10 Best Breweries in Docklands

"The Colonial Brewing Co in Port Melbourne is a favourite spot for many a Melburnian beer fan. With a robust selection of regular beers on tap, the coming and going of each season brings new project brews to add to their offerings. Coupled with a tasty bar food menu that features wing and burgers, this is a beer mecca worth visiting."

"From humble beginnings in a backyard on Henry Street, this tiny artisan microbrewery in Kensington hand crafts a tasty range of beers and ales. With five core beers always available, the guys at Henry Street add to their line up throughout the year with seasonal and one-off brews that come from the beer epiphanies that strike the brewers in the house. The Brewery Bar at 5/38 Barrett Street, Kensington is open regularly."

"Notable for being Australia’s first female owned and operated brewery, the Two Birds Nest in Spotswood is home to their brewery and tasting room. Staple brews include their first and most popular beer, ‘Golden’ and the seasonal pour, ‘Stout’. Stop by for one, or make it a session and order something from the food menu that’s designed to complement the brews."

"Sam and Duncan first met while working at wineries in New Zealand and it’s there they hatched their idea for Hop Nation Brewing Co. Housed in a huge 130-year-old warehouse in Footscray, the red brick and wall murals create a relaxed vibe to sip the day away on one of their four core beers, like ‘The Fiend’, an Australian IPA that’s Aussie to the core. Keep an eye on their limited release beers too."

"The Moon Dog Brewery comes with a rags-to-riches story about how owners Jake, Josh and Karl opened their Abbotsford micro-brewery with a fistful of coins and a bucketful of determination. Now a household name in the craft beer scene and with changed fortunes under their belt, they haven’t forgotten their roots. Comfy couches and ramshackle style seating provide a chilled vibe in their warehouse pub to harbor a bottle of their Love Tap lager, Old Mate pale ale and Mack Daddy dark ale."

" With its unique identity and branding, Tutto Bene showcases the best Italian produce in a traditional eatery style, with uninterrupted picturesque skyline views of Melbourne"

"Established in the early twentieth century Grossi Florentino is one of the oldest fine dining restaurants in the Melbourne CBD area. When you go to Grossi, you enjoy more than food- and believe me, the food is good. You enjoy the love and passion of a culture steeped in service and honor."

"With a colourful history spanning over a century, the Chef Hat awarded Grossi Florentino Restaurant, Grill & Cellar Bar has contributed to the cultural and culinary growth of Melbourne's dining scene...."

"Close by Chapel Street is Maria’s Trattoria, a family owned-restaurant run by Maria and her two daughters. The family has been serving fresh homemade pastas and gnocchi to Melbournians since the 1990s..."

"Set in a two-level 19th-century brick house, The Johnston Collection seems right at home. There are about 1500 items in the permanent collection, with a focus on decorative and fine arts. These include ceramics, furniture, textiles, and glasswork."

"Blink and you’ll miss Cathedral Coffee, a tiny nook inside striking Cathedral Arcade. During the day opt for loaded Italian sandwiches, Portuguese tarts and impeccable espresso. Head in after work for the late-night wine bar, serving small plates and natural drops from local farms and Aussie winemakers."

"Just the name of this place will appeal to the kids – even if they are still a little wary of eating seaweed!. Chocolate Buddha is located in Melbourne’s fabulous Federation Square precinct – an excellent location for kids as there is always something happening there. What's more, Chocolate Buddha has just undergone a major renovation and now features Melbourne's first high-speed shinkansen (sushi train)!"