Heartattack and Vine: From Sunrise to Spritz

Named after the Tom Waits song, Heartattack and Vine is pure atmosphere. From the first espresso poured at sunrise to the last spritz served under dim light, it hums with old-world charm. The long marble bar, amber glow and unpretentious warmth make it feel more like a European institution than a Melbourne café. You can stop by for coffee and a pastry or linger until late over small plates and a bottle of Italian red — both feel equally at home here.

The Menu: Simple Things Done Beautifully

In the morning, the focus is on coffee, fresh-baked goods and hearty panini — the kind filled with pancetta, egg and a touch of chilli oil. By midday, the menu shifts towards cicchetti: Italian-style bar snacks designed to share over wine. Expect chargrilled vegetables, anchovies on toast, creamy burrata with tomatoes, and slices of jamón that melt on the tongue. The selection changes daily depending on what’s fresh and what the chefs feel inspired by.

Drinks lean into the Italian ritual — Aperol spritzes, Negronis and vermouths poured with quiet confidence. Everything here feels authentic, never performative.

The Experience: Effortless Italian Energy

Heartattack and Vine doesn’t rush you. The pace is set by conversation, not clocks. It’s the kind of place where strangers strike up small talk, where bartenders remember your usual, and where the hum of music and laughter feels constant. Whether you’re starting your morning or closing out a day, it’s a reminder that Melbourne’s best venues aren’t always the flashiest — sometimes, they’re the ones that just get the vibe right.