The best dining pop-ups in Melbourne

Looking for something a little different for your next foodie adventure? Try these temporary bars, secret hideaways and exclusive dining experiences.

Moondog's Summer Paradiso

Hop to the Arts Centre forecourt for a boozy BBQ pop-up beer garden. Knock back your choice of Moon Dog brews (from classics bevs to seltzers, cocktail spritzes and more). Then order up a hearty plate of Q Barbeque faves to share between mates. Wood smoked brisket, pork ribs, buffalo wings and Tex-Mex sides round out this perfect summer menu.

Delicious Discoveries

You've tried sushi train. But have you ever eaten from a bao train? Delicious Discoveries is a cute conveyor belt dining experience hosted by Masterchef superstar (and dessert queen) Poh Ling Yeow. Order a whiskey cocktail and pick up bite sized nibbles as the train zooms past. Snap up fried chicken bao, spicy Szechuanese eggplant and sweet apple miso caramel turnovers. It's popping up at QT Melbourne until 2 April.

Summer Night Market

Grab your friends and spend golden hour at the Summer Night Market. This year's foodie line-up includes birria tacos, flaming gin-soaked camembert, cartoon fairy floss and ice-cream loaded chimney cakes. Battle it out for a sunny spot in the food truck lane, or book ahead and score a premium table.

Parcs at MPavilion

The masters of all things fermented and recycled are taking over the MPavilion food truck with their take on fish and chips. True to Parcs' offbeat foodie form, this isn't your ordinary chip shop fare. From 30 March to 2 April try hot oysters, potato cakes and umami e pepe grilled octopus.

Izakaya takeover at the Atrium on 35

Soar up to the 35th floor of the Sofitel and emerge in a traditional Japanese izakaya. Pair a whiskey flight with moorish bar snacks like chicken yakitori, okonomiyaki and Japanese potato salad. Find Chef Hideki Matsuda bringing the flavours of Japan to The Atrium on 35 from 22 February to 5 March.

Pétanque Social

Celebrate the best of Melbourne this summer at this pop-up bar on the Crown Riverwalk. Returning to the waterfront for another year, this sun drenched lounge is perfect for kicking back with a margarita and Gradi pizza.

Arbory Afloat

A summer angel has returned to us, bringing with it a lush new Ibiza-themed fit-out. Hop aboard Arbory Afloat for a trip to the Balearic Islands. Think pina coladas, Spanish-inspired cocktail jugs and a delicious new menu.

Common Man's pop-up summer garden

Common Man's sun-soaked summer pop-up is back for another season. Choose your favourite flavour from the frozen margarita menu, then peruse the Latin-inspired share plate menu. Think corn rib vego boards with empanadas, chipotle chicken pizza, chorizo loaded fries and salted caramel churros.