Pipis North launches Brunswick Street seafood pop-up through February
Pipis North has opened in Fitzroy, marking a northside expansion from the team behind Albert Park venue Pipis Kiosk. The limited-time pop-up brings the group’s seafood-led dining to Brunswick Street for the summer period.
The venue occupies the former Alta Trattoria site and operates as a casual seafood snack bar. Pipis Kiosk co-owners Tom Hunter and Jordan Clay lead the project, joined by head chef Dave Kerr, who also works at the Albert Park location.
Pipis North carries over the core elements of Pipis Kiosk, including sustainable Australian seafood and a concise drinks list. However, the Fitzroy site adopts a more informal format designed for short visits and late-night service.
The team drew inspiration from the tapas bars of San Sebastián and the Basque coast of northern Spain. As a result, the space focuses on relaxed dining and flexible seating throughout the evening.
Clay designed the menu with a strong emphasis on share plates. Several Pipis Kiosk staples appear, including the pipis flatbread and salt and pepper squid.
Additional dishes include spanner crab mini crumpets, king prawn tempura with barbecue spice, and swordfish belly skewers with jungle bisque. The menu also features marlin crudo with salted watermelon and black vinegar, butterflied blue mackerel with shaved cabbage and bone broth, and a fruits of the sea seafood tower.
Drinks, happy hour and service details
Hunter curated the beverage list to match the seafood offering. The selection highlights small Australian producers and remains intentionally compact.
Pipis North offers a series of Salty Sips in 30ml pours. Options include seaside salad gin with fino sherry, tomato leaf spirit with tomato, and Laphroaig paired with oyster shots.
The venue runs a Half Shucked happy hour each day from 4pm to 6pm. During this period, guests can order $4 oysters, $16 Melbourne Bitter long necks, and $50 half bottles of selected wines.
Hunter said the concept aims to translate the Pipis experience to Melbourne’s inner north.
“We’re looking to bring some seaside vibes north of the river over summertime – hot nights, cold drinks and lots of fresh seafood. Pipis North is relaxed, fun and very much about popping in for a drink and a bite – whether that’s a quick skewer and oyster or settling in for the night,” he said.
Pipis North opened on Saturday, 17th January and will operate until the end of February. The venue trades Wednesday to Friday from 4pm until late, Saturday from midday until late, and Sunday from midday until 8pm. Walk-ins are welcome throughout service.
Address: 274 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Opening hours: Wednesday to Friday from 4pm until late; Saturday from midday until late; Sunday from midday until 8pm
Access: Walk-ins only, limited seating
Website: https://www.pipiskiosk.com.au/north