There is something about sipping an ice cold drink with the sun beating down on your back with a group of friends that feels quintessentially Melbourne. With an umbrella in the bag just in case she decides to change her mind on the weather front, of course.
From apartment style, to faux grass, to beach views, Melbourne loves a rooftop bar, and so do we. Here are a few of our favourites.
Bomba – for the inner city apartment vibe
Bomba the Spanish restaurant on Lonsdale Street in the city has a secret weapon. That being a stunning level five roof top bar above the restaurant. It’s small and intimate but offers an outdoor area, with retractable roof, and, more seating undercover by the bar.
It’s one of those all year round rooftop establishments (we do enjoy a good tipple throughout winter, let’s be honest). Whether it’s a gin and tonic or one of their well shaken cocktails, drinks and small tapas items are the order of the day.
Bomba
103 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, (03) 9077 0451
Naked in the Sky – for afternoon sangria
Sitting high above the restaurants in Fitzroy, Naked in the Sky sits above Naked for Satan with almost 360-degree views. Sangria, cider and flavoured vodkas sit along side Spanish tapas style food for the perfect afternoon session. Dish picks: the soft shell crab, and the fried cheese and walnut croquettes.
Naked in the Sky
285 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, (03) 9416 2238
Union Dining Terrace – for a sophisticated rooftop tipple
Union Dining, from Nicky Reimer and Adam Cash serves up beautiful European inspired dishes, and they do it with panache. Upstairs they have a sunny terrace where wines and nibbles are meant to be enjoyed at leisure. They also have commissioned artwork from Baby Guerilla pasted on the walls adding a street art oh-so-Melbourne element.
Union Dining
270 – 272 Swan Street
Richmond 3121, (03) 9428 2988
Captain Baxter – for seaside views
There aren’t many things better than seaside views and a good cocktail. Captain Baxter found at the St Kilda Sea baths down near the water offers the views along side faux grass, pool lounges, killer cocktails and tasty snacks. Think pork steamed buns with hoisin or salt and pepper squid with Korean hot sauce. Pack the one piece and the sunscreen.
Captain Baxter
St Kilda Sea Baths, 10-18 Jacka Boulevard, St Kilda, (03) 8534 8999
Rooftop Bar – for an old school movie night
One of the original rooftops bar, the Rooftop Bar on the top floor of Curtain House is the place to go for drinks with friends when the heat of Melbourne’s city streets are too much. After a drink or two settle in for a movie on the deck chairs and rugs. Classics like ‘Reality Bites’ and ‘Casablanca’ are mixed in with new releases like ‘The Great Gatsby’ and ‘Gravity’. Fill up the stomach with the all day burger shack or head down a level and get some Mexican inspired snacks from Mesa Verde.
Rooftop Bar
6/252 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000 (03) 9654 5394
