The cosiest spots in Melbourne

Fern’s Hidden Winter Garden 

A magical botanic conservatory pop-up has landed in Melbourne. Head to this secret winter hideaway and settle into your own private pod surrounded by fairy lights. Go for the set menu featuring tasty shared entrees, mains and desserts. Or order from the premium menu. You’ll be treated to freshly-shucked oysters, Wagyu rump and in true European style – a rich chocolate fondue to finish. Cocktails are on the dramatic side here and feature glowing bubbles and billowing smoke. 

Oden 

Never tried oden? This Japanese dish is a one-pot stew of seasonal ingredients, usually served as a quick winter warmer. But Melbourne just landed a dedicated oden restaurant, elevating this humble hotpot for modern dining. This dark and moody izakaya is the perfect hideaway. Try the umami-heavy broth loaded with prawn balls or miso-braised beef. Plus more hearty dishes like duck ramen, fried eggplant and pan seared swordfish.  

Heebi 

This cute new Carlton bakehouse feels like you’re sipping coffee in your own cosy loungeroom. Inspired by a Japanese kissaten, the space is decked out in wood panelling and vintage furniture. The mismatched collection of stained glass Tiffany lamps casts a warm glow over the Pelham Street cafe. Basque cheesecake and strawberry shortcake are served by the slice on silver trays. But the specialty here is the fluffy shio pan (salt bread). It’s best dunked into a creamy einspanner or matcha latte.  

Cyrus Artlounge

Part cafe, part gallery, Cyrus Artlounge 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.

The Florence 

Visit Tuscany in Melbourne at the city’s new wine bar, The Florence. Climb the stairs above The Meatball & Wine Bar to find this secret spot, aglow with bold red neon lights. Grab an intimate table for two or slide into a booth and order flaming cocktails and Italian wine. The bar snacks favour indulgent flavours. Think grilled cheese sandwiches with truffled pecorino, fried olives and creamy mushroom gnocchi. On a drizzly day, the sweeping windows overlooking Flinders Lane offer a toasty spot to watch the rain fall.  

Death & Co  

From New York's East Village to Flinders Lane. This world-famous bar has finally landed in Melbourne. Dimly lit and draped in velvet, find a cosy corner or grab a seat at the bar. Peruse the award-winning cocktail menu for drinks that skew out of the ordinary. Try a Kingston negroni with Jamaican rum or the Oaxacan old fashioned. Gnocchi, cheeseburgers and drunken banana cookies offer the perfect counterpart to your late-night decadence.

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 to find 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. 

Bear’s Wine Bar 

Tucked inside an 1860s terrace in North Melbourne, Bear’s Wine Bar is as cosy as they come. Inside there's exposed brick walls, timber floors, and soft lighting. The wine list highlights a broad array of small producers. While the cocktail menu features classics and creative house specialties. Intrigued by the teqkiwi? It’s an inventive concoction of tequila, kiwi and agave. Pair your drink with share plates like triple cooked potato cakes with caviar, or smoked trout rillettes on focaccia. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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, inventive cocktails and a food menu that offers shareable bites. On weekends, DJs spin vinyl, making it a great place to unwind with a drink in hand.