Despite every expected (and unexpected) challenge that came with 2021, Melbourne’s hospitality and arts scene has returned with roaring vengeance. Across the last tumultuous year, we’ve seen a contactless, sustainably-focused at-home Korean barbecue service born from lockdown blues. A smoky, streetside bahn mi window enthralled so many Melbourne tastebuds, it’s now a permanent fixture along Bridge Road. And, a sold-out Sidney Myer Music Bowl concert (rightfully) marked our return to normality.
When lockdown lifted, restaurant bookings flew — and we flocked to the latest bar openings, from cosy spots dedicated to the humble oyster to sky-high drinking dens with million-dollar views.
Everyone from institutional favourites to the newest kids on the block threw their doors open to welcome Melbourne back. In return, Melburnians have never been more fiercely supportive of our businesses, our independent owners and our events. And, the city is better for it.
So, as this oddball year comes to a welcome close, it’s the perfect time to celebrate some of the most talented locals pushing Melbourne to be a better, braver city.
We are very pleased to announce Concrete Playground’s Best of 2021 Awards. This year, we will be awarding a People’s Choice and CP Pick award in each of the following five categories:
These outstanding Melbourne ventures have been handpicked by Concrete Playground for their combination of originality, innovation, creativity, approachability and sustainability. We straight-up love them.
Cast your People’s Choice votes below by 9am on Monday, December 20 (you can only vote once per category, so make those votes count). People’s Choice and Overall winners in each category will be announced after 9am on Tuesday, December 21. Please note that your vote is recorded as soon as you make your selection in each category, but that you can edit your votes right up until when voting closes.
Remember, you need to have a Concrete Playground account to cast your vote. Sign up here!
If you have any questions or feedback, hit us up at [email protected]
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ROBATA
The San Telmo Group's playful take on modern Japanese barbecue heroes skewers cooked over charcoal and cleverly reworked classic cocktails.
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ARU RESTAURANT
This considered offering heroes cooking techniques from eras past and a surprising fusion of flavours.
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WARKOP
An ex-Navi sous chef and a veteran barista have opened this 15-seater cafe serving Indonesian-inspired sandwiches.
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PASTA POETRY
This one-stop pasta shop is slinging a range of expertly crafted pasta varieties, sauces and extras to help you reach new pasta night heights.
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DOM'S SOCIAL CLUB
The former home of Peaches and Cheek has been transformed into a laidback spot that feels distinctly like an Italian social club.
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HOPE ST RADIO
Roll into this lofty bar for natural wines, top-notch drinking snacks and live radio broadcasts.
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DEEDS TAPROOM & KITCHEN
This local brewery's new Glen Iris HQ boasts 28 taps and a crafty menu built around beer.
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PEARL DIVER COCKTAILS AND OYSTERS
Creatively-charged cocktails and primo Aussie oysters headline the offering at this glam CBD watering hole.
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FABLE MELBOURNE
Melbourne's highest rooftop bar is slinging clever cocktails and Mediterranean bites 14 storeys above Lonsdale Street.
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POODLE UPSTAIRS
Poodle Bar & Bistro has scored a new upstairs sibling, serving signature sips, gourmet charcuterie and caviar two nights a week.
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ATTICA AT HOME
One of Australia's most celebrated restaurants brought Melbourne an at-home lockdown-friendly feast.
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LOCKDOWN YAKITORI AT HENRY SUGAR
This Rathdowne Street wine bar came to Melbourne's lockdown rescue, transforming itself into a pop-up streetside yakitori bar.
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YAKITORI POP-UP AT EAZY PEAZY
This streetside yakitori pop-up was slinging smoky skewers, specials and bagged cocktails throughout lockdown.
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ROCCO'S BOLOGNA DISCOTECA
This lockdown sandwich pop-up had a permanent cult following throughout this year.
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GOMI RAMEN SHOP
This ramen delivery service by two chefs proved so popular during lockdown, it's spawned its own bricks-and-mortar ramen bar.
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SPLENDOUR XR
Splendour's virtual fest featured more than 50 acts, including The Killers, Khalid, Chrvches, Charlie XCX and The Avalanches.
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KRAVIN KOREAN
These kits come packed with all the ready-to-grill ingredients, homemade sauces, equipment and tunes needed to help you recreate the magic of KBBQ at home.
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QT'S SECRET GARDEN WITH DAL ZOTTO
Wander into this hidden rooftop bar for an Italian-inspired soiree, featuring local prosecco, vintage tunes and bocce.
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GIMLET AT CAVENDISH HOUSE
Andrew McConnell's elegant cocktail bar and European bistro serves up caviar, champagne and truffles aplenty.
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MELBOURNE MARRIOTT HOTEL DOCKLANDS
In the heart of Docklands, this five-star hotel comes complete with a stunning rooftop infinity pool and adjoining lounge bar.
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ENTRECôTE GREVILLE STREET
This famed French restaurant's latest iteration features chic pops of bold colour, throughout an elegant space that pays equal respect for the classic and the contemporary.
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BRUNSWICK ACES
Australia's first booze-free bar and bottle shop boasts a moody, industrial-meets-baroque space in Brunswick East.
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RISING MELBOURNE
This year's citywide festival includes free First Peoples' art and a Yasiin Bey-led blockwide fest within the fest.
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PLAY ON VICTORIA
The Sidney Myer Music Bowl welcomed back live gigs with King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Baker Boy, Amyl and the Sniffers, Grace Cummings, and Vika and Linda Bull.
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HIGHER ORDER
This 90-minute immersive dining experience delivers a feast for all senses, fusing art, performance, music and design.
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VAN GOGH AT THE LUME MELBOURNE
From 'The Starry Night' to 'Sunflowers', the artist's masterpieces are on display like never before at Australia's first immersive digital gallery.
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TRIENNIAL EXTRA
A month-long series of tunes, performances, eats and drinks, to complement the blockbuster NGV Triennial exhibition.
