Treat your senses to an aromatic, tasty feast in eye-catching venues at restaurants and bars across Melbourne. From rooftop settings to light, airy spaces with phenomenal views of the city, check out some of our favourite places to dine in Melbourne.
1. Yarra Botanica
Support local at Yarra Botanica, a two-level floating bar on the Yarra River, where 90 percent of the food and drink served is sourced from local suppliers. Enjoy casual drinks and snacks in Southbank, with spectacular views of Melbourne's show-stopping skyline.
2. Beverly
Sit back as daylight turns to sundown and an evening drink turns into an unforgettable night at Beverly Rooftop. Inspired by the effortless charm of southern California, the aesthetic at Beverly is all about sun-drenched open spaces and breathtaking city views. Sample curated dishes from the menu, filled with flavours from the Cali coast like cobb salad and fresh barramundi and created with ethical and locally-sourced Victorian produce.
3. Stella Restaurant
Look beyond the 1800s façade and step into an Italian heaven swimming in classic spritzes, negronis barrel-aged on-site and lavender margaritas. Enter from the corner of Chapel and Grosvenor Streets in South Yarra and uncover four-levels of bliss. From a narrow trattoria with velvet booths, to the moody private dining room, and an upstairs cocktail bar with a 500 bottle light installation. Stella's got it all. The star attraction is the rooftop terrace with an epic sunset vantage, foliage covered wall and backlit bar.
4. Blossom Rooftop Bar
Elevate your dining experience at one of Melbourne's highest rooftop bars, Blossom Rooftop Bar. Perched on level 14 of Pullman Melbourne on Swanston, the venue offers 270-degree views of the city's skyline, with a menu of wood fired pizza, bar snacks and signature cocktails that will keep you coming back for more.
5. Reine & La Rue
Dive into delicious French fare within a piece of Melbourne's history. Reine & La Rue is tucked behind the ANZ banking chamber in what was once the site of the city's original stock exchange. Now it's an elegant bar serving up pomme frites, woodfire grill, and an extensive list of les fruits de mer, which includes freshly shucked oysters and a caviar service. Oh la la, indeed.
6. Atria
Inspired dining at its finest, the Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne is home to Atria, a refined culinary experience that's thoughtful and inspired by the seasons and sustainable harvesting. Gaze out floor to ceiling windows and bask in the glory of the city as you indulge on everything from oysters to Macedon Ranges duck or aged Murray cod.
7. The Happy Mexican
A vibrant atmosphere and an authentic taste of Mexico awaits at The Happy Mexican. Step inside the Abbotsford bar and kitchen and you'll be transported across the world in a lively and colourful space that reflects the heart and soul of Mexican culture. Indulge on all the classics, tacos, quesadillas and burritos and wash it all down with top-shelf tequila or tasty margaritas.
8. Fable Melbourne
What's more Mediterranean than a rooftop bar perched on level 13 of a Greek community building. Soak up exceptional views of Melbourne's east end, from the Arts Centre to Marvel Stadium and as far as the Bolte Bridge. Eclectic and warm, with lush booths, an Italian green-tiled bar and a retractable roof for all season dining, Fable is a Melbourne institution for late-night get togethers and open-air dining.
9. Threads Bar Richmond
Step into a world of intrigue at Richmond's latest terrace bar, Threads. The hidden speakeasy has an alluring Cosmopolitan quartzite bar and a feature wall adorned with luxe pink onyx. Head to level two of The Motley Hotel to find this new hot spot and sip classic cocktails and handpicked wines from sunset to late.
10. Big Esso by Mabu Mabu
Celebrate contemporary Indigenous culture in Melbourne's iconic Federation Square, at Big Esso by Mabu Mabu. The all-day bar and kitchen is run by Torres Strait Islander Chef, Nornie Bero and showcases a seasonal menu inspired by native flavours. Bright, full of colour and filled with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artworks, Big Esso is a Melbourne cultural hot spot.
11. Dom's Social Club
Three-storey social club and pizzeria, Dom's is an all-in-one eat and drink experience on Swanston Street in the heart of Melbourne. On level one, ease into a booth and dine on pizza fresh from the wood-fired oven, chalk up a cue and demonstrate your pool-playing prowess on level two, or summit to the sleek-yet casual rooftop bar on level three. With some of the city's best after dark views, and a prestigious listing in the Good Food Guide 2022, the pizzeria is one of the city's finest.
12. Bomba
Tuck into tapas at a contemporary Spanish bodega. Inspired by the workers' culture of Spain's Catalan region, Bomba showcases an ever-changing menu of authentic cuisine, served alongside sips of sherry, vermouth and traditional cocktails, all served atop an all-weather rooftop bar overlooking Lonsdale Street.
