Overview
Melbourne has a pretty solid collection of rooftop bars under its belt. But the newly opened Fable is taking the concept of sky-high sips to a whole new level — at a lofty 14 storeys up, it has swiftly claimed the title of Melbourne's tallest rooftop bar.
Fable has made its home atop Lonsdale Street's Greek Community Building, as the latest venture from hospitality veteran Gehan Rajapakse (The Sofitel, Hyde Bar, Rah Bar, Crown Casino).
It's a plush, Mediterranean-inspired affair, with an elegant fit-out of salmon-hued booth seating and green jewel tones designed by Rajapakse himself. To be fair though, most of your attention will be stolen by the exceptional views on show through the bar's huge wraparound windows and retractable roof, with the panoramas stretching right across the city and over to the Bolte Bridge.
Yank your focus back to Fable's other offerings and you'll 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, and a bloody mary riff that pays homage to a story from the French Revolution. Two pages of martini variations await the gin-lovers. 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, grilled halloumi with blistered grapes and sherry vinegar, or hot focaccia bites dipped in white taramosalata. Or, settle in over heartier options like an eggplant and lentil moussaka, or the Greek-style lamb shoulder.
Find Fable at 13/168 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne. It's currently open 5pm–1am Wednesday and Thursday, 5pm–3am Friday and Saturday, and 5pm–1am Sunday. Opening hours are set to be extended in the coming weeks.
Images: Aaron Francis and Nicole Cleary