Big Esso

Indigenous produce isn’t hard to find in this city if you know where to look, but this is one of the few places championing it that’s also Torres Strait Islander owned-and-run. On the banks of the Birrarung (the traditional name for the Yarra River), the casual spot is part of the Federation Square tourism hub, so you can kick off a day of exploring here. Come for crocodile tongue skewers, emu steak, and fries with bush-tomato seasoning, and stay for macadamia baklava and an all-Aussie drinks list—a Green Ant-tini is practically mandatory. Don’t leave without checking out the take-home section, as Wattleseed hot chocolate, stubby holders, and jars of saltbush all make great souvenirs. 

photo credit: Kristoffer Paulsen