Winter, winter, winter ... What a great season to dress up with layers, keep warm with a superb fireplace and go on a trip to the mountains for some snow action ! BUT, winter is also the season of night at 4pm, minus 10 degrees in the morning {and all day}, no sunny and warm getaways, and above all, laziness !
Don't panic, we found a way for you to have a nice, fun and unforgettable winter. We picked 5 of Melbourne's best rooftops for unique nights in the city that doesn't sleep ! Drinks, food, snacks, music, we tried a few places for you and came up with these great spots.
This year is your year to enjoy the cold season !
1) BOMBA BAR, CBD
Located on Londsdale Street, Bomba is our top spot for great drinks and amazing food. Overlooking the city at night, the small but intimate rooftop is the one kind of place you can't but enjoy. Get yourself a glass of wine while your table downstairs is getting ready for you ...
The restaurant is located on the ground level. The same atmosphere leads the night and takes you to a trip to Spain and its fantastic little tapas restaurants. Start your meal with some croquetas, patatas bravas and an amazing jamón, then move to the main with Bomba's incredibly delicous Pedro Ximenez belly pork ... You won't regret your choice !
Bomba Bar, 103 Londsdale Street 3100 Melbourne
We advise to book a table as it gets busy at some times {rush hours are usually between 6/7pm and 9pm}.
2) NAKED FOR SATAN, Fitzroy
If you haven't been to Naked For Satan yet, you are making a huge mistake ! This rooftop is one of the best of Melbourne ! Located in a large building on Brunswick Street, Naked includes different levels. You can start with a drink and a few tapas downstairs while waiting for the elevator to take you to hell {and heaven}.
The best part is yet to come. Once you get to the top, a long bar with unique cocktails is waiting for you. You will find the restaurant area, then an easy access to the outdoor. We definitely recommend you to go straight to the terrace as we think the restaurant is not the main attraction of the whole place.
Choose amongst a variety of 25 vodkas and cocktails and get yourself the best tapas ! The must haves ? Crumbed eggplants, cheese croquettes and pork/veal/almond meatballs ...
Naked For Satan, 285 Brunswick Street Fitzroy 3065
On the weekends, Naked gets very busy and access to the roof is difficult, we advise you to get there before 7:30pm. Otherwise, go straight to the elevator and register to get access to the top {usually 30 minutes wait to elevator} and have a drink downstairs until they call your name ...
3) COOKIE, CBD
Cookie is an exception as it is not an actual rooftop. Located on Swanston Street in the same building as the Toff In Town and Rooftop Bar & Cinema, Cookie is the go-to spot for great wines and fine food. Divided in two parts {one requires booking, the other one doesn't}, it is a very relaxed and intimate place with soft lights and a great staff always available for you.
If you are early and lucky enough, you can get a table on the balcony and overlook Swanston Street surrounded by trees. Enjoy a glass of Pinot and choose between a large selection of small, medium and large dishes to share {or not}.
Cookie, First Floor 252 Swanston Street Melbourne 3000
If you don't want to book a table, try to get there early enough to not wait too long as Cookie is busy all week.
4) GOLDILOCKS, CBD
Goldilocks' rooftop is pretty small, but very charming. Access this place through the elevator that leads you to a very 19th century atmosphere with leather sofas, old and intimate booths and a beautiful wooden bar.
How to spend the best night at Goldilocks ? Have a drink on the rooftop then move downstairs for a great and chilled out time with more drinks, and more food ...
Goldilocks, Level 4 264 Swanston Street Melbourne 3000
For an easy access to the rooftop, get there early on Friday and Saturday nights.
5) ARBORY, CBD
Same as Cookie, Arbory is not a rooftop bar. But can anything beat a drink along the river ? The Yarra River is one of Melbourne's best spot for a night out. The lights and places, the drinks and food are incredible !
Have a seat close to the water and enjoy a moment of peace. Arbory offers nice food, from burgers to smaller dishes to share. Open everyday until late, the kitchen is yours and you can order as much food and drinks as you want with no limits ! If you don't have enough of Arbory, keep in mind it opens at 7:30am for some great breakfast !
Arbory, Flinders Walk Melbourne 3000
Arbory is a very easy place, no need to book a table and no real rush hours. It's open 7 days from 7:30am til late, everyday of the year.
