The best waterfront restaurants in Melbourne

Is there anything better than brews with a view? Perhaps a sophisticated sunset dinner with a city skyline backdrop? Here are some of Melbourne’s best places to eat and drink by the waterside.

Afloat Capri

Melbourne's favourite floating bar is back on the Yarra. This year you'll be transported to the island of Capri. Take a seat under the striped umbrellas at Afloat and order a spritz or a refreshing sorbet cocktail. Then try on Italian dishes like pizzette, seafood pasta and gnocchi. Don't miss the pool deck and the original 1970s photo booth up on the rooftop.

Pilgrim

Pilgrim is an intimate waterfront bar that specialises in boutique Australian wines. The seasonally-inspired menu of quality share plates make for leisurely grazing. You’ll find Pilgrim alongside the Federation Wharf vaults. Nab a patch of riverbank lawn with a couple of friends and laze the day away, taking in one of the best views of the Yarra. Pilgrim is also known for its epic gin menu, including a gin high tea.

Yarra Botanica

Yarra Botanica is a floating bar taking over the river year-round. Poised with a perfect view of four iconic Melbourne bridges, this luxe greenhouse spot boasts a native herb garden, epic gin list and fresh seafood menu. Climb aboard and head straight for the top level to catch a perfect peachy sunset before daylight saving ends.

Bangpop

Sip on your fave cocktail riverside at Bangpop. This funky Thai restaurant will take you on a spice journey. Try the crowd favourite Moo Grob, with crispy pork belly, mustard greens and tamarind dipping sauce. Adopt the restaurant's ethos of 'no worries,' and enjoy a relaxing summer evening with good food, and drinks.

Arbory Bar and Eatery

Business at the back, party at the front. Arbory is right next to platform 13 of Flinders Street Station, but faces out to the Yarra River. This outdoor bar and restaurant stretches over 100 metres of uninterrupted river frontage. It offers all-day dining. There’s a substantial wine and cocktail list, plus beer on tap. This is where you kick back and catch up with friends. The vibe is very definitely set to ‘party’ when the sun goes down.

Capri Cafe and Lounge

Capri Café is on the ground floor of Sebel Docklands. This easy-going waterside cafe is open for early breakfasts, brunches and lunch. It’s ideal for a morning coffee with a view. The menu blends modern Australian with Asian influences. Try the signature salmon bowl with tumeric rice, pickled cabbage and honey miso dressing. It’s the perfect place to meet a friend for breakfast before a brisk riverside walk. 

Berth

Look for the modern glass building jutting out into the water on Newquay Promenade at Docklands. This is where you’ll find casual dining at Berth. The menu covers classic dishes like steaks, risotto and knockout gnocchi. The crew at Berth are also group booking specialists. If you can, time your visit for sunset. There are panoramic views of bobbing boats, city buildings and Marvel Stadium. 

Boatbuilders Yard

The Boatbuilders Yard is an award-winning bar and cafe on the edge of the city at South Wharf. It stylishly blends the history and the charm of the maritime precinct with a modern twist. You'll find it nestled beside the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and the Polly Woodside sailing ship. It has the perfect outdoor deck for everything from brunch to dinner and sunset drinks. The menu has a South American and Mediterranean slant.

Ponyfish Island

Ponyfish Island is like a love letter to Melbourne. It’s a bit hidden and surrounded by the waters of the Yarra. It’s also the perfect place to chill out over pizza and wine with a small posse of pals. This floating bar is anchored under the Southbank pedestrian bridge. Head down the stairs to find this cute clubhouse of a bar. You'll find terrazzo-topped tables, comfy lounge areas and custom sunshades.

The Deck Southbank

For a sophisticated date night where the lights of the city shimmer on the river, head to The Deck. This modern European restaurant is on the upper level of Southgate. Book a balcony table to make the most of the views, then cherry-pick from the compact menu. Perhaps something to share, charcuterie, mustard fruit and pickles. Or have a heart feed of tender beef cheek and mash. It’s ideal for pre-theatre dining, plus they can offer private dining and functions. 

La Camera

Book a balcony perch at Southgate's La Camera. Then drink in the shimmering river and the glittering city skyline. This relaxed Italian bistro is near the Arts Centre. It's an exercise in relaxed al fresco dining, with a menu that showcases the best of Italy. The menu offers classics from antipasti to amaretto sours. It’s an ideal spot for a convivial long lunch. If you’re looking for a bigger group, you can book one of two private balconies.

The Wharf

Head to the WTC Wharf precinct alongside the Yarra River and you’ll find The Wharf Hotel. Enjoy a classic pub meal inside this riverside hotel, or pop outside to enjoy the views. Think substantial seafood meals like big bowls of mussels, prawn linguini, and fish burgers. Or tuck into the 300 gram porterhouse, sticky pork ribs and classic parma.

Cargo

Situated in the heart of NewQuay in Docklands, Cargo is a breezy eatery and beer garden. Get that breeze through your hair as you soak up the waterside Dockland views. With an emphasis on share plates, Cargo is the ideal spot for group dining. Load the table with paellas and pizzas for everyone to dive into. Or you can get snacky things like polenta chips, edamame, and crispy fried chickpeas to go with a couple of spritzes.

Riverland Bar

Riverland Bar was one of the original bars to open along the rejuvenated banks of the Yarra. It's got river views from its spot in the Federation Wharf vaults below Federation Square. Visit the laid-back outdoor bar, perfect for casual after-work drinks with mates. Bevs range from craft beers to wines and cocktails. The food menu features burgers, pizzas and salty snacks to share. 

The General Assembly

If you're a fan of live acoustic music and waterfront views, then head to The General Assembly. The menu is filled with classic dishes. Choose from the grass-fed sirloin, the chicken schnitzel with fennel apple salad or the prawn and chilli pasta. Kick back and relax with one of their 49 beers on tap.