Melbourne is the world's most cocktail-literate city — and the laneway date is its signature.
Part of our 20 Best Date Night Bars in the World listThis article is one chapter in our larger global guide. See the full pillar with every featured city.
Read the world list
The 10 best date night bars in Melbourne
01 · Melbourne
Fitzroy
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Iconic · Dark room
World's 50 Best Bars Hall of Fame, dark Fitzroy room.
Order: Whatever's on the seasonal menu
02 · Melbourne
CBD
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Tiny · Industry
Tiny CBD industry-favourite counter.
Order: Bartender's choice
03 · Melbourne
Fitzroy
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Iconic · Pre-Prohibition
Pre-Prohibition specialist on Gertrude Street, World #21.
Order: A Manhattan, made the old way
04 · Melbourne
Malthouse Lane
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Speakeasy · Theatrical
Theatrical Malthouse Lane cocktail experience.
Order: A theatrical signature with smoke
05 · Melbourne
Fitzroy
$$
Hidden · Casual
Hidden Fitzroy laneway bar.
Order: Whatever fits the conversation
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06 · Melbourne
CBD
$$$
Plush · French
Plush French-style CBD basement.
Order: A glass of champagne
07 · Melbourne
Curtin House
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Iconic · Curtin House
Iconic Curtin House cocktail and music venue.
Order: A whisky during the late set
08 · Melbourne
Fitzroy
$$
Iconic · Plush
Iconic plush Fitzroy cocktail bar.
Order: A martini, made carefully
09 · Melbourne
Chinatown
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Iconic · Outdoor
Iconic Chinatown shipping-container bar.
Order: A craft beer outside
10 · Melbourne
Albert Park
$$
Modern · Casual
Modern Albert Park cocktail bar.
Order: Whatever's seasonal
More Melbourne date nightThe full Melbourne date-night index by neighbourhood.
See the full list
How to choose a date night bar in Melbourne
The 10 above are where the room helps the night go right in Melbourne.
