The chicest way to see Melbourne’s best bars and top restaurants, according to one of its most food-obsessed photographers.
If you’re familiar with Danielle Castano’s photography, you’d know all too well that this Melbourne-based creative has a way with food. Bringing the business of flavour to life with her unique brand of atmospheric, party-vibe pics, we couldn’t think of a better tour guide for Melbourne’s best places to eat and drink.
Dan’s work has taken her to some of the world’s most iconic culinary destinations, but she reckons nothing tops her native city. “I genuinely don't think there's anywhere better than Melbourne,” she says. “Oh my god, I'm so biased! But there aren’t many places that have the luxury of variety that we have. It doesn't matter what you feel like, you’ll find it here,” Dan says. “Want a cheap and cheerful sandwich? Nico’s in Brunswick is unbeatable. Want Italian? Take your pick – there are about 50,000 great spots, and that’s just in the city!”
To help us narrow it down, we sat down with Dan to get her list of the city’s must-visit bars and restaurants. If you haven’t packed your bags yet, the best time to do so is right after reading this.
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Well-seasoned travellers know that altitude plus beverage equals proper sightseeing. In that spirit, Dan’s first stop is Melbourne’s iconic rooftop bar Siglo. “You can’t come to Melbourne without going to a rooftop bar,” she says, and this stunning Spring Street spot at the city’s northern edge does not disappoint. With expansive panoramas of Parliament House, Princess Theatre and St Patrick’s Cathedral, there’s no better place to see Melbourne in all its glory. “It has this old-world European vibe,” Dan says. “It’s the type of place you wanna go for a Spritz. I’d go a Campari because I’m not much of an Aperol girl, but if you manage to get the afternoon sun here, it’s very much a vibe.”
But according to Dan, the suburbs northwest of the river are where it’s all happening. “In the ’90s, it was all about the south – Chapel Street, Prahran – but the northern side is having a bit of a moment these days. There are so many cool venues and bars around there.” Her pick of the bunch is Johnston Street wine bar Bar Liberty. “They have an incredible wine list and a really amazing selection of drinks, but their food is just so good, too,” Dan says. Dishing up modern snack-sized bites like king prawn with miso and wax flower or lamb brains with creamed apple and dill, alongside more substantial plates (think lamb backstrap with kohlrabi and saltbush or wood-smoked celeriac with white bean sauce), this corner bar is the joint du jour. “They do this very Insta-friendly bread that is just so delicious,” Dan says. “You have to get it. I don’t know what they do to it, but it’s so good.”
Next up is The Everleigh. For over a decade, this iconic Fitzroy cocktail bar has been top billing for international travellers, making the World’s 50 Best Bars list in 2013 and 2014, and acting as a nursery for some of Australia’s brightest bartending talents. “This is where I’d take someone for a classic Melbourne experience,” Dan says. “It’s such a beautiful venue. They do the most amazing cocktails, and that old-school table service is a cut above!” Her go-to tipple? “It would have to be one of my favourite Martinis – the Gibson. They also do great bar snacks, but it’s all about the drinks at The Everleigh.”
Speaking of Fitzroy, Dan’s next tip, Neighbourhood Wine, is perfect for a weeknight drop. “It's a beautiful, cosy place that you wanna sit in for ages,” says Dan. “They do amazing drinks and beautiful wines, and it's very straightforward, but super cosy and super fun.” Neighbourhood's menu changes daily with an eye for simple but seasonal produce. Expect simple plates like marinated artichokes, handmade pasta and cured beef rump – perfect fare for a laid-back bite at their curbside dining area. “This is the kind of place you could go in your trackies,” says Dan. “Well, maybe not. It’s pretty relaxed, but I mean: it is Fitzroy North!”
And just when you thought Melbourne was nothing but niche bars and pokey diners, Dan’s next stop is about as grand as it gets. “All of Andrew McConnel’s venues are among my favourites, but Gimlet is the jewel in the crown.” This expansive and ultra-luxe CBD bistro launched to much fanfare when it opened its doors in 2020, quickly becoming the go-to place for long, lavish lunches and milestone moments. “Gimlet feels like the sort of place you’d find in Paris, New York, or even Sydney,” says Dan. “We don’t have much of that in Melbourne, and despite its fine dining service and atmosphere, it’s not pretentious at all.” Fancy steaks, lavish platters of lobster and caviar with all the accoutrements are the big ticket items here. But according to Dan, a quick drink at the bar is just as rewarding. “Maybe I’m pointing out the obvious, but they do a great Gimlet,” she says. “They serve the most amazing oysters, and it’s great for people watching, too.” Booking a table is no easy feat, but Dan reckons it’s worth chancing your arm with a 3pm Friday walk-in. “That’s when it’s feeling extra vibey. You can tell that people are in a bit of a mood to enjoy the weekend and have some fun.”
For a slightly different fine dining experience, Dan recommends Di Stasio Citta. Located across from Parliament House, this art-inspired Italian diner is the brainchild of local icon Rinaldo Di Stasio. “I love all of Ronnie’s venues,” says Dan. “They’re like private museums with all the incredible art installations, but with equally incredible service and Italian food to boot.” Like something out of a Kubrick flick, with its wild Reko Rennie projections, soaring concrete walls and red leather banquettes, Di Stasio Citta is one of Australia’s most unique dining experiences. You might even catch Rinaldo himself swanning across the room, greeting patrons with his two loyal poodles in tow. “You have to try the linguine Capri,” says Dan. “Saucy, lemony prawn pasta – ugh, they do it so well,” she says. “They also do my favourite Negroni Sbagliato, which replaces gin with prosecco. There’s no better summer drink.”
Finally, one of Collingwood’s latest debutants rounds out Dan’s round-up. “Smith Street Bistrot is awesome, but any restaurant by Scott Pickett (also of Matilda and Chancery Lane), would be,” says Dan. “This is the closest thing to a French bistro I’ve seen anywhere outside of Paris. The interior is just gorgeous, and you can tell everything has been handpicked.” But what about the food? “They really nail the classics. I can never look past the steak frites, and they also do some great old-school French cocktails.” Her tip is a spot up at the bar. “If you’re like me, sitting where you can see all the action and field great recommendations straight from the bartender always beats a table.” Plus, Dan reckons it’s the best way to score little samples of the staff’s favourite sips. Sneaky!
These venues barely scratch the surface, but they’re a mighty good place to start. So, if you’re planning a trip down soon, be sure to put them on your itinerary.
Book ahead! “That way it’s locked in and you won’t be disappointed. There are plenty of great places that take walk-ins, so it’s not like you’ll go hungry, but if there’s somewhere you’re dying to try, definitely make a booking.”
Wear black. Dan got her start working in fashion, so she knows just as much about haute couture as she does about haute cuisine. “It's very Melbourne to wear all black. Keep it classic. For men, you can’t go wrong with dark jeans and a nice shirt. For the girls, a nice all-black outfit or a little black dress is always cute. You don’t have to get too dressed up.”
Check Instagram. “If there are any influencers or Melbourne-based industry people that you follow, see where they go. And don’t be afraid to reach out to them, either! The number of DMs I get about food recommendations is mind-boggling.”
Stay in the city. “I’d say Melbourne’s CBD is the best place to base yourself. Probably up around Russell or Collins Street. Our trams go everywhere so you can really see everything from that central location.”
