City Guide: How to explore Melbourne as an introvert, according to content creator Sami Jenkins
WORDS BY MAGGIE ZHOU
“People are so generous with sharing their stories – particularly when it comes to food.”
Here at Fashion Journal, we want to unearth the hidden spots in Australian cities that only the locals know about. There’s no gatekeeping here – this is a breakdown of the best bits of our cities. We want the underrated date spots, favourite restaurants, treasure trove op shops and the bars people will always want to go back to.
Taking us around her this week is Sami Jenkins. Also known by her social media handle Wilty Plant, Sami has created a digital community of like-minded introverts looking to find spaces and places to enjoy solo. Her work as a content creator has led her to work with the creative agency Snack Drawer. Out of her nine-to-five, Sami also hosts friend-making meetups for young people in Melbourne
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As a Melbourne-born and bred creative, Sami has made her way through many of the city’s hot spots. “I love Melbourne because put simply, there’s always something happening and there’s something for everyone,” she says. “There is such a diversity of people and cultures here, I find this is one of the first things I miss whenever I travel overseas.
“We’re so lucky to have so many authentic cuisines at our fingertips, a vibrant arts scene and not to mention amazing coffee. I feel like everywhere you go, people are so generous with sharing their stories – particularly when it comes to food.” Here, Sami shares some of her favourite places to visit in Melbourne (and she also recommends checking out Free to Feed, a social enterprise that empowers people seeking asylum through cooking experiences).
Ideal day
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My ideal day would probably start by working up a sweat at my spin class. Bodhi and Ride creates a super safe space. Not only do I leave feeling extremely sweaty but also uplifted. Afterwards, I’ll probably grab a much-needed coffee and a bite from a local cafe.
The remainder of the day would be spent hot girl walking around a new neighbourhood, popping into whatever art and craft market is happening, or checking out a new art exhibit. The dinner I usually crave something very carb-forward and comforting, like a noodle or rice dish.
Eat
Operator Diner, Shop 2/130 Lonsdale St, Melbourne
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An American-style breakfast diner in the heart of the city. [Its] coffee is amazing and [its] sausage English muffin, the Usual Suspect, is what the Maccas brekkie muffin wishes it was.
Wabi Sabi Salon, Level 1/94 Smith St, Collingwood
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A cozy Japanese restaurant on Smith Street serving beautiful, fresh and colourful teishoku sets – a classic Japanese set meal.
Leonardo’s Pizza Palace, 29 Grattan St, Carlton
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Warm and inviting vibes, even better pizza. I kind of want to gatekeep this one.
Pinto Thai, 231 Exhibition St, Melbourne
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Tom Yum noodles that will change your life.
Shop Ramen, 329 Smith St, Fitzroy
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Shoyu ramen that will also change your life.
Cellar Bar, 80 Bourke St, Melbourne
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IMO the best tiramisu I’ve had in Melbourne. Please do not come for me.
Drink
Rooftop Bar, Curtin House, Level 7/252 Swanston St, Melbourne
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Despite having never been to New York, Rooftop Bar makes me feel like I’m there. I also just really enjoy [its] cocktails.
Byrdi, 211 La Trobe Street, Tenancy GD075, Melbourne
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You’ve probably walked past this place and didn’t even realise it is an award-winning cocktail bar. [Its] cocktails are genuinely works of art and the flavour pairings are really interesting.
Shop
The Rose Street Artists’ Market, 60 Rose St, Fitzroy
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I always leave this market filled with joy. The artists and makers are also always down for a good convo. It’s impossible to leave here without picking up something.
Lost and Found Market, 288 Brunswick St, Fitzroy
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Lost and Found is the type of place you can accidentally spend three hours at. There is always something new to see here and I love how curated it is.
Goodbyes, various locations
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If you’re from Melbourne you probably know this place. Goodbyes has great quality, curated vintage pieces.
Savers, Shop 7/108-114 Main St, Greensborough
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Everyone should make a pilgrimage to this Savers at least once in their life. Some of my fav[ourite] thrifted pieces are from here.
Date night
Lido Cinema, 675 Glenferrie Rd, Hawthorn
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Who doesn’t love a movie date? This is one of my favourite places to go generally – cosy and inviting vibes.
Mesa Verde, Level 6/252 Swanston St, Melbourne
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[This] Mexican food always hits and [the] cocktails are amazing. You can grab a seat at the booth seat or even sit at the bar.
Good Times Pasta Bar, 214 St Georges Rd, Fitzroy North
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This place feels super intimate. It’s the perfect spot for getting into deep conversations over a wine.
R&R
Lunar by Hikari, 458 Sydney Rd, Brunswick
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For me, R&R looks like exploring a new neighbourhood’s cafes and shops by myself. A recent cafe I fell in love with is Lunar by Hikari in Brunswick.
Follow Sami’s adventures here.
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