The best new venues coming soon to Melbourne

Mark your diaries. These new restaurants and bars will be must-visits when they open in Melbourne.

Rooftop Garden

101 Flinders Lane

The iconic Garden State Hotel is a favourite among Melburnians. The sprawling venue is home to multiple bars, a lush beer garden and even a hidden Italian restaurant. Soon it will expand even further with a huge, open-air rooftop. Spread across two levels, the Rooftop Garden will seat up to 300 guests. Expect a fresh menu of cocktails, beers and ice-cold slushies. Construction is now underway.

New venues from the Merivale Group

Various locations

A slew of new venues are coming soon from the hospo heavyweight behind Totti's. The team just launched LB's Record Bar in one of Melbourne's most iconic laneways. The Meyers Place bar boasts a vinyl-only soundtrack, live music and local DJs. It's the first Melbourne venue for Justin Hemme's Merivale, with more slated to open soon. The group's properties include Tomasetti House in Flinders Lane and the Parkade car park on Little Collins, watch this space to find out more! In the meantime, we'll keep dreaming about Totti's opening in Melbourne CBD.

King and Godfree building

297 Lygon Street, Carlton (King & Godfree building)

What's happening to the King & Godfree building? Wonder no more. A new Japanese-inspired pizza shop called Garfield has just opened with more businesses coming soon. The basement cellar will soon host a late-night cocktail and music bar. And in the main space, expect an all-day neighbourhood osteria and wine bar. And yes — Pidapipo and Johnny's Green Room rooftop are sticking around!

Roma and Sergio's

120 Collins Street, Melbourne

Con Christopoulos is transforming a Collins Street courtyard into a little slice of Italy. The restaurateur is behind iconic Melbourne hotspots Siglo, Kirk's Wine Bar and Kafeneion. So you can expect the food and vibes to be equally exceptional. Roma will be a sophisticated yet laid-back trattoria, inspired by its namesake city. Next door you'll find Sergio's, a bar and record store. There'll also be a casual kiosk with gelato and toasties to follow.

Côte Basque

25 Crossley Street, Melbourne

Gimlet's Andrew McConnell is opening a new European grill in a heritage building. Located down a laneway in the former home of Becco, the restaurant will be inspired by the beautiful Basque Coast in northern Spain. We're imagining simple dishes teeming with fresh produce. The original green terrazzo floors will stay and the restaurant will spill out onto the street for alfresco dining. Côte Basque is due to open in winter 2026.