Top 11 Foodie Hot Spots this Summer

Whether you’re after food to fill up on or drinks to wind down with after a day exploring, here’s where you can soak up the glory of summer in Melbourne.

1. Riverland

Federation Wharf, Melbourne

Enjoy lunch in the sun alongside the Yarra River, tucking into tasty bites like mac 'n' cheese croquettes, calamari or a delicious burger. Nestled under Princess Bridge and right by Federation Square, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a bite to eat while being close to all the action of the city.

Getting there Any train to Flinders Street Station
Web riverlandbar.com

2. Arbory Afloat

Flinders Walk, Melbourne

During the warmer months, Arbory Bar & Eatery spills into the Yarra River by way of a floating pontoon, making it a unique summer bar in Melbourne. Enjoy sipping on an Aperol spritz while grazing on a charcuterie board or chips with truffle pecorino while taking part in the relaxed party atmosphere.

Getting there Any train to Flinders Street Station
Web arbory.com.au

3. St Cloud Eating House

644 Burwood Road, Hawthorn

Head up to the rooftop of this ultra-cool Vietnamese restaurant and enjoy sharing plates, like the pumpkin and snake bean curry, while soaking up the summer vibes. With vibrant dishes served alongside craft beer and a range creative cocktails, it’s a new take on the typical Vietnamese restaurant.

Getting there Lilydale or Belgrave train line to Auburn Station
Web stcloudeatinghouse.com.au

4. Mountain Goat Brewery

80 North Street, Richmond

Enjoy the summer breeze through Mountain Goat’s roller door as you say cheers with its fruity Summer Ale. Tuck into a pizza or something from the rotating roster of food trucks that stop by.

Getting there Tram route 48 or 75 to stop 22
Web goatbeer.com.au

5. Hana

212 Little Collins Street, Melbourne

Feel the island vibes at this Polynesian bar, where you and your crew can take on one of the giant volcano cocktails, like the Hana Colada. Pair it with the Maui sushi or the Hawaii fries.

Getting there Tram route 1, 3, 5, 6, 16, 64, 62 or 72 to stop 10
Web hanarestaurant.com.au

6. Drumplings

227–229 Bourke Street, Melbourne

Ever wondered what a cheeseburger dumpling might taste like? Here’s your chance. This colourful eatery serves up boundary-pushing dumplings like truffle mushroom, fish n’ chips and chicken laksa varieties. They’ll have you wanting more.

Getting there Tram route 86 or 96 to stop 6
Web drumplings.com

7. Naked in the Sky

285 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy

No summer hot-spot list is complete without this much-loved rooftop bar in Melbourne’s inner north. Order the grilled prawn skewers to share and sip a watermelon and mint-infused vodka, with or without a mixer, while you enjoy sprawling views of the CBD.

Getting there Tram route 11 to stop 16
Web nakedforsatan.com.au/naked-in-the-sky

8. Good Heavens

Level 2, 79 Bourke Street

If eighties-inspired cocktails served with South Beach vibes sounds like your idea of a good time, put this rooftop bar on your must-do list. With views over the city and plenty of beverages and fans to keep you refreshed the summer heat, you’re in for a fun time day or night. With cocktails paying homage to the classics, like the pina colada and whiskey sour, you won’t have any trouble finding something you like. For a real taste of the city though, we recommend opting for the Melbourne Made: a blend of Melbourne Moonshine’s Apple Pie Shine and Starward Malt Whisky, mixed with fresh pineapple, lemon and bitters. The best part? American-style barbecue house Fancy Hanks is right downstairs if drinks see you through to dinner time.

Getting there Tram route 86 or 96 to stop 7
Web goodheavens.com.au

9. Angus & Bon

168 Greville Street, Prahran

Looking to escape the heat? Head to this swanky new restaurant in Prahran that’s situated inside the old Prahran Post Office. Inside, the team has decked the place out with sleek accents while still retaining its historic grandeur. The specialty here is steak with your choice of béarnaise, pepper sauce, beef sauce, garlic butter or Café de Paris butter, accompanied by some pretty impressive sides. The mains menu is not to be overlooked, with zucchini risotto and pork belly making an appearance. Whatever you choose, save a little space for dessert. The doughnuts are hard to pass up, coming with lime curd filling, berry marmalade and vanilla ice cream.

Getting there Sandringham train line to Prahran Station
Web angusandbon.com.au

10. The Boatbuilders Yard

23 South Wharf Promenade, South Wharf

Pull up a pew and soak up the sun at Boatbuilders along the South Wharf end of the Yarra River. You can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at this outdoor eatery, so it has you covered at any time of your Melbourne visit. It’s the perfect place to go for a feed after visiting historic tall ship the Polly Woodside or Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, plus it’s a short walk from the bargains of DFO South Wharf and the excitement of Crown Casino. For the perfect summertime lunch or dinner, order the South American super salad of quinoa, cauliflower, kale, hominy, black beans, charred corn, toasted seeds, spicy lime dressing with the option of adding poached free-range chicken. Have the little ones in tow? You’ll find a dedicated part of the menu, just for them.

Getting there Tram route 12, 96 or 109 to stop 124
Web theboatbuildersyard.com.au

11. Taxi Kitchen

Federation Square, Flinders Street & Swanston Street

Positioned at Melbourne’s meeting place Federation Square, fueling up at Taxi Kitchen is convenient no matter what you’re doing before or after. It also offers panoramic views, overlooking one of Melbourne’s busiest pockets on one side, and the Yarra River on the other, while serving up plates of tasty modern-Australian cuisine with Asian influences. The freshly shucked oysters are a summer favourite, perfectly paired with a glass of sparkling. The crispy skin salmon or baby barramundi dishes are also great options for seafood lovers.

Getting there Any train to Flinders Street Station
Web taxikitchen.com.au

Night Network

On the weekend, PTV’s Night Network will get you back to your hotel without a fuss, no matter when you choose to call it a night. Click here to find out more.