Marvellous Melbourne: The city's best bars to try this weekend

Best outdoor bar
Petanque Social, Crown

The best of Crown has arrived on the Southbank waterfront with Petanque Social – it’s a COVID-19-safe answer to a European summer. Order from a menu that is a curated mix of the best from Bistro Guillaume, Nobu, San Antone, Ging Thai and 400 Gradi, such as sashimi, country-style terrine, spiced chicken wings and pizza for a summer soiree. Watch sport on the big screens, play petanque and pour a jug of Pimms. The cocktail list covers all of the favourite staples including Aperol Spritz and Bloody Mary.

Best lobby bar
The Langham Hotel

The Aria Bar and Lounge is in full swing at five-star hotel The Langham, with a caviar and champagne pairing for a decadent afternoon or early evening. A special Christmas cocktail created by award-winning Artesian bar manager Anna Sebastian, from The Langham London, delivers a mix of gin, dry vermouth, fresh lemon juice, smoked rose and ginger cordial for extra cheer this season.

Best new bar
Dive Bar, Crowne Plaza

The New York-inspired bar on Spencer Street made its debut at the new-look Crowne Plaza hotel. The jukebox and a billiard table turns on the charm, as does the creative cocktail list.

Best rooftop bar
QT Melbourne

The rooftop at the QT Melbourne is known for its Russell Street position with a skyline to keep you lingering for hours. It’s where top-shelf cocktails are shaken and stirred alongside a casual dinning menu. You can access the bar via the hotel lobby elevators.

Best hidden bar
Bar Americano

Bar Americano returns with al fresco options this summer. When owner Matt Bax opened this tiny bar, he wanted to pay homage to the Golden Age of drinking with a classic Italian tradition and that much hasn’t changed. It’s the place to head for a perfect negroni (also available online) and a Bar Yuletide Christmas menu.

Best basement bar
Bar Margaux

The team that brought us The Everleigh and Heartbreaker deliver their version of a Parisian/NYC-inspired basement dining at Margaux. The menu covers French delights including caramelised onion, pickled artichoke and goats’ curd tart, tuna nicoise and duck frites for a Thursday to Saturday night adventure, washed down with a cocktail, wine by the bottle or something from the champagne list.

Best dine-in at home
Lyall Hotel Lobby Pop-Up

Recreate your favourite bar scene with Lyall Hotel Lobby Pop-Up, which has a hamper option – champagne, cocktails and food – available within a five-kilometre radius of South Yarra, Friday and Saturday nights.

Most charismatic bar
The Ugly Duckling

This bar in Richmond hasn’t stopped pouring since lockdown, doing deliverables with a twist, but they’re back with a stylish table service. We love the salted watermelon daiquiri and native negroni and cheese and salumi boards also fill the gap. You can still have their cocktails delivered via the Providoor app. Three cheers to that.

Marvellous Melbourne – A month of celebrating our city.