A Foodie’s guide to Melbourne this summer
Teleisha Thomas
December 2024Melbourne comes alive in summer, with sun-kissed days, long balmy nights and a calendar brimming with unmissable events and activities. From rooftop bars to cultural festivals, the city and suburbs transform into a playground of entertainment, food, and fun over the warmer months.
Whether you're looking to savour the culinary scene, immerse yourself in arts and culture, or fill the days with family fun, we’ve rounded up the best ways to make the most of this vibrant season.
EAT
Melbourne’s culinary scene is a foodie paradise, offering an incredible variety of dining experiences. Whether you're looking for a sophisticated evening out or a laid-back bite, our city has it all. At the top of the fine dining list is Vue de Monde, crowned Australia’s best restaurant and ranked fifth globally in La Liste’s 2025 global rankings. Meanwhile, Attica in Ripponlea, known for its innovative use of Australian ingredients, secured eighth place, Richmond’s Minamishima came in 30th, and Armadale’s Amaru came in at number 47.
Further north, you’ll find a treasure trove of casual eats and indulgent treats. For coffee aficionados, Proud Mary in Collingwood is a must, celebrated for its specialty brews and award-winning baristas. Craving ice cream? Kenny Lover in Thornbury serves retro-inspired scoops, while Piccolina Gelateria in Kensington blends tradition with seasonal specials.
The south serves up an array of unique dining spots. In Brighton, The Baths is a hidden gem offering stunning views of the bay, best enjoyed with their signature seafood platter as the sun sets. Sample some of Melbourne’s best burgers at Fat Bob’s Bar and Grill in Moorabbin, or try some New York-style pizza at Mentone favourite, Sunnyside Pizza. Newcomer to the Mordialloc dining scene, Chiki Chan offers playful Asian fusion and creative cocktails in its adjoining Hiki Bar. For something sweet, try Jock’s Ice Cream and Sorbet in Albert Park, a local favourite famous for its Hokey Pokey and handmade ice cream sandwiches.
In the east, Prohibition Food & Wine in Camberwell is a local gem, offering modern Australian cuisine in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. If you're after a casual pasta fix, head to Scusa Mi!Italiano in Glen Waverley for a delicious bowl of delicious Italian comfort food, or try Franco & Co in Eltham is a lovely Italian spot, perfect for enjoying premium pasta or risotto.
Drink
When it comes to quenching your thirst in Melbourne, the options are as diverse as the city itself. Where better to celebrate the season than on one of the CBD’s many rooftop bars. Enjoy spicy margaritas with a view at Hotel Nacional, head to Melbourne’s biggest rooftop bar, Good Heavens to admire its recent facelift. For a different perspective, head down to the banks of the Yarra for a cool drink at Arbory or - if you’re feeling secretive - try the whiskey bar at Eau de Vie - a hidden treasure in the heart of the CBD.
North of the city, The Boathouse on the banks of the Maribyrnong River in Moonee Ponds boasts shady trees and unpretentious charm. Fitzroy’s The Everleigh is a Melbourne institution for classic cocktails in an old-school setting. Geralds Bar in Carlton North remains a neighbourhood favourite for its European wines and charismatic service. Over in Coburg’s revamped Pentridge Precinct, the quirky Olivine bar is turning heads – and pages – with its novel-sized Book of Wine.
In the west, Seddon Wine Store blends boutique wines and neighbourhood charm, offering the perfect spot to sit and sip. In Newport, The Fifth Wine Bar brings a new level of charm and sophistication to the local scene. Over in Yarraville, Ms Botanica is a must-visit for gin enthusiasts, offering creative cocktails with botanical and native Australian twists.
South of the river, a wave of exciting new venues is stirring up the scene. In South Melbourne, Brewmanity, an artisan brewery with a rooftop bar, serves locally crafted ales with sweeping views. Chapel Street remains a nightlife hotspot, whether it’s the cosy Windsor Wine Room, or the sleek Beverley rooftop bar with breathtaking Melbourne views. In St Kilda, The Espy continues to be a legendary destination, blending live music, iconic bay views, and a diverse range of bars and dining spaces. Over in Highett, the relatively new Railway Wine Bar is making waves.
In Melbourne’s east, Enoteca Boccaccio in Balwyn offers a refined selection of boutique wines in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. Bianchetto, a sleek cocktail bar in Kew, is perfect for a night out. Albert’s in Armadale remains the quintessential neighbourhood wine bar. Over in Ringwood, the Firehouse Hotel, housed in a beautifully restored 1920s fire station, serves inventive cocktails like the Fairy Floss and Nitro Martini. Meanwhile, the iconic Studley Park Boathouse, the oldest public boathouse on the Yarra River, is a charming and scenic setting to relax and enjoy
