The Best New Bars in Melbourne in 2024

Uncovering Melbourne's vibrant bar scene is an adventure, with each neighbourhood boasting an array of hidden gems and beloved favourites.

From iconic rooftops perfect for summer evenings to cosy pubs and intimate wine and cocktail bars offering a warm refuge in winter, Melbourne's bar landscape is as diverse as it is dynamic.

Whether you crave inventive cocktails, hard-to-find wines, or a glamorous ambience for a special occasion, join us as we explore the best new bars in Melbourne, where every drink tells a story, and every visit is an experience to remember. Cheers!

Torino Aperitivo

Expertly capturing all there is to love about Italian aperitivo hour, this bar is where great cocktails, good friends, stunning interiors and delicious shared plates come together.

Torino Aperitivo is in the heart of Melbourne CBD, although you would be forgiven for thinking you've escaped to a European summer haunt, with creative negroni variations and Aperol Spritz' flowing.

Nibble on elevated bar food like Torino olives, calamari fritti and spaghetti Vongole, and if you visit during the aperitivo hour (from open - 6 pm) you'll be treated to complimentary snacks - bless the Italians!

2 Driver Lane, Melbourne

Cameo

Take your drinks sky-high in Melbourne's most chic and intimate cocktail lounge inside the Ritz Carlton. 

Crowned a finalist in the Best Hotel Awards for 2024, Melbourne meets New York in Cameo's sleek space, with dark wood panelling,  mirrored walls and soft furnishing throughout, creating a warm, elevated area to unwind in style.

Make your way to level 80 at the Ritz for an evening of world-class spirits, vintage drops, expertly-shaken cocktails and select wines by the glass and soak up the jaw-dropping views of Melbourne sparkling below. 

Level 80, The Ritz Carlton, 650 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

The Bon Vivant's Companion

Moving away from Melbourne for a moment, Mornington's newest bar, The Bon Viviant's Companion, is fast becoming a hotspot on the Peninsula.

The elegant space is for those who appreciate the finer things in life, anchored by a sleek black bar, stocked with a premium selection of spirits. Elevated and classy, it screams date night or special celebration. 

Passionate about great liquor, keep up to date on socials for upcoming distiller showcases and tastings. 

150 Main Street, Mornington

Pour Diane

Not your average wine bar, Pour Diane brings an eclectic, 70s-inspired injection of flirty fun to North Melbourne. With a fit-out that looks more like a home where everyone is welcome, this place is a guaranteed good time.

Natural wines line the walls for your selection, colourful tables and chairs and chrome coffee tables fill the space, but it's the giant, circular leopard-print bed that turns heads.

Gather the girls and the lads and stretch out on the bed, sipping wine, playing board games, and forgetting about the current era outside the window. 

572 Victoria Street, North Melbourne

Goodwater

Opening quietly and still drawing a wine bar-loving crowd, Goodwater has set up shop in Northcote as a socially inclusive neighbourhood watering hole.

Taking a no-fuss and no-frills approach, this understated gem is open for just about any drink you need. From a quick pint post-work to a bitter gin martini or a fruity cocktail (or two) with the girls, the passionate bartenders have you sorted.

It's not all drinks, with a small food menu available as long as they're open, with pickles, fries, wontons, grilled cheese and taquitos making the list. 

300 High Street, Northcote

VIVA

Looking to add a spicy thrill to your evening with cabaret? VIVA in North Melbourne seamlessly blends modern luxury with the timeless charm of a 1920s Spiegel tent. This is an unforgettable evening of premium dining, sleek nightlife, and captivating performances.

Begin your night with "Elegant," a mesmerising cabaret show that combines comedy, dance, and drama. As the evening progresses, the energy intensifies with "Exotic," a series of bold performances that challenge and captivate the audience.

VIVA has quickly set a new benchmark in entertainment and dining, making it the perfect spot for those looking to heat up their nights with sophistication and flair. Moulin Rouge, eat your heart out!

64 Sutton Street, North Melbourne

Aster

After 12 memorable years, Tattersalls Lane's Ferdydurke closed its doors in April, but the Office of Public Works has breathed new life into the space. Say hello to Aster, a cocktail and wine bar within the exquisitely renovated heritage building on Melbourne’s narrowest street. 

A flight of stairs leads to a revamped loft where warm lighting complements wooden finishes, brick walls and preserved glass brick window sills. Naturally, you'll need to make a beeline for the fireplace, which provides cosiness dialled up to 11. 

Pour over the incredible cocktail list sitting pretty alongside Australian and European wines, beers, and spirits. There's a stellar food menu, featuring classic snacks like cheese, charcuterie, and bar bites. We're partial to the poached prawn roll, ourselves. 

The dance floor is gone, but DJs spin tunes until 2.00 am on weekends; impromptu dancing is welcomed.

Levels 1 & 2/31 Tattersalls Lane, Melbourne 

Santana Rooftop

The once bright Miami Art Deco fit-out of Pomelo Rooftop has given way to a slinky, dark haven adorned with neon red signage and warm accents, perfect for Melbourne's cooler months. This winter, head upstairs for a spicy rum potion or two into the alluring atmosphere of Santana Rooftop. The bar, specialising in South American-style cocktails, wine and premium dark spirits, offers a bold and sultry list to match its vibes.

We're partial to the Dominicana, a blend of dark rum, Okar mocha coffee liqueur, and cream, or the Minor Tom, a zesty mix of lacto-fermented passionfruit, mandarin curacao and vodka. 

Level 3/169 Melbourne Place, Melbourne

North Fitzroy Arms

The North Fitzroy Arms has undergone a stunning renovation just in time for its 150th year, making it a must-visit spot in Melbourne. The fresh update pays homage to a quintessential Aussie pub, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere perfect for relaxing with friends or enjoying a quiet evening.

Whether sipping on a craft beer, enjoying an impeccable meal, or simply soaking up the ambience, the North Fitzroy Arms exudes a touch of nostalgia and cosiness. The revamped menu and impressive drink selection, featuring highlights like pie floaters and chicken liver parfait with apricot brandy jelly add to its classic appeal.

296 Rae Street, Melbourne

Enoteca Zingara

From the team behind Alta Trattoria (also known as the Italian restaurant that's been Nigella Lawson-approved), Enoteca Zingara is a sophisticated wine bar with a strong snack game. 

Most of the enoteca’s seats are at the bar, but there are tables to the side and back of the dining room, at the window overlooking Brunswick Street, and on the footpath. 

Once you've chosen your preferred seating, settle in to discover a regionally diverse spread of Italian dishes. Highlights include Sardenaira, a cheese-less pizza-like bread from Liguria topped with tomato, olives, capers, a clever crostini selection, and a burnt ricotta pie with Amarena cherries for dessert.

The wine list is predominantly Italian, complemented by selections from France, Spain, Austria, and Australia. 

334 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy

Windsor Wine Room

Step into Windsor Wine Room, the newest gem in Melbourne's wining and dining scene, offering an intimate and relaxed atmosphere guaranteed to appeal to locals and visitors alike.

Helmed by renowned chef Michael Stolley, the menu tantalises with European-inspired delights like potato focaccia, burrata with vodka-spiked sauce, and BBQ lamb skewers. But it's not just about the food—the carefully curated wine list elevates the experience, ensuring the perfect pairing for every dish.

Striking the perfect balance of approachable yet refined, this is one of the best new bars in Melbourne you need to check out ASAP. 

60 Chapel Street, Windsor

Le Martini

Le Martini oozes decadence and sophistication as the world's first standalone Grey Goose bar. Enjoy martinis of multiple varieties, from Harry's Originals to the Grey Goose Martinie Speciale. Le Martini features bespoke cocktail menus by international guest bartenders, including award-winning industry icon Dale Degroff, also known as King Cocktails.

And while the dry martinis go down smoothly, you can't leave without trying their take on the Espresso Martini: the Italiano Martini. With wattleseed and coffee liqueur, honey and a cream float, you'll never want to get an espresso martini anywhere else.

Enjoy hors d'oeuvres including caviar with creme fraiche, Alto olives and whipped cod roe with herbs on a baguette. Put on your best little black dress and head here for a night of class.

8 Whiteman Street, Southbank

Starward Distillery & Bar 

The gorgeous new renovations at Starward Whisky aren't the only incentive to come to check out this Port Melbourne distilling legend. 

A visit here provides a chance to dive deeper into the world of whisky with fill-your-own-bottle experiences, distillery tours, and masterclasses made for your next unique date. 

They've also unveiled an amazing new food and drink offering, led by Head Chef Drew Traynor, formerly of Melbourne's Eau De Vie, and the cocktails are downright delightful.

Sitchu Tip: For a fancy alternative, opt for the Distillery Chef’s Selection menu, featuring a three-course meal with paired drinks and insights into the whisky-making process.

50 Bertie Street, Port Melbourne

Moon Dog Wild West

Moon Dog Wild West is an epic adventure across three levels of cowboy-themed extravagance, housed within Footscray's iconic former Franco Cozzo building. With over 100 taps and space for 800 patrons, it would make Clint Eastwood proud. 

Swing through saloon doors to find the ground floor adorned with a bucking bull and western-inspired décor.

The first floor boasts a Honky Tonk bar, live music stage, and secret Pianola Bar, while the rooftop offers a desert oasis with city views and cacti. Sip on tantalising cocktails like Tequila Sunrise Slushies, on cowboy shots served in miniature cowboy boots or on the Moon Dog craft beers you know and love. 

Whether it’s a casual visit with family or a session with your best mates, the gastropub classics like burgers and parmas will tickle everyone’s cravings. 

54 Hopkins Street, Footscray

Fleet Rooftop

Rum is revered at Melbourne's newest rooftop bar. Sitting pretty atop level 22 of Flinders Street's Vibe Hotel, Fleet emerges as a beacon of the city's ever-evolving bar scene, with unrivalled panoramic views of the city skyline. 

The ambience blends sophistication and whimsical, beckoning guests to unwind amidst amber hues and chic retro touches, and the bar boasts an impressive array of over 70 rums, complemented by a selection of gins, whiskies, and local craft brews.

Chef Asish Kumar's menu celebrates Victoria's finest producers, offering the perfect accompaniment to an unforgettable drinking experience. We're talking rounds of Cobb Lane sourdough with saffron herb butter, braised pork cheek croquettes with apple relish and parsley mayo, lobster crepes and charcoal mushroom arancini. 

Level 22, 1 Queen Street, Melbourne

Bar Olo

A slice of Piemonte, right here in Carlton. We want a romantic evening by the window here, pronto!

Bar Olo is a sanctuary of laid-back elegance masterminded by Anthony Scutella and Alison Foley, renowned for Scopri, a magical Northern Italian restaurant nearby. 

Amidst wood-panelled walls adorned with rustic artwork, indulge in regional delights like Vitello tonnato and agnolotti del plin, expertly paired with an exquisite wine selection showcasing Piemontese treasures. 

This inviting enoteca and wine bar offers a sensory escape, where every sip transports you to the sun-kissed vineyards of northern Italy.

165 Nicholson Street, Carlton

Wally's 

On a serene corner in Albert Park, Wally's is a haven for wine enthusiasts seeking a refined yet inviting experience akin to a Parisian wine bar. 

Wally's elegant interiors provide a timeless ambience, with owner Baxter Pickard's vision coming to life in this sophisticated setting, where a carefully curated wine list meets delectable dishes by Head Chef Damon McIvor.

He's crafted a European-inspired menu that evolves weekly to showcase seasonal produce. Indulge in share plates like flatbread with smoked celeriac butter, olives and oysters, or go for heartier options like lamb pastrami and fresh seafood pasta.

Expect an emphasis on rare back-vintage bottles and wines acquired through auctions, offering a unique opportunity to indulge in hard-to-find drops.  

67 Cardigan Place, Albert Park

Earth Angels

It's safe to say we're obsessed with West Melbourne's new bar, Earth Angels. It's not playing by the rules, taking the tried-and-true formula of cafe-wine bar to boundary-pushing new heights. 

It's the place to head for your next jazz night, market day, fashion pop-up or chess club. Pair an eclectic program with a haven-like setting and light-filled courtyard - and artisans and enthusiasts will flock. Check their socials for any upcoming events. 

On the food front, Chef Narit Kimsat crafts dishes sourced locally, offering a diverse and defiant menu that tantalises at every turn. The dry aged duck pa-lo with tea egg and duck fat fried rice has topped the pops as one of our favourite new dishes for 2024. 

Earth Angels promises an unforgettable experience and an embodiment of Melbourne's dynamic spirit. 

225-229 Victoria Street, West Melbourne

Olympia

Uncover a slice of Grecian paradise...in an Oakleigh carpark! Olympia is a charming wine bar dedicated to seasonal Greek cocktails and share plates. On sunny days, the aptly-designed bar's rooftop will present an Aphrodite level of allure, or you can unwind in a booth downstairs with a glass of Greek or Australian wine. 

Indulge in delectable share plates like olive mortadella and wagyu salami, saganaki croquettes, lobster and prawn rolls, and taramasalata with caviar and koulouri.

When the weekend hits, dive into a vibrant atmosphere of added DJ sets, where disco, funk and soul records spin.

Lively, lovely, Santorini dreaming.

12-18 Chester Street, Enter Via Portman Street, Market Entrance, Oakleigh

Bar Spontana

Bar Spontana, a hidden Brunswick gem from the team behind everyone's favourite Footscray bar, Mr West, is a haven for wild ferment enthusiasts and Thai cuisine lovers alike.

Step into this vibrant outpost tucked away down a side alley to discover a curated selection of saisons, lambics, organic lagers, sakes, mezcals, and rums. Modern cocktails and a far-reaching wine list round out the drinks list. 

You can pair these innovative drinks with punchy regional Thai dishes, including house-fermented sausage, fried enoki mushroom with palm sugar, red chilli and coriander, and charcoal-grilled octopus and pork jowl skewers.

Vibes are communal, friendly and fun - all you can ask for in a cracking new bar in Melbourne. 

4 Saxon Street, Brunswick 

Brewmanity

Escape to the rooftop at Brewmanity, Melbourne's newest brewpub and rooftop bar. Set in a refurbished glass factory, this three-level, 400-capacity venue boasts stunning city views from its rooftop terraces. Sip on brewery-fresh beers, cocktails, and wines while indulging in delicious sharing plates from the neighbouring Bells Hotel.

This charitable beer brand was founded in 2015 by former Melbourne Football Club captain David Neitz to support long-time coach Neale Daniher in his battle against motor neurone disease. 

With 14 beer options on tap and a menu featuring updated pub classics, Brewmanity offers a vibrant atmosphere perfect for unwinding with friends. Plus, it's all for a good cause, supporting Fight MND with every sip. 

50 Tope Street, South Melbourne 

Purple Pit

With a focus on inventive cocktails and small plates, this is the new bar in Melbourne everyone is talking about. Even Gene Simmons has been spotted here!

The brainchild of Joe Jones (formerly of Romeo Lane) and Maurice Terzini (renowned for Sydney’s Icebergs and Caffe e Cucina), Purple Pit is a drinking den for date nights and late nights.

Its discreet entrance, marked only by white lettering and velvet rope, leads to a space blending brutalist edge with luxurious textures. Think theatrical curtains against black ceilings, floors, and bar, accented by striking, contemporary artworks.

Drinks are as inventive as they are enticing, like the Peach Negroni with a twist of smoked vinegar, and it's open until 3 am on Fridays and Saturdays, with a supper menu that includes a riff of the Macca's Filet-of-Fish. 

376-390 Collins Street, Melbourne 

Misfits

It's beats, bevvies and a recognition of the local arts scene at this fun bar in Melbourne's west. What was once Baby Snakes is now Misfits, a vibrant neighbourhood bar that champions art and live music. 

The venue is cosy and cool, with the outdoor courtyard featuring a large mural by Melbourne artist, Drez. Inside, a raised stage and wooden DJ booth, adorned with tapestries by artist Reza Hasni, create an inviting ambience for enjoying the bounty of inventive cocktails and eclectic performances.

30 Chambers Street, Footscray

The Walrus Oyster Bar

A retro-style oyster bar? Say no more! We're a scooch obsessed with this bright and bubbly new spot in St Kilda, where sunny yellow walls and eclectic records invite you to experience a seafood fiesta. 

Named after the iconic Beatles song, The Walrus offers a magical array of oysters, bar snacks like crayfish crumpets, and tongue-in-cheek cocktails. You can expect rotating pintxos, tinned seafood, and a unique bottle list featuring lesser-known grapes from regions like Minho in Portugal.

Their signature dirty martini slaps - and you need to try the oyster pate they're currently dishing out. They also have a fabulous new Sunday lunch set menu we're desperate to try.

9 Inkerman Street, St Kilda 

Pirate Life 

Embark on a brew-focused voyage at Pirate Life, an SA-born brewery anchored in South Melbourne.

Housed in a former mechanics garage on Market Street, this vibrant venue offers a dynamic food and drink experience, with a menu curated by head chefs Maria Delengas and Nicolas Lopez. 

Indulge in expertly crafted beers, including venue exclusives like 'The Market Street Lager,' and explore a thoughtfully curated wine list by sommelier Foni Pollitt. 

Designed by Studio Gram, the space exudes industrial charm with exposed bricks, polished concrete, and greenery. Collaborations, live music, and art installations make Pirate Life a must-visit destination for discerning drinkers. 

139-145 Market Street, South Melbourne

The Rocket Society

History meets great food at The Rocket Society, a neighbourhood wine bar by Rumi's Joseph and Nat Abboud. The pita wrap stuffed with buttery hot chips alone is enough to tempt us in. 

Named after Beirut's 1960s space club, this is the perfect spot to come for a pre-Rumi drink, or even during the day to indulge in their perfectly snackable pita wraps.

Come evening, savour charcoal-grilled delights, including lamb with carob molasses alongside fun snacks like an HSP croquette. Sip on Lebanese wines, local natty's or classic cocktails with an aerial twist.

Adorned with black-and-white photos of the original society, the mid-century-inspired space boasts red leather seating and chequerboard tiles, with a communal table spanning the bar.

2 Village Avenue, East Brunswick Village

Gertrude Hotel

This renovated boozer has transformed into an Italo-gastropub worth its weight in gold. The Gertrude Hotel is made for your next elevated but approachable Sunday lunch with family or friends. 

Exuding Italian-inspired charm with its airy and bright atmosphere, natural wood finishes, and heritage stone, indulge in a seasonal menu featuring pub favourites and Italian staples like hand-stretched pizza, veal schnitzel and charcuterie (the mortadella is a moment). For dessert, the tiramisu with a chocolate hazelnut crumb is downright to die for. 

During the sunnier months, the footpath tables are made for relaxing with a glass of vino. They even have an array of excellent mid-week specials and live jazz music come Sunday. Perfetto!

148 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy

Whether you've discovered a new favourite haunt or added a few more destinations to your must-visit list, we hope this guide to the best new bars in Melbourne has inspired you to continue exploring our city's dynamic drinks scene. And, until next time, may your nights be filled with romantic date spots and cinematic adventures.