The Best Places to Take Your Dad This Father's Day in Melbourne

Somehow it's almost September, and Father's Day is right around the corner (Sunday, September 6), again. You can do better than another pair of socks and a run-of-the-mill brunch to celebrate your dad, granddad, uncle, brother, or other father figure in your life, but if you don't know where to start, don't fret, as we're here to help. 

We've rounded up the best things to do this Father's Day, whether it's a Sunday roast on a rooftop, a vibey lunch set to live jazz music, a nostalgic sweet treat or a drive down the coast. If you're looking for more ideas, check out Melbourne's best set menus under $100, top spots to BYO, or venues that are perfect for group bookings. Whatever you choose, be sure to make Father's Day a memorable one this year.

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For a Rooftop Roast: Beverly Rooftop

Head to Beverly Rooftop in South Yarra for a rooftop roast this Father's Day. Cementing itself as a crowd-pleaser over the last three years, the roast special is a great way to honour any father figures in your life with a hearty meal (without any clean-up). For $120, enjoy focaccia and oysters, and then move on to the showstopping dry-aged rib-eye with horseradish sauce, Yorkshire puddings, mash and gratin, followed by a classic pavlova if you've got any room. Kids can enjoy a two-course menu for $55. 

For a Stylish Staycation: Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins

For the dads that never treat themselves, why not go all in this Father's Day and surprise them with a stylish overnight stay at Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins. The special A Night Well Stirred package (starting at $419) pairs a hotel stay with a Little Lon signature cocktail at the hotel's Fern Bar & Dining, followed by breakfast and a late checkout. Let dad put his feet up, and enjoy his special day at his own pace with this special deal.

For a Jazzy Three-Course Meal: Angus & Bon

For dads with musical inclinations, book your table now at Prahran's beloved steakhouse, Angus and Bon's, for its Father's Day Live Jazz event. Served across lunch or dinner, Angus & Bon is putting on a show with a decadent menu, all set to the sweet sounds of live jazz throughout the day. There's burrata, citrus-cured kingfish, and steak tartare, plus a choice of crab spaghettini, scotch fillet, eye fillet, or wagyu, accompanied by plenty of sides. Add a couple of bottles of wine and settle in for the afternoon, because where could you possibly need to rush off to?

For a Cracking Knuckle-Fest: Molly Rose

Collingwood's Molly Rose brewery is bringing back its previously sold-out Knuckle Fest to celebrate dads this September. For just $45, feast on bread and olives, a bunch of sides, and of course the main event, a crisp pork knuckle served with beer gravy, rosemary hot honey and housemade beer mustard. And to make it even more enticing, Molly Rose is throwing in a free Michelada for dads, a free kids' menu for kids under 12, offering $22 steins of Molly Rosso and is even serving vegan and gluten-free options.

For a Nostalgic Sweet Treat: Piccolina

Purveyor of premium gelato, Piccolina, is taking dads back to their childhood this Father's Day with their Wagon Wheel special. The special-edition sweet treat is crafted from scratch, true to Piccolina's philosophy, layering butter biscuit, raspberry jam, raspberry marshmallow and vanilla gelato. The mammoth ice cream sandwich is then dunked in dark couverture chocolate glaze and finished with freeze-dried raspberries. To avoid missing out, you can preorder your Wagon Wheels online now, or try your luck across all Piccolina stores.

For a Four-Course French Feast: DOLLY

Subterranean bistro, DOLLY, is offering a fancy, four-course French feast this Father's Day for just $85 per person, including a complimentary drink for every dad. The Father's Day Lunch has become one of the restaurant's most popular annual events, showcasing many of the bistro's signature favourites. Start with oysters and scallops spiced with nduja, and enjoy the MB2 porterhouse steak with pomme purée and jus. Bring the kids, as any children under 12 are permitted to dine from the a la carte kids menu.  

For Gourmet Catering at Home: Ruben's Deli

If you plan to stay in this Father's Day but want to take the stress out of entertaining, let Ruben's Deli do the hard work for you with their gourmet catering options. Signature boxes include the pastrami box, toasted Reuben sandwich box, bagel box, roast chicken box, blini box, antipasti box and smoked fish box. There are also a variety of mains, sides and desserts to choose from, such as Ruben's famous cinnamon babkas and chiffon cakes. Confirm catering orders at least 36 hours before pickup; however, if you are more of a last-minute host, the Armadale store is stocked daily with gourmet goodies.

For a Decadent Dad-Centric Dessert: Pidapipo

Pidapipo is bringing back its viral Papamisu dessert to make Father's Day extra sweet this year. The tub of tiramisu is filled with layers of mascarpone gelato, Savoiardi biscuits, espresso and sweet cherry syrup, gianduja ganache and chocolate shavings. Submit your preorders now, or head in-store to grab one before they're gone; otherwise, you can try your luck on Uber Eats or DoorDash.

For Lunch with a Side of Knot-Tying: Fleet Rooftop Bar

Yes, you read that correctly. This Father's Day, the CBD's Fleet Rooftop Bar continues to pay respect to Melbourne's maritime history by offering guests a knot-tying lesson on the side of their lunch. Located 22 levels above Vibe Hotel Melbourne, Fleet is encouraging family fun and practicality this year with an interactive workshop, followed by a feast of generous share-style plates, including oysters, salt and pepper calamari, slow-cooked lamb, dry-aged rib eye, and more. And to sweeten the deal, Fleet is also offering families the opportunity to get a complimentary professional family portrait taken, with the stunning skyline as a backdrop, to commemorate the occassion.

For a Trip to the Coast: The Continental Sorrento

Get out of the city and enjoy the fresh breeze this Father's Day by making a trip to The Continental Sorrento for a special lunch and laid-back afternoon. The Conti Bar is offering a range of Father's Day specials, including a slow-cooked roast for $37, plus its full à la carte menu, giving you plenty of flexibility. Or, if you want something a little fancier, head to Ember for a special chef's tasting menu showcasing premium seasonal produce, at $120 per person ($39 for kids). Make an afternoon out of it with live acoustic music and a couple of frothies for Dad, and everyone will head home happy.

Feature Image: Angus & Bon.