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The Sticky Beak made with tequila Rhubi Mistelle, white cacao and native peppermint.

Collection

Good Food Guide 2026: Melbourne’s top 20 bars

Ridiculously small venues, Japanese influences, technicoloured cocktails, restaurant spin-offs and so, so many dirty martinis. Melbourne’s best bars deliver fun times for all tastes, employing a mix of fine-dining pedigree, local spirit and signature style. From hot newcomers to reliable stayers, here’s our current cream of the crop.

20 stories
The HSL Special is made with Amaro Montenegro, Marionette crème de mûre and Pernod Absinthe.

Above Board

Apollo Inn feels like a cosy hideaway.

Apollo Inn

The moody, art-filled space was previously a photography studio.

Bar Conexao

Bar Selecta bar director Joey Tai (left) and co-owner Masaki Hisaike.

Bar Selecta

A large communal table is the focal point of the room.

Boire

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Gigi’s grand dining room.

Gigi

The bar.

Goodwater

Inuman serves Filipino-inspired cocktails.

Inuman

The bar and dining room.

Le Splendide

Misfits in the upstairs space formerly home to Baby Snakes.

Misfits

One or Two cocktail bar in Melbourne.

One or Two

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