The best waterfront restaurants in Melbourne

The warmer months and the festive season are best enjoyed by the water. Visit these riverside gems for sophisticated sunset dinners, cocktails with a view and celebrations on Melbourne's famous floating bars.

Afloat

Melbourne's iconic floating bar is back, with a taste of Rio this time. Kick back on the sun lounges by the pool before browsing the cocktail menu at Afloat. Think summer favourites like passionfruit pisco sour, sangria jugs and frozen piña coladas. Then work your way through the Brazilian-inspired menu and feast on spiced crispy prawns, marinated octopus, skewers served with a tangy salsa and more. And if you're around from 16 January until 1 February, enjoy a game of sun-soaked tennis at Le Club Lacoste – a pop-up court on a 20 metre long pontoon.

Marmont

Transport yourself to sunny California at Marmont – Melbourne’s popular riverfront restaurant. Take a leisurely stroll along Southbank, grab a table under the sun umbrella and order a round of fruity cocktails. Try snack plates like rock oysters, tiger prawns with chilli butter and buttermilk fried chicken. Coming with a group? You can’t go past the set menu. It has with a selection of the chef's greatest hits including lamb shoulder, sashimi and more.

1 Hotel Melbourne

Melbourne’s new 1 Hotel is right on the waterfront and not only is it perfect for a staycation, the dining options are pretty great too. Head to Crane Bar & Lounge in the lobby with its floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor seating. Order favourites like the seafarer’s martini and enjoy fried calamari with Sichuan pepper, spanner crab pasta and gourmet burgers.

Bangpop

Sip on your fave cocktail riverside at Bangpop. This funky Thai restaurant right on the waterfront will take you on a spice journey through South East Asia. 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.

Hacienda

This riverfront gem in Southgate is your go-to for legit Mexican food. Feast on stand-out dishes like like grilled rump camp with green pepper chimichurri and tuna tartar tacos with chipotle foam. And what get-together would be complete without a round of cocktails? Order a refreshing drink like the Origanum featuring oregano-infused tequila, Frangelico and lime. Then sit back and catch the sunset over the water.

Capri Cafe and Lounge

Capri Cafe 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 and blends modern Australian with Asian influences. Don't skip the signature salmon bowl with turmeric rice, pickled cabbage and honey miso dressing. Add this to your list next time you're planning a casual catch-up for brunch before a riverside walk.

Commune

A glass of wine and a fancy dinner overlooking the Yarra? Chef's kiss!  Commune Wine is the best place to kick back, unwind and watch the world go by. Those who love a view of the river should nab a table on the balcony. Study the extensive wine list then order burrata with roasted peach, oysters, luxe French fries and more.  

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. 

Yarra Botanica

Yarra Botanica is a floating bar taking over the river year-round. Poised with a perfect outlook 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.

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 waterfront views. Think substantial seafood meals like big bowls of mussels, grilled barramundi, and fish burgers. Or tuck into the porterhouse, steak sandwich and classic parma.

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.

La Camera

Book a balcony perch at Southgate's La Camera. Then enjoy a beverage with views of the shimmering river and city skyline. This relaxed Italian bistro is near the Arts Centre so it's an ideal spot for before or after a show. And with a menu offering everything from antipasti and vodka pasta to no-fuss margarita pizza and classic risotto, it's a real crowd pleaser. There's also a dedicated kids menu for the little ones.

Ponyfish Island

Ponyfish Island is like a love letter to Melbourne. A bit hidden and surrounded by the waters of the Yarra, it’s the perfect place to chill out over pizza and wine with a small posse of pals. The iconic 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 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 like grass-fed sirloin, chicken schnitzel with fennel apple salad or prawn and chilli pasta. Kick back and relax with one of their 49 beers on tap. And be sure to take a look at weekday happy hours to score offers like $20 gourmet burgers on Monday, $8 beers every Friday from 4pm to 7pm and more.

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 top spot for group dining. Load the table with paellas and pizzas for everyone to dive into. Or you can get snacky things like corn ribs, saganaki, and arancini balls 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 beautiful 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. 

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 river frontage. It offers all-day dining and a substantial wine and cocktail list, plus beer on tap. This is where you kick back and catch up with friends after work or for a weekend get together. The vibe is very definitely set to ‘party’ when the sun goes down.