Dom Dolla has spent years touring the world, but when he’s back in Melbourne, he sticks with the places that have never let him down. He sends fans to the cafés, clubs and late-night spots that have earned cult status across the city.
Brunswick East gets the nod
Asked for his favourite neighbourhood, Dom landed on Brunswick East, even if he admits it’s “a bit of a basic answer” and “gentrified to the eyeballs.” Still, he said he loved living there because it meant he was just 20 minutes from the airport—ideal if he needed to go from a house party to an interstate show and be in bed moments later.
His food picks
Dom returns to the Melbourne food spots that have earned his loyalty, keeping his choices simple and satisfying.
He gave Bellmac (Bel st Maccas) the nod for a 2am McFlurry, then moved on to N Lee Bakery for a crispy banh mi and finally, Frankie’s Tortas and Tacos, which he called “a solid spot” and a good place for pre-drinks too.
Breakfast and coffee
Melbourne, according to Dom, is “so good at breakfast” that it’s basically a level playing field. These days, he says he judges cafés on the personality of the staff, and gave a shout-out to the team at Blonde in Fitzroy as “legends.”
When it came to coffee, ST ALi topped his list, along with a distinctly local piece of advice: ask for an iced long black instead of an iced Americano if you want to blend in (and avoid being called American).
Nightlife and dancing
When it comes to clubs, Dom kept things iconic. He recommended Revolver as Melbourne’s go-to nightclub, saying he’s spent “more hours in there than I’ve had hot dinners” over the years. Next, he’ll host a disco at Marvel Stadium this September.
He also gave the Wool Store a nod for dancing, having played a fun back-to-back set there with Bosnian-German DJ Solomun.
Style and jewellery
On the fashion front, Dom called out Dejour Jeans, the long-running Vietnamese denim joint known for custom-made, custom-fit jeans.
For jewellery, he said pieces from Rawninety are what he wears all the time, adding that he feels naked without them when he leaves the house.
Dom’s favourite bar
Or rather, his favourite spot that isn’t really a bar at all. Dom said the Punters Club in Fitzroy gets his vote, and noted that New York venue Old Mates apparently borrowed some design cues from it, according to the venue’s own team.
