The cosiest spots in Melbourne

When the weather is dreary, Melbourne has plenty of warm and inviting places to escape. These spots offer the perfect refuge from the rain. Think snug bars with fireplaces, cafes serving up comforting treats and a charming bookshop to get lost in.

Hill of Content

Melbourne’s oldest bookshop, Hill of Content, has been a literary haven since the 1920s. The charming two-storey shop has new releases, fiction, philosophy, and travel books. The upstairs space, with its classic wooden shelves and soft lighting, is a particularly inviting spot to browse on a rainy day. With a knowledgeable team and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s a must-visit for book lovers.

Bear’s Wine Bar

Tucked inside an 1860s terrace in North Melbourne, Bear’s Wine Bar is as cosy as they come. The 37-seat venue features exposed brick walls, timber floors, and soft lighting, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere. The wine list highlights small producers, while the cocktail menu features classics and creative house specialties. Pair your drink with share plates like confit duck croquettes or burrata with summer plum. On Sundays, the traditional roast dinner is the perfect comfort meal for a rainy evening.

Earth Angels

Earth Angels in North Melbourne is a wine bar with a twist. Alongside a strong drinks list featuring fun natural wines, it hosts everything from jazz nights to chess club meetups. The rotating food menu is designed around locally sourced produce, with dishes like spiced mutton shoulder and sugarloaf cabbage with black vinegar. Whether you're here for a casual drink or a long meal, it's a place to settle in and stay a while.

Little Rogue

A quiet retreat hidden down Drewery Lane, Little Rogue is a minimalist cafe focusing on exceptional coffee. The white-walled, timber-floored space is bright and welcoming, offering a small but carefully curated selection of pastries and sweets. Regulars come for the smooth espresso made with Small Batch’s Candyman beans, but the matcha latte and crepe cakes are equally popular.

Udom House

A Thai cafe in Melbourne’s west, Udom House is the go-to spot for warming comfort food. The signature pandan kaya toast, slathered with coconut-egg jam, is a must-try. Along with strong, aromatic Thai coffee. The pies here are a standout, with rotating fillings like Panang beef curry and jackfruit with makrut lime. If you need a caffeine hit, try the A Pi Rom, a bold mix of Thai tea, ristretto shots, and crème fraîche.

Cyrus Art Lounge

Part cafe, part gallery, Cyrus Art Lounge is a haven for art and coffee lovers. This Persian-owned space serves high-quality coffee alongside fresh local pastries. Regular exhibitions, live music, and book launches add to the inviting atmosphere, making it the perfect spot to escape the rain with a warm drink.

Mill Place Merchants

A true hidden gem, Mill Place Merchants is a speakeasy-style bar in a historic 1840s building. Enter through a disguised door and enter a low-lit space with antique furnishings and vintage decor. The cocktail menu draws inspiration from prohibition-era classics. With craft drinks served in a setting that feels straight out of another time – it's a perfect cosy night.

Leonardo's Pizza Palace

Leonardo’s is a lively, retro-style Italian bar and pizzeria that feels like stepping into a time capsule. The wood-panelled space, red carpeted floors, and black-and-white photos of movie stars create a nostalgic, inviting atmosphere. The menu is built around old-school Italian comfort food, with standout pepperoni pizzas and hearty pasta dishes. Whether you’re perched at the bar with a negroni or nestled into a booth with friends, it’s a spot that feels like home.

Willows & Wine

Combining books and wine, Willows & Wine is the perfect spot for a relaxed, rainy-day escape. This West Melbourne wine bar doubles as a library, offering a curated collection of books that you can read while sipping on a glass of wine. The menu includes cheeseboards, bar snacks, and a solid selection of non-alcoholic options. Board games and a cosy atmosphere make it ideal for whiling away a grey afternoon.

Mitre Tavern

One of Melbourne’s oldest pubs, the Mitre Tavern is full of old-world charm. Dating back to 1868, this two-storey brick pub features a classic English-style interior with wooden beams, open fireplaces, and a cosy beer garden. The extensive tap list includes 47 beers, and the upstairs steakhouse is known for its hearty, no-fuss meals. Whether you’re after a quiet pint or a sit-down meal, it’s a historic spot worth visiting.

Caretaker’s Cottage

Tucked away behind a church on Little Lonsdale Street, Caretaker’s Cottage is possibly Melbourne’s smallest pub. Housed in a former caretaker’s cottage, the intimate bar is run by some of the city’s best bartenders, known for their expertly crafted cocktails. Alongside classic and house cocktails, there’s Guinness on tap, a rotating milk punch, and a daily pie from Falco Bakery. The warm, lived-in feel makes it a great hideaway from the city’s unpredictable weather.

Reed House

Housed in a historic bluestone building, Reed House is a snug, inviting restaurant focusing on modern British fare. The menu features dishes like Scotch eggs, rye pici pasta, and roast chicken with bread sauce. The drinks list is equally considered, with a mix of classic and natural wines and house cocktails like the Builder’s Tea Punch. Two fireplaces and a charming courtyard complete the cosy atmosphere.

The Tea Rooms 1892

Tucked inside the historic Block Arcade, The Tea Rooms 1892 is a timeless spot for high tea. Adorned with chandeliers and vintage decor, this spot serves traditional afternoon tea. The tea selection is extensive, and the cakes from the window display are as delicious as they are beautiful. A perfect place to linger over a pot of tea while watching the rain fall outside.

Aster

Hidden in Tattersalls Lane, Aster is an intimate cocktail and wine bar that feels like a well-kept secret. Climb the stairs to find a dimly lit loft with an original fireplace and vintage charm. Expect a drinks list with classics and inventive cocktails and a food menu that offers shareable bites from the wood-fired grill. On weekends, DJs spin vinyl, making it a great place to unwind with a drink in hand.