All you need to know about what's on – and what's open – this long weekend
There's a lot to love about long weekends: sleep-ins, a quick getaway, a big night out on the town, perhaps? However you choose to celebrate the King's Birthday this year, we're here to help by letting you know which Melbourne restaurants are open (and when) so you can plan your long weekend antics.
Grill Americano was our top-rated restaurant last year, so it makes sense that it's the first on this list. The Manhattan-inspired Italian restaurant is open as usual all weekend long. On Monday, June 12, that means from noon-10pm, with a 15 per cent surcharge.
On the ground level of dining and drinking wonderland 127 Brunswick Street you’ll find Ichi Ni Nana, one of the few places in Melbourne where you can enjoy an authentic izakaya dining experience. They're open on Monday, June 12, from 5pm-late with a 15 per cent surcharge.
To celebrate the King's Birthday long weekend and World Gin Day, Yarra Valley favourite Rochford Wines will be serving up an exclusive pinot noir-infused gin and citrus tart, available for three days only (June 10,11,12) at their signature restaurant Isabella's. Head to the website here for more details and to book a long lunch the whole family can enjoy.
Legendary purveyors of Greek food Stalactites know a thing or two about souvlaki. And after almost 40 years in the biz and a whopping 10 million souvas sold, they’ve opened a sister venue specialising in everyone’s favourite Greek sandwich. It'll be open all weekend long from 11am until as late as 9pm (depending on which space and day you want to dine in.) Just note there will be different surcharges across the weekend.
If you’re looking for a guaranteed happening scene, straightforward Italian and Peroni in a can, join the queue at Baby pronto. Open from noon-10pm this long weekend with a 15 per cent surcharge.
Hawker Hall delivers everything from beer, dumplings and buns to roti, noodles and curries. The lively Windsor spot will be offering their flame-grilled Fired Up! feast (normally a weekend offer) from 12pm-4pm on the King's Birthday as a Public Holiday special.
Chin Chin continues to do what it does best: zesty, exciting dishes set among a backdrop of vibey tunes, a buzzing dining space and an army of staff at your service. This Melbourne institution is open as usual from 11am-11pm on the long weekend, with a 15 per cent surcharge.
At the bottom of Le Méridien’s art-deco staircase is the cinematic and ultra glamorous Dolly. serving up a refined European menu and signature cocktails. Open the entire long weekend, the bar serves a refined European menu and signature cocktails made in collaboration with The Everleigh Bottling Co. Drop in for a spontaneous browse of the a la carte with friends or reserve a convenient prix-theatre meal before a show. Princess Theatre is just next door!
Yakimono is a bit Blade Runner 2049, a bit izakaya-in-outer-space and final proof that owner Chris Lucas is equal parts showman and restauranteur. There’s no escaping the pulse of energy humming through the joint, so visit between noon-10pm daily for a fun long weekend fare, with a 15 per cent surcharge.
T'Gallant is one of the Mornington Peninsula's most recognised wine brand. Hot tip: expect to leave with a few bottles of the Juliet pinot noir in tow. The wine bar and restaurant is open Friday 11am-5pm, Saturday 11am-5pm, Sunday 11am-5pm and Monday 11am-5pm with a 15 per cent surcharge.
Newcomer Young Hearts is on a mission to bring together the food, drink, music and art synonymous with Melbourne’s culture. The multipurpose space will be open every night on the weekend until 1am, but closed on the Monday.
Standing tall on the corner of Orrong Road and High Street is Armadale's Orrong Hotel, a pub that's been pouring pints since 1875. Its 150-year tenure has earned it the status as one of the neighbourhood's most beloved watering holes. It's open all day across Saturday and Sunday from 11:30am until late, with the same opening hours on Monday but with a 15 per cent surcharge.
Forget fine dining – Tokyo Tina is fun dining, and we're hungry for more. You'll find the vibing venue open on Monday, June 12 from 5-10pm with a 15 per cent surcharge.
Whatever the size of your night, you really can’t go wrong with a late-night souva. Luckily, Stalactites' kitchen will be open all weekend. The beloved Greek institution will be open Saturday 11am-2am, Sunday 11am-2am and Monday 11am-12am with a 10% Surcharge.
This elegant Scandi-inspired restaurant famed for its woodfired approach will be open on Saturday from 10:30am to 5:30pm for the bottomless brunch 'Feast and Flow' experience (which you can book in advance) and from 6pm until 10pm for dinner. Sunday and Monday, it's closed.
Stokehouse is known as one of the best seafood restaurants in Melbourne so if you're keen to get a spot this weekend, run, don't walk. The picturesque spot is open as usual from noon-late with a 15 per cent surcharge.
This new dining destination at Chadstone is one of the freshest on the block within the newly renovated Social Quarter playground. It's full of fun things to do and see, so why not visit this weekend? Cityfields is open Saturday noon-11pm, Sunday 9pm-11pm and Monday noon-9pm with a 15 per cent surcharge.
Leaving the city behind for a few days to recharge is always a good choice. These days, accommodation options reach far beyond a traditional hotel, cabin or B’n’B; Victoria is home to beachside glamping spots, art-filled mountain retreats, farm stays and lots more.
What could be more luxe and relaxing than soaking in blissful hot water? As well as the mineral spring resorts in Daylesford and the ultra-popular hot springs on the Mornington Peninsula, there is a smattering of hidden oases waiting to be explored across Victoria.
If you have a tendency to go into hibernation mode when winter rolls around, you're not alone. Melbourne's winters are cold, wet and painfully windy, and leaving your house can be a bit ask. But for the brave among us who are eager to embrace the cold, there are several amazing winter getaways worth bundling up for.
It’s lights, camera, action for June, and you can expect an eclectic program of theatre productions and musicals. Come on down to the lab and see what's on the slab with The Rocky Horror Show, see the heartwarming musical Once or catch the new Broadway-style musical Midnight: The Cinderella Musical. If you're after a certified crowd-pleaser, don’t miss the five-star rated productions of & Juliet, Mary Poppins and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child before they shut up shop.
We've definitely become experts in the parks and gardens nearest to our homes, but now is the time to explore a bit further afield. Luckily there are lots of parks and gardens in Melbourne that are slightly off the beaten path. Here you'll find gardens devoted to Australian natives, fancy ferns and some not-so-ubiquitous plants like cacti, rhododendrons, tulips and lotuses – perfect for when you need some green in your life.
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