Elevated Escapes: Sky High Chill at Melbourne’s Top Rooftop Bars

Immerse yourself in the vibrant heart of Melbourne as we unveil the city’s most captivating rooftop bars, where the skyline meets sophisticated leisure. Whether you’re looking to unwind under the stars or seeking a lively night filled with unique cocktails and stunning views, these elevated hideaways offer the perfect blend of ambiance, allure, and adventure. Join us on a journey across Melbourne’s rooftops, where each venue promises an unforgettable experience, marrying breathtaking vistas with the pulse of the city’s nightlife. Get ready to be inspired and find your perfect spot to chill out as the sun sets on the city’s bustling streets.

1.Rooftop Bar

Ascend to the seventh floor of Curtin House and discover Rooftop Bar, a premier destination for open-air drinks in the city. Known for its stunning views and vibrant atmosphere, it attracts a diverse crowd, including dog lovers, thanks to its pet-friendly policy. Weather plays a role in the experience, but the Rooftop Bar is well-equipped with Art-Deco-inspired awnings, offering shelter and an ambient glow with neon-lit rings at night.

Rooftop Bar is not just about the drinks; it’s also a hub for entertainment and good food. Guests can enjoy offerings from the Burger Shack or Mesa Verde, with options ranging from fried chicken and kimchi burgers to refreshing non-alcoholic sodas and cocktails. From December to March, the space transforms into Rooftop Cinema, showcasing indie films and hosting DJs, making it an ideal spot for a memorable summer evening in Melbourne.

2.Naked In The Sky

📷@Jake Roden

Naked in the Sky, Fitzroy’s beloved rooftop destination since 2010, offers stunning panoramic views of Melbourne’s skyline and the Dandenong Ranges. Accessed via a lift from Naked for Satan below, it’s a place where securing a spot with a view is part of the experience. The rooftop presents an unparalleled vista of the city, contrasting with the serene eastern landscape and the bustling Brunswick Street to the north.

Beyond its breathtaking views, Naked in the Sky stands out for its culinary offerings and extensive drink selection. The bar has evolved from serving pinxtos to a modern Australian menu with a Basque twist, featuring dishes like beef tartare and jamon serrano. Drink enthusiasts can explore over 20 seasonally infused vodkas, craft beers, and a curated wine list, making it more than just a visual treat but a haven for food and drink connoisseurs.

3.Her Rooftop

Her Bar, nestled in the historic Pacific House on Lonsdale Street, offers a unique blend of history and modern flair. After a complete renovation in 2022, this multi-faceted venue by HQ Group features art installations and a vibrant atmosphere. The ground floor hosts Her Bar, a round-the-clock cocktail bar and eatery, serving everything from breakfast specials like bacon and egg rolls to French-inspired evening share plates.

Above Her Bar, Her Rooftop provides a stunning open-air experience on the fifth level, boasting Thai cuisine and natural wines. With its Italian marble floors and chic design, it offers a playful yet elegant setting. The building also houses BKK, a lively Thai restaurant, and Music Room, a cozy bar with timber panels and velvet booths, perfect for music lovers. Her Bar and its sister venues in the Pacific House create a diverse and immersive urban retreat in the heart of Melbourne.

4.Stella

Discover Stella, a distinctive Italian restaurant set in South Yarra, stretching across four levels behind a historic 1800s facade. The entrance reveals a charming trattoria with velvet booths, leading to an open kitchen with a Marana Forni pizza oven. A hidden gem awaits downstairs – a private dining room and wine cellar, featuring a green marble table for intimate gatherings.

Stella’s upper floors boast a cocktail bar with Italian classics and in-house barrel-aged Negronis, complemented by a 500-bottle light installation. For the best sunset views, head to the rooftop, a semi-covered space with a backlit bar and panoramic vistas over South Yarra. While drinks reign supreme here, guests can also indulge in pizzas inspired by the owner’s family heritage. The menu, except for the rooftop, offers Italian favorites like bucatini with spanner crab and tagliatelle with oscietra caviar, capturing the essence of authentic Italian dining.

5.Full Moon Fever

Step into Full Moon Fever, a Tom Petty-inspired rooftop saloon, for a unique blend of music, drinks, and ambiance. Echoing the laid-back vibe of a California desert bar, this spot offers an extensive list of Cali-style cocktails, featuring tequila, mezcal, bourbon, and a special cactus-shaped drink dispenser. Savor the taste of American classics while surrounded by the eclectic decor of a 1960s bank building, complete with large windows, red bricks, and terrazzo-style stone.

The menu at Full Moon Fever takes inspiration from classic roadhouses, offering a variety of hearty burgers, Southern fried buffalo wings, and more. Guests can relax in timber booths or sunny day beds under a retractable roof, warmed by a wood heater. The cacti-lined walls add to the saloon’s unique charm, making it a perfect spot for those seeking a laid-back yet lively experience in Melbourne.

6.Siglo

Siglo, known for its versatility, caters to diverse tastes, whether it’s for a casual afternoon Aperol Spritz or an extravagant night with caviar, cigars, and Champagne. Securing a seat with a view at this popular spot is a competitive feat, best attempted post-midnight when the crowds thin. Guests can relax in Parisian wicker chairs, enjoying drinks like the Grand Gunner, amidst the backdrop of Spring Street’s canopy.

📷@Patricia sofra The bar also offers a selection of refined snacks served tableside, along with signature party pies near the indoor bar. Dishes like marinated grilled eggplant and Crust Armour salmon rillettes offer a taste of Parisian elegance. For heartier options, guests can savor chevap sausage rolls and spanakopita at the bar, completing the sophisticated yet welcoming experience Siglo provides.

7.Runner Up

Runner Up rooftop bar, perched above Collingwood Yards, offers a creative and laid-back atmosphere reminiscent of a stylish sharehouse. Filled with eclectic artwork, vintage furniture, and house plants, it embodies the youthful spirit of the artistic community below. The bar’s small cocktail menu features unique spritzes and inventive takes on classic drinks, like the Australiano, which uses local Okra amaro, and vegan-friendly aquafaba in sours.

Despite its obscured panoramic views due to new buildings, Runner Up remains a hidden gem in North Melbourne. Accessible through a discreet terrace and elevator in Collingwood Yards, it provides an escape from the city’s hustle. This rooftop bar is known for its relaxed ambiance, curated cocktails, and on hot days, refreshing water misters, making it a sought-after spot for those in the know.

8.Madame Brussels

Madame Brussels, a beloved Melbourne rooftop bar, was nearly lost in 2021 but was revived by Tom Rattigan and Joshua Stevens. This unique venue, a former brothel, features a playful garden party theme with astroturf and pastel decor. It offers a stunning city view, perfect for enjoying sunsets and cocktails. The bar has evolved, focusing more on the area’s heritage than its former flirtatious charm, and serves a variety of creative cocktails.

This rooftop bar, named after a notorious brothel owner, retains its quirky and kitschy essence. Famous for its cocktail menu, guests can enjoy drinks like the Parliamentary Mace and Madame’s Spicy Margarita. The food menu includes items such as croque monsieur, ratatouille toasties, artisanal cheeses, and scones with strawberry jam and chantilly cream, providing a delightful culinary experience amidst the whimsical setting.

9.State of Grace

State of Grace is an elegant cocktail bar and restaurant in Melbourne, boasting marble, mirrors, and chandeliers. The street-level restaurant and the basement bar, Fall From Grace, offer a luxurious dining experience. Their menu is a fusion of European bistro and modern Australian cuisine, featuring dishes like Aylesbury duck breast, gnocchi with sage, and scallops with apple and candied bacon. Lighter options include oysters and chicken liver pâté.

Above, the State of Grace Rooftop provides a contrasting casual ambiance with stunning city views. This rooftop haven serves pizzas, cured meats, and parmesan fries, perfect for sharing. Guests can enjoy summery cocktails, tap beers, and tinnies, making it an ideal spot for a quintessential Melbourne experience.

10.Goldilocks

Visit Goldilocks Rooftop Bar, a magical escape atop the Denyers Building in Melbourne’s CBD. This award-winning bar, hidden above a Chinese diner, is a treasure with its secret entrance and stunning rooftop terrace. It’s renowned for inventive cocktails and late-night snacks, including cheese and truffle toasties.

📷@Graham Denholm

The drinks menu features boutique brews, a selection of wines, and unique cocktails like Barry’s Batida and Spiked Apple Marie. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, attentive staff, and breathtaking city views, making every visit to Goldilocks “just right.”