Overview
On the top of our list in summer? Combining two of our favourite things into one amazing adventure: the outdoors and delicious food. Because let's face it, Melbourne has to be one of the best places in the world for dining in the summer air. Here's Concrete Playground's pick of the best outdoor restaurants in Melbourne.
UNION DINING TERRACE
The terrace above Union Dining in Richmond is the relaxed little brother of the provincial European restaurant below. With its own bar and menu, it’s a great escape from the streets. Classic cocktails like the Aperol Spritzer and a Gin Fizz are served up alongside a snack menu featuring a chicken sandwich on brioche and fish and potato croquettes.
270-271 Swan Street, Richmond, uniondining.com.au
REPUBLICA
Republica in St Kilda is situated right on the water's edge and takes full advantage of this with an outdoor area looking right over the water. The restaurant has hanging chairs dotted around, just asking to be sat in until the sun goes down. On the other side of the restaurant is a second outdoor area, which is part of the St Kilda Sea Baths, offering shade and live music on the weekends. The menu is simple. Alongside a pizza menu, mains include pan-fried barramundi with cauliflower risotto or a steak served on polenta.
1a/10-18 Jacka Boulevard, St Kilda, republica.net.au
TACO TRUCK
If you are looking for a true outdoor dining experience, hit up one of Melbourne's many food trucks. A favourite of ours in the Taco Truck, serving up soft tacos with fish, chicken or even potato. Grab a taco or two and relax with other Melburnians who have waited in line. Make sure you get in early as they sell out almost every night.
Various locations, tacotruck.com.au
PACO'S TACOS
From the team behind Movida, Paco's Tacos is a little oasis at the bottom end of the city. Set inside a huge yellow shipping container with heaters for winter and a grated finish to let the sunshine in, it’s a fun and bright contrast to the surrounding office buildings. The menu is Mexican street food, with a focus on tacos. There are six taco varieties and extras like BBQ corn and nachos. Opt for the roasted duck taco with spicy mole or the fish taco with chipotle and radish.
Level 1, 500 Bourke Street, Melbourne, pacostacos.com.au
PONYFISH ISLAND
Under the pedestrian bridge over the Yarra River at Southbank, Ponyfish Island takes waterfront dining to a new level. Open from breakfast, they serve relaxed and casual food. They also run a BBQ from Thursday night through the weekend serving up burgers to the masses. They’ve got a small but solid drinks oðering including jugs of Pimms cocktails.
Southgate Pedestrian Bridge, Melbourne.
TROCADERO
Trocadero is the newest addition to the arts precinct, located in Hamer Hall at the Arts Centre. Grab a snack at the bar or stay for the long haul. There's a sleek and modern approach to design here, and a beautiful terrace overlooking the Yarra River. This one is going to be a popular stop for theatergoers.
Hamer Hall, Arts Centre, 100 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, trocadero.co
NEWMARKET HOTEL
The menu at Newmarket Hotel draws its influences from California with Latin street food served up from the grill. Start with soft shell crab or a soft taco of beef cheek. The mains are centered around a wood-fired oven and BBQ, with hanger steaks and NY strips on offer. They have a great outdoor dining area where you can enjoy the sun.
34 Inkerman Street, St Kilda, newmarketstkilda.com.au
RIVERLAND BAR
Riverland Bar is located on the banks of the Yarra River on the edge of Federation Square. Down the staircase right before the bridge you'll find Riverland's large outdoor area dotted with umbrellas and beautiful views. The menu is varied, offering something for any taste from soba noodle salad to pork belly.
1-9 Federation Wharf (under Princes Bridge), Melbourne, riverlandbar.com
THE FITZ CAFE
The Fitz on Brunswick Street, right in the heart of Fitzroy is the perfect spot for a sunny Sunday afternoon. While they do have outdoor seating downstairs, it’s upstairs in their outdoor courtyard where you can take full advantage of the sun. On the second level you'll find a different menu with tapas-style dishes, perfect for sharing.
347 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, thefitz.com.au
SPEAKEASY KITCHEN BAR
The name doesn't represent the true essence of Speakeasy Kitchen and Bar. There is nothing dark and underground about it at all. Instead, you'll find a beautiful dining room with a great seasonal menu. The herb and ricotta gnocchi with prawns, peas and tomatoes is a good place to start. They also make great cocktails. The outdoor terrace is an ideal space to enjoy the warmer months. With a laneway outside, many a summer night has seen the party has spill into the street.
359 Chapel Street, South Yarra, speakeasybar.com.au