Tucked directly across the road from South Melbourne Market, Chef's Hat has been supplying Melbourne's kitchens, both domestic and commercial, since 1996. What started as a straightforward kitchenware shop has grown into a two-storey emporium where the aisles are just as likely to hold a home cook picking up a new frying pan as a chef restocking a busy commercial kitchen. Inside you'll find an extensive spread of cookware, crockery, cutlery, glassware and servingware, alongside bakeware, knives and small appliances from recognised brands such as Le Creuset and KitchenAid. The range runs from everyday essentials to serious commercial-grade equipment, including combi ovens and other gear built for hospitality venues, so there's genuine depth to what's on the shelves for anyone outfitting a first apartment or a working kitchen. One thing that sets Chef's Hat apart is that it serves both the public and trade customers side by side, with staff who can talk through how a particular machine or knife actually performs rather than just point you to a price tag. Cookbooks and gift items round out the range for those after inspiration rather than equipment. Given its position opposite the market, it's an easy stop to pair with a Wednesday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday market trip, and everything in store is also available to order online for anyone who'd rather browse from home.