BOUTIQUES TO BOOKMARK AND WHERE TO EAT

DURING THE MELBOURNE SPRING RACING CARNIVAL

Iki-Jime

Iki-Jime’s open kitchen, where chefs attend to every plate with passion and precision, is akin to performance art. With the sustainable seafood restaurant focussing on seasonal ingredients and innovative cuisine, this is a dining experience that surprises and delights. www.ikijime.com.au.

Longsong

Located above its ‘big brother’ restaurant Longrain, glamorous bar and restaurant Longsong occupies a former horse stable that’s been sexily reconceived with abundant spots to drink and dine. Choose from a delicious menu of wood-grilled and barbecued proteins and vegetables. www.longsong.com.au.

Shifting Worlds

This bright boutique stocks a wide range of covetable designers, including core label Pleats Please Issey Miyake, which, while utilitarian, is also playful and allows room for self-expression. “Our values are very much formed through this same philosophy,” says store buyer Adeline Jin. www.shifting-worlds.com.

Smith & Deli

“We wanted our customers to walk in, receive excellent service, and see that veganism doesn’t mean you have to go without,” says co-founder Mo Wyse of Smith & Deli, Fitzroy’s New York-style all-vegan store serving the likes of ‘meatball’ subs and ‘pastrami’ on rye. www.smithanddaughters.com.

Matilda 159

Chef Scott Pickett’s latest restaurant delivers much to get excited about, from the theatre of the kitchen, where food is cooked over fire pits, coals and smoke, to the warm, moody aesthetic. Perch at the bar for a cocktail, or settle in at one of the dining room’s banquettes. www.matilda159.com.

Eastern Market Fabrica

An artfully curated mix of clothing, accessories and footwear awaits at Eastern Market Fabrica. “The store is quite raw, industrial and stark, so most of the poetry is in the clothing,” says co-founder Stephen McGlashan of the boutique’s aesthetic and ingenious, stunning collection. www.easternmarket.com.au.