Fable Melbourne

Fable is taking the concept of sky-high sips to a whole new level — at a lofty 14 storeys above Lonsdale Street, it has swiftly claimed the title of Melbourne's tallest rooftop bar.

The latest venture from hospitality veteran Gehan Rajapakse (The Sofitel, Hyde Bar, Rah Bar, Crown Casino), it's a plush, Mediterranean-inspired affair. The space rocks an elegant fitout, along with exceptional panoramic views on show through the bar's huge wraparound windows and retractable roof.

You'll also find a creatively charged menu of libations led by Alessandro Nardini (Beneath Driver Lane, Nick & Nora's, Loch & Key). It's a considered lineup with a penchant for storytelling and history, filled with many clever — sometimes cheeky — reworkings of the classics.

Expect a spritz-style blend of thyme, rosemary and grapefruit sherbet dubbed Elisir Lungavita ($23/90), two pages of martini variations, and a bloody mary riff that pays homage to a story from the French Revolution ($22). As a bonus, driven by Nardini's own coeliac diagnosis, the cocktail list is mostly gluten-free, as well as being largely vegan-friendly.

Meanwhile, Executive Chef Alex Xinis (Press Club) is plating up a Mediterranean-accented food menu with a taste for decadence. Match those sunset views with Yarra Valley trout caviar blinis ($40), grilled halloumi with blistered grapes and sherry vinegar ($20), or hot focaccia bites dipped in white taramosalata ($19). Or, settle in over heartier options like an eggplant and lentil moussaka ($29), and the Greek-style lamb shoulder ($44).

Aaron Francis

Images: Aaron Francis and Nicole Cleary