X
VIEW ALL RESULTS
VIEW ALL RESULTS
    X
    X
    VIEW ALL RESULTS
    VIEW ALL RESULTS
      • Professional Services

      Forbes Travel Guide Stories

      Drinks, Restaurants

      A Toast Melbourne’s Top Rooftop Bars
      By Correspondent Sandi Sieger

      April 12, 2013

      SB_RooftopBars_CreditTransitCocktailLounge_TheCarlton_SigloBar

      Once upon a time, a bar tucked away in a Melbourne laneway was the epitome of hip. Now, it’s all about the rooftop. Celebrating the Melbourne skyline and making use of previously unused spaces, the rooftop bar is where it’s at in this Australian city — especially during summertime. Here are five of the best:

      Campari House

      Located on iconic Hardware Lane, Campari House is four levels of fun, but without a doubt, the top-level rooftop bar is most enjoyable, with skyscraper views, bright red umbrellas, and wood-fired pizza, made with pumpkin, pine nuts, gorgonzola and sweet onions, that can be washed down with a Rekorderlig strawberry and lime cider (or two).

      Madame Brussels

      You’ll find this treasure spot along bustling Bourke Street, but you’ll certainly feel like you’re in another world on its rooftop. The bar pays tribute to the Madame herself — a well-known brothel owner in the late 19th century — and its terrace, which seats about 45 guests, is nothing short of decadent (and sporty!). Catch waiters walking across astro-turf in their Fred Perry tennis whites to deliver jugs of Pimms, the Madame’s signature fruity DD Cup with vermouth, gin, lemonade, ginger and native botanicals – such a strawberry gum, wattle seed, river mint and sea parsley and more.

      A varied menu — chocolate fondue made with French cocoa pearls, toasted sandwiches, the restaurant’s famous poached chicken, cupcakes and more — complements the varied drinks list of beers, ciders, wines, including sparkling, as well as cocktails, spirits, Pimms and seasonal creations. Madame Brussels feels like an exclusive country club found right in the heart of the city.

      Transit Cocktail Lounge

      With its sprawl of black leather sofas and mahogany furniture, don’t be surprised if you feel like you’ve stepped into a classy speakeasy. This is a rooftop bar unlike any other; vintage lamps, plush velvet curtains and late-night jazz culminate in an experience that pleases all the senses. Sophisticated cocktails — think Manhattans and martinis — are served, as well as an impressive list of wines, and of course, strong spirits.

      Palmz at The Carlton

      If you can excuse the kitsch, you’ll have a ball at the Palmz. Wooden decking, pot plants and bamboo might border on too much tropical décor, but in the summer, all is forgiven. The cocktail menu boasts playful names such as Once Upon a Time in Mexico — Tromba Reposado tequila, apricot brandy, agave syrup, fresh orange and lime with a dash of chinotto — and there’s a hearty selection of beer, cider and wine. Should the tasty libations conjure up any hunger pangs, the Palmz offers a prix fixe BBQ menu with options such as potato croquettes and slow cooked spicy lamb.

      Siglo

      You can only gain access to Siglo via Spring Street’s unmarked Supper Club door and several flights of stairs, but the climb is well worth the journey. Siglo screams Melbourne — tucked away, privy to only those in the know, and with a hint of Old World Europe. Views of Parliament House and the Princess Theatre set a perfect backdrop for a quaint evening, too. If you’re looking for an effortlessly classic experience, from the food menu offering a range of options from foie gras to party pies, as well as a selection of classic desserts like crème brulee and tiramisu to the cocktail list offering classics like a Negroni, Southside, Pimms and Aperol Spritzer to the décor, say “hello” to Siglo.

      Photos courtesy of Transit Cocktail Lounge, The Carlton and Siglo Bar

      Share
      Tweet
      Pin
      Share
      Campari House Madame Brussels Melbourne Rooftop Bars Siglo Transit Cocktail Lounge
      by Forbes Travel Guide Correspondent Sandi Sieger 

      About Forbes Travel Guide Correspondent Sandi Sieger

      View all posts by Forbes Travel Guide Correspondent Sandi Sieger

      Related Posts

      • Chef with wineCurtis Stone’s Australia Bucket List
      • A Food Festival For Every Season
      • 4 Family Getaways To Take This Winter
      • The Best Food Gifts To Buy In Melbourne

      Copyright © 2023 · Prima Donna theme by Georgia Lou Studios

      Dreaming of your next trip?

      Let us inspire you with weekly special offers and stories about what's new and exciting in luxury travel.
      THANK YOU! CONFIRMATION EMAIL SENT.
      You can withdraw your consent at any time. Visit our Privacy Policy and Terms or Contact Us for more information.