Five Outdoor Melbourne Spots to Hit This Summer You May Not Know About
We've got your next al fresco session sorted.
Five Outdoor Melbourne Spots to Hit This Summer You May Not Know About
We've got your next al fresco session sorted.
At this point, winter is but a distant memory. Long live summer. But if you can think back to those days when your sunnies and togs were still in hibernation, you may recall a few key outdoor spots had emerged onto the scene. Some classics were renovated, some rooftops were revealed and some Latin American eateries opened to serve their treats on the streets. Perhaps you visited a few; perhaps the cold chill whisked these names right out of your mind. Either way, we're here to remind you of the new(ish) outdoor spots to head for summer hangs this season.
To help you plan the perfect al fresco eve, we've put together a list of Melbourne's new, hot but breezy spots where you can go from sunset and well into the night. There's a limited window to soak up all the vitamin D before that chill begins to creep in again, so get out there and enjoy the sunshine — and don't forget your hat.
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5
No one in Melbourne needs convincing of Los Hermanos’ status.; it’s some of Melbourne’s finest Mexican food. But, like a Shakespearean tragedy, the big dog may be dethroned by his own brother — especially when he offers a whole outdoor area for dining and drinking. Opened in August 2018, Benzina Cantina has brought tacos and tequila to Preston.
Set in a series of shipping containers, the venue is relaxed and welcoming, pairing nicely with the slightly unfamiliar (yet authentic) menu. Opt for a cactus salad ($12.50), gordita (handmade corn pocket stuffed with cheese and refried beans or beef $7/$8) or a couple tacos (with options like slow-cooked chicken with chipotle and tomatillo salsa, chorizo with potatoes and queso de Oaxaca and cactus strips with molè and feta $6.50/$7). As for drinks? You’ll find Spanish beers and wines, as well as more Mezcal-infused cocktails than you can handle on the rooftop bar area.
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4
Look out for a little red pig on Little Bourke Street, and proceed to level three to find alittle slice of Southeast Asia right in the heart of the city. Red Piggy is the kind of place where you go for dinner and find yourself hours later, drinks in hand, watching the city pass by below.
The tropical plant wall, festoon lighting and handmade Vietnamese and Laotian baskets hanging from the ceiling set the mood for a balmy summer’s night — and so does the drinks menu. We recommend the Tom Yam Siam with vodka, Malibu, lychee syrup, lemongrass and Kaffir lime leaf ($18). And when hunger strikes, you really can’t go wrong with the crispy pork belly and apple salad ($13).
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3
You may have been to The Beach Hotel before, but never like this. The classic old pub has had a bit of work done lately and is looking better than ever. The outdoor courtyard is open — but also quite private — with tables for large groups and cushy couches for smaller groups. The food and wine menus have also been renovated, hurrah. The wine list has been beefed up to include more than 100 varieties, and the menu now includes upscale pub fare — think butternut squash pappardelle with chilli and lemon ($18) and yellowfin tuna grilled with crushed kipfler potatoes, blood orange, fennel and harissa ($26).
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2
Coming as good news for lovers of South American flavours, Fitzroy North gained a new Chilean eatery in September 2018 to satiate all empanada cravings. Grab a spot on the street and have a squiz at the menu. You’ll find a mixture of grilled meat and seafood with Chilean flavours such as orange-braised pork shoulder empanadas and eggplant terrine. Ceviche is a big star, too, with six options to try, including a vegetarian version with cauliflower, snow leopard milk, mushrooms, sweet potato, cassava crisps, asparagus, palm hearts and charred watermelon ($18). The drinks menu matches this display of boldness with lots of South American beers and wines, as well as spicy, fruity pisco-based cocktails.
Top image: Benzina Cantina.
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