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Diners' Choice: Great for creative cocktails restaurants in Melbourne

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OpenTable
Updated January 05, 2025

Looking for the best handcrafted cocktails in Melbourne? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!


A photo of Shelanous restaurant
Shelanous
5.0
5 (106)
$101 and over
Australian
Port Melbourne
About the restaurant
Born from a Melbourne sunset, our pop-up restaurant, Shelanous, evolved into a multi-sensory journey, blending Melbourne’s seasons into each dish. As we transitioned to “Shelanous”, we retained the essence of sharing, embodied in “nous,” meaning “our” or “us” in Hebrew and French.
Top review
Valerie
Dined 1 day ago
Greeted by the friendly staff already in character, the journey begins the minute you step foot into the theatre. Covering all seasons, the experience was fully immersive from the food, decor, lighting and music. It was interactive and fun! With no idea what was going to happen next, your only guide was a menu of dishes and the costumes of the staff. Their extensive knowledge of food and beverage made the pairing to dishes fun and delightful. Incredible experience to remember forever. Well done to the fantastic team.
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A photo of 10 Course Degustation & Matching Beverages Sunday of a restaurant
Experience
10 Course Degustation & Matching Beverages Sunday
A photo of 10 Course Degustation & Matching Beverages Weekday of a restaurant
Experience
10 Course Degustation & Matching Beverages Weekday
A photo of 10 Course Degustation & Matching Beverages Weekday of a restaurant
Experience
10 Course Degustation & Matching Beverages Weekday
A photo of Borsch Vodka & Tears restaurant
Borsch Vodka & Tears
4.8
4.8 (282)
$40 and under
Polish
Windsor
About the restaurant
Borsch, Vodka and Tears is a Melbourne institution currently celebrating 20 years at the colourful end of Chapel Street. Styled after a Kraków cellar bar, Borsch is a romantic Bohemian enclave, the home of the Green Faery, an ode to a hazy and debauched bygone world. We specialise in Polish vodka, vodka-centric interpretations of classic and modern cocktails, authentic wormwood absinthe, Eastern European beers, contemporary Polish dishes and late night fun times.
Top review
Margi
Dined 6 days ago
Fabulous food and wonderful service. Can get noisy but that’s just the space you are in. Would go there every week if I could :)
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A photo of Gołąbki Cabbage Rolls of a restaurant
Popular dish
Gołąbki Cabbage Rolls
A photo of WÓDKA TASTING TRAY of a restaurant
Experience
WÓDKA TASTING TRAY
A photo of Kushiro Fusion Cuisine restaurant
Kushiro Fusion Cuisine
4.8
4.8 (27)
$41 to $100
Fusion / Eclectic
Fitzroy
About the restaurant
Kushiro - Melbourne
Nestled in a 100-year-old heritage building in Fitzroy, Kushiro blends historic charm with modern culinary artistry. Inspired by Melbourne's vibrant laneway dining and street art culture, the restaurant features a beautiful bar, Japanese-inspired lamps, chandeliers, and a striking graffiti wall depicting a fishing village in Hokkaido.

Kushiro's menu combines traditional Japanese techniques with contemporary flavors, offering standout dishes like Scampi Tartare, Cured Salmon, Chef Po’s Char Siu, Slow Roasted Short Rib, Confit Duck, and Tofu Panna Cotta. Patrons can also enjoy Kushiro's exclusive brand of sake, crafted in Japan.

Kushiro enriches Melbourne's diverse culinary scene with its unique offerings and vibrant atmosphere.
Top review
Wilson
Dined 5 days ago
Creative fusion food, very friendly staff. A very pleasant dining experience.
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A photo of $3 Oysters for Oyster Lovers-Booking Is Essential! of a restaurant
Experience
$3 Oysters for Oyster Lovers-Booking Is Essential!
A photo of KUSHIRO BANQUET MENU of a restaurant
Experience
KUSHIRO BANQUET MENU
A photo of Omakase Menu of a restaurant
Experience
Omakase Menu
A photo of Bali Hai restaurant
Bali Hai
4.8
4.8 (18)
$41 to $100
Thai
Melbourne CBD
About the restaurant
Sawasdee Ka 🌸 Welcome to Bali Hai, where Melbourne meets Pattaya! Thai-Fusion flavours in the Melbourne CBD.

Nestled in the heart of Melbourne CBD, Bali Hai brings together the vibrant flavours of Thailand and the sophistication of Melbourne’s dining scene. Our passion for authentic Thai cuisine has created a unique fusion experience that will tantalize your taste buds.

Inspired by the bustling streets of Bangkok and the serene beaches of Pattaya, our menu features a diverse range of traditional Thai dishes, each infused with a modern twist. From fiery curries and fragrant stir-fries to delicate noodle dishes and flavourful appetizers, our menu satisfies every palate.
Top review
margaret
Dined 5 days ago
Delicious food and great value.
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A photo of Feed Me >> $49 pp of a restaurant
Experience
Feed Me >> $49 pp
A photo of Pre- Show of a restaurant
Experience
Pre- Show
A photo of AO Match-Day Feast! of a restaurant
Experience
AO Match-Day Feast!
A photo of Rin Sura restaurant
Rin Sura
4.7
4.7 (446)
$40 and under
Contemporary Asian
Brunswick
About the restaurant
Brunswick's newest dinning establishment offering a range of unique Thai cuisine and signature cocktails.

Modern Thai cuisine & craft cocktails lie in store at this stylish restaurant with a bar.
Top review
Marie
Dined on Jan 3, 2025
Amazing cocktails and food. The whole vibe is great in this place but the food is simply outstanding.
A photo of Fleet Rooftop Bar Melbourne restaurant
Fleet Rooftop Bar Melbourne
4.6
4.6 (96)
$40 and under
Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service
Melbourne CBD
About the restaurant
Perched 22 levels above Vibe Hotel Melbourne, Fleet Rooftop Bar invites you to unwind in an elevated, urban oasis that pays homage to Melbourne’s maritime heritage, all while enjoying unparalleled, panoramic views of the iconic city skyline.

Fleet will be Flinders Street’s tallest rooftop bar, standing at 68m high, providing an elevated sanctuary to soak in the essence of Melbourne. With its contemporary design and refined elegance, Fleet showcases urban sophistication and offers a stylish retreat within chic décor.

The thoughtfully curated drinks menu has a nautical theme and combines classic favourites with locally inspired creations, all paired with a selection of delicious bar snacks, taking patrons on a voyage through Melbourne’s diverse tastes and flavours.
Top review
Alex
Dined 6 days ago
I think this is my favourite bar in melb. I hope it can stay as a hidden gem so i can make the most of it and not have to share haha
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A photo of AO Tennis Whites Party | Fleet Rooftop x Aperol of a restaurant
Experience
AO Tennis Whites Party | Fleet Rooftop x Aperol
A photo of High Tea on 22 of a restaurant
Experience
High Tea on 22
A photo of Sundown Social of a restaurant
Experience
Sundown Social
A photo of Bhang restaurant
Bhang
4.5
4.5 (606)
$41 to $100
Indian
Brunswick
About the restaurant
Bhang is a unique warehouse cocktail bar serving contemporary Indian fare off Sydney Rd in Brunswick exploring the many different flavours of India through food and drink. We have a cocktail for every occasion and taste, and dishes from all corners of India such as the Mangalorean inspired 'Kori Gassi', 'Kashmiri Trout' and Rajasthani 'Junglee Maas'. Come and try our THALI available every night $30 Veg $32 Non-Veg

Bhang has an ample selection of vegan and gluten free items that compete equally in flavour and popularity with our charcoal meats and tandoor dishes. Bhang's wine and craft beer list showcase local producers, while our Indian inspired cocktails are an absolute must try.

HAPPY HOUR EVERY NIGHT 5-7PM: $14 COCKTAILS, CHEAP WINE, BEER & CHAAT
Top review
Alicia
Dined on Jan 3, 2025
Fab evening, last minute decision to go for drinks (which were absolutely delish) & meal with friends. Food was tasty, great selection to choose from, lovely staff, a great local venue. Will visit again & again
A photo of Cha Ching restaurant
Cha Ching
4.5
4.5 (433)
$41 to $100
Asian
Melbourne CBD
About the restaurant
Cha Ching is an Asian fusion concept restaurant where customer enjoys variety of Asian dishes on a table with Asian spiced drinks and cocktail for an affordable per dinner and lunch.
Synonymous with luck in Chinese culture, Cha Ching is a project three years in the making, from Owner & Head Chef Ken Leung.
From working in Hong Kong’s Michelin Star St George Restaurant in 2012 to experience in kitchens across Melbourne’s elite food scene, Ken’s hospitality experience spans over 15 years.
The result? Cha Ching’s menu is an homage to Asian cuisine, emboldened by the multiculturalism of Melbourne.
Street food with finesse and re-imagined traditional cuisine, every dish pops with vibrancy and colour!


Top review
Jeffrey
Dined on Jan 7, 2025
Food amazing, I’ve been here a few times and every dish that comes out is 10/10. Staff lovely too. We celebrated our one year anniversary here, was very good!!!
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A photo of BLACK TRUFFLE FRIED RICE (G)(CVG) of a restaurant
Popular dish
BLACK TRUFFLE FRIED RICE (G)(CVG)
A photo of BLACK TRUFFLE FRIED RICE (GF)(CVG) of a restaurant
Popular dish
BLACK TRUFFLE FRIED RICE (GF)(CVG)
A photo of BLACK TRUFFLE FRIED RICE (GF) (CVG) of a restaurant
Popular dish
BLACK TRUFFLE FRIED RICE (GF) (CVG)
A photo of Ruby Dining restaurant
Ruby Dining
4.5
4.5 (24)
$41 to $100
Contemporary European
Melbourne CBD
About the restaurant
Ruby Dining – Celebrate the Festive Season with Us!
The chefs invite you to experience a special set menu created by the talented Jeremy Song, with exclusive dishes curated by Chef Kimkim. Indulge in a vibrant atmosphere and unforgettable festive flavors at Ruby Dining.

Choose from two incredible set menu options: $65 per person or $95 per person. Don’t wait too long – the festive flavors won’t last forever. Book your table now and experience the magic before it's gone!
Top review
Danno
Dined on Dec 10, 2024
It was amazing dining I would recommanded to my friends
A photo of Hoiana restaurant
Hoiana
4.0
4 (61)
$40 and under
Vietnamese
Melbourne CBD
About the restaurant
Inspired from our starting roots in Hoi An, Vietnam, Hoiana brings a twist on Hoi An’s culinary heritage. Discover a fusion of culture, live music (Thursday to Saturdays), and exceptional food that captures the essence of Hoi An’s lively hospitality scene.

Around the corner from Melbourne's iconic Hardware Lane, follow the live music sounds and you'll find our beautiful corner restaurant with the pretty lanterns inside. Come in for a great time!
Top review
Meg
Dined on Jan 3, 2025
Great cocktails, make sure you arrive during happy hour to make the most of it. The food is delicious. We ordered the Bo La Lot - Beef wrapped in Betel leaves and the Hoiana Banh Xeo - pancake. So good! It was a great night with a small band playing which really made it a fun dinner. The staff are super nice and helpful and the bar tender creates awesome cocktails with a real attention to detail. Highly recommend, particularly if you wish to reminisce that last visit to Hoi An 🌼
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A photo of Happy Hour 5-7pm of a restaurant
Experience
Happy Hour 5-7pm
A photo of Live Music Thursday to Saturdays of a restaurant
Experience
Live Music Thursday to Saturdays
A photo of Special Lunch Set Menu of a restaurant
Experience
Special Lunch Set Menu
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