New outdoor dining pop ups

The city's keeping it safe with heaps more room to wine and dine. Find mini green parklets and laneway-wide takeovers spilling onto the streets.

Looking for a few money-saving silly season tips? Learn how to score $5 weeknight and weekend parking and 25% off hotel stays during the festive season.

QT rooftop secret garden

That first night out on a rooftop bar after lockdown just hits different. This fifth-floor gem in Russell Street is almost an old-fave by Melbourne standards. But QT is keeping it fresh with a secret garden pop-up for spring and summer. Visit for a curated selection of wines, and stop to admire the stunning street art mural by Aussie artist Rowena Martinich.

Melbourne Street Eatz food truck park

You know things are back to normal when this summer fave sets up in South Wharf. Visit this year's food truck fiesta for taco stalls, vegan specials, Indian delights and so much more. Then grab a bev from the pop-up bar and chill out with free live music.

Pétanque Social

This glittering summer pop-up is back with a fresh new sustainable look. Think eco-friendly paints, worm farm composting, garnishes grown on site and bike-powered phone chargers. Take a seat riverside and dine on foodie delights from Nobu and Gradi, then kick on with cocktails, lawn games and more.

QV club summer pop-up

Sit beneath a towering Christmas tree and sip bevs from the bespoke cocktail cart at this summer sensation. The theme is Euro-summer but the vibe is distinctly Melbourne, right down to the astro turf and live music (scheduled to kick off later into summer). Order bar snacks from your perch on one of the day beds and challenge your mate to a game of checkers while you wait.

Arden at Southbank Theatre

This sweet garden bar in the Southbank Theatre forecourt is the perfect spot for a pre- or post-show drink. Be sure to sip the signature spritz made with organic blood orange bitters. And enjoy house-made pasta for dinner, under a canopy of fairy lights. The pop-up will be open for the season of As You Like It.

South Wharf Summer Garden

Gin and tonics, riverside sunshine and a chilled out beach theme. The annual summer pop-up at Common Man has really turned it on this year. When you're done sipping your first fruity gin cocktail, order off an Amalfi Coast themed menu. Think fresh seafood, rustic pasta and antipasto share plates. Snap a selfie in the Malfy gin beach chair and relax.

Arbory Afloat

Melbourne’s beloved floating bar is back. Escape the city with the new Turquoise Coast themed fit-out. Think ancient olive trees, thatched roofing and a sun-drenched pool deck. The Four Pillars pink gin collab also returns for another year, along with eight house cocktails on tap. Pair with Med-style foodie treats, epic pizzas and more. Book now.

San Telmo laneway dining

Simple Argentine cooking at San Telmo keeps the restaurant bustling. Follow the neon sign to find a vibrant menu filled with share-style dishes. Warm weather? Sit outside for an al fresco evening set against the backdrop of Mike Makatron’s amazing Meyer’s Place mural. Book now and dine a la carte or select the set menu, featuring a luxe premium cut of beef and signature dessert.

Food Truck Stop at Queen Victoria Market

Make a delicious pitstop for lunch or dinner on your next shopping trip. The food trucks are rolling into the market for three Wednesdays in December, loaded with all your favourite street foods. Choose from a bevvy of world cuisines including Texas BBQ, Greek yiros, tacos and more. Then park yourself in the beer garden with a fresh beer or glass of wine.

Bar Americano extension

Ok, so it’s not quite dining, but we couldn’t leave out Melbourne’s tiniest hidden bar. While Bar Americano only has room inside for a handful of (standing) patrons, they’ve also taken over Presgrave Place with outdoor seating. Book online in groups of 2 - 4 and get ready for a negroni fuelled night out.