tag the business you’ve chosen + someone you’d share the day with.

Entries close Tuesday 5th May. Winners announced by DM on Wednesday 6th May.

Let’s show some love to the incredible traders that make Northcote Rise what it is 💛

Located at 208 High Street, Top of the Hill Café has been keeping locals fuelled since opening in October just before COVID.

Taking over the space after it previously traded briefly, this family-run café found its rhythm during challenging times. With a strong grab-and-go focus, it carved out its niche without competing with sit-down brunch spots — instead offering quality takeaway coffee, fresh sandwiches, wraps and rolls for locals on the move.

Open from 7am weekdays (8am weekends), it’s a go-to for early workers, tradies, morning walkers and anyone needing a reliable caffeine fix. They proudly pour Symmetry Coffee as their house blend, alongside rotating specialty beans for batch brew and cold drip.

Owned by the same family behind The Peacock Inn, the café is part of a long-standing High Street presence. After nearly 20 years in the area, they’ve witnessed Northcote Rise evolve into the thriving, supportive strip it is today.

Simple, local and community-minded, is exactly what a neighbourhood takeaway spot should be — consistent, welcoming and proudly part of the Northcote Rise story.

Something new for Northcote Rise!

We wanted to share a new local initiative—Darebin Community Clean Crew—a volunteer-led group bringing people together to help clean up graffiti and take a bit of pride back in our neighbourhood.

Made up of community volunteers (led by local Anthony Avitabile) and the Northcote Business Association, it’s all about small, consistent actions that make a real, visible difference—especially along High Street.

If you’ve walked past tagging that’s overstayed its welcome and thought “someone should really sort that out”… this is a great way to be part of that change.

No experience needed. Just a willingness to get involved, meet good people, and contribute in whatever way you can—even if it’s just occasionally.

👉 Join the Facebook group: facebook.com/groups/darebincommunitycleanupcrew
👉 Keep an eye out for upcoming clean-up days

Let’s look after the place we all share. 💛

Fifteen years on High Street calls for a proper celebration—and Estelle is doing it in style 🥂

From April 27 to May 2, Estelle is marking their 15th birthday with a full week of events—think a special Birthday Dinner, a lively Afterparty, and $15 cocktails flowing all week.

If you’ve been meaning to book a table, this is your moment. Round up your crew, lock in a spot, and celebrate with one of Northcote’s long-time favourites.

Bookings can be made on the Estelle website.

Record Store Day has landed on Northcote Rise 🎶

Head down to Rathdowne Records and Dixon Recycled Records, whether you’re sorting through the crates, chasing a rare find, or just soaking up the atmosphere you're sure to find a gem on Northcote Rise.

And it doesn’t stop there! High Street all the way from Northcote to Preston is packed with record stores, so make a day of it and support local along the strip.

If you need a pit stop, Northcote Social Club has you sorted—spend $75 at Rowdys and receive a free schooner of beer or cider.

Other venues, please feel free to share your Record Store Day offers in the comments below👇

Looking to explore the best of High Street, Northcote?

We’ve recently refreshed our online trader directory — and it’s never been easier to navigate.

To search, head to northcoterise.com.au/directory and browse by business name or type. Each business has its own listing, with traders regularly updating their hours and contact details — so you know you’re getting the most up-to-date info.

Packed with all your favourite local spots (and maybe a few new discoveries), everything is neatly categorised to help you find exactly what you need, fast.

Start exploring 💛

Emma Rea Fine Jewellery at 246 High Street, is a beautifully curated, one-woman creative studio where old-world romance meets modern independence.

Founded during lockdown after a ring-making class sparked something unexpected, the brand grew from hobby to full-time passion. With a background in fashion — and even time spent studying law — Emma’s path hasn’t been linear but has been deeply organic. What began as an online business has evolved into a Northcote storefront and working studio, where every piece is designed and handcrafted on site.

Her designs draw from Victorian and Edwardian eras, antique heirlooms, fairy tales and a subtle gothic edge. Think intricate silver and gold pieces that feel heirloom-worthy yet deeply personal — jewellery that tells a story and doesn’t follow a trend.

The space itself reflects Emma’s world: antique textures, collected curiosities and carefully selected garments and fragrance that complement the moody, romantic atmosphere.

After searching Melbourne for the right shopfront, Emma found exactly what she’d been looking for on High Street — a visible space within a neighbourhood that genuinely values independent, creative businesses. Supporting small makers like this isn’t simply a purchase; it’s a conscious choice to champion artistry, craftsmanship and the unique character that makes Northcote Rise what it is.

On Northcote Rise, it’s not just the people we love — it’s the pets too 🐾

From traders’ four-legged “babies” holding down the shop, to local visitors popping by for a stroll, a treat, or even a cheeky brunch stop or drinks… pets are very much part of the community here.

Whether they’re visiting for grooming, vet care, a new toy, or just soaking up the attention (and let’s be honest, stealing the spotlight), we’re always happy to see a wagging tail or curious little face along High Street.

Next time you’re out and about, bring your furry friend along — they’re always welcome on Northcote Rise 💛

Modern Japanese kitchen, intimate, relaxed and full of character, Senkuban at 238 High Street brings contemporary Izakaya energy to Northcote Rise.

Led by chef Martin, is a love letter to Japanese charcoal cooking. Originally from China and now calling Melbourne home for nearly 20 years, Martin’s passion for Japanese cuisine has been shaped by years working in local Japanese restaurants and travels to Japan. The menu reflects that journey — grounded in tradition, elevated by experience and crafted with care.

Charcoal is the heart of the kitchen. Skewers grilled over open flame deliver that unmistakable depth of flavour, alongside generous share plates and beautifully balanced teishoku sets — complete with miso soup, a main, rice and seasonal sides. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick dinner or settling in to share with friends, the menu caters to both.

The space itself feels warm and personal. Think Tokyo’s retro City Pop vibe meets Northcote’s dining culture. Many of the benches and interior details were handcrafted by Martin, adding authenticity and soul to the dining experience.

Open for dinner, with lunch from Thursday to Saturday, Senkuban also offers gluten-free options, sake, Japanese cocktails and non-alcoholic choices.

A few months in, and already embraced by locals, Senkuban is quickly becoming part of High Street’s vibrant night-time rhythm.

Happy Easter, Northcote Rise 🐣✨

To our traders who bring the flavour, the vibe, and the heart — and the community who backs them every day… you make this strip what it is 💛

If you’re out soaking up the long weekend, swing past, say hi, grab a treat (or three… no judgement 🍫), and show your locals some love.

Good food, great company, and a little extra chocolate — sounds like a perfect Easter to us 🐰

As short a stay as it has been on Northcote Rise, we’ve loved having House of Reverence as part of our community.

Located at 378 High Street, the store is unlike anywhere else on the strip. Originally founded in Daylesford, it made its way to Northcote last year after a brief stint on Chapel Street.

Every piece bearing the logo is hand screen-printed in store, meaning no two garments are ever quite the same. Blending punk spirit with thoughtful design, the label focuses on reworked pieces, print-to-demand garments and fashion made to be lived in and loved. Inspired by a formative encounter with Vivienne Westwood, the philosophy is simple: keep it personal, resist mass production and create pieces that last.

Like many small independent businesses right now, House of Reverence has been doing it tough in the current economic climate, and Jason will be closing the store over the next few weeks.

If you’ve been meaning to pop in, now is the time. Drop by, say hello, have a look around and show some love to this unique local store before the doors close. Supporting independent businesses like this is what keeps neighbourhoods like Northcote Rise special.