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Venue Reviews

5 Pet-Friendly Cafes to Take Your Pooch This Winter

Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you and your four-legged friend have to stay inside all the time! Take some time out this winter to discover some of the best dog-friendly cafés and bars in and around Melbourne. Welcome To Thornbury 520 High Street, Northcote  The premiere permanent food...

This Parisian-Style Brasserie Is Our New Late-Night Love Affair

Practice your French pronunciations – Bar Margaux, a New York-inspired French brasserie, has just arrived on Lonsdale Street. Owners Michael Madrusan and his wife Zara wanted a venue that reflects the Parisian-style brasseries from New York. So they collaborated with the interior designer of BAR studio, Deanie Madrusan, to bring Melbournians this dim-lit, 100-seat bar. It...

This Inner-City Brewery & Distillery Can Transform Into Your Ideal Function Venue

There’s a lot more than meets the eye at The Craft & Co. The impressive Collingwood operation is first and foremost a brewery and distillery, where the team are wholly immersed in crafting unique drinking experiences. But what you might not know is that when these guys aren’t producing award-winning...

This Lush French Indochine Restaurant Is A Boozy Tropical Paradise

As we approach winter, it can be easy to want to escape to the warmer, tropical countries of the world. Well, look no further than Bang Bang – a restaurant that exudes the buzzing atmosphere of South Eastern paradises. Nestled in the heart of Elsternwick, Bang Bang oozes all things...

Looking For A Function Space With The Wow Factor? This Hidden Gem Will Have You Covered

Have you been stressing about trying to find that perfect function space for your EOFY event? Or planning way ahead and getting ready for that epic Christmas party? Look no further because the fun and fabulous Bobby McGee’s will have you sorted! Be ready to wow your guests with a...

This versatile warehouse space could be what you’ve been searching for

Centrally located in the heart of South Melbourne, sits an exclusive venue that will quickly become your dream function space. OneSevenOne is the perfect place for cocktail parties of up to 100 and has room for guests to sit, stand, drink, dance and all that jazz. The OneSevenOne function space...

Sushi Boats Are A Thing And They’ve Just Landed In Melbourne’s CBD

I’m sure you’ve all gotten together with your friends at some point for some scrumptious sushi at a Kaitenzushi restaurant, or better known as a sushi train. They’re super popular and slightly gimmicky but that’s okay because it’s so fun and entertaining. Sushi Boto is a new CBD restaurant that’s...

One To Try: An Urban Japanese Restaurant Tucked Down The Backstreets Of Prahran

Located on Greville St in Prahran sits Tokosan – a contemporary street-style Japanese restaurant, that’ll have you feeling like you’ve been whisked away to the streets of Tokyo. This Japanese hideout is decked out in only the most traditional Japanese memorabilia, including vibrant colourful umbrellas, neon signs and a cocktail...

Meet the 2-in-1 rooftop bar and meatery taking over Swanston Street

First came Dexter, the original ‘meat project’ from Adam Goldblatt, Tom and Sam Peasnell. Then came Takeaway Pizza, a cocktail bar and late night restaurant offering a fresh take on American style pizza. Now, the talented trio have two new additions to their impressive line-up of stylish eateries, introducing Cheek...

Why The Espy Is Where You Should Host Your Next Shindig

We’re sure by now you’re well aware that The Hotel Esplanade has come back with a bang. After a two-year renovation this iconic venue has quickly become one of Melbourne’s dining and drinking hot spots and we’re here to tell you how you can make this place your own. Hotel Esplanade,...

Host Your Next Party At One Of These 7 Popular Function Venues

We know it’s March and that EOFY and Christmas parties are the last thing on your mind… BUT if you want your function to wow your guests we suggest you book now. You’ve probably been to these popular Melbourne bars and restaurants in the past, but you’ve never seen them...

This New Hawthorn Eatery is Turning Heads with Loaded Parmas & 40+ Local Craft Beers

If you’ve been tirelessly searching for the best parmas in Melbourne then check out this new contender to the game. Located on Glenferrie Road is Parmas & Pints; it’s a charming restaurant and bar that’s only recently popped up but is slowly and surely creating a name for itself. Walking in...

PSA: Serotonin Eatery Just Dropped A Brand New Menu Guaranteed To Put A Smile On Your Dial

Welcome to Serotonin Eatery, a place where happiness is the main priority. The menu is carefully curated to help promote the release of serotonin, a chemical in the brain that plays such an important role within the body, affecting mood, appetite, digestion, bone health, sleep and even sex. The owner behind...

This Enchanting Bar in Windsor is Serving Fairy-Tale Themed Cocktails on its New Menu

Well known and well loved, The Woods of Windsor is a unique bar in comparison to its competitors on Chapel St due to the feeling it ignites within you; it’s as if you’ve been transported to a speakeasy in the 1930’s and you should be removing your fur coat to...

The Hidden Speakeasy You Didn’t Know About In South Yarra’s Jam Factory

Time for Storytime kids; Once upon a time, many moons ago, prior to the entertainment and shopping complex it’s known as today and even before it began churning out jars of sweet preserved fruit goodness, good ole Jam Factory on Chapel St served as a brewery for the first 20...

Expect French Indochina Cuisine At This New Rooftop Restaurant & Bar In The CBD

Red Piggy is Melbourne’s newest and most exciting rooftop restaurant and bar located on the corner of Swanston Street and Little Bourke Street in Melbourne’s CBD. It’s delicious, it’s affordable and most importantly, it’s instaworthy (maybe not most importantly, but you get what we’re saying). Red Piggy opened its doors...

Snatch an express lunch at this top Prahran steakhouse for just $30

$30 doesn’t sound like a lot of money, especially when it comes to ordering a hearty meal at Melbourne’s top restaurants. But never fear, Angus & Bon are here! And they come bearing a wonderful lunch deal that you ought to try before it’s too late. On Thursdays and Fridays,...

Step Back in Time at this Hidden Speakeasy in Melbourne’s CBD

Let’s do the time warp again! This time, we’re taking it all the way back to New Orleans in the 1940’s, a time that the folks over at Beneath Driver Lane are dedicated to preserving and keeping alive. With its French inspired bar food, speakeasy vibes and live blues music,...

Best Venues in Melb to ho ho hold your next Christmas Function

Can you smell the chestnuts roasting? Can you hear the carolers singing? Can you taste that sweet sweet taste of Christmas pudding? Neither can we cause Aussie’s don’t really do that stuff BUT nevertheless the Christmas season will soon be upon us! And that means lots and lots of Yuletide...

Everyone’s Favourite St Kilda Rooftop Bar Is Back With A Brand New Facelift

No longer under construction, Captain Baxter has taken on ‘New Year New Me’ harder than all of us with a fresh new look and kitchen team! The gorgeous St Kilda foreshore warmly welcomes back one of its favourite venues. Captain Baxter – The beachside restaurant and bar has returned with...

Delve into 1980’s France at this Melbourne Steakhouse

Experience the taste of France without having to book a flight as there’s a new French Steakhouse in Melbourne you have to try! Garçon Paris Steakhouse is here to set our taste buds alive with their Steakhouse Restaurant. Formerly Entrecôte on Alfred Place, Garçon brings a new edge to French food....

This Middle Eastern Restaurant Is Dishing Up Award-Winning Falafels

If you are on the hunt for the best falafel Melbourne has to offer, look no further than Bekka. This hip new joint is exactly the pop of colour and flavour that Moonee Ponds locals have been looking for. Bekka has now answered the question “where should we eat?” for...

Windsor’s Brand New Greek Restaurant With A Modern Twist

Dreaming about summer in the Greek Islands? Don’t worry, we’ve found a bit of Greek paradise right here in Melbourne. Rebel Blue is the new kid on the block at the Windsor end of Chapel Street. In fact, Rebel Blue is the only Greek restaurant on Chapel Street, and it’s...

This Chapel St Bar Boasts $1 Dumplings & An Extensive Japanese Spirits List

Some of the best places to enjoy a drink also happen to be a little quieter, and perhaps a little harder to find. Just like any other good hole-in-the-wall, Zhou Zhou has a distinct personality, taking its inspiration from 1930s-style Shanghai drinking dens. With over 50 Asian craft beers, an...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 frosé and is slowly taking over the taps of Melbourne, as are microbreweries which...

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...

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Have You Planned Your X-Mas Party Yet?!

The festive season is fast approaching and venues have already started booking key dates in their event calendars. So, if you haven’t book your venue already it’s time to put the kettle on grab a bicky, and look through all the amazing bars, restaurants, cafe’s, function venues and e

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We’re Uncovering Melbourne’s Best Hidden Bars!

Ever wonder if there’s more to Melbourne’s bar and restaurant scene? Something you might be missing? The answer is yes! The beauty of our city is that it is stacked with hidden gems – whether they’re through alleyways, up hidden elevators, or down secret staircases – and we’re peeling

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Treat Dad At These Melbourne Spots This Father’s Day

A celebration of perhaps the hardest-to-buy-for creature on the planet (Father’s Day) is coming up, and we’re feeling just as daunted as you are. So we’re doing dad’s day a little different this year, and we’ve scoured the bars and restaurants of Melbourne to compile the

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