The Best Melbourne Restaurants and Bars for Outdoor Dining

The Terrace Cafe

Anderson Street, South Yarra

This iconic garden cafe has entered a new phase of life as one of the city's leafiest brunch spots.

Slowpoke Lounge & Lookout

50 Gipps Street, Collingwood

Serving up spiked yerba maté and hash brown fries, this Collingwood rooftop lounge takes its fun seriously.

Dom's Social Club

301 Swanston Street, Melbourne

The former home of Peaches and Cheek has been transformed into a laidback spot that feels distinctly like an Italian social club.

Arbory Afloat

Flinders Walk, Melbourne

Melbourne's favourite floating bar is back, signalling a gorgeous Greek-inspired summer ahead filled with gyros, cocktails, and good vibes.

Community Wine House (Minimum Wines)

177 Beavers Road, Northcote

At the Community Wine House in Northcote visitors can sample Minimum’s full range of 30 diverse wines, while snacking on share plates of Italian goodies

On Top, The StandardX

62 Rose Street, Fitzroy

If you thought The StandardX couldn’t get much better, think again. The design-forward Fitzroy hotel’s rooftop bar and lounge, On Top, has finally opened to the public right in time for the summer months. On Top accommodates just 60 guests, but now that it’s no longer exclusive to hotel guests, it’s sure to fill up quickly with locals, in-the-know visitors, and those looking for a laidback yet luxe hang-out.  Designed by Woods Bagot and Hecker Guthrie, the warm colour palette, soft lounge seating, and cosy fireplace lend themselves to lazy afternoons with friends, or romantic date nights, all with the glimmering Melbourne city skyline as a backdrop.   Snacky bites will be served all day, and include the likes of smoked ocean trout with creme fraiche, chives and flatbread, and oyster mushroom skewers with shio koji and chilli crumbs. If you need to fill the tum, go for a brioche prawn roll, a wagyu slider with BistroX sauce or fried chicken with hot sauce and guindilla chillies.  In this setting, it would be rude not to have a drink or two. There’s Aperol Spritz, yuzu margs and lager on tap, and a sippable selection of signature cocktails. Try the Nude and Rude with mezcal, amaro, lemon, agave and bitter, a Cloud Clover with apricot brandy, Aperol, Lillet Blanc, and ginger or The Last Dance with vodka, lemon, passionfruit and Aperol.  There’s also a carefully curated wine list, created by The StandardX and wine importer Lo-Fi, showcasing local suppliers and producers of low-intervention and sustainable wines. For a bit of gimmicky fun, grab a pre-batched cocktail from the Japanese-style vending machine when you hop out of the lift. Rotating DJs will bring sweet sounds through curated sets that will transport patrons to the bars of downtown LA, the beaches of Lagos, and the streets of nineties Brooklyn.   Images: Supplied. 

Gracie's Wine Room

27 Toorak Road, South Yarra

Gracie’s founder Kelsie Gaffey has many accolades to her name — a wine bar that she founded at the age of 25 and now her own wine.

College Lawn Hotel

36 Greville Street, Prahran

Relax on the astroturf and enjoy cheap pub grub along with ice-cold beers at this no-frills local.

Pirate Life South Melbourne

139-145 Market Street, South Melbourne

This pirate life is all about craft beers, good-times, and easy-going vibes, ideal for rowdy group gatherings and leisurely catch ups.

Stokehouse Pasta & Bar

30 Jacka Boulevard, St Kilda

A breezy all-day spot for Mediterranean eats and beachside spritzes, in an iconic St Kilda site.

Ponyfish Island

Southgate Pedestrian Bridge, Melbourne

Prince Alfred Hotel, Port Melbourne

355 Bay Street, Port Melbourne

Open seven days a week for you to get good pub grub and wash down with a crisp cold craft beer.

Kirk's Wine Bar

50 Hardware Lane, Melbourne

A quaint city wine bar sans pretension.

Top Paddock

658 Church Street, Richmond

This little patch of greenery is where some of Melbourne's most loved cafe owners struck gold.

Beverly

627 Chapel Street, South Yarra

Enjoy 270-degree views and a menu that fuses southern Cali influence with modern Australian flair.

Bar Familiar

1 Saint Heliers Street, Abbotsford

Alessia Augello and Stephanie Lane make their debut as hospo owners, but they are far from new to the industry.

Olympia

18 Portman Street, Oakleigh

Hankering for a place that serves Greek wines and cocktails alongside the much-loved cuisine? Look no further than Olympia.

Astoria Bar Kè Grill

302 Toorak Road, South Yarra

This Toorak Road terrace house is now home to a fab Greek restaurant.

Good Nature Hotel

Flinders Street, Melbourne

The easy-going, year-round outdoor venue provides city-goers and CBD workers with a place to pause, and have a break in the middle of a busy day.

Q Le BAKER

163 Commercial Road, South Yarra

The bakers at Q Le Baker are masters of their craft, honouring age-old traditions while experimenting with different flavours and techniques from around the world.

Cedar Street Cafe

756 Glen Huntly Road, Caulfield South

Cedar Street Cafe epitomises the ideal suburban cafe. Nothing too fancy or complicated, and a barista who knows each local's coffee order.

Officina Gastronomica Italiana

534 Malvern Road, Prahran

The all-day dining destination serves generous and comforting Italian fare with an extensive selection of Italian wines.

Suze

6 Newry Street, Fitzroy North

This North Fitzroy neighbourhood hangout is the kind of place Melbourne always does so well — grounded, generous and effortlessly cool.

Disuko

59-63 Bourke Street, Melbourne

Taking over the former Madame Brussels spot was going to be big shoes to fill, but who better to try than MAMAS Dining Group.

Pipis Kiosk

129a Beaconsfield Parade, Albert Park

This picturesque restaurant is changing the way Melburnians perceive seaside dining — for the better.

Gigi's Piazza, Red Hill Estate

1208 Mornington-Flinders Road, Main Ridge

The new laidback hang-out spot is suitable for everything from first dates to family days out.

Mother

26 Kambrook Road, Caulfield North

It's a real family affair at Mother: family-run, family-oriented, and family-friendly.

98 Lygon Street Bar & Bistro

98 Lygon Street, Brunswick East

The menu blends classic bistro dishes and Mediterranean flavours, while also showcasing local produce.

Pt Leo Estate

3649 Frankston–Flinders Road, Merricks

A 134-hectare Mornington Peninsula property boasting an evolving sculpture garden and a former Rockpool chef.

Cleo, Hyde Melbourne Place

130 Russell Street, Melbourne

The rooftop drinking and dining destination welcomes Eastern Mediterranean flavours and old-world cooking techniques.

Garfield Pizzeria

297 Lygon Street, Carlton

The counter-service pizzeria, named for an orange cat who visited the building site, reimagines the traditional Italian restaurant experience.

Hotel Nacional

23-25 Hardware Lane, Melbourne

Hotel Nacional is Hardware Lane's five-storey, totally gluten-free Mexican restaurant and bar.

Bau Bau Dining

18 Ranelagh Drive, Mount Eliza

This elevated eatery on the Mornington Peninsula showcases a true farm-to-table philosophy, sourcing its premium produce from its own regenerative farm.

The Waterside Hotel

508 Flinders Street, Melbourne

The revitalised venue now showcases a beer garden, a Southeast Asian restaurant, a rooftop bar, an outdoor terrace, a ground-floor pub and additional event spaces.

Stella Restaurant and Bar

427 Chapel Street, South Yarra

This modern take on the classic Italian trattoria has a primo pizza offering, an all-weather rooftop terrace overlooking Chapel Street, and now an all-day weekend brunch offering.

Three Blue Ducks Melbourne

309 Melrose Drive, Tullamarine

Eat vibrant farm-to-table dishes and sip sustainably focused drinks overlooking a two-hectare surf lagoon.

The Commons at Ormond Collective

Corner Moubray Street And St Kilda Road, Melbourne

This four-in-one St Kilda Road venue has a huge beer garden.

Pepe's Italian & Liquor

275 Exhibition Street, Melbourne

You'll find cheesy bowls of gnocchi, meatball pizza and giant sundaes at this 1930s New York-Inspired Italo-American joint on Exhibition Street.

Taquito

350 Drummond Street, Carlton

Carlton's temple of tacos, tequila and handmade tortillas.

Lagotto

1 York Street, Fitzroy North

A sun-lit Italian corner spot with strong pasta game and an onsite provedore.

Harlow

447 Church Street, Richmond

Richmond's Great Britain Hotel has been transformed into an all-occasions pub with a dog-friendly beer garden and lots of barbecued meats.

Pier Farm

34 The Strand, Williamstown

Waterfront dining in Williamstown.

Hotel Esplanade

11 The Esplanade, St Kilda

The revamped Melbourne music institution sports 12 bars, two restaurants and three live music stages across its six levels.

Elwood Bathers

15 Elwood Foreshore, Elwood

This all-day diner is located right on Elwood Beach.

Good Times Milk Bar

83 Tucker Road, Bentleigh

A modern diner with old-school shakes, all-day breakfast, burgers and a dog-friendly courtyard.

Montalto

33 Shoreham Road, Red Hill South

This Mornington Peninsula institution has a winery cellar door, cafe and fine dining restaurant.

Union House

270 Swan Street, Richmond

A gastropub that'll please the masses.

Bang Bang at the Rifle Club

294 Glenhuntly Road, Elsternwick

An all-day Asian fusion eatery at the old Caulfield Rifle Club.

Red Gum BBQ

87 Arthurs Seat Road, Red Hill

A sprawling barbecue joint on the Mornington Peninsula serving local meats cooked low-and-slow over local wood.

Napier Quarter

359 Napier Street, Fitzroy

A small all-day cafe and wine bar winning locals over in the backstreets of Fitzroy.

Henry Sugar

296-298 Rathdowne Street, Carlton North

Rathdowne Street's neighbourhood bar doing inventive food and delicate desserts.

Gilson

171 Domain Road, South Yarra

An all-day European-style eatery across from the Botanic Gardens.

Moby 3143

1150 High Street, Armadale

A three-level Armadale cafe with an outdoor deck.

Cornershop

11 Ballarat Street, Yarraville

This corner cafe has become a Yarraville institution.

Short Straw

743B Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn

The epitome of a great neighbourhood cafe.

Welcome to Thornbury

520 High Street, Northcote

A permanent food truck park boasting a rotating menu of street food snacks.

Mammoth

736 Malvern Road, Armadale

Melbourne's latest brunch darling takes the concept of cafe food to new heights.

Leonard's House of Love

3 Wilson Street, South Yarra

Drink tinnies, down burgers, dance and play pool in Leonard's lounge room-like bar.

Rudimentary

16-20 Leeds Street, Footscray

A cafe made from disused shipping containers in an abandoned car park.

Arbory Bar & Eatery

Flinders Walk, Melbourne

With great views and even better food, this is one platform you won't mind getting delayed on. 

Terminus Hotel

605 Victoria Street, Abbotsford

The Abbotsford pub sports a classy revamp but maintains the things that matter most: beer, bingo and counter meals.

Botanical Hotel

169 Domain Road, South Yarra

South Yarra's local serving up sophisticated dining in a relaxed yet refined setting.

Stagger Lee's

276 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy

A classic Fitzroy cafe with all the good stuff from the guys at Proud Mary.

Builders Arms Hotel

211 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy

Andrew McConnell's refined pub offers British-inflected fare, a strong wine selection and a lovely little courtyard.

The Lincoln

91 Cardigan Street, Carlton

A much-loved Carlton gem serving up local craft brews and top-quality gastropub fare.

The Flying Duck Hotel

67 Bendigo Street, Prahran

Prahran's favourite old Duck flies again.

The Corner Hotel

57 Swan Street, Richmond

A Richmond live music institution with a banging rooftop.

Northcote Social Club

301 High Street, Northcote

Some things never change at NSC, but the menu is not one of them.

The Local Taphouse St Kilda

184 Carlisle Street, St Kilda East

This Carlisle Street institution boasts 19 taps, two fireplaces and a sun-soaked rooftop.

Santoni

634 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn

The Hawthorn pizza bar now does breakfast — and with panoramic views to boot.

St Ali

12-18 Yarra Place, South Melbourne

Melbourne's original cult-status cafe.

Earthly Pleasures Cafe

1627 Burwood Highway, Belgrave

An out-of-town cafe set in a historic 1930s building.

Radio Mexico

11-13 Carlisle Street, St Kilda

A St Kilda fixture pumping out great, casual Mexican.

Belles Hot Chicken

150-156 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy

F**king hot Fitzroy fried chicken.

Marquis of Lorne

411 George Street, Fitzroy

Drink down on the street, dine at the second floor restaurant or soak up some rays on the rooftop.

Code Black Coffee

15-17 Weston Street, Brunswick

With freshly roasted coffee beans you can’t go wrong, but it's the food menu is where this Brunswick roasting house goes oh-so-right.

Baby Pizza

631-633 Church Street, Richmond

Even with high profile siblings threatening to outshine, this Italian Baby is anywhere but the corner.

The Albert Park Hotel

85 Dundas Place, Albert Park

This historic Albert Park pub now has a new look and a modern Chinese food offering worth crossing town for.

D.O.C Pizza and Mozzarella Bar

295 Drummond Street, Carlton

Enjoy the simple life and eat like a true Italian.

Johnny's Green Room

293-297 Lygon Street, Carlton

Dose up on sophisticated Euro vibes and Italian cocktails at this chic, sunny rooftop bar in Carlton.

Bomba Rooftop

103 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

The Spanish restaurant's rooftop serves up Catalan toasties and gin cocktails under the CBD stars.

Dr Morse

274 Johnston Street, Abbotsford

$10 burgers, local beers, an open fire and a good Abbotsford buzz.

Sebastian Beach Grill & Bar

26 Esplanade, Williamstown

This Basque-inspired waterfront bistro grills seafood and pours sangria on a sprawling shaded deck right on the sand.

Archie's All Day

189 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy

From your morning coffee to your midnight nightcap, Archie's has you covered.

Glovers Station

258 Glen Eira Road, Elsternwick

Not just a station for coffee, this Elsternwick cafe has a menu worth stopping for.

Sonny's Fried Chicken & Burgers

29 Lygon Street, Carlton

Classic US-style fried chicken and burgs, in a legendary live music pub.

Touchwood

480 Bridge Road, Richmond

Try your luck at this Bridge Road cafe. Touchwood.

Prince Public Bar

29 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda

The legendary venue is still one of the best spots in town to watch the world go by.

Norman South Yarra

300 Toorak Road, South Yarra

A two-storey brunch destination with savoury waffles for breakfast and a cocktail cart for those balmy afternoons.

The Recreation

162-170 Queens Parade, Fitzroy North

A Fitzroy North wine bar, bottle shop and bistro doing considered comfort food.

The Cornish Arms Hotel

163A Sydney Road, Brunswick

A multi-level pub with a rooftop bar serving all types of goodness day and night.

Auction Rooms

103-107 Errol Street, North Melbourne

Place a bid on one of Melbourne's best brunches.

Rita's Cafeteria

239 Johnston Street, Abbotsford

A beacon of friendly service leading the renaissance of Abbotsford.

Trippy Taco

234 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy

A Fitzroy favourite for vegos.

Napier Hotel

210 Napier Street, Fitzroy

Like a big, warm, friendly Fitzroy hug.

The Rainbow Hotel

27 Saint David Street, Fitzroy

Toast your outsides by the fireplace, while warming your insides with any of 100 different beers.

Portsea Hotel

3746 Point Nepean Road, Portsea

The Mornington Peninsula spot boasts new bars, a pizza menu and killer views over the bay.

Holmes Hall

15 Holmes Road, Moonee Ponds

The plant-filled and neon-lit venue has 20 beer taps, a vegan-friendly gastropub menu and even pinball machines and a shuffleboard table.