Welcome to The Wanderbug, a travel blog written for humans, by a human. I'm Genevieve, and every guide is personally written by me and based on my firsthand travel experiences.
Southbank is Melbourne‘s lively riverfront precinct, and one of the most popular places for visitors to Melbourne to get dinner or drinks along the beautiful Yarra River. Conveniently located near the Arts Centre and the NGV, it’s also a great spot for pre-theatre dinners or post-exhibition drinks, for locals and tourists alike.
After living in Melbourne for more than a decade, I’ve rounded up the best bars & restaurants in Southbank that are worth seeking out when you’re in the area – and in the case of Yarra Botanica, worth a trip to Southbank in its own right!
It is touristy, but 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 hotels, making it an easy place to have a wander if you’re staying in town for a few days.
Planning a trip to Melbourne? Don’t miss my Itinerary for 3 Days in Melbourne for First Time Visitors!
1. Yarra Botanica
A Melbourne destination in its own right, Yarra Botanica is a floating bar & eatery docked on the banks of the Yarra River, with picture-perfect views of the Melbourne skyline. It’s a must-visit for visitors to Melbourne, but is equally popular with locals who come for bar snacks, woodfired pizzas & creative cocktails.
Yarra Botanica’s drinks menu is 100% Victorian, and the food menu is as Victorian as you can possibly get – the only non-Victorian ingredients used are those that cannot be sourced within the state.
I work for the group that own Yarra Botanica, but it’s truly somewhere I take my nearest & dearest every time they visit me in Melbourne! They all love it – and it’s also my go-to spot for lunch or drinks after checking out an exhibition at the NGV.
2. The Bond Store
The Bond Store is a super cute cafe tucked away in the backstreets behind the Southbank promenade. It’s one of the few cafes in the area, and its one of the only places in the area that feels like a local neighbourhood spot rather than a destination or touristy spot. I used to love coming here when I first moved to Melbourne and lived nearby.
3. Hopscotch
Hopscotch is a must visit for craft beer & cocktails, conveniently located in the heart of Southbank’s buzzing promenade. There are more than 35 beers on tap, as well as signature cocktails and cocktail paddles, with indoor & outdoor seating available. The food here is super tasty, with a focus on snacks & creative comfort food, like cheesy corn ribs, ramen fried chicken and their famous cheeseburger spring rolls.
I like sitting outdoors, on the patio, and people-watching. This is another venue from the group I work for, but once again, I’m only including it here because I truly recommend it, and visit personally, often.
4. Asado
Asado is a beautiful Argentinian steakhouse, with a Spanish twist, from the San Telmo Group, which operate some of the best restaurants in Melbourne. This is an excellent pre-theatre dinner spot, and one of my favourite South American restaurants in Melbourne. Gorgeous fit out & incredible food!
5. Sake
Sake is a longstanding Melbourne favourite for contemporary Japanese dining, with a few locations around the city. The Southbank outpost of Sake is located at the base of Hamer Hall, making it the perfect spot for a pre-theatre dinner.
6. Gradi at Crown
In 2014, Brunswick pizzeria, 400 Gradi, was put on the international map when it took home the prize for World’s Best Margherita Pizza, at the World Pizza Championships in Parma, Italy. You can save yourself a trek to Melbourne’s deep north, and taste the world’s best margherita at their outpost, Gradi, inside Crown Casino in Southbank. Reservations are essential.
Love Italian food? Check out my guide to the 25 Best Italian Restaurants in Melbourne!
7. 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 views of the city and Southbank. Access via the footbridge. Only caveat is that there is no food here, and the drinks menu is fairly limited due to the bar being so small.
8. Soho Restaurant & Bar
Soho is a casual and inviting Italian restaurant & bar on Southbank’s waterfront, with great wood-fired pizzas & cocktails. A popular spot with tourists, it’s well-located & the food and drinks are great.
Further Reading
- Where to stay in Melbourne: Best areas & hotels
- 15 of the Best Restaurants in Melbourne
- 25 Best Italian Restaurants in Melbourne
- 3 Days in Melbourne: Itinerary for First Time Visitors
Hello! I’m an Australian travel blogger, living in Melbourne, Australia. I grew up in Brisbane, studied in Paris, lived in New York City and now live back in Australia, in Melbourne.
I love sharing specific and useful recommendations, itineraries and guides for the most beautiful things to see, do, experience & eat wherever I go.
My favourite travel destinations are Australia, New York City & surrounds, France, Greece & Japan, but I’m always excited to explore somewhere new!
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