Whether you’re craving international flavours, contemporary cuisine, or traditional Australian plates, Melbourne’s outdoor dining scene has it all. These alfresco venues provide the perfect backdrop to enjoy your meal, soak in the city’s atmosphere, and create an unforgettable dining experience.
So, grab a seat, soak up the sunshine, and indulge in the open-air culinary pleasures of this dynamic city.
Arbory Afloat, CBD
You can’t get more outdoors than a floating platoon on the Yarra River. This 150-metre-long venue is the ultimate summer dining destination. The menu skews toward Mexican favourites like tacos and large sharing plates. The drinks menu is just as popular with agave-based concoctions, the classic margarita, and lots of gin cocktails. There’s even a pool to cool off in.
Three Blue Ducks Melbourne, Tullamarine
Want to dine with a side of ocean views? Well, at least wave views. Three Blue Ducks Tullamarine boasts a sprawling 350-seat indoor-outdoor venue overlooking Urbnsurf’s picturesque lagoon. The menu is a celebration of locally sourced, top-quality ingredients, featuring inventive breakfast dishes like the spanner crab scramble with bean shoot salad and house-made Sriracha and a bacon and chilli jam brekky roll finished with slaw and mayo. Grab a seat outside in the sunshine while watching your friends ride waves.
Pepe’s Italian & Liquor, CBD
Hidden inside a transformed heritage-listed building once home to Trunk Bar and Restaurant, Pepe’s offers a moody and inviting Italian-American dining experience. Their menu features casual, shareable dishes like Diamond clams with garlic butter. The drinks list is diverse, with a Martini selection and an extensive wine list to complement your meal. While the indoor tables look cosy, the outdoor terrace is magical in the afternoon. The spritz station is a bonus.
Green Acre, Brunswick
Green Acre is known for its vegan pizzas, but aside from the tasty gluten-free bases and innovative toppings, this cosy pizzeria has a fairy light-lit courtyard filled with upcycled furniture. It’s as rustic as the pizza.
Yarra Botanica, Southbank
Come the golden hour, Yarra Botanica is packed with city dwellers itching to get the iconic sunset shot. The seating under a covered canopy fills the space with natural light but keeps you sheltered from the unpredictable Melbourne weather. The menu is focused on artisanal cheeses, sustainable seafood, and farm-fresh produce with a beverage selection to match.
Grazeland, Spotswood
Grazeland is less of a restaurant and more of a smorgasbord of street food favourites. Whether you’re celebrating AFL finals or spending a weekend with the family, this playground for foodies has something for everyone. Grab a paper plate of gozleme, a German hotdog, or a classic taco and dine under the sunny sky. The food and drink options are endless, so go wild.
The Commons Collective, CBD
When it comes to outdoor dining in Melbourne, The Commons Collective comes to mind. The historic 1891 auditorium was transformed into nine distinctive spaces, managed by The Big Group, known for venues like The Glasshouse and Luminare. While most areas are reserved for events, two lush 400-capacity bars offer a unique experience. The Beer Garden emphasizes craft beer, spritzes, and pub-style bites, while the Rosé Garden offers elegant long lunches with a prix fixe menu featuring Italian-inspired dishes.
Siglo, CBD
At Siglo, the rooftop terrace above Spring Street’s Supper Club, dine alfresco while soaking in breathtaking views of Parliament, St Patrick’s Cathedral, and the Princess Theatre. Named for the Spanish word for “century,” Siglo offers late-night indulgences, classic cocktails, and a timeless elegance perfect for enjoying the final hours of daylight. With cosy wicker chairs and a relaxed atmosphere, this venue is a popular choice for wedding parties, open from 5 pm to 3 am.
Marquis of Lorne, Fitzroy
The Marquis of Lorne is a Fitzroy corner institution favoured for its dining experience across three inviting zones. The friendly public bar, complete with footpath tables, transitions into an intimate dining room with a fireplace and stained-glass windows. Upstairs, a sun-soaked rooftop terrace awaits. Open daily, the classic pub boasts an extensive selection of tinnies, stubbies, craft beers, local wines, and cocktails.
Harlow, Richmond
Harlow’s alfresco dining in Richmond is a breath of fresh air, offering a substantial two-level beer garden and an elevated rooftop terrace. The relaxed atmosphere extends to the menu, with pub classics given a modern twist. Choose from a traditional parma or opt for the Greek version adorned with cherry tomatoes, feta, and oregano. What makes this spot truly special? All outdoor areas are dog-friendly, ensuring a delightful experience for everyone.
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