Father's Day Gift Guide 2026

Cosmopolitan mélange: Dani Valent's dining guide to Carlisle Street, Balacalva

Our Father’s Day Gift Guide is here — packed with gift ideas from some of the best places to treat your man on Carlisle Street. Celebrate the dads and father figures in your life!

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Feed Him First

Breakfast, Lunch & Beers

Start the day right, or shout him a long lunch. From Turkish-inspired brunch plates to a rooftop schooner, this stretch of Carlisle Street has every version of “let’s grab a bite” covered.

Garage Cafe
Journey Daily Provisions

Diverse selection of freshly prepared bagel sandwiches, quality coffee, breakfast, and lunch.

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Miss Mat Cafe

A small Balaclava cafe serving a Turkish-inspired menu that changes with the seasons.

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Batch Espresso

Kiwi-owned and cosy, with perfectly cooked eggs, toast and bacon from 6:30am.

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Bounty of the Sun

Intimate izakaya dining — fresh, shareable Japanese small plates from 1pm.

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Las Chicas

Area-sourced brekkies and lunches in a bare-brick cafe with a great local buzz.

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Levanter Cafe

Serving Authentic Syrian recipes, baklava and Turkish coffee, open from 7am.

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The Local Taphouse

Craft beer, hearty pub meals and a rooftop courtyard, open from midday.

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Wall Two Eighty

Expertly brewed coffee and a warm, welcoming spot for breakfast or lunch.

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Moonhouse

A modern Chinese restaurant, housed in a beautifully restored Art Deco building.

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Tavlin

Casual dining/take away eatery on Carlisle St where Israeli street food is brought to life.

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Freshen him up

Health & Grooming

A gift he’ll actually use. Book him in for a fresh fade, a boxing session or a membership that gets him moving.

EDBA
Brotherwolf

An old-school barbershop and fashion brand with a welcoming, multicultural crew.

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EDBA Boxing Academy

Learn the sweet science — book a session for the fitness-minded dad who likes to break a sweat.

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Edward Scissorhands Barber

Walk-in only, old-school setting. All styles, hot fades, no fuss.

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Zap Fitness

A 24-hour gym with full facilities — gift a membership he'll use anytime he can.

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Mr Carlisle Barbers

Friendly, affordable cuts in a relaxed, comfortable environment owned by Balaclava locals.

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Kingsman Barbers

Elegant barbershop service, because every dad deserves to feel like a king.

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Wrap it up

Gifts & Homewares

Something for the house, the kitchen, or to sit on his desk and make him smile.

Amore Gifts Carlisle Street
Amore Gifts

Homewares and designer pieces inspired by cultures from around the world.

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Tableworx

Kitchen utensils and homewares — trading in Balaclava for over 45 years.

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Lulu Design Store

A uniquely curated concept store. Stocking an range of products from local and international designers.

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Antique Silver Co.

Antiques, homewares, gifts, juidaica, silver, jewelry and more.

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Mix it up

Something Different

For the dad who’s hard to buy for — good coffee, a fresh cut of meat, or something with a bit more shine.

Meat Platter for Father's Day
The Coffee Company

Hand-roasted beans filling Carlisle Street with aroma since 1969.

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Jormar Fresh Meat & Deli

Balaclava's local butcher. A fresh platter for the Father's Day BBQ.

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Taylor H T Jewellers

Rings, watches and fine jewellery for a proper luxury gift.

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Cellars On Carlisle

An independent bottle shop stocked with wine, spirits and craft beer.

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Daddy Rich Records

New and Quality Used Vinyl Records, Cassettes and CDs.

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Vainer Optical

An extensive range of casual range of fashion eyewear and sunglasses.

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Glicks

Fresh baked goods, including what some say are the best bagels in Melbourne, for over 40 years.

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Palm Thai Massage

Buy a voucher for a Whole Body Massage, Foot Reflexology and Massage Packages.

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