Northcote Rise

Some things just hit different on a cold Melbourne evening — and a steaming basket of dumplings is one of them. 🥟

Tucked into 329 High Street, Tao Dumplings has become one of those Northcote spots that just keeps drawing people back. From delicate steamed parcels to boldly flavoured classics, every dish is made with genuine care and a commitment to authentic taste — comforting, considered and always worth the visit.

It's the kind of food that reminds you what makes High Street special. Great food, real craft and a community that knows how to eat well.

If you haven't been in yet, now's the time.

Today is Hamburger Day, and there's no better place to celebrate on Northcote Rise than 300 Grams!

A favourite among Northcote burger lovers, @300.grams serves up the kind of burgers childhood dreams are made of. The signature 300 Gs burger is stacked with a juicy beef patty, cheese, lettuce, onion, tomato, pickles and their famous 300 sauce, while the crowd-favourite Hot Bird combines Southern fried chicken, slaw, cheese and chilli mayo for the ultimate flavour hit.

Seafood fans can sink their teeth into the Scalable, featuring crumbed fish, tartar sauce, cheese, lettuce and pickles, while plant-based diners are well catered for with vegan burger and vegan fried chicken options on the menu.

Pair your burger with a serve of Mac Fries and an Oreo thick shake, and you've got yourself a Hamburger Day feast worth celebrating.

📍 313 High Street, Northcote

🍔 Happy Hamburger Day from Northcote Rise!

Behind the lights, live music and packed-out shows, Northcote Theatre has become one of Melbourne’s most loved cultural destinations — but its story is one of passion, persistence and community.

Speaking with Northcote Rise, part owner Andrew Mansfield shared how the iconic venue at 216–218 High Street was transformed from a largely dormant former wedding reception centre into a thriving live music and arts space. Taking on the project just weeks before Melbourne’s first COVID lockdown, the team faced enormous challenges restoring the heritage-listed building while navigating uncertainty, delays and extensive renovations.

Today, the hosts hundreds of gigs, welcoming audiences from across Melbourne and around Australia. From the very first show with Spiderbait to memorable performances by artists including Charlie XCX, Kim Gordon, Peaches and CMAT, the theatre has built a reputation for bringing incredible live music experiences to the heart of Northcote.

Andrew says the magic of the venue is seeing people come together — whether it’s dancing, discovering a new artist or simply escaping life for a few hours surrounded by community, music and joy.
And on any big show night, you can feel that energy ripple right along High Street. 🎶

Looking after yourself and your loved ones has never been easier with Northcote Rise’s incredible range of health and wellness services right on your doorstep.

Whether you’re searching for a doctor, massage therapist, psychologist, podiatrist, dentist, Chinese medicine practitioner, child speech pathologist or anything in between, the Northcote Rise is packed with local professionals ready to help you feel your best.

From physical health to mental wellbeing, family care and holistic wellness, High Street has you covered.

Support local while taking care of you — check out the Northcote Rise directory today and discover the amazing health and wellness services in our community.

Bringing a lively and social dining experience to High Street, Hi Hot Pot is quickly becoming a local favourite for shared meals and big flavours.

Located at 337 High Street, the restaurant specialises in authentic Chinese-style hot pot, with guests able to choose from a range of delicious soup bases — including a special regional Chinese broth unique to the restaurant, alongside favourites like Laksa and Tom Yum.

Diners then build their own hot pot experience by selecting from fresh meats, seafood, vegetables, noodles and dumplings to cook at the table. With plenty of vegetarian options available, it’s an easy and inclusive dining option for groups with different tastes.

The space feels warm and welcoming, thanks to the friendly team and owner Jimbo, whose passion for great food and hospitality is clear from the moment you walk in. Fresh, flavour-packed and seriously satisfying, Hi Hot Pot is the kind of place that keeps people coming back.

It’s another fantastic addition to Northcote Rise’s vibrant and ever-growing food scene.

Located at 208 High Street, Top of the Hill Café has been keeping locals fuelled since opening in October just before COVID.

Taking over the space after it previously traded briefly, this family-run café found its rhythm during challenging times. With a strong grab-and-go focus, it carved out its niche without competing with sit-down brunch spots — instead offering quality takeaway coffee, fresh sandwiches, wraps and rolls for locals on the move.

Open from 7am weekdays (8am weekends), it’s a go-to for early workers, tradies, morning walkers and anyone needing a reliable caffeine fix. They proudly pour Symmetry Coffee as their house blend, alongside rotating specialty beans for batch brew and cold drip.

Owned by the same family behind The Peacock Inn, the café is part of a long-standing High Street presence. After nearly 20 years in the area, they’ve witnessed Northcote Rise evolve into the thriving, supportive strip it is today.

Simple, local and community-minded, is exactly what a neighbourhood takeaway spot should be — consistent, welcoming and proudly part of the Northcote Rise story.

Modern Japanese kitchen, intimate, relaxed and full of character, Senkuban at 238 High Street brings contemporary Izakaya energy to Northcote Rise.

Led by chef Martin, is a love letter to Japanese charcoal cooking. Originally from China and now calling Melbourne home for nearly 20 years, Martin’s passion for Japanese cuisine has been shaped by years working in local Japanese restaurants and travels to Japan. The menu reflects that journey — grounded in tradition, elevated by experience and crafted with care.

Charcoal is the heart of the kitchen. Skewers grilled over open flame deliver that unmistakable depth of flavour, alongside generous share plates and beautifully balanced teishoku sets — complete with miso soup, a main, rice and seasonal sides. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick dinner or settling in to share with friends, the menu caters to both.

The space itself feels warm and personal. Think Tokyo’s retro City Pop vibe meets Northcote’s dining culture. Many of the benches and interior details were handcrafted by Martin, adding authenticity and soul to the dining experience.

Open for dinner, with lunch from Thursday to Saturday, Senkuban also offers gluten-free options, sake, Japanese cocktails and non-alcoholic choices.

A few months in, and already embraced by locals, Senkuban is quickly becoming part of High Street’s vibrant night-time rhythm.