Melbourne is one of the best cities in the world when it comes to restaurants and bars. And the rooftop restaurants are no exception.
Here you find some great rooftop venues suitable for a sunny lunch or an elevated dinner. Romantics spots, vibrant restaurants or just some bar bites during an afterwork. Melbourne has it all!
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Here is our list of the 12 best rooftop restaurants in Melbourne, made by the world’s leading experts on rooftops.
Elevated 139 metres above Southbank, on the 40th floor of the opulent hotel Oakwood Premier Melbourne, Strato offers two unique experiences at one Melbourne address.
This sky-high venue opened its doors in July 2022 and presents a dining and bar setting like no other, filled with glamorous furnishings and extraordinary 360-degree views, reaching far over Port Phillip Bay, across the Yarra River, CBD skyline and beyond.
Here you find Strato Restaurant & Dining, a romantically modern space seating up to 100 guests, with its own private bar made from a stone benchtop and a filtered glass bottom that is subtly lit. Choose between booth or table seating while enjoying incredible views of Port Phillip Bay.
The restaurant menu is best described as contemporary modern Australian, boasting seasonal and locally sourced Victorian ingredients, offering a glimpse into an organic Melbourne culinary experience.
Indulge in starters like 'Wagyu Steak Tartare' and 'Scallop Crudo', large plates like 'Goldband Snapper' and 'Fig Glazed Chicken', or go for a 'Wagyu Rib Eye Steak' from the grill. Complemented with both local and international wines, as well as a heavenly drinks menu, Strato is the place to go for a special and elevated Melbourne dinner.
For lighter bites and more drinks, head over to Strato Bar & Lounge, holding both an impressive 16-metre stone bar, and an alfresco terrace perfect for warmer nights.
STRATO
Blossom Rooftop Bar is a modern and urban addition to the Melbourne rooftop scene, located on the 14th floor of the Pullman Melbourne City Centre, high above the CBD.
With a stunning industrial interior, adorned with artwork by acclaimed artist Lisa King, it's the perfect venue for after work drinks, or for a pizza party with friends.
Part stylish inside lounge, there is also a spacious al fresco terrace that wraps around the 14th floor, presenting jaw-dropping 270-degree views of the city skyline.
The Blossom rooftop menu is Italian-inspired, and comes filled with both handmade wood-fired pizza and tasty bar snacks, from Oysters and Tuna Crudo to Charcutiere plates.
Complemented with mouth-watering signature cocktails, local wines and beers, the vibrant and sophisticated Blossom Rooftop is a prime spot for flavour-filled and elevated evenings.
BLOSSOM
Taking over the space where you used to find Melina on the Rooftop, FABLE Melbourne is eager to claim a spot in hospitality history. And they have all the ingredients needed to succeed.
With a 13th floor location in the heart of Melbourne, the rooftop comes surrounded with an amazing view over the city skyline. And the modern and sleek design offers a feeling of New York state of mind meeting the quintessential Melbourne.
Just as its predecessor, FABLE Melbourne is the most elevated spot in town to enjoy the best of Mediterranean vibes. Created by Executive Chef Alex Xinis, the seasonal Mediterranean food served is full of flavour and designed to share.
Complemented with a carefully curated cocktail selection, FABLE is open most nights to dine and drink high above Melbourne, and during Saturday's also for rooftop brunch.
FABLE
Tucked behind Little Collins Street, next to Melbourne Town Hall, Cabinet Bar and Balcony is a retro-chic & Parisian-inspired laneway bar, inviting to cocktails, wine, food and good company.
Set over two levels, this mid-city oasis features a charming interior space downstairs, complemented with an equally lovely outside balcony rooftop upstairs, overlooking all the action on Swanston Street.
Open most evenings, and on weekends from around noon, here you can indulge in carefully chosen wines, crafted signature cocktails named after regular customers, and a local brews, perfect to pair with some of the delicious tapas, or something from the ever changing flatbread pizza menu.
Made to share, options range from 'Spiced Pulled Chicken & Cos Mini Subs' and 'Fried Halloumi with Honey & Thyme Drizzle', to 'Roasted Pumpkin Hummus with Pine Nuts & Spinach Flatbread'.
From sunset sips and pre-theatre dinner and drinks, to chill Sunday sessions in the sun, Cabinet Bar and Balcony is always a great spot for vibrant flavours in an intimate and friendly atmosphere.
CABINET
The Quincy Hotel brings the essence of South East Asia to Melbourne, and it does so all the way up to the very top, with the elevated and modern The Q.
Perched high, high above the bustling streets of Melbourne CBD (28 floors above to be exact), this stylish indoor/outdoor venue comes surrounded with epic skyline views, right among the city skyscrapers.
The Q rooftop menu includes a great selection of creative and crafted signature cocktails, but it also offers some delicious Asian-inspired small plates. From 'Roasted pork belly bao' and 'Vegetable spring rolls' to 'Mekong chicken ribs', the food is made perfect to share.
So bring a loved one or some friends and enjoy a unique Melbourne rooftop experience. After food and drinks, you can stick around for a pulsing and energetic bar experience continuing well into the night.
Right now The Q also offers 'Sky High Cocktails and Asian Foodfair', with free-flowing house cocktails for 2 hours and a grazing platter while looking at the Melbourne skyline.
THE Q
Set over two levels on Fitzroy Street in St Kilda, Ellora is a chic and vibrant venue perfect to enjoy a mix of drinks, bites and views.
Housing an impressive and bright interior, the tru gem is the covered balcony rooftop terrace, where you get spectacular uninterrupted views over Port Phillip Bay.
A weekend hot-spot, Ellora offers a generous, creative and refreshing selection of food and drinks. Cocktails, wine, sparkling and beers are paired with a modern array of house pizzas and tapas perfect to share.
The food menu includes everything from chippies, Tacos, Caprese Bruschetta and Arancini 2 Ways, to a Fishermans share platter with beer battered fish, calamari rings & crumbed prawns.
With a great and friendly ambience and service, Ellora is perfect for both couples looking for an intimate evening out, and a groups of friends looking to socialise with bites, drinks and views.
For earlier and sunny sessions, every Saturday & Sunday also means 'Bechside Bottomless Brunch'. From 1pm to 3pm, you can indulge in a menu including cocktail on arrival, bottomless wines, mimosas and tap beers, and a set food menu with seasonal fruits, danish pastries, brioche omelette, assorted bagles and fritters.
ELLORA
Located in the Williamstown suburb, south-west of Melbourne's CBD, Hobsons Bay Hotel is a three-storey pub, mixing a rustic charm with a modern setting.
Equipped with a ground floor brasserie-style dining room and public bar, as well as a first floor bar with leafy balcony and cosy fireplace, the real cherry on top is the upstairs rooftop.
Surrounded with panoramic views over Williamstown, Port Phillip Bay and the complete Melbourne skyline, the Hobsons Bay Hotel rooftop is open and airy for breezy sessions during summer, but also comes with complete protection and a cosy heater for the more chilly months.
At the cosy main dining room you can enjoy a seasonal menu derived from some of the best food and ingredients Melbourne has to offer, with plenty of the dishes made at the woodfire grill and rotisserie in the open kitchen.
The public bar and rooftop serves a more classic pub-style menu, including Minute Steak with Shoestring Fries, Lightly Battered Fish & Chips and the HBH Cheeseburger. The food is complemented with tap cocktails and wine, as well as a large selection of classic and local craft beers.
HOBSONS BAY HOTEL
This Spanish restaurant and rooftop bar can be found in the Central Business district of Melbourne and offers beautiful views of one of the busiest areas of the city, while still providing a sense of calm and relaxation.
Downstairs, you can enjoy a cozy atmosphere and a fantastic tapas atmosphere, while at the rooftop you can find expertly-mixed cocktails, excellent Spanish wines, unique Gin & Tonic combinations, and a beautiful collection of beers.
What's more, Bomba actually has sangría on tap, a true novelty in the city.
While the streets surrounding Bomba can be pretty busy, the rooftop offers a relaxing and lovely Spanish setting and vibe, complete with a retractable roof and comfortable seating options, making it an excellent alternative for those looking for a break at work, or a night out with friends.
BOMBA
One of few beachside venues on this list, Captain Baxter was refurbished a couple of years ago and has quickly become one of the hottest spots in the city.
Delicious food, fresh cocktails, and jaw-dropping views of the ocean make any visit to Captain Baxter one to remember, but if that isn't enough, this fantastic rooftop venue also offers a peaceful yet classy atmosphere that you're sure to love.
Matching its location, Captain Baxter serves a seafood focused menu, overlayed with subtle Asian influences. The food is complemented with a long list of expertly crafted cocktails, wines, and beers.
Tasteful music, relaxing vibes, attentive staff, and more make Captain Baxter one of the best rooftop restaurants and bars, and no visit to the city is complete without watching a sunset from this venue.
Enjoy seaside dinners, or a sunny 'Baxter's Long Lunch' during weekends.
CAPTAIN BAXTER
Found right by Federation Square and the railway station in the heart of the CBD, Transport Hotel is somewhat of a Melbourne institution, offering several floors of food, drinks, fun and events.
Starting with the ground floor Transport Public Bar, where you can catch a game on the big screens, listen to some of Melbourne’s best live music, or enjoy a menu filled with modern pub classics and Asian inspired street food, preferably at one of the three outdoor areas.
For more elevated eating, head up to the second floor Taxi Kitchen. While this stylish yet relaxed venue is all indoors, the panoramic windows means you can indulge in a modern Australian menu with a distinct Asian influence, all to fantastic views over Melbourne’s skyline and the Yarra River.
Topping it all off is the vibrant Transit Rooftop Bar, mixing indoor and heated al fresco seating, and offering the very best views Transport Hotel has to offer. Mostly know as a venue for stylish cocktails and jumping live music, the rooftop also offers a nice selection of food. From small plates to hot sandwiches and pizzas.
TRANSPORT HOTEL
Don't be confused by the name; the Imperial Hotel isn't a hotel, but rather a three stories pub, as well as one of the oldest pubs in the city.
While the entire building is dedicated to eating and drinking, the rooftop terrace is the crown jewel, as it offers a fantastic view of the city and a lively atmosphere that keeps visitors returning for more.
The wooden deck terrace offers numerous seating options, large umbrellas to protect guests from the elements, outdoor heaters during the weekend, and a stylish outdoor bar.
While the terrace does offer a semi-roofed area, if the weather is particularly bad, it's recommended to retreat back indoors, but hey, "indoors" still means two stories of bar and lounge, so it's hardly a sacrifice.
Since the Imperial Hotel is a classic pub, it features a staggering collection of beers, but also cocktails and delicious and innovative pub food. From pizza and burgers to salads and dishes from the grill.
The atmosphere is laid-back yet classy, with no airs of grandeur. People who visit the Imperial Hotel do it to drink, eat and have fun, and that's precisely what they get.
IMPERIAL HOTEL
Perched on top of the famous American BBQ restaurant Fancy Hank's, Good Heavens is mainly known for its creative signature cocktails and lively atmosphere. And while the restaurant downstairs is a more safe bet for the really hungry ones, the rooftop offers a small and unique menu of bites and snacks from the restaurant.
Indulge in Smoked Brisket Party Pies or Cheeseburger Spring Rolls, or dig into some Mortadella Open Sliders, all while taking in the beautiful views of Melbourne's skyscrapers and Bourke Street just below.
Chances are you won't be paying attention to the view only, as the bar's decoration is so colorful and charming it's bound to catch your attention. Pastel colors, bright pink signs, Hawaiian shirts on the staff, and eclectic furniture make this rooftop bar one you won't forget, and the retro-inspired signature cocktails are both creative and delicious.
If cocktails aren't your thing, you can also find beers on taps and a decent selection of wines, so chances are you'll find something you'll like.
Good Heaven's atmosphere is casual yet energetic, with live DJs showing off their skills and people mingling and dancing to the sound of music.
GOOD HEAVENS
Rikard has spent the last 10 years exploring, enjoying, researching and working with rooftop venues. During these years he has visited more than 700 rooftops across the globe. The experience he has gained is used to create helpful, in-depth and accessible content, and to share his knowledge and rooftop expertise with fellow rooftop-lovers.
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