La Paloma is my local, my regular stop for coffee and tortilla. The atmosphere is unpretentious and the handwritten menu is simple, fresh and delicious, featuring Argentinian empanadas, shakshuka, beans and churros.

A specialist bookshop that stocks a vast range of books relating to graphic design, photography and architecture, to name a few. Many hours (and dollars) can easily be spent here.

Communal benches & an open kitchen create a buzzy setting for Asian-inspired cuisine.

My favourite commercial gallery in Melbourne, Utopian Slumps represents a group of early to mid career Australian and New Zealand artists. Exhibitions are always intriguing and the opening nights are great for people watching.

Mr Kitly is a shop and gallery specialising in ceramics, books, plants and textiles. Much of the stock is from Japan, and everything makes you want to weep because it's so charming and pretty. The hanging plants are amazingly affordable too.