Sardine Is the New Indoor-Outdoor Drinking Destination Boasting City Skyline Views

Rooftop bars are having a moment in Melbourne's hospitality scene, seemingly undeterred by the chill of colder months and spurred on by a promising start to spring. The latest indoor-outdoor space to join this new wave of drinking destinations is Sardine, boasting sky-high views in Melbourne's east.

Announced as part of Chadstone's new $70-million entertainment hub, The Social Quarter, Sardine will form the second level of the new White + Wong's. Nestled on the upper level of the 750 square-metre restaurant, the standalone bar is home to uninterrupted views of Melbourne's city skyline and can accommodate up to 95 patrons.

The drinks menu runs to the likes of local beers, wine, mocktails and cocktails. Standouts include the Moon Rabbit which mixes Drambuie, Lustao Amontillado Jerez and Demerara black tea with fresh lemon. Spice-lovers should beeline towards The La, which heroes chilli mango, lime, cranberry and maraschino with vodka.

Peckish patrons can access the full White + Wong's menu from downstairs, but the bites and snacks section is particularly suited for the openair courtyard space. Peruse through fresh and tempura oysters, the latter served with a fresh nahm jim and kaffir lime mayonnaise. A summer-ready kingfish sashimi is served with Fijian-inspired heirloom tomatoes, chilli, lime, coconut cream and coriander.

Crowd-pleasing dumplings range from a modern duck and chive xiao long bao, to traditional crystal skin prawn dumplings. Vegetarians can look towards gochujang wontons with Chinese cabbage, shiitake and tofu, or a Korean glass noodle salad.

Sardine is open from 11am until late, 7 days a week at White + Wong's, Chadstone. Head to the White + Wong's website for more info.

Images: Arianna Leggiero