Looking for places to eat and drink on the public holiday? We've got you covered
Many of us have the day off on January 26, but not neccessarily our hospo heroes and so it's a great opportunity to show your locals some support. We've rounded up some restaurants in Melbourne that will be open for the public holiday, so text your mates or plan a date night and prepare for a mean feed and a host of bevvies.
Looking for ways to give back to our First Nations community today? Here's a list of charities and organisations that you can support.
Should you need another reason to believe that Brunswick East is the sixth coolest neighbourhood in the world, the arrival of Maggie's Snacks and Liquor is it. The former site of the Alehouse Project, Maggie's Snacks and Liquor features a courtyard, natural wood fireplace and snazzy cocktail lounge. The brand new spot will be open this Jan 26 from 4pm to midnight.
This seafood institution's luxe beach house charms have had us spellbound for decades – and like a fine wine, it's only getting better with time. Renowned for its sustainability leadership and exceptional seafood-driven menu, the restaurant will be open this Jan 26 from noon until midnight. If you're after something a bit more casual, you can always dine downstairs at Stokehouse Pasta and Bar for Mediterannean-inspired dishes and drinks.
15 per cent surcharge applies.
The folks at Commune Group, responsible for fellow Southside gems Firebird, Hanoi Hannah and Tokyo Tina, have added to their collection yet another ambitious project: a two-level Italian dining and drinking space alluringly christened Studio Amaro. The multi-purpose venue isn't just another place to wine and dine, with a generous focus on music and DJ residencies. Think disco, funk and plenty of Euro nostalgia. On the food and drink front, expect no-nonsense aperitivo drops, a sharp selection of wines and beer, and classic Italian staples designed for sharing. It'll be open this January 26 from noon until 10pm.
15 per cent surcharge applies.
Whatever the size of your night, you really can’t go wrong with a late-night souva. Luckily, Stalactites will be open this January 26 from 11am until 2am, and their giro rotisserie set-up doesn’t stop spinning day and night. The lamb souva comes with copious amounts of crunchy lettuce and yoghurt sauce – just the hit of freshness you need with the smoky lamb.
No surcharge applies.
One of the most anticipated Northside openings of the year, Pincho Disco from the Kickon Group is an ode to new-age Latin American eats, extravagant cocktails and live entertainment. Expect a journey of flavours hailing from across the entire content – from Colombia, Peru and Chile to Mexico, Argentina and Brazil – in signature dishes thoughtfully prepared by head chef Diego Cardenas and his team. The share-style menu features traditional mole paired with ‘pinchos’ (translating to ‘skewered’, generally referring to small snacks of meat and vegetables), ceviche and aguachiles, wood-fired meats, modern Latin American desserts – including a rotating Soft Serve of the Day – and more. It'll be open on the public holiday from noon until 11pm.
15 per cent surcharge applies.
With commanding views over the city skyline, Johnny’s Green Room is the most picturesque place in Carlton to sip Peroni and smash pizza. Spectacular 270-degree views are only broken by the tops of the plane trees, while canvas awnings and red umbrellas offer plenty of shade. The beautiful people of Carlton sip Aperol Spritzes on tap, and DJs let their easy listening beats provide an unobtrusive backing. This January 26, the rooftop bar will be open from noon until midnight.
Is there anything better than a long lunch, especially on a Friday? Sure, we can debate the pros and cons of a solid brunch sesh, or a late-night, post-theatre cheeseburger and cocktail combo, but there’s just something about luxuriating over a gorgeous meal and a couple of cheeky tipples in the middle of the day that’s intoxicatingly addictive. The glamorous eatery will be taking bookings this January 26 from noon until 11:30pm.
This new wine bar is the neighbour to big sibling Old Palm Liquor. Bahama Gold started out as a liquor delivery service in the dark days of lockdown, but has since transformed into a public bar and wine shop for the discerning explorer. Though food isn’t necessarily the focus, Malaysian-born head chef Jane Low puts on a rotating menu of small plates that mark Bahama Gold as an interesting dining destination in its own right. Pop in from noon onwards this January 26.
15 per cent surcharge applies.
It’s been some years since gents were expected to keep their jackets on at all times, but it’s good to see Grossi Florentino is a restaurant that continues to sweat the small stuff. The grand Mural Room is one of Melbourne’s last bastions of lavish European dining charm where the lighting is set to dim, and the mood set upon arrival by the proffering of a handbag stool. If you can't think of a better way to spend your public holiday than a proper fine dining experience, then this is your ticket. The restaurant will be open this Jan 26 from noon until 10pm.
15 per cent surcharge applies.
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. You can grab one at either the Emporium, Chadstone or Fitzroy venues this January 26.
What’s the purpose of a neighbourhood wine bar? Should it be cosy and convivial? Exciting and challenging? Flexibile of options from a quick after-work drink to full-blown four-course meal? What about all of the above? Neighbourhood Wine is just that, and Fitzroy North wouldn’t be the same without it. The legendary spot is taking bookings this January 26 from noon until midnight.
15 per cent surcharge applies.
Pidapipo Laboratorio is a fabulously fun and Willy Wonka-esque destination for dessert devotees. Coming a long way from its pop-up Test Lab on Faraday Street in 2013, Pidapipo’s new Laboratio pays homage to its radical roots, leading the way in ice cream innovation with a healthy dose of collaborations, limited-edition flavours and artisan chocolates to go round. Cool down with a scoop this January 26 from noon until 11pm.
After three years in the making, Chris Lucas’s highly anticipated restaurant Society has finally opened its doors. Lucas, the man behind Melbourne restaurants such as Chin Chin and Kisumé, worked with chef Martin Benn and Vicki Wild (known for their work at the now-closed Sydney restaurant Sepia) to create a luxe modern dining experience in the CBD. Some of the dishes include the Blackmore Wagyu beef rib cap served with wasabi butter, sweet onion and Japanese pickle, and the soy-glazed roast duck leg served with grilled cucumber, caviar lentils and apple.
15 per cent surcharge applies.
Make sure you have a booking because this Southeast Asian restaurant on Flinders Lane is known for having massive queues. Expect dishes like spicy chicken larb, seared yellowfin tuna, chilli salt chicken wings and kingfish sashimi served with lime, chilli, coconut and Thai basil.
The menu here flits from beer food and dumplings and buns, through to roti and satay, noodles and salads, proteins from the coconut barbecue and curries and stir-fries. Two people can barely scratch the surface, which is why this rowdy no-bookings joint is best tackled with a sizable crew nestled into one of the booths.
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