Melbourne’s Southbank is very touristy, but I’ve come to appreciate Southbank for its pretty river views and nice mix of cafes, bars and restaurants. There are some great places to eat and drink in Southbank, it’s just a matter of knowing where to go. Southbank is a short stroll across the footbridge from the city and is close to a number of hotels, making it an easy place to have a wander if you’re staying in town for a few days.

I acknowledge the Boon Wurrung and Woiwurrung people as the First Nations owners of the lands now recognised as Melbourne. I pay respect to their Elders, lores, customs and creation spirits. I recognise that these lands have always been places of great natural beauty, culture and community. 

1. Ponyfish Island

Even in single-digit-degree weather, there’s a crowd squeezing onto Ponyfish Island in the middle of the Yarra. Best enjoyed on a sunny day, pull up a barstool for sweet views of the city and Southbank. Access via the footbridge.

2. Fatto 

The view of the Melbourne skyline from Fatto’s patio is one of Melbourne’s most underrated views. The balcony at Fatto is one of my favourite places to take visitors to Melbourne, to watch the sunset over the city.

 

3. The Bond Store Cafe

This is one of my favourite cosy cafes because you can almost always get a table (it’s hype-free) and the menu is fresh, simple and delicious. Keep in mind that it’s not open Sundays!

4. Soho Restaurant

Go to Soho for the Limoncello Martini, stay for the San Daniele pizza. Even if alcoholic, liquified lemon meringue pie isn’t your thing, Soho is a nice spot for a drink & a snack while watching the world go by on the Southbank promenade. Most of the waitstaff, and from what I’ve seen, all of the kitchen are Italian, which might explain why the pizza is so delicious!

5. Ludlow Bar

It took me six months of living in Melbourne to venture all the way up South Bank to Ludlow, mostly because I’d never get past Soho’s San Daniele pizza. Ludlow’s cosy, moodily-lit lounge makes it one of my favourite places to get cocktails in Southbank – particularly during their cocktail happy hours from 5pm on Thursdays and between 6-9pm on Saturdays.

6. The Breslin

Ribs are the name of the game here. I wouldn’t usually expect much from a place that focuses on ribs, but The Breslin has earned major brownie points with me for having yummy salads and seriously more-ish cocktails.

7. Blue Train

Tucked up inside the Southgate Building, head to Blue Train for their cheap-as-chips happy hour. I had low expectations for a $5 house white, but it’s surprisingly drinkable. Some would say too drinkable.

8. Gradi

I only venture into Crown Casino for Gradi’s international award-winning pizza. 

Gradi is the little sister to 400 Gradi in Brunswick, which made headlines when it took home the trophy for world’s best margarita pizza. Yes, it beat the Italians. You will need to book.

9. Arbory 

Okay, so it’s technically not in South Bank, but it may as well be. Arbory is my favourite place in Melbourne to while away a Sunday afternoon – if the sun is shining. The bar is one long deck, stretching along the Yarra River in the place of an old Flinders Station train line. They have a great selection of beer & wine and their burgers are so indulgent but so delicious. They also do brunch!

It’s just across the river from South Bank, at the entrance to Flinders St Station. Easiest access is via the footbridge.

It’s entirely outdoors, but if you’ll be okay in winter if you can grab a table with a gas heater.  It’s also very pretty after dark when it lights up with fairy lights.

10. Riverland

Riverland is also on the city side, so technically not in Southbank. It’s below street level and is right on the river, beside the Princes Bridge, so you feel like you’re in Southbank, a world away from the city. Near the start of the Princes Bridge, near the Transit Hotel, take the stairs down to the river level.

Visiting Melbourne? Check out my Melbourne travel guide.