All the New Melbourne Restaurant and Bar Openings to Try This Summer 2026
Melbourne’s newest restaurants and bars are setting the tone for summer 2026 — from rooftop spritzes to laneway wine bars, here’s where to eat and drink next.
New Melbourne restaurants and bars are opening at a dizzying pace — and summer 2026 might just be the city's most exciting season yet. From rooftop spritz spots and laneway wine bars to destination diners by the coast, these new openings capture everything Melburnians love about eating and drinking in the heat.
This summer, the focus is on variety and mood. In the city, new Melbourne restaurants are embracing bold flavours and low-intervention wine lists, while suburban neighbourhoods are seeing a rise in laidback eateries designed for long lunches and unhurried evenings. Out in the Yarra Valley and along the coast, new Melbourne bars and cellar doors are blending regional produce with clever design — the kind of places you could spend a whole afternoon without realising it.
Whether you're chasing rooftop cocktails at golden hour, a seafood feast by the bay, or a glass of something local in a tucked-away laneway, Melbourne's new wave of restaurants and bars is as diverse as the city itself. And with openings arriving almost weekly, staying on top of them is a full-time job (luckily, we've done it for you).
From Fitzroy to Southbank, Richmond to the Peninsula, this running list covers all the new Melbourne restaurants and bars worth visiting in 2026 — whether you're booking ahead for a long weekend, or looking for somewhere to wander into tonight.
Recommended reads:
The Best Restaurants in Melbourne
The Best Rooftop Bars in Melbourne
The 15 Best Bathhouses in Melbourne
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RestaurantCoupette
90 Queens Bridge Street, Southbank
As a hotel venue, it moves seamlessly from morning coffee to late-night cocktails, and is well-suited to everything from a quick snack to a celebratory meal.
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BarBar Local Drop
116 Rokeby Street, Collingwood
There are over 500 bottles to choose from that can be enjoyed at the bar or in the comfort of your own home.
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RestaurantSantito
174 Smith Street, Collingwood
While the smell of fresh tortillas and spit-roasted meats may be familiar, Santito brings a refreshed energy and new direction to the Smith Street site.
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RestaurantPinto Tiramisu
106 Leicester Street, Fitzroy
While the classic tiramisu variety is a menu staple, other flavours that change with the seasons may include strawberry matcha, gingerbread, or chocolate hazelnut.
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BarMoondrop Bar
150-156 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy
Guests will be greeted with touches of Chan's Chinese heritage on all fronts: from Mahjong tables serving as furniture, to Chinese hip hop and R'n'B playing through the speakers.
Top image: Ariana Leggerio.