The Coolest Places in Melbourne.

Melbourne is Australia’s cultural capital, a city where laneways hide cocktail bars, cafés and street art, while grand dining rooms and buzzing markets show off the city’s love of food. Each neighbourhood has its own rhythm — Fitzroy’s creative edge, Collingwood’s industrial cool, South Melbourne’s market life, and the CBD’s mix of old and new. From brunch that rivals anywhere in the world to late-night live music, Melbourne is a city built on discovery, creativity and a sense of style that’s all its own.

Melbourne lane graffiti - The Cool List guide to Melbourne

TheCoolList places in Melbourne's dining scene

See our full list of restaurants in Melbourne

Afloat – Melbourne CBD

Afloat is a seasonal open-air bar and eatery on the Yarra River in Melbourne, offering themed menus, rooftop views, DJ sets and a lively atmosphere in warmer months.

Alta Trattoria – Fitzroy

Alta Trattoria in Fitzroy channels Piemonte with handmade pasta, refined northern Italian flavours and a wine list built around nebbiolo.

Apollo Inn – Melbourne CBD

A low-lit cocktail bar behind Gimlet in Melbourne's CBD, Apollo Inn offers classic drinks, sharp snacks and a refined, compact space with old-world touches and contemporary polish.

Aru – Melbourne CBD

Aru in Melbourne is a wood-fired restaurant from chef Khanh Nguyen, offering a Southeast Asian-inspired menu shaped by native ingredients and modern Australian techniques.