SONIDO

Skip the standard Gertrude Street brunch lines and head straight for SONIDO. A buzzing, technicolor slice of Colombia right in Fitzroy. The vibe? Effortlessly cool, pulsing with South American beats and splashed with bright, quirky decor. Those chasing authentic sabor know to zero in on the arepas—thick, gluten-free corn pockets bursting with generous fillings like shredded ropa vieja or heavily packed chicken thigh. The beef rice bowls hit that perfect hearty-but-fresh sweet spot, especially when cut with the sharp, complimentary table pickles and their fiercely good house hot sauce. Don't skip the drinks. Melbourne espresso purists respect the La Marzocco pulls pouring a robust, bitter cut that perfectly cleanses the palate, but the real insider move is ordering the chocolate con queso—a traditional Colombian hot chocolate served with cheese to drop inside. Throw in a glass of tart, refreshing lulo juice and staff who genuinely care about walking you through the menu, and you've got a casual, high-energy spot that never misses.