Melbourne continues to raise the bar on its world-class food and drinks scene. From sleek rooftop cocktail lounges to intimate European wine bars, the city’s newest openings each inhabit an aspect of Melbourne’s innate sense of ‘cool’. So, if you’re searching for the best new bars in Melbourne, allow us to guide your hand.
Of the latest drinking ventures in the Victorian capital, several are from certified hospitality royalty. Think: a new sherry bar from the Caretaker’s Cottage team, a little sister venue from Carnation Canteen, and, of course, the grand re-opening of the Waterside Hotel. Here, we look at the latest bars popping up in Melbourne, from Greek-inspired local wine haunts, to Fitzroy’s hottest new social hang. Discover where to book, sip, and celebrate in Melbourne in 2026.
Bar Carnation, Carlton North
Opening in February 2026, Bar Carnation is the boozy new outpost from the team at Carnation Canteen. Continuing the restaurant’s signature elegance, Bar Carnation is the perfect, romantic space to enjoy a martini or glass of wine. To accompany its drinks list, Carnation’s owner and head chef, Audrey Shaw, has designed a small menu of classic bar snacks and meals to savour. Occupying the former Gerald’s Bar space at 386 Rathdowne Street, the venue will remain similar to the original, with the addition of a small wine shop at the back. Bar Carnation is walk-ins only and will deliver for date nights and intimate drinks with friends.
Three Horses, Melbourne
One never knows which spirit will become the It drink of 2026. If Three Horses has its way, that drink will be Sherry. A new venture from the team at Caretaker’s Cottage, Three Horses is a cocktail bar with a focus on the Spanish fortified wine, with a fun and accessible cocktail list of sherry-laced Martinis and spicy Armadas. Nestled in Little Lonsdale Street, Three Horses is a petite, walk-ins only joint, destined to be a must-try for the cool kids.
Boire, North Melbourne
Located across the road from its sister venue, Manzé, Boire is the exciting, new wine bar to hit North Melbourne. On one long table occupying nearly the entire length of the venue, Boire is serving up signature cocktails and an impressive selection of wine alongside some Manzé-inspired snacks. Interestingly, this wine bar is open during the day for lunch, serving up fresh charcoal chicken, egg salad and fritter sandwiches.
“We’re really proud of Manze and extremely humbled by the response from the community over the past four years. What we’ve tried to do with Boire is extend the atmosphere, service and flavours that people love about Manze and make it accessible to more people.”
Nagesh Seethiah, Chef and Co-owner of Manze and Boire
Hands Down, Fitzroy
Located just off Smith Street, Hands Down is fated to become a new neighbourhood favourite for the Fitzroy-Collingwood crowd. With ample indoor and outdoor seating, Hands Down meets its promise as a “social bar”, where you can drink and chat in a vibey setting. Designed to be more for sipping than eating, there are only two snacks on the menu: Gildas and chips. Moreish as they are, the focus is really on the sherry and vermouth-forward cocktail list, which will not disappoint.
Death & Co, Melbourne
Hailing from New York’s East Village, Death & Co opened its first Australian outpost in Melbourne in November 2025 to immediate hype. From the fit-out to the fare, Death & Co maintains its NYC roots and flair. Occupying two levels at 87 Flinders Lane, Death & Co combines sophistication and soul. Fun times abound within the bar’s dimly lit interior, but make no mistake — this is a venue that takes cocktails seriously. Expect a highly knowledgeable staff and some of the finest-crafted cocktails in the city.
Bar Sophia, Glen Iris
Bringing the atmosphere of Athens‘ wine bars to the suburbs, Bar Sophia combines cosmopolitan cool with a cosy local. Located in the Central Park village of Glen Iris, Bar Sophia is the owners’ ode to the thriving Greek capital. The wine list heroes grapes from Greece, with hero varietals like xinomavro, assyrtiko and saviatano. The elegant interior perfectly matches a Greek-fusion menu from the woodfired hearth.
“We want Bar Sophia to be familiar and welcoming – the kind of place you can swing by a few times a week and settle in however you like.”
Michael Badr, co-owner of Bar Sophia
Moondrop, Fitzroy
Taking over the old Everleigh space on Gertrude Street, the team behind Carlton North’s Sleepy’s Cafe & Wine Bar brings you a Shanghai-inspired cocktail bar. Maintaining The Everleigh’s layout, the decor and menu pays homage to co-owner Steve Chan’s heritage. With mahjong table tops and warm-lit lanterns above the bar, Moondrop triumphantly evokes the spirit of 1920s Shanghai. When it comes to the drinks, think: elegant fusion takes on the classics, like a ‘Chanhattan’ (named for Steve) or a ‘Moondrop Negroni’. Meanwhile the kitchen will serve up dumplings, bao buns and prawn crackers.
Blackhearts & Sparrows By The Glass, Fitzroy
The second Smith Street venue from the Blackhearts & Sparrows crew, the latest craft bottle shop doubles as a small bar. While not the kind of venue to while away the hours, if you’re looking for somewhere to grab a quick glass or two, catch up with a friend, and maybe improve your wine knowledge, Blackhearts will let you grab a bottle from the shelf and sip it on site with a snack.
The Waterside Hotel, Melbourne
Talk about landmark openings, this November 2025 addition to Melbourne’s food and beverage scene offers seven levels of fun. Occupying the corner of Flinders and King streets, many of you would recognise the iconic Waterside Hotel exterior. What will surprise you is the sprawling space beyond, with beer gardens, outdoor terraces, and a three-level Pan-Asian restaurant (Past Port) now inhabiting the multi-level extension and refurbishment. Having started the renovation in 2019, The Waterside has been a long-awaited labour of love for the Sand Hill Road group, also behind The Espy, the Garden State Hotel, and Prahran Hotel.
Cleo, Melbourne
Opening in December 2025, Cleo is the latest rooftop hotel bar for those seeking sweeping city views. Located on the 12th floor of the Hyde Melbourne Place, Cleo brings colourful summer vibes to a sprawling, stylish space. Dishing up Eastern Mediterranean fare and vibes, Cleo can accommodate small groups with ease and allows you to book in advance. A nice addition to ‘special occasion’ venues in the CBD.
