Postcode 3121: Richmond

The home of football, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), is on the minds of many people this month. And one of the (many) great things about the MCG is its location, only a 15-minute walk from the city centre, and right next door to one of Melbourne’s trendy inner-city precincts, Richmond.

Before, after or even during the Australian Football League Grand Final (3 October, 2015), football fans and visitors wanting to soak up Melbourne in the height of its grand final frenzy, will find a host of new dining options along emerging ‘eat streets’ Swan Street and Church Street.

At any of the following hot spots, sporting fans can fill up on good food and help make the day a memorable one – win, lose or draw.

Swan Street

Baby PizzaIt’s been open for a little while but locals and visitors are still discovering Baby Pizza (note, not small or for babies…). Fill up on some of the best pizza and modern Italian mains available in the city, open 24 hours a day so footy fans can enjoy well after the final siren. 631-633 Church Street, +613 9421 4599

BotheramboA super cool spot to feast on shared Southeast Asian dishes, such as crispy fried cotton fish or betel leaf, and sip on exotic cocktails in exposed-brick surrounds bedecked with hanging plants. 65 Swan Street, +613 9428 9730

Feast of MeritPart of Melbourne’s social enterprise community, this favourite from chef Ravi Presser is a YGAP (Y-Generation Against Poverty) project offering hearty and healthy breakfasts and lunch in a big, friendly environment. 117 Swan Street, +613 9428 8480

Fonda MexicanVery popular with Richmond residents, serving healthy, tasty soft tacos, burritos with quinoa, charred corn and fat chips with mayo, washed down with fresh fruity cocktails and cerveza to settle pre-match nerves. 248 Swan Street, +613 9429 0085

Gelato MessinaThe newest outlet of the wildly and deservedly popular gelato chain introduces ice-cream flavours that will melt minds. Once licked, never forgotten. 164 Swan Street, +613 9417 0488

MeatmotherPull up a stool at the American-style barbecue diner serving the whole range of meaty specials including the tender brisket and ribs. Additional highlights include the craft beer, bourbon and bacon cocktails. 167 Swan Street, +613 9041 5393

Church Street

Jimmy GrantsMasterchef judge George Calombaris has the golden touch, and it’s on full display at the newest, and flashiest, branch of this Greek favourite. Perfect for take away or great value dine in with melt in the mouth kebabs, falafel, salad or feta chips  – filling, fresh and fantastic. 427-429 Church Street, +613 8419 8800

KongFrom the Lucas Group (Chin Chin, Baby) comes modern Korean street food such as buns, ribs, roti-rolls in a small but perfectly formed ex-warehouse with industrial overtones. 599 Church Street, +613 9427 1307

Top PaddockFrom paddock to plate and the originators of gourmet food in cool café environs, get in early to avoid the queues and enjoy locally sourced dishes including soft-shell mud crab rolls and anchovies with jamon and fried eggs swished down with house roasted tea style coffee. 658 Church Street, +613 9429 4332