Indeed, Balaclava is home to a large portion of Melbourne’s Orthodox Jewish community. Meaning that you’re just a likely to hear lively snatches of Yiddish as you stroll down the street as you are English. This multicultural community has left its mark on the area’s dining scene, complete with kosher restaurants and dedicated bakeries as well as some of the best rye bread in town. Balaclava’s iconic eateries turn out gleaming challah and intricate pastries.
Buzzing Carlisle Street is the neighbourhood’s lifeblood. Not only will you find more cafés per square metre than imaginable, but also charming vintage boutiques and chic homewares stores. And while things might get a little quiet once the sun goes down (although Balaclava’s growing roster of hip restaurants and bars are setting a change in motion), the bright lights of St Kilda are just around the corner.