Overview
South Yarra scores a new neighbourhood hangout, with Bar Yarra setting up shop in the space formerly housing Ovolo Hotel's Lona Misa. The day-to-night diner offers everything from brekkie and lunch (from February), to coffee and snacks, to cheeky evening nightcaps.
"Bar Yarra is designed to be a place people can drop into at any point in the day – whether that's for a quick coffee, a long lunch or a drink that turns into dinner," says Christos Pavlidis, General Manager of Ovolo Hotel South Yarra. "It's relaxed, approachable and very much about creating a genuine local for the community."
Head chef Santiago Ospina's menu is simple and refined, built to share, and showcases staple dishes shaped from local ingredients. For breakfast, try Scandinavian plates like smoked salmon and pickled veg, or cross continents and taste Middle Eastern shakshuka with whipped feta. If you're enjoying a visit or staycation at Ovolo Hotel, make it a real celebration with Bloody Marys or sparkling mimosas.
Come evening, snack on snappy fresh crudites or crisp fried calamari, and make the tough choice between the likes of striploin steak frites, the Yarra Smash Burger with dirty mayo, or pumpkin ravioli with miso butter.
Perfect for a post-work pop-in, Bar Yarra's happy hour from 5 to 7pm features $8 wines, $10 spirits and pints, $15 cocktails, and $10 snacks. Throwback Thursdays will see DJs spinning nostalgic vinyl, set to become a neighbourhood weekly ritual.
Pavlidis says, "Bar Yarra is about opening the space up to everyone. It's approachable, energetic and built around great food, great drinks and good times. We're excited to welcome the neighbourhood in and see the venue take on a whole new life."
Images: Ashley Ludkin.
Information
- The 16 Best Swimming Holes Near Melbourne
- CP Picks: Aussie Summer Essentials — The Things We're Packing, Wearing and Using All Season Long
- CP Picks: The Editor's Gift Guide —What the CP Team Is Giving (and Hoping to Receive)
- Ten Road Trip-Worthy Restaurants You Should Visit in Victoria
- The 25 Best Restaurants in Melbourne for 2025
- The 50 Best Restaurants in the Melbourne CBD for 2025