The top wine and dine haunts, and the hit list to play and stay in and out of Melbourne. From the outskirts of St Kilda and into the vineyards of the Mornington Peninsula to inner city diners in Fitzroy and Carlton...
STAY
NOTEL
(Image Courtesy of NOTEL via Instagram)
You’ll find this urban oasis situated in Melbourne's CBD. Sitting inconspicuously on top of an urban rooftop, the space says otherwise. It's made up of distinctive metallic caravans, monochromatic Fuschia hues and retro-futuristic interiors that positively stray from the ordinary. The hotel even describes itself as ‘NOT-A-HOTEL’ to nod to its quirky roots. NOTEL is the perfect get-a-way for couples, friends and young families.
NOTEL, 388 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Lancemore Crossley Street
(Image Courtesy of Lancemore Crossley Street via lancemore.com)
Luxurious and understated-chic, Lancemore Crossley Street is the embodiment of its surrounding theatre district. Its boutique guest rooms offer a modern and comfortable stay for short-haul city stoppers. In true Melbourne style, you’ll find a rooftop space surrounded by the city's skyline sets a cosmopolitan scene; perfect to relax, drink and dine when you're not exploring the artistic back alleys.
Lancemore Crossley Street, Lancemore 51 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne
DINE
Mamasita
(Image Courtesy of Mamasita, via Instagram)
Take a trip down Collins Street to visit the bustling Mexican Taqueria, Mamasita. Established in 2009, guests can relax with the banquet-style platos or Mexican a la carte: tacos, antojitos and acompañamientos. A meal at Mamasita's wouldn't be complete without a drink. Head Mezcalier, Luis, provides a range of agave spirits to accompany the diner's modern take on South American fare.
Mamasita, Level 1/11 Collins St, Melbourne
@mamasitamelbourne
Small Print Pizza Bar
(Image Courtesy of Small Print Pizza Bar, via Instagram)
This sustainable pizzeria co-owned by trio Phil Gjisbers, Neil Mills, and Adam Chapman is located in Windsor. The zero-waste resto/bar harbors Neapolitan style slices from Margherita (there’s a vegan option too!) to capriccioso and everything in between. Coupled with craft beers from Moon Dog Brewery and local vegan wines. They even deliver to neighboring Victoria Gardens for those long summer evenings.
Small Print Pizza Bar, 388 High Street, Windsor
Rita’s Abbotsford
(Image Courtesy of Rita's Abbotsford, via Instagram)
Brett Graham, Rob Lowther, and Chef Daniel Spizzica bring classic Italian cuisine to Abbotsford — inside a light-filled shop front serving no-fuss pizzas with light crusts. Praised Melbourne-wide, it’s worth the trip down Johnston Street when on the Northside.
Rita's Abbotsford, 239 Johnston Street, Abbotsford
DRINK
Black Pearl
(Image Courtesy of Black Pearl Fitzroy, via Instagram)
A major player in the bar scene with 19 years in the business, Black Pearl has established itself as an atmospheric venue that invites you to relax with its moody lighting and leather-bound lounge chairs. The warm setting is almost idealistic for a night of glamor with friends. With numerous accolades under their name, Black Pearl's cocktails are bound to impress, mixed by some of the finest in the industry.
Black Pearl, 304 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
Tamura's Sake Bar
(Image Courtesy of Tamura Sake Bar, via Instagram)
This spot combines Japanese Izakaya-style dining with music to present Tamura's Sake Bar. Prepare for an in-vogue venue by Fumi Tamura that brings imported Japanese sake and beer to Fitzroy's doorsteps. A communal space occupies the center of the restaurant and walls are adorned with records and vintage music players that set the tone. Come for the gyoza, a variety of yakitori dishes, and the Tamura's Signature Ramen alone is reason to come. After all, good food complements good sake!
Tamura Sake Bar, 43 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy
Siglo Bar
(Image Courtesy of Siglo Bar, via Instagram)
In the heart of the CBD lies Siglo Bar. It's a suave rooftop venue that imitates the likes of a Parisian terrace. Providing views of Parliament House, one can expect to enjoy this over classic cocktails, and an enticing full bar menu. Siglo is the place to unwind and fall into a comfortable chair at the end of the working day. We recommend ordering the Hanky Panky; Siglos "Variation on the martini" made of Tanqueray gin, Antica Formula and Fernet Branca.
Siglo Bar, 2/161 Spring Street, Melbourne
VISIT
National Gallery of Victoria
(Image Courtesy of National Gallery of Victoria, via Instagram)
Sitting on the southern outskirts of the CBD, Australia's most visited gallery hosts major exhibitions from the likes of KAWS (2020) to significant pieces of the French Impressionism (2021) and Japanese Modernism (2020) movements. The gallery's in-house collection is rich, diverse, and spans across art disciplines; from pieces by Rei Kawakubo for Commes des Garçon to Giambattista Tiepolo's Rococo Era, 'The Banquet of Cleopatra' (1743-44). The NGV is almost quintessential to any visit to Melbourne.
National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
Queen Victoria Market
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It's a major landmark of fresh produce, artisanal finds, and homegrown goodness – it's Queen Victoria Market. This vibrant, open-air space allows you to wander the rows of seasonal fruit and vegetables, to purchase clothing and collect souvenirs. It's a food-lovers haven and a meeting ground for locals and tourists alike to exchange stories from here and far.
Queen Victoria Market, Queen Street, Melbourne
Royal Exhibition Center and Carlton Gardens
(Image courtesy of Museums Victoria, via museumsvictoria.com.au)
The Royal Exhibition Center's classically beautiful architecture transports you back to a time of colonial era exhibitions that contrast with Carlton's chic premise. Today, the UNESCO World Heritage Building hosts trade fairs, expos, fashion shows, and events to bring the community together.
Royal Exhibition Center and Carlton Gardens, 9 Nicholson Street, Carlton
COAST
Montalto
(Image Courtesy of Montalto, via Instagram)
Take a scenic hours' drive down the Southern Victorian coast to Montalto Estate. The restaurant is helmed by Matt Wilkinson who provides locally sourced, seasonal menus with amazing walkable spaces to work up an appetite. Montalto is recognized both internationally and nationally with the winery sweeping up awards in Australia and Asia. The property provides ample opportunity for wine connoisseurs and newcomers to Victorian wine to discover what's beyond the cellar door.
Montalto, 33 Shoreham Road, Red Hill South
Lindenderry Red Hill
(Image Courtesy of Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill, via lancemore.com.au/lindenderry-red-hill)
Located in Victoria's prime wine-producing region of the Mornington Peninsula, Red Hill is another winery escape in a boutique 40-room hotel. The unspoiled, cool climate is idyllic in producing the best quality grape. Dark and charismatic, their Pinot Noir goes hand in hand with their in-house restaurant menu. A mecca for farm-to-table quality in the region.
Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill, 142 Arthurs Seat Rd, Red Hill VIC 3937
Jackalope
(Image Courtesy of Jackalope, via Jackalopehotels.com)
Get in tune with nature at Jackalope, the boutique hotel boasting views of the vineyard acreage. Unhurried wine immersions, rejuvenating facilities, and the Victorian coast is just moments away, Jackalope is a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of Melbourne.
Jackalope, 166 Balnarring Road, Merricks North
AT HOME
GOOD DAY PEOPLE
(Image Courtesy of Good Day People, via gooddaypeople.com)
For those looking for all in one Australian goodies, Good Day People have you covered from locally sourced wine and craft beer, Blue Mountain Chocolate to Sydney Gin (and Kits). Each cleverly designed case comes with funky case names and a pick your own funny quote to go too. It's the perfect gift or treat yourself moment whether it's for 'Casual Clare,' 'Laughing Lisa' or 'Beachy Bella.' Support what will be your new go-to small business and pack it in with seasonal favorites. All delivered to your door (or hotel).