Louis Hanson is no stranger to documenting his Melbourne memories online – and having a laugh about them too. In recent times, the writer, actor and comedian has amassed hundreds of thousands of views for his wry, Attenborough-esque deep dives into some of his hometown’s most quintessential locations, from the Tan and Smith St nightlife, to the now-permanently closed Dandenong Lunar Drive-In (where he went on a first date, importantly).
When he’s not gallivanting across town, he also co-hosts Shameless Media’s Everybody Has a Secret podcast, unpacking the wild, never-been-told, real-life secrets of his listeners. Below, Hanson uncovers some of his own secrets – Melbourne-style.
My local is La Spaghettata on Lygon Street in Carlton. It’s just the perfect place to go for a big ol’ bowl of pasta, a glass of vino and a lengthy gossip session with your friends. What more could you ask for? Oh, and the gluten-free pasta is divine (I’m coeliac, nice to meet you.)
The best new thing I’ve found is the gluten-free bread at LaManna & Sons Deli. I might be late to the game, but I’ve only just come across it, and it’s simply scrumptious.
When I want to celebrate an occasion with a special meal, I will head to Ichi Ni Nana Izakaya in Fitzroy. They have an abundance of gluten-free options, alongside a yummy cocktail list (which I may or may not dive into headfirst). It’s also in a prime location, if you wanted to go for a dance afterwards (go on, do it).
When I want to show off the city to friends from out of town, I would probably take them to Rooftop Bar (in the city) to sip a cocktail atop the city.
My reliable first date spot is Siglo Bar, in the city. The vibe is rather chic, and the rooftop view is très picturesque. Quite the romantic combination, if I do say myself. I can’t go past an Amaretto Sour – the perfect cocktail to ever exist.
When I’m heading out for a night out on the town, I always start at Hope St. The courtyard out the front is always bustling with familiar faces (long lost high school friends, former colleagues, Hinge matches, exes). They also have these blue Margaritas that immediately make you look like a blue-tongued lizard, which I love.
When I’m battling a hangover, I always reach for Babu Ji, an Indian restaurant in St Kilda. I will, without fail, order the black pepper chicken, with saffron rice and gluten-free garlic naan. Chef’s kiss. No notes.
My favourite place to load up on supplies is Morning Market in Prahran. I’ve recently moved southside, and it’s become a reliable source for all things coffee, flowers, and other bits and bobs. I love bits and bobs. How good are bits and bobs? My coffee of choice here is a large soy latte (large is important). I’ll also grab one of their takeaway chicken salads if I’m on the go.
There’s no better value in the city than Baby Drag at Mollie’s Bar and Diner every Thursday night (in Fitzroy). Drag shows, some snacks, and a glass of wine – absolute heaven.
And I wish more people would experience the excellence of Heartattack and Vine in Carlton. Please, whatever you do, order the harissa prawn roll. (Their gluten-free rolls are some of the best I’ve ever had!)
My defining food moment in Melbourne was Onda Bar & Eatery, a modern Latin-American restaurant in Richmond, which is, you guessed it, 100% gluten-free. The food is exquisite, and their cocktail menu is equally exquisite (I obviously drank several).
If there was one thing I could change about eating and drinking in Melbourne it would be that coffee shops close at like 1pm. Melbourne, I love you, but I’m often in need of a caffeine boost mid-afternoon and I can get really, really angry at you when all of your coffee shops close so early. Actually, I’m not angry, just disappointed.
But the thing I hope never changes here is the abundance of really sexy wine bars. I’m always horny for a wine bar. Shout out to Public Wine Shop, Gerald’s Bar and The Wine Corner Store. Mummy loves you.
Follow along at @louishanson, and catch Hanson’s final episodes on hit podcast Everybody Has a Secret.