Australia’s technology scene is growing rapidly, and local startup accelerators like Startmate are recognising the opportunity for budding tech Founders. However as technical skills, on the whole, remain in short supply in Australia; many of the companies we partner with require us to hunt for people globally in order to scale their teams effectively. We regularly source and place candidates from tech-hubs such as Silicon Valley, New York, Berlin, London and Dublin into new and exciting businesses in Sydney and Melbourne.

As the first point of contact many of these expats have with someone in Australia, we often get asked about the local culture. Here at Mitchellake we take such enquiries very seriously, and therefore our resident foodies (the Melbourne office, of course) have huddled together to come up with six of the best eateries, drinkeries and things to do in the culinary capital. Enjoy!

Cafes/ coffee

Patricia (CBD) – Trendy, standing-only artisan coffee spot. Arguably the best in Melbourne’s CBD.

The Farm Cafe (Abbotsford) – Beautiful riverside location overlooking the children’s farm. Fresh produce, down-to-earth quality food and stunning views.

Cafe Bu (Carlton North) – Potentially the cutest rooftop cafe in Melbourne.

Babajan (Carlton North) – The epitome of traditional meets contemporary – Homemade Middle-Eastern cuisine fuses with modern Melbourne brunch; paired with adventurous cocktails (and get 10% off your food bill when you indulge in one!).

Proud Mary (Collingwood) – Single origin coffee and delicious brekkie in a shabby chic converted warehouse space, typical of it’s Collingwood location. Perfect for business meetings and enough space for you to happily bring your laptop and work remotely all day.

Galleon (St Kilda) – a Local favourite with laid-back style, mismatched retro furniture and all the menu options you could ever dream of post-swim in the sea.

Restaurants

Supernormal (CBD and St Kilda) – Popular, up-scale restaurant with all the pan-Asian delights one could ask for. An office favourite.

Tipo 00 (CBD) – Not your average pasta bar.

Neighbourhood Wine (North Fitzroy) – One of Melbourne’s best-kept secrets; but not with the locals. Stunning locally-sourced food and carefully-selected wine list in an intimate, aunts-living-room like setting.

Jinda Thai (North Richmond) – Authentic, unpretentious Thai food, laid-back setting, BYO (bring your own) bottle. What more could you ask for?

Gerald’s Bar (Carlton North) – A Melbourne institution serving up two-hundred different wines, cheeses and small seasonal delights.

Hampton Wine CO (Hampton) – Boutique wine matched with European food. Buy a bottle from the shelf and drink it there; or take it away for a $10 discount.

 

Things to do

Sandringham dog beach (Sandringham) – One of the prettier, less busy beaches in Melbourne; and a perfect day out for the pooch.

Lawn bowls (in almost every suburb) – Not just for your granddad.

Going for a cycle (everywhere) – the Yarra Trail takes you all around the city, without feeling like you are ever close to the city. Think beautiful rivers, huge trees and if you look carefully the odd bit of wildlife.

Wineries (Yarra Valley or Mornington Penninsula) – Who doesn’t love a day out in the countryside tasting wine and eating artisan pizza? Top tip is to hire a driver from Airtasker as opposed to an organised tour, so you can choose which wineries you wish to visit.

The Yarra Valley is also home to Melbourne’s famous Four Pillars gin distillery, Yarra Valley Dairy cheese farm, and the stunning Chandon vineyard (sister of grand champagne house Moet and Chandon).

Sport (Richmond) – Home to venues like the MCG and Aami Park, Richmond is undoubtedly Melbourne’s sports hub. Just check out the atmosphere here during an AFL game.

Running around one of the many green parks – Princes Park, Edinburgh Gardens and The Royal Botanical Gardens (“The Tan”) are our favourites.

If you are or a friend is looking for a job in the technology space, please contact one of our friendly Lakers or apply directly to one of our [live roles.