The Ultimate Guide to Spencer Street: What to Eat, See, and Do Near Southern Cross Station

🏙️ The Ultimate Guide to Spencer Street: What to Eat, See, and Do Near Southern Cross Station

Welcome to Spencer Street, one of the most vibrant and bustling thoroughfares in the Melbourne CBD. Whether you are arriving in the city via the SkyBus, heading to a massive concert or AFL match at Marvel Stadium, or staying right in the heart of the action at Havenly Escape, Spencer Street is your gateway to the very best of Melbourne.

For guests staying in our apartments opposite Southern Cross Station at 260 Spencer Street, West Side Place Tower 1, you don't have to travel far to experience world-class dining, industrial-chic cafes, and convenient shopping. Everything you need is quite literally right under your feet!

Here is our curated, insider guide on what to have, where to eat, and how to make the most of your time on Spencer Street.

---

☕ Breakfast & Specialty Cafes

Melbourne is globally famous for its coffee culture, and the Spencer Street precinct boasts some of the city's most spectacular breakfast institutions.

• Higher Ground (627 Flinders Ln / Spencer St intersection): Housed in a magnificent, soaring former electrical powerhouse, this award-winning venue is a must-visit. It offers a premium dining experience with innovative dishes like their famous seasonal ricotta hotcakes and spanner crab eggs benedict.
• Merriment Café: Tucked away right at the base of the West Side Place towers, this local favorite is your ultimate morning convenience. Grab handcrafted pastries, made-to-order gourmet sandwiches, and expertly poured specialty coffee before you head out for the day.
• Stubby Cafe Bar & Restaurant: Known for its highly relaxed, unhurried vibe and exceptionally friendly service, this is a great spot to enjoy an all-day healthy breakfast or a quiet midday brew.
• Hangar Cafe Restaurant: Conveniently located right inside Southern Cross Station, this is the perfect pitstop for a traditional, hearty "big breakfast" featuring creamy scrambled eggs, fresh avocado, and premium sides.

---

🍔 Bustling Pubs & Sports Bars

If you are catching an event at Marvel Stadium or simply want a high-energy spot to watch a live match, Spencer Street has fantastic atmospheric pubs and group dining spots.

• Network Sports Bar: Located directly inside the Southern Cross Station complex, it provides ultimate convenience. It is the go-to spot for a reliable, classic Aussie chicken parma or stone-baked pizza before hopping on a train or walking over to the stadium.
• The Nixon Hotel — Just a short stroll down toward Docklands, this local favourite serves generous modern Australian pub portions alongside brewery-fresh tank beer. With 15 screens broadcasting live sports, you won't miss a single moment of the action.
• The Angry Dog: Hidden discreetly behind a moody, industrial facade near the precinct, this quirky, dog-friendly dive bar features dim lighting and music-inspired decor, making it perfect for an underground evening drink with mates.

---

🌏 International Flavors

The diversity of Melbourne's culinary scene is perfectly reflected in the international dining options scattered along the street.

• 90 Secondi: Craving authentic Italian? Situated right near the stadium precinct, this slick, modern dining room serves up traditional wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas and imported Italian beers.
• Naughty Naan: Located inside the Spencer Outlet Centre, this bustling eatery brings bold North Indian street food directly to the CBD. Do not miss their freshly made Amritsari kulchas and flavor-packed chaats.
• Xu’s Restaurant: A dedicated destination for food lovers looking for highly authentic Shanghai cuisine, traditional dim sum, and perfectly executed Suzhou-style noodles.
• ANGKOR Cambodian Flavours: Located just on the edge of the West Melbourne border, this casual, inviting spot serves beautifully fragrant, traditional Cambodian dishes like Fish Amok.
• Don Don: A legendary Melbourne staple for students and budget-conscious travelers alike. Head here for lightning-fast, down-to-earth Japanese rice bowls, hearty curries, and bento options.

---

🛍️ Shopping & Convenience

Aside from incredible food, Spencer Street provides seamless retail convenience for travelers and long-term guests alike.

• Spencer Outlet Centre: Attached to Southern Cross Station, this massive retail hub features popular outlet shopping brands, apparel, baggage storage, and a diverse food court for quick bites.

Supermarkets and late-night essentials near Spencer Street

• Coles (inside Spencer Outlet Centre, 201 Spencer St): 6am to midnight, 7 days, a short walk across Spencer Street from West Side Place.
• Woolworths Metro Southern Cross (corner of Collins and Spencer Streets): Monday to Friday 5:30am to 11:30pm, Saturday 6am to 11:30pm, Sunday 7am to 11:30pm. BWS is next door.
• ALDI West Melbourne (528 Spencer St): 8:30am to 8pm daily.
• Spencer Outlet Centre: Monday to Wednesday 10am to 6pm, Thursday and Friday 10am to 7pm, weekends 10am to 6pm; the food court opens from 8am daily. Smarte Carte baggage storage is in the centre.

Hours were checked on 25 September 2026 and can change; check each store before you go.

---

🏢 Why Stay on Spencer Street?

When you choose Spencer Street as your base, the entire city becomes effortlessly accessible:

1. The Free Tram Zone: Step right outside your door and hop onto Melbourne's world-class tram network completely free of charge to explore Bourke Street Mall, Federation Square, and beyond.
2. Seamless Transit: Directly opposite Southern Cross Station, giving you instant access to regional V/Line trains, metropolitan lines, and the airport SkyBus.
3. Walkable Entertainment: You are within easy walking distance of major concerts and sporting matches at Marvel Stadium, the luxury lounges at The Ritz-Carlton, and the entertainment hub of Crown Melbourne.

Experience Premium CBD Living at Havenly Escape

After a busy day exploring Melbourne's iconic laneways and tasting Spencer Street's best culinary offerings, return home to absolute luxury. Perched high above the city at West Side Place, our modern 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom premium apartments feature breathtaking skyline views, resort-style heated pools, and ultra-comfortable beds.

👉 Browse our premium spaces and book your ultimate Melbourne getaway today!