The crisp air. Laneways filled with dappled light. Footy crowds coming and going. Cosy pubs and colourful galleries. Long lunches and late dinners. Theatre, gigs and clubbing when it’s cold out. Melbourne comes alive in winter. Layer up and get out there with these moments, events and happenings that make the most of the city when the temperature drops.
Best winter dining specials and deals
Little Collins St Kitchen (LCSK)
Enjoy slow-roasted comfort feasts every Sunday lunch and dinner for $42pp.
Stamford Plaza Melbourne
Go full festive this winter with a Christmas in July High Tea Buffet. 18 July, $55/$95pp.
Saint & Rogue
Enjoy six seasonal dishes, rich and comforting, rotating every two weeks, from 20 May.
Ilza
Offering accessible Japanese comfort food for $5, $10 or $15. That's it. Thurs-Sat, 5.30-8.30pm.
Niku Ou by WagyuYa
Experience the award-winning champion, Matsusaka Wagyu through a curated tasting menu.
Matto Napoletano Pizzeria
Buy any pizza and receive a free tap beer, house wine or soft drink. Daily, lunch only.
Cabinet Bar
Enjoy any flatbread pizza with a spritz or house drink of your choice for $33 on Sundays.
Henry and the Fox
Choose from three oven-baked gnocchi specials, Fridays from noon. $25pp.
Om Vegetarian
Enjoy an all-you-can-eat thali, samosa, lassi/soft drink for $14.50. Daily, noon-9pm, to 31 Aug.
Father's Office
Indulge in a brunch with faves like rose water pancakes or Wagyu cheeseburger. Sat & Sun, 12pm–5pm.
Melbourne Cellar Door / Dukes Distillery
Enjoy a free Bella spritz with any pasta. Fridays from 6pm.
Asian Beer Cafe
Enjoy your choice of lunch, plus a beer, wine or soft drink, for only $22. Daily until 4pm
Father's Office Downtown
Indulge in a 3-course shared dinner before your show, includes one drink. Available daily, $59pp.
Pier 35 Bar and Grill
Every Sunday in July, 5.30-8.30pm: mulled wine, eggnog or hot chocolate & traditional Xmas dinner.
Henry and the Fox
Order 12-inch hand-stretched pizzas - margherita, salami & rotating flavours. From $25, 3-6pm daily.
Renzo's Bar Cafe Italiano
Choose any pasta or pizza and enjoy it with a glass of house wine for $40, dine-in only.
Pascale Bar & Grill
Enjoy 5 courses, Leeuwin Estate wines and fresh WA truffles. Thu 2 July from 6pm, $169pp
Past / Port Dining Room & Rooftop Bar
Enjoy Past / Port's signature lunch Sarawak Laksa everyday from 12-3pm.
Taxi Kitchen
Enjoy 3 dishes from Taxi's Bites and Noodles menu, plus one large main to share. $65pp, 12-3pm.
Soho Restaurant & Bar
Every Mon-Fri 12pm-3pm. 1-course $25 or 2-courses $40, plus $5 for a house wine / pot of Soho lager.
Hello Chicken
Enjoy a free cup of hot Korean spicy stew when you spend a minimum of $20.
Luci
First 25 diners daily can enjoy a $25 pasta with focaccia and a drink. Usually $29, from 12-3pm.
Gangnam Pocha
Mon, Wed and Fri: Buy 1 get 1 free soju. Tue, Thurs and Sat: Get 50% off Korean Fried Chicken.
The Lincoln
Enjoy a $25 counter meal, Mon-Sat from 12pm until sold out. Add a glass of Torbreck wine for $5.
Aung Lo
Buy any beef or pork value set and get one selected food or drink free, to 30 June. T&Cs apply.
Bar Lourinhã
Rioja dinner, 11/6. Latin music, 28/6. Presenté Tutti Chic, 27/7. Paella, Sun from 1pm. BYO, Mon.
Blackbird
A guided tasting of Hellyers Road whiskies each paired with a seasonal 4-course menu, Jul 10, $148pp
Blacksmith Bar & Grill
Enjoy a 4-course degustation menu, perfectly paired with premium Dal Zotto wines. 24 July, $150pp.
The Barre
Enjoy house wines, local beers, and a selection of cocktails and house spirits from $8. Daily 4-6pm.
Heng Thai
Enjoy selected som tum (papaya salad) dishes for just $10 every Monday, to 30 June.
Taxi Kitchen
Taxi Kitchen's signature shared dining experience with choice of 3- or 4-course menu. $90-160 pp.
Transit Rooftop Bar
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 6-7pm: Half-priced oysters overlooking Melbourne CBD.
Stacka
Get the OG Biggie sandwich for $12 everyday. Stacked with mortadella, jamon, roasted veggies & more.
The Douglas Club
Enjoy whisky tastings, barrel-aged cocktails and aged port from Lark Whisky, nightly from 4pm.
RIPE Cheese
A curated experience is for serious truffle lovers who want even more truffles in their life! $100
Pastuso
Chefs prepare an ever-changing lineup of slow-smoked meat specials, available daily to 31 Aug.
YX Hot Pot
Enjoy a free fruit highball when you dine in, show this page in-store to redeem. To 30 Nov.
789 Korean BBQ
Enjoy a free signature pan-fried pork dumpling with dine-in, show this page to claim. To 30 Nov.
Mid-week pick-me-ups
Johnny's Green Room
Aperitivo Mondays on the terrace, with cocktails from $8 and pizza from $10. All day, all winter.
From Here By Mike
Visit weekdays for a seasonal lunch and choose from scotch fillet, barramundi and more. $35pp.
Common Cuts
Enjoy a starters platter, a choice of main and a dessert, with optional upgrades, weekdays. $48.50pp
Collins Coffee House
Relax with finger sandwiches, savoury tarts and a scone. Monday to Friday, $25pp.
Melbourne Cellar Door / Dukes Distillery
Visit on steak night for $25 NY strip and $30 scotch fillet, from 5pm Wednesdays & Thursdays.
Plus 5 Bar
Enjoy three rotating oven-baked gnocchi specials for $25, available all day Thursday.
Rodd & Gunn Cellar & Wine Bar
Enjoy a generous set menu designed for leisurely lunches and easy dinners, Wednesdays. $120 for two.
Oriental Teahouse
Every Monday & Tuesday night BYO ($12 corkage) and enjoy a massive roast platter for $76 (feeds 3-4)
Mill Place Merchants
2 martinis & Merchants Supper: $64pp; 2 martinis & cheese & charcuterie: $39pp. Tue & Wed 5-9.30pm
Collins Coffee House
Enjoy half-price Aperol, Madam Violetta and Prosecco for $12. Mon-Fri 12.30-2.30pm
Ludlow Bar and Dining Room
Enjoy a choice of two mains with a glass of selected wine on Wednesdays, from 5pm. $35pp.
Whitehart Bar
Enjoy $15 hot pies & tinnies (12–5pm), or $16 pies & select house pours from 5pm, Mondays in June.
Transport Public Bar
Every Wednesday: 300g O’Connor Black Angus Porterhouse, frites and classic garlic butter for $25.
Past / Port Dining Room & Rooftop Bar
Enjoy a selection of entrées and mains designed for a quick midday reset. $42pp, Mon-Fri, 12-3pm.
Heng Thai
Enjoy a kra pao platter (pork or chicken) served with a Thai milk tea for $19. Thursdays to 30 June.
Jin Bar
Enjoy a 250g steak, crispy fries and glass of red wine for $39, daily to 31 July.
Sweet treats to indulge in
American Doughnut Kitchen
Buy 10 of Melbourne's famous classic hot jam doughnuts for $20 (save $5). When 5 is never enough.
La Petite Crêperie
Back by popular demand with an added twist: chestnut purée and chocolate chips.
Regretless – Low Carb Pleasure
Receive a complimentary hot chocolate with any sweet or stuffed savoury chaffle. Mon-Thurs.
Keki Milkbar
Pick your soufflé (strawberry, matcha, tiramisu) and pair it with a hot drink, for 15% off.
Pidapipo Gelateria
Velvety hot chocolate, fior di latte gelato, marshmallows & hazelnuts - and a matcha version too.
Yo-Chi
First 50 people to buy an Icy Go Bowl receive a $10 yo-chi voucher. While stocks last.
Collins Coffee House
Upgrade your traditional tea to deluxe with Prosecco for free. $75 per person, every Monday.
MegaMode
Enjoy 5 heated mat classes at MegaMode, plus 1 crêpe and 2 hot drinks from Le Petit Château for $75.
GLO Gelato
Try the new winter range featuring Apple Custard Crumble and Pear Chocolate Crumble, limited time.
Piccolina Gelateria
Cioccolata Calda made with dark chocolate & warming spices. Choose from classic, gelato or S'mores.
Happy hours, bottomless brunches and cocktail bars
Lexy Restaurant and Bar
Indulge in a 90-mins limitless drinks package $69pp, or add food for $99pp, Tues-Sat 11.30am-3pm.
BangPop
Enjoy a set menu with 90-mins of bottomless drinks for $89pp. Sat, Sun & public hols, 12.30pm-2pm.
Fad Gallery Bar
Try Fad's famous homemade mulled wine during winter, only $8 during happy hour, or $11 after 7pm.
Whisky & Alement
Book a seat and explore the latest whisky releases by local Victorian distilleries, to 31 Aug. $45pp
Henry and the Fox
End the week with 12 taps of lager, pale ale and cider. $10 a pint, 11am until late.
Father's Office Downtown
Enjoy 90-mins of bottomless cocktails, plus a shared food platter. Available daily, from $65pp.
Asian Beer Cafe
Indulge in 90-mins of cocktails, wine & beer, with a food platter, daily. $59pp ($39 non-alc).
Melbourne Cellar Door / Dukes Distillery
Sip a martini for just $14 from 3pm to 6pm, Wednesday to Friday.
BangPop
Order a $12 spring roll flight, roll the dice and win prizes – happy hour with a twist. 3-6pm daily.
Soho Restaurant & Bar
Indulge in specials like pasta & wine on Mondays, Tuesday steak night or pizza & wine on Wednesdays.
The Barre
Enjoy house wines, local beers, and a selection of cocktails and house spirits from $8. Daily 4-6pm.
Bar Clara
Certain drinks have hit a special note at Bar Clara. Enjoy the greatest hits remix until Sept 16.
Cookie
Enjoy 4 specially curated beer & whiskey pairings, with classic Cookie canapes. 30 July, 7pm, $75pp.
Chancery Lane
Enjoy a special winter snack menu, single malts by the fire or hot toddies for the colder nights.
OMI 380
Spend $100 or more to receive 2 tasting cups and discover new flavours of sake, umeshu and whisky.
Luxe staycation deals
Sebel Melbourne Docklands
Winter together with an upgrade and range of winter treats. 1 Jun – 31 Aug. Min 2-night stay.
Ibis Styles Southbank Melbourne
This feel-good winter staycation includes a freshly homemade pizza and two drinks (one per person).
Sheraton Melbourne Hotel
Create lasting moments with adjoining rooms, daily breakfast and complimentary kids dining.
Lanson Place Parliament Gardens
Enjoy 2-nights with daily buffet breakfast, welcome drink and restaurant credit. From $499 for two.
Ticketing deals
Heartbreak Hotel
Access $50* tickets across all performances until 2pm 25 June or allocation exhausted. T&Cs apply.
The Australian Ballet: Copland Dance Episodes
Get $72 A or B Reserve tickets to performances from 24-26 June. Use code CDESALE.
Arts Centre Melbourne Tours
Free hot beverage with every Arts Centre Melbourne Tour ticket. Redeem with your guide.
Winter activities and shopping
Bourne Local Market
Order a pet portrait for $200 (normally $300) + free kids art activity. Thu 2 July 10am-3.30pm.
Story Studios Australia
Book a creative writing workshop aimed at kids aged 8-14 for just $15 (usually $129).
I Am Barista Coffee School
Learn to prepare high-quality espresso and latte art, plus take home 250g beans. $230. 1 Jun-31 Aug.
The Paw Principality
Shop new apparel, beds, and blankets for dogs & cats. Authentic products from Japan, until sold out.
Aqua Sculpt
Extend your Aqua Sculpt experience with 15% off dining and spa treatments.
Whisky & Alement
Receive 10% off any whisky class using the code 'WHATSON26' at check-out, 1 June to 31 August.
Classic Steamboat Cruises
Free rides to children up to 16 years old (max 2 kids per booking), 27 June - 12 July
Winter Special Meditation Class
Enjoy free snacks & refreshments at the end of each Thursday night class, till last Thursday of Aug.
Florsheim
Winter sale begins Friday 5 June, with up to 40% off mens and womens styles, until 6 July.
Swan Lab Coffee School
Use code 'Melbournewinter' to unlock 10% off Basic Barista and Latte Art courses.
The best offers during Firelight Festival
Yassas - The Greek Way
Enjoy 2 souvas, dips, drinks & a side for $79.50 when you mention "Firelight Feast" from 3-5 July.
Yassas - The Greek Way
Get 4 skewers, kebabs, pita & sides for $95 when you mention "Firelight Family Feast" from 3-5 July.
Dreamrace Docklands
Enjoy 50% off Dream Spartan and a $15 flat price for each Dream Ride from 3-5 July.
Dreamskape
Enjoy 50% off Dream Games and a $15 flat price for each Dream Ride from 3-5 July.
Sebel Melbourne Docklands
Book a Winter Together package & mention "Firelight" for free parking on 3-5 July. Min 2-night stay.
Invergordon Bar
Enjoy happy hour pricing all weekend with Invergordon Lager pints just $10 each from 3-5 July.
1 Hotel Melbourne
Use code 'FIFEST' for 20% off accommodation, breakfast for 2 and free valet parking from 1-7 July.
Crane Bar & Lounge
Indulge in seasonal offerings inspired by comforting flavours & slow winter evenings from 3-5 July.
Kayak Melbourne
See Firelight from the water! Watch the festival light up the harbour with a special 1.5 hour tour.
Ilza
Enjoy a 2-for-1 deal on special drinks including hot or iced Japanese-inspired lattes from 3-5 July.
30ML Bar & Restaurant
Enjoy fire-themed cocktails, a late-night Firelight menu and live DJs from 3-5 July.
Gaylord Indian Restaurant
Get 20% off your total bill during Firelight Festival from 3-5 July.
Winter inspo
7 things Melburnians will do even if it's raining
From AFL games and night markets to winter festivals and theatre shows.
Things in Melbourne that are just better in winter
When the weather gets cold we embrace Sunday roasts, big wool coats, cosy cafes and indoor gigs.
10 things worth lining up for in Melbourne in winter
These ramen restaurants, viral coffee shops and award-winning croissants are worth the wait.
9 things in Melbourne you can only do in winter
Find the best festivals, markets and projections coming to Melbourne this winter.
Winter festivals and events
Lightscape
Melbourne's favourite winter tradition Lightscape returns to Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.
Melbourne International Film Festival
Experience eye-opening cinema at the Melbourne International Film Festival.
Melbourne Winter Masterpieces: CARTIER
Featuring nearly 400 extraordinary jewellery objects, alongside rare archival materials.
Open House Melbourne Weekend
Open House Melbourne Weekend connects you with good design – explore buildings, places and spaces.
Nocturnal: Museum After Dark
Experience Melbourne Museum after hours, when the doors stay open and the night belongs to adults.
The Finders Keepers Melbourne Design Market
The Finders Keepers returns with 220+ independent makers for a three-day celebration of good design.
NGV Friday Nights: Cartier
NGV Friday Nights shine with Cartier, featuring live music, flims, food and drinks.
Pretty Woman: The Musical
A dazzling stage adaptation of one of the most beloved romantic comedies of all time.
Best winter theatre and shows
Cosy winter spots to eat and drink
Fern’s Hidden Winter Garden
Enjoy a unique winter dining experience in a private botanical conservatory.
Melbourne pubs, bars and restaurants with fireplaces
Cosy up by the fire for a warming winter night out.
Where to find the best ramen restaurants in Melbourne
Discover secret ramen bars, cult-status broth brewers and iconic foodie spots for ramen.
The best spots to visit before winter is over
LB's Record Bar
A vinyl-only, agave-forward cocktail bar featuring a rotation of local DJs and music talent.
Nicholas Building
This historic building is home to an eclectic mix of galleries, boutiques and artists.
Kingpin at Crown Melbourne
An entertainment destination with bowling, laser tag and the Playtime arcade.
Flinders Street Railway Station
Iconic domed railway and metro hub, opened in 1910, with a yellow facade and an arched entrance.
Southbank
Explore the best spots on Melbourne's beautiful waterside dining strip and surrounding streets.
Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
The largest stadium in the southern hemisphere and arguably Australia's sporting mecca.
Princess Theatre
Melbourne’s iconic Princess Theatre is regarded by many as Melbourne’s most spectacular landmark.
Pellegrini's Espresso Bar
This iconic espresso bar serves authentic Italian food and of course fantastic coffee.
The Paperback Bookshop
An independent bookshop that has been at the top end of Bourke Street since the 1960s.
Pollon Flowers
Pollon Flowers is noted for creative floral arrangements and their stunning window display.
The ultimate guide to Chinatown
Where to eat, drink and karaoke the night away in Melbourne's famous Chinatown precinct.
Heroes
Vibrant and lively vertical laneway of private karaoke rooms, open mic karaoke bar and rooftop bar.
