The restaurant scene in Melbourne is dynamic, fast-paced and incredibly diverse. There are so many great restaurants and stellar bars that each one really needs a unique selling point to make it stand out from the crowd. If you love panoramic views of the city that can be enjoyed while you dine, then these 11 best rooftops in Melbourne could just race to the top of your list. Breathtaking views combine with a variety of cuisines and dining styles, so you really are spoilt for choice.
In Melbourne’s CBD, check out an urban oasis that soars above the rest of the buildings in the area, giving you prime views across the cityscape. Head to Richmond, where you can catch up on all the latest sports while knocking back some of the best food and drinks in town. In Carlton, there’s a Tuscan-style restaurant and bar that will make you believe you’re in Italy in the middle of summer.
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Check out some of the best rooftops in Melbourne and enjoy that skyline from a new perspective
For great music, sport and food on a renovated rooftop bar – check out Corner Hotel in Richmond
A Melbourne institution beloved by locals, Corner Hotel screens all the best sporting blockbuster events and is the ideal spot for a pre-match pint or post-game nibbles. Take a seat among the greenery on the newly renovated rooftop patio and enjoy classic pub food alongside craft beers and signature cocktails. And with live music and DJs seven nights a week, take your night into the early hours in style. The food menu focuses on pub classics with a twist – think market fish and chips with battered barramundi and a cornichon and dill mayo, and Corner chicken parma with mozzarella, ham and house slaw. Wednesdays are Parma nights with a rock and pop culture trivia quiz, while Tuesdays are steak nights, with special deals on your favourite prime rump.
For one of the best rooftops in Melbourne with skyline views – visit Johnny’s Green Room in Carlton
Award-winning designer Dion Hall conceived the idea for the interior of Johnny’s Green Room, inspired by Italian summers and holiday vibes. The Tuscan terrace has a semi-retractable roof so you can take in panoramic city skyline views whatever the weather from the top of the iconic King & Godfrey building. Named for the classic bohemian night spot from ’70s and ’80s Carlton but reimagined for the 21st century, with a revolving roster of some of the country’s greatest DJs to entertain you while you eat and drink. Chef Karen Martini and her team have put together a menu that showcases the best of Italy, featuring dishes such as zucchine fritte with whipped cod’s roe and anchovy, 48-hour slow-fermented pizza with San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, oregano and garlic, and kingfish crudo with a pickled kohlrabi verjuice jelly. Mixologist Matt Bax has also crafted an Italian-style cocktail menu, including a refreshing limoncello margarita.
For the tallest rooftop bar with the best city views – head on up to Fleet Rooftop Bar Melbourne in Melbourne CBD
A full 22 levels above the street at the top of Vibe Hotel lies Fleet Rooftop Bar Melbourne, renowned as an elevated sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle. The tallest rooftop bar on Flinders Street guarantees you the best views, looking out over the iconic city skyline in all directions. This urban oasis is chic, sophisticated and elegant, with a contemporary design celebrating the maritime history of Melbourne. Try a locally inspired, nautically themed drink from the cocktail menu, and add a selection of delicious bar snacks. Signature cocktails include the fruity Pearl Gimlet with gin, elderflower liqueur, absinthe and yuzu, and the sweet and sticky popcorn old fashioned with maple and buttered popcorn bourbon. Pair your drinks with some tasty nibbles – shoestring fires with truffle mayo, Torched Island skull prawns with orange gastrique, and tender braised pork cheek croquettes with apple relish are all popular choices.
For one of the best rooftops in Melbourne for Mexican vibes – try Benzina Cantina in Preston
An arty street food hangout with a difference, Benzina Cantina is the place to be, whether that’s for a quick bite or a night to remember. A Mexican restaurant and bar vying for the title of best rooftop bar in Melbourne, it’s easy to get into the groove – just look for the neon signs flashing from the rooftop. The menu has everything you would expect from a great Mexican joint, including gluten-free soft-shell tacos with a variety of fillings, including brisket, crispy pork belly and corn-battered deep-fried fish. For something light and summery, an Amigos watermelon salad with feta and roasted pumpkin seeds. Or go for the chef’s pick – a flour tortilla filled with blanco chicken curry and corn with fresh cream and a mild salsa. Add an ice-cold margarita for the perfect summer evening.
For fire-grilled steak and panoramic city views – book your seat at Blacksmith Bar and Grill in Melbourne CBD
Overlook the Melbourne city skyline and feast on fire-grilled steak at Blacksmith Bar and Grill, where the views are as hot as the grill. This relaxed yet modern venue is the perfect intimate location for date night, an evening catching up with friends over wine and food, or a long-awaited family get-together. Pop in for Tuesday steak night, a bottomless weekend brunch or the breakfast buffet. Executive chef Ian Lee has won multiple awards for his cooking, and you’ll quickly see why once you order. The focus here is on selecting the highest quality ingredients from local suppliers and grilling them to perfection over open flames. If you struggle to choose, try the Just Feed Us menu – a butcher’s cut of grain-fed wagyu steak from Gamekeepers, Korean fried chicken, beetroot-cured king salmon and Blacksmith’s baker’s bread with a honey and cream cheese stuffing, followed by a dark chocolate fondant with raspberry sorbet.
For the best rooftops in Melbourne for sports lovers – gather around at Mt View Hotel in Richmond
Mt View Hotel is the perfect venue for sports lovers of all kinds – showcasing all the biggest games on big-screen TVs, with panoramic city views for those times when you have to look away. Time Out Melbourne recently voted A Bar Above, the rooftop bar of Mt View Hotel, as the city’s best sports pub. Whether you’re on your way to the game and want a pre-match pint, or you’re settling in with a meal to watch on TV, enjoy craft beers, creative cocktails and 360-degree views while you do. Tuesday nights are trivia and taco nights, with a general knowledge quiz offering great prizes including venue vouchers. Or get great deals on pasta on Mamma Mia Mondays and cocktail deals on Forty Fridays. The menu is classic pub grub, perfect for eating while watching the home team – burgers, buffalo wings, steaks and more.
For old-time rock ‘n’ roll, free pool and some of the best burgers in town – hit up Lulie Tavern in Abbotsford
Full Moon Fever is the new rooftop bar addition to Lulie Tavern – the same great saloon-style vibe you’ve come to know and love, but with the addition of amazing views. A place to make friends with the bartender, knock back the drinks like there’s no tomorrow and chow down on some juicy all-American burgers. Food is served from 5pm Monday to Thursday and noon Friday to Sunday, with happy hour from 4 pm until 6 pm on weekdays. Wednesday is local’s night, with special deals on burgers and pitchers. Whet the appetite with some spicy jalapeno poppers, buffalo wings and fish or jackfruit tacos, then choose your burger. From the classic cheeseburger to the buffalo fried chicken tower, plus two vegetarian and a vegan option, there’s something for everyone. And it’s dog-friendly too, so you really can bring the whole family.
For one of the best outdoor rooftop bars in Melbourne – check out Dom’s Social Club in Melbourne CBD
A three-level venue a different wonderland on each level, Dom’s Social Club is inviting and a little bit old school in all the right ways. At the bottom you’ll find the restaurant and pizzeria, serving up wood-fired pizzas crafted from a slow-fermented sourdough for that authentic taste of Italy. Head on up a floor and show off your skills at the pool tables, or take that final flight of stairs to hit the rooftop bar. And the best part – you can grab a bite on any level. For a quick nibble, try a mozzarella croquette with leeks and balsamic date puree or a pumpkin fritto with honey tempura and curry leaf aioli. But the real highlight is the pizza – pick your toppings, whether you prefer a truffle cream base with portobello mushrooms or a red base with stilton, a spicy diavolo or a simple margherita.
For a club lounge experience with – book your table at Q Rooftop Bar in Melbourne CBD
Q Rooftop Bar is all about duality and individuality. Transforming seamlessly from a daytime club lounge to a high-energy evening bar, Q manages to be both exclusive and inclusive at the same time. While the sharing plates are small, the experience is huge. The drinks menu has been carefully curated to inspire and delight, with the option to savour the cocktail-tasting platter and enjoy some great deals. The food can best be described as elevated street food – familiar, comforting yet a little bit special. All this, plus inspiring views across 2,000 square feet.
For succulent seafood and celebratory champagne – take a seat at Pinchy’s in Melbourne CBD
Celebrated among locals as the best champagne bar in Melbourne, Pinchy’s is one of the best rooftops in Melbourne for some of the finest seafood in town. A favourite balcony bar destination for fine dining and even finer imbibing of beverages, and with an Insta-worthy interior to match. For a luxury night out with fish and fizz, this is the place to be. While the flavours may be fine, Pinchy’s encourages guests to adopt a more casual style of dining, with dishes being shared so everyone can experience maximum taste. The tasting menu is one of the best ways to ensure you get as many flavours on your plate as possible, from king crab tacos to spicy prawn katsu, Pinchy’s signature lobster rolls to tuna tartare and more. Or go a la carte and enjoy snapper croquettes, mussels escabeche with dashi cream, or BBQ oyster mushrooms with shiso emulsion.
For one of the best rooftops in Melbourne with happy hour and steak nights – take a trip to Union House in Richmond
Union House delivers quality drinks and delicious food in a breathtaking environment, with views across the city. This cool hotspot is one of the best rooftops in Melbourne for happy hour, that runs from 4 pm until 6 pm Monday to Thursday, where you can get great deals on popular drinks including Union draft and house rosé. Wednesdays are steak nights, while Thursdays are local’s nights, with a prize draw and meat raffle for members. But you don’t need an event to make an excuse to visit, as every night is a party. Come for dinner and sample the potato cakes with whipped cod roe and furkake or the marinated lamb skewers with toasted sesame and fermented chilli to start. Then move on to a clam linguine with chilli, garlic and nori, a pan-fried juicy duck breast with poached figs and a red wine jus, or the market fish of the day with braised leeks, watercress and lemon.
There’s very little better than relaxing with a refreshing drink or a great meal while gazing out over spectacular views from up high at the best rooftops in Melbourne. For unique dining experiences, cool bars, and outstanding restaurants with a view, these 11 best rooftops in Melbourne will take you to another level with panoramic backdrops while you dine, or while sipping on cocktails at sunset with friends.
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If the weather doesn’t bode well for rooftop dining, there are plenty more great restaurants in Melbourne for you to try:
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