The Best New Bars in Melbourne in 2025

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!

Gracie’s Wine Room

Gracie’s Wine Room went viral on social media before the South Yarra wine bar had even opened…or been built. Founder Kelsey Gaffey documented the journey of building her dream wine bar on her TikTok, which gained traction as the building and renovations took place It’s certainly opened with aplomb, with lines out the door full of eager supporters wanting to experience the new stylish hotspot.

The interior is cosy, cute, and feels like a slice out of a trendy inner-suburban home. Shelves containing records line one wall, sitting neatly above a DJ booth. Step outside and you’ll find a sun-dappled courtyard lined with tables and full of chatter as people sip on Australian varieties of wine, indulge in spritzes and slurp fresh oysters. There’s a small selection of nibbles on the menu, one of them being focaccia with salami, honey and stracciatella—a must!

27 Toorak Road, South Yarra

Bar Nearby

This neighbourhood gem is truly a win for the locals. Bar Nearby is a BYO food cocktail bar, meaning you can pick up any cuisine you fancy, Uber Eats, or pack a charcuterie board of things in your pantry and bring it along to enjoy alongside a cocktail or wine! While there are simple bar snacks, the team wants to highlight and support other local businesses dishing out some delicious eats, and will even recommend you drinks to go along with your meal of choice. It’s the perfect spot for a casual post-work-from-home or weekend tipple!

1115 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill 

Malin Wine Bar

Malin Wine Bar is an intimate new wine bar in Carlton serving ultimate Mediterranean vibes. With a carefully curated selection of minimal-intervention wines and a menu of refined small plates, it’s the kind of place that feels effortlessly chic yet welcoming. Whether you’re settling in for a casual drink or a leisurely evening with friends, the warm ambiance, knowledgeable staff, and beautifully crafted wine list make it a must-visit for wine lovers.

687 Rathdowne Street, Carlton North

Sistine on Chapel

Sistine on Chapel is the seductive new cocktail bar and speakeasy causing a stir on Chapel Street. One of the newest editions to Melbourne’s bar scene, Sistine is from VALARC Group (Tartine Bistro, The Meatball & Winebar, Ines Wine Bar and Ned’s Bake & Bistro) and gives a cheeky nod to its namesake through playful charm from the renaissance period, rooms inspired by the Vatican and thoughtful design. 

There’s a vending machine called The Immaculate Conception, an innovative snack experience, featuring a range of snacks to munch on while you sip. There’s also a rotating selection of curated bites from the Ines Wine Bar Kitchen. Expect caviar, salumi plates, and even recovery kits to ease the Sunday hangxiety. Come on up after you’ve enjoyed a couple of wines at Ines, or have a sneaky rendezvous in this exclusive spot.

Sitchu Tip: You must try the spicy margarita. With a refreshing hint of mint, it’s the ultimate hot-cold experience, and perfect to ease anyone into the cocktail, especially if you’re not tequila’s biggest fan.

150A Chapel Street, Windsor

Espy Sunroom

The iconic Hotel Esplanade, St Kilda’s beloved Espy, has unveiled its dazzling new Espy Sunroom—just in time for summer revelry. This luminous bayside haven beckons with sweeping views, sultry vibes, and a menu brimming with indulgence.

Picture a golden afternoon spent sipping Guava Palomas or Japanese Slippers on an open-air deck, where the retractable roof invites the sun to linger. Share a sumptuous seafood platter or a coal-grilled barramundi while soaking up live sax on Saturdays or soulful Sunday DJ sets. With secluded nooks and an electric atmosphere, the Espy Sunroom is Melbourne’s ultimate summer escape.

11 The Esplanade, St Kilda 

Moon Dog Beach Club

Moon Dog Beach Club in Frankston brings a tropical beachside escape right to Port Phillip Bay. This sprawling 2,000m² venue is all about vacay vibes, with lush foliage, cabana huts, and a huge beer garden. Sip on Moon Dog beers, cocktails with tiny umbrellas, or boozy slushies as you lounge under palm trees or soak up the sun. Feast on gastro-pub classics, seafood towers, and delicious burgers.

When the sun sets, the festoon lights flicker, and the DJ hits the stage, making for a perfect night of dancing and fun with friends. A must-visit for summer vibes!

490 Nepean Highway, Frankston 

Bar Conexão

Elevating Eltham’s leafy charm, Bar Conexão brings boutique wines, classic cocktails, and snackable bites to this suburban pocket. A sibling to the much-loved Little Drop of Poison, this moody, art-filled hideaway doubles as a gallery and serves up a dreamy lineup: tiny, briny martinis, prawn cocktails with mama salsa, and decadent kimchi tuna tartare. Sip on drinks like the Green Apple Sour or the Spiced Negroni, and explore a sommelier-curated wine list that champions small-scale producers. This dreamy new bar in Melbourne is perfect for casual elegance or a date night with an edge, proving you don’t need to trek to the CBD for a polished night out.

4/10-18 Arthur Street, Eltham 

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.