Nord Bar and Restaurant

In Preston’s easygoing pocket of Melbourne, Nord Bar and Restaurant channels the Northside spirit with cool restraint and a warm, welcoming grin. It is the kind of neighbourhood spot that sidesteps pretence in favour of good times and good taste, a place where locals drift in for an unfussy dinner and stay for the convivial hum.

The kitchen leans into crowd-pleasing favourites with a polished touch. Think oven-baked garlic bread to tear and share, salt and pepper squid with a crisp bite, and a creamy burrata set against the peppery lift of a roquette and pear salad. Wood fire pizzas arrive blistered and fragrant, from the classic margherita to the indulgent formaggio, while heartier plates nod to pub comfort with chicken parma and fish and chips. Boards of bread and dip invite grazing, the mood relaxed and unhurried.

Families are right at home here, with cheese pizza and ham pizza keeping younger diners grinning, while friends gather around the buzz of the dining room for an easy night out. Understated, welcoming and a lot of fun, Nord favours the nice stuff: simple pleasures done well.

Settle in for a bite, bring the crew, and let the Northside charm do the rest. Book a table, take it easy, and go a little Nordie, a little nice.