Australia’s cultural capital is a city of contrasts—steeped in history yet ever-evolving, fast-paced yet laid-back. It’s a place where one thing effortlessly flows into the next: a morning spent browsing Gertrude Street, an afternoon of gallery hopping, a glass of wine at Bar Olo, and then dinner.

Renowned for its dynamic food and arts culture, Melbourne has long been a source of inspiration. It’s also the city ESSEN calls home. Founder Marre swapped the Netherlands for Melbourne nearly 16 years ago and hasn’t looked back.

“I love Melbourne’s amazing and supportive creative scene,” says Marre. “Its unique DNA—the arts, the culture, the incredible food and wine, the relaxed lifestyle—made me move across the world all those years ago.”

From morning coffee rituals to Sunday dance floors and piano bars, discover the ESSEN guide to Melbourne, as told by Marre, Bridget, and Charlotte. 


DINE

Melbourne’s food scene is celebrated for good reason. For an elegant dining experience, Gimlet is a must. We had our team Christmas lunch here, indulging in perfectly prepared lobster and their signature Gimlet cocktail. If we’re in the city looking for a nightcap, Caretaker's Cottage is a favourite—an intimate bar with a thoughtful soundtrack and an inspired cocktail list.

Breakfast is best at Juniper at South Melbourne Market—order the mushroom congee. For a relaxed yet refined lunch, Marre swears by Cam’s Kiosk at Abbotsford Convent, best followed by a stroll through the gardens and the Collingwood Children’s Farm. For something more casual, Bar Olo in Carlton and Suupaa in Richmond are team favourites.

“One of my favourite ways to spend an evening is heading to Beatty Ave for a glass of wine before making my way to the neighbourhood pizza restaurant. It’s a little luxury I’m lucky to have at my doorstep.” – Charlotte.

SHOP

Saturday mornings are well spent on Gertrude Street. Friends with Frank and Linden Cook offer refined wardrobe staples and modern heirlooms—you’ll even find a selection of ESSEN at Friends with Frank. Further along, Bruce is an archival fashion icon, curating second-hand treasures from the likes of Issey Miyake, Comme des Garçons, and Vivienne Westwood. For timeless homeware, Mud Australia is an essential stop. Climate-neutral since 2020, their porcelain pieces are designed to elevate everyday rituals.

SEE

Deeply immersed in the arts, the city offers countless ways to experience creativity. Day trips to Heide Museum of Modern Art hold a special place in our hearts. Nestled along the Birrarung/Yarra River, it’s home to a sculpture park (perfect for picnics) and a collection spanning Australian art from the 1930s to today. For a more contemporary take, Craft Victoria champions local makers through exhibitions and events, while C. Gallery bridges the gap between collectible design and sculpture. Oigall Projects on Gertrude Street takes an experimental approach, offering a space where contemporary art and design intersect. And of course, there’s the NGV. From groundbreaking fashion exhibitions to large-scale installations, it’s a constant source of inspiration.

GROUND

Melbourne invites movement, whether it’s a walk around The Tan, flower shopping at South Melbourne Market, or a pilates class before a morning coffee. For a deeper sense of restoration, Sense of Self in Collingwood is Bridget’s go-to. A contemporary bathhouse, it offers a mineral bath, Finnish sauna, and a cold plunge pool kept between 10°C-12°C.

DANCE

Music runs through the city’s DNA—case in point, the surprise Fatboy Slim DJ set at a local fish and chip shop. For a true European-style dance floor, Miscellania is a must. Renowned for its Sunday parties, it offers a euphoric escape with streams of natural light beaming through its north-facing windows. For something more intimate, Hope St Radio and Waxflower Bar provide a relaxed backdrop for wine-sipping and good listening. If you’re in the city and after a change of pace, Murmur transports you to another era with live piano and old-world charm. As for summertime, day parties signal the city waking up. Be sure to keep an eye on Abbotsford Convent’s event calendar.

SIP

It’s hard to mention Melbourne without speaking of its coffee. Patricia stands out, showcasing the best local roasters alongside pastries from the city’s top bakeries. Brother Baba Budan, a staple of the scene, continues to set the standard, while Proud Mary recently ranked fourth in the world’s best coffee guide. Bridget’s pick? “Lenny in Albert Park, paired with an almond croissant from South Melbourne Bakery.”

THE MELBOURNE EDIT