Food: Outdoor Dining

Although Melbourne hospitality reintroduced indoor dining ahead of schedule, November is a fine month to appreciate our city outdoors. What better way to do so than by clinking glasses and filling our bellies en plein air? Here are some suggestions on where to book. It’s going to be one delicious summer.

Arbory Afloat, CBD
Take a trip to Turkey’s Turquoise Coast at Arbory Afloat, the 69-metre bar and restaurant that pops up on the Yarra River over summer. Each year brings a different theme, and ’21 sees Turkish-inspired snacks, sandwiches, pizzas and cocktails at the Turkish Riviera-style beach club, complete with swimming pool. Bookings essential.

arboryafloat.com.au

Vesper Bistro & Bar, South YarraOpening in February 2021, Vesper is a Mediterranean, long-lunch haven on Toorak Road. There’s a gorgeous, private courtyard with a trickling fountain hidden away from the street. Settle in with a “Vesperience” tasting menu or indulge in the $45 a head “pearls and caviar” – three snacks showcasing different kinds of prized fish eggs. Martinis optional but recommended. 

vesperbistroandbar.com.au

St Ali, South Melbourne

South Melbourne favourite St Ali has kept its impressive parklet, which transformed the street art-adorned lane behind Coventry Street into an Italian-style, open-air dining destination last year. Festoon lights and greenery drape over geometric pastel tiling, while navy Peroni umbrellas complete the summer vibes. Bonus points for the CBD backdrop.
stali.com.au

Pope Joan, CBD

This is one of the city’s most hidden and underrated outdoor dining areas. Sharing the Sofitel driveway, it features umbrellas and heaters, despite being covered, too. It’s a smart choice – it’s both city-chic and appropriate for Melbourne’s unpredictable weather. Book for breakfast or a long lunch during the week, whether you prefer their famous reuben sandwich or a Milawa chicken schnitzel in brown butter sauce.

popejoancity.com

Old Palm Liquor, Brunswick East

Brought to you by the folks behind Neighbourhood Wine in Fitzroy North, OPL has a smattering of street-side tables as well as a nostalgic, ‘70s-inspired sheltered courtyard out the back. This is the kind of wine bar you want to eat at. That might mean snacks such as grilled squid with lardo XO, grilled eggplant with smoked peanuts and adobo glaze, or another bottle of natural wine for the table, thank you very much.

oldpalmliquor.com

Epocha, Carlton 

Set across the road from the Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens, Epocha’s outdoor area is all greenery and terraced loveliness. There’s faux grass underfoot, white tablecloths and staff who have been hanging out to wait on guests for months. A two-course weekend lunch here is $65 (dinner is three courses for $95) and might feature beef carpaccio with truffle puree, onion rings and heirloom beets followed by Aylesbury duck breast with cabbage, carob and date.
epocha.com.au

Harlow, Richmond

If you fancy a lover boy on a rooftop, head to Harlow. The aforementioned cocktail is made with Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin, blood orange, pineapple, cranberry and lime and is best sipped on the wraparound rooftop with stellar views of the CBD. There’s also a sheltered beer garden downstairs, plus four-legged friends are welcome to join.
harlowbar.com.au