Festival 21 – Our Future Through Food
Could This Be One Of Melbourne’s Most Authentic Chinese Restaurants?

An old tea warehouse transformed into what we think is one of the best Chinese restaurants in Melbourne. David’s is a top-notch eatery nestled just off the bustling Chapel Street. This family owned restaurant was founded nearly 20 years ago by Shanghai born David Zhou and has remained under his ownership ever since. The restaurant... more info

Festival 21 – Our Future Through Food
The Most Unique Dumpling Joint in Melbourne’s China Town

When you think of Melbourne’s China Town, it’s a given that you think of cheap dumplings, dodgy alleyways and unbearable $6 wine, right? Think again. A brand new funky and hip dumpling joint has opened up in the heart of China Town and is breaking all the boundaries. Drumplings is a unique, modern dining experience... more info

Festival 21 – Our Future Through Food
This Oktoberfest-Inspired Sports Bar is Serving 1KG Schnitzels & Beer Towers

Grab your lederhosen and make room for giant schnitzels because we’ve found a little taste of Germany right here in our backyard. Munich Brauhaus is the one venue across Australia that boasts Oktoberfest 365 days of the year. This German themed restaurant and bar is the little bit of quirky you need in your life... more info

Festival 21 – Our Future Through Food
Tropic Like it’s hot at Sydney’s Best Tiki bar

Thirsty for an island getaway but can’t quite justify a trip to the Bahamas? The Cliff Dive in Darlinghurst have got you covered. This Tiki-infused cocktail bar serves up all things under-the-sea kitschy, with their motto being good times and great drinks. Located in the bustling Oxford street, this bar is the perfect mix of... more info

Festival 21 – Our Future Through Food
This Former Opium Den May Just Have the Best Cocktails in Sydney

Etched between the cosy sandstones of Sydney’s most affluent suburb, you’ll find a whiskey bar steeped in charm, history and of course, booze. While it’s now known for creating some of the most inspired drinks in Sydney, this underground whiskey bar was once a hot spot for opium trading. The Doss House is Sydney’s premier... more info

Festival 21 – Our Future Through Food
A new Japanese-French Fusion Restaurant has Landed in Sydney’s Inner West

The Inner West of Sydney has a new addition to the first class dining scene, welcoming Katsumi Japanese Restaurant to the evergreen suburb of Mortlake. The Japanese fusion restaurant channels a delicate French flair, making it a rarity in the area since its doors opened in late November of 2017. Head Chef Vincent Zhou has... more info

Festival 21 – Our Future Through Food
Brunswick’s Newest Vegan Rooftop Bar

The Cornish Arms Hotel has opened its arms to the heavens, boasting a new addition of a rooftop bar and garden. Renowned as an all-inclusive vegan dining destination on Sydney Road, the third floor of the Brunswick mainstay now promises sweeping panoramic views of the CBD with a drink in hand. The indulgent menu pleases... more info

Festival 21 – Our Future Through Food
The Waterside Hotel – An Old Favourite Revamped

Your favourite corner pub, The Waterside Hotel, has had a little makeover. Hidden City Secrets had the privilege of attending their Welcome Back Party and we can confirm: she’s looking fabulous. All the best bits of the vintage pub remain, including its old-school feel and friendly atmosphere, though some definite revamping has gone down. The... more info

Festival 21 – Our Future Through Food
This Fun-sized Bar may just be the Smallest in the World

There’s only one thing that Melbournian’s value over their coffee, and that’s their exclusivity. From hidden bars, strict guest lists and top-secret laneway events, we can all attest to the pleasure of attending the forbidden fruit of V.I.P venues. Luckily, Le Bar Europeen has all your preferential needs sorted with the unveiling of what is,... more info

Festival 21 – Our Future Through Food
A Garden State of Mind

Sitting in the cosmopolitan heart of Flinders Lane, Garden State Hotel presents us with a majestic four-level wonderland, held together by an aesthetically pleasing (insta-worthy) naturistic twist. Hidden City Secrets visited the green scenes of Garden State for their 2018 Welcome Back Party and took part in an evening of celebration, food & delectable beverages... more info

Festival 21 – Our Future Through Food
Top 10 Rooftop Bars

Want more insider articles like this? Click here to sign up to our newsletter. As the weather is warming up, there is nothing worse than an overcrowded sticky bar. Yes everyone, It’s coming up to summer so it’s time to be strategic and move our drinks outside. To help you shift your drinks with ease,... more info

Festival 21 – Our Future Through Food
Sydney’s Brand New Brewery & Beer Garden

Located at the King St Wharf in Sydney, is the brand new microbrewery that does it all. All Hands Brewing House is the latest Red Rock Leisure venue to be not only a brewery, but also a restaurant and bar. The brewery takes its inspiration from the history and tradition of the King St Docks,... more info

Festival 21 – Our Future Through Food
Welcoming back Emulation Hall

Located in the inner Eastern suburbs of Melbourne, is Emulation Hall – an unsuspecting function venue in Canterbury. Hidden City Secrets were lucky enough to be invited to the launch of Emulation Hall by CNK catering at their Gin Party (and gosh, was it a good one). Walking up towards the double story building, depicts a... more info

Festival 21 – Our Future Through Food
Melbourne’s Top 6 Beach Bars

Want more insider articles like this? Click here to sign up to our newsletter. So, you’ve got salt in your hair and thongs on your feet but you want to make your way to a bar and soak up the warm summer afternoon or night? Sick of those silly dress codes ruining your spontaneous summer... more info

Festival 21 – Our Future Through Food
Melbourne’s Best Steak Dinners

Never has a more controversial topic existed – who serves the ultimate steak dinner? But what makes an amazing steak dinner? At Hidden City Secrets we think that respect for produce is the most important factor, regardless of its age, price point or specialty. So we did the hard yards for you and ate our way... more info

Festival 21 – Our Future Through Food
Hump Day Vibes at 29th Apartment

Wednesday nights are back in a big way at 29th Apartment. Located in the heart of St Kilda on the ever-colourful Fitzroy Street, 29th Apartment takes you on a trip to NYC without ever leaving Melbourne. This New York apartment style bar is a favourite for good tunes, quirky decor and giant jenga –perfect to help... more info

Festival 21 – Our Future Through Food
The Local Of All Local Bars

There is nothing better than walking in to a pub and the bartender knows you by name, or more importantly, knows your drink of choice. The Local Taphouse on Carlisle Street thrives on delivering this service every day of the week. Their regulars are not only customers, but part of the furniture – literally, as... more info

Festival 21 – Our Future Through Food
A Little Piece of Paris on Chapel St

Walking distance from Windsor Station on bustling Chapel St, Belle Vie is the newest tapas bar on the block and may just be the fanciest on the street. Newly renovated, Belle Vie ticks all the right boxes if you’re after the ultimate, intimate bar experience. It’s the perfect place to unwind after work over a... more info

Festival 21 – Our Future Through Food
Top 10 Brewery Bars in Melbourne

As the weather starts to heat up, there is nothing us Melburnians like more than a cold pint in the sun. However, a standard draught just doesn’t seem to make the cut sometimes… Craft beer is the new frosĂ© and is slowly taking over the taps of Melbourne, as are microbreweries which are beginning to pop up like... more info

Festival 21 – Our Future Through Food
End Of Year Party Venues To Make A Statement

The end of the year is slowly approaching which means one thing; the silly season is on its way. The only way to end an arduous working year is with a bang, and Hidden City Secrets are here to help make that happen. Whether you want to treat your employees to say “thanks for a great... more info

Festival 21 – Our Future Through Food
Where To Get A Drink In The CBD

Known for its glamorous (and highly expensive) real estate and iconic landmarks such as the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, Sydney is the typical cosmopolitan city fit for the country’s elite and anyone else who has hundreds and thousands to splash on rent every week (seriously, how do some people afford it ?!) What... more info

Festival 21 – Our Future Through Food
Melbourne’s Best Trivia Nights

Are you the one in your group who has all this extra knowledge about anything and everything? Don’t let it go to waste! Drag your friends down to a riveting trivia night and show off all your knowledge about the hundreds of movies and TV shows you’ve watched over the years. Not to mention, all those... more info

Festival 21 – Our Future Through Food
The Best Asian Fusion Restaurants on Kensington St

Downtown, things will be great when your downtown, no finer place for sure, downtown, everything’s waiting for you… are the words you will be singing when you stumble upon this glorious selection of Asian cuisines, seafood sensations and the finest coffee you will find in Sydney. Kensington Street is a must see for all Sydneysiders,... more info

Festival 21 – Our Future Through Food
Sydney’s Best Function Venues with a View

Can’t find the perfect venue that ticks all the boxes? Struggling to secure a venue that has the perfect view? If you’re anxiously nodding, then stop stressing and keep reading. HCS have found you some amazing venues to host an upcoming special event or if you’re simply looking to impress an important client and need... more info

Festival 21 – Our Future Through Food
Melbourne’s Best First Date Bars

Whether you believe in love at first sight or in order to meet your match you swipe right, EVERYONE gets nervous meeting someone new. On top of this, you have the added pressure of finding the perfect place that will set the tone for the entire evening and and means the difference between going home with date... more info

Festival 21 – Our Future Through Food
Top 5 Date-Worthy Restaurants

It’s tough being in a relationship, especially after those first 3 months pass by and you’re sadly no longer in the honeymoon stage. Keeping the romance alive and surprising each other takes a lot of effort and we seem to get everything and anything delivered these days so why bother getting off the couch? (Besides... more info

Festival 21 – Our Future Through Food
Bertonia Lounge – A Hidden Gem In Parramatta

In charge of organizing the work Christmas party this year? Realising that your 30th birthday isn’t as far away as you thought (or hoped) it was? Can’t make a decision on a venue but still need to throw a baby shower preferably before the baby gets here? Well sit back, relax, grab a drink and read this... more info

Festival 21 – Our Future Through Food
Top 10 Hidden Bars in Melbourne

So you’re going out Friday night for drinks but you’re stuck going to the same spot every week… Your bartender knows your order where you sit in the same booth with the same conversation on how great the parma is here? I think it’s safe to say it’s time to move on. Change is hard.... more info

Festival 21 – Our Future Through Food
Fine Dining That Won’t Break The Bank

Are you trying to save up for that European holiday you’ve been wanting to take for the past 5 years? Need a new car? Going overboard with online shopping because you need the 54th pair of shoes that you promised will be your very last online purchase? Don’t want to spend those extra few dollars... more info

Festival 21 – Our Future Through Food
Light Up Your Next Event At Luminare

Luminare is located in the heart of South Melbourne with magnificent rooftop views. A contemporary New York styled apartment with a chic and sophisticated décor. As translated to describe a light or an opening that lets light in, Luminare is the place to host your next special occasion. At night, you can catch a glimpse... more info

Festival 21 – Our Future Through Food
Escape The City and Find Freedom

The Freedom Hub, situated in Sydney’s Waterloo where design and industry intertwine to create a community dedicated to the nurture and cultivation of creativity and technology, is the perfect location for this socially conscious venue space. Not only can you grab a coffee at their cute-as-a-button cafe, or host your next event in one of... more info

Festival 21 – Our Future Through Food
The Woolshed – A New and Improved Piece of History

Nestled in Docklands among the surrounding concrete playground and the breathtaking harbour views, sits The Woolshed – the newly refurbished fine dining and function experience. Starting its journey in 1916 as a part of Australia’s busiest port, The Woolshed now plays home to a restaurant, a live entertainment spot and a function venue like no... more info

Festival 21 – Our Future Through Food
Bringing A Piece Of Asia To Richmond

Located in the heart of Richmond, The National Hotel offers everything from a late lunch or a Saturday night hot-spot to a venue for your next event, ensuring this space is the perfect backdrop for a catch-up with friends or for a celebration you won’t forget. Their ‘Proud to Serve’ attitude really says it all... more info

Festival 21 – Our Future Through Food
The Best High Teas In Sydney

Who said you have to be rich to feel royal? We have a few treats in-store for you Sydney-goers. Get your pinkies at the ready as we present to you the top High Teas across the City. As a fellow pommy, I have had my fair share of scones and afternoon teas in my time.... more info

Festival 21 – Our Future Through Food
Fine Dining That Won’t Break The Bank

Wondering how you’re going to juggle your social life when you’re supposed to be saving for that European holiday you said you’d go on last year and now last year is this year and you’re still not any closer so you’ll tell yourself it’ll be next year? Trying to impress a special someone but not... more info

Festival 21 – Our Future Through Food
Baroq Is Back

Sheer opulence is what you can expect come August, when after 2 years of extensive renovations, Baroq reopens its doors and revolutionises Melbourne’s nightlife scene. Located down Drewery Lane in the CBD, you will find a mansion style venue that proves it really is what’s on the inside that counts. Collective Establishments, the masterminds behind Baroq,... more info

Festival 21 – Our Future Through Food
Melbourne’s Best Function Venues With A View

Are you after a lavish night filled with spectacular views with a hint of sophistication to celebrate a special event? Can’t find a perfect venue to meet all your expectations? Well, look no further! Whether you’re looking to celebrate a birthday or wedding or just looking for a private dining venue that will impress your... more info

Festival 21 – Our Future Through Food
Top 10 Quirky Bars in Melbourne

Feeling a bit adventurous? Or enjoy the thrill of finding one-of-a kind bars? Well, HCS have done some digging to find the quirkiest bars of them all. Quirky bars may not be the hottest go-to spots, but isn’t that the way they get discovered? Idiosyncratic. Apparently it’s the definition of the term quirky, but a... more info

Festival 21 – Our Future Through Food
Top 10 Places to Host Birthday Drinks

Your birthday is fast approaching and the Facebook event you’ve created, have your friends itching as to where you are going to host it. It’s a big task. You want it to be memorable but still be a convenient location for all of your friends to make it home with an affordable Uber ride. Would... more info

Festival 21 – Our Future Through Food
Where To Get A Drink On The Eastside

With its abundance in tree-lined streets and overpriced soy lattes, the Eastside evokes a very different sentiment than what may be conjured in perhaps…the Northside. Take away your hipster Northsider and you’re left with the hip Eastsider. Catering to a well-financed demographic, the Eastside treats it residents to a hasty commute to the city, excellent... more info