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Drinks Directory|After work drinks|Party vibes|Melbourne

Fable

Level 13, 168 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000
Phone
(03) 9662 2629
Website
fablemelbourne.com.au
Instagram
@fablemelbourne

Read time 3 Mins

Posted 16 Feb 2023

By
Larissa Dubecki

Commanding a rooftop in Melbourne’s CBD with city views to burn, this Euro-glam hangout serves knockout Greek-accented drinks and food to suit the upmarket mood.

Inside Fable
Why you goSome bars have to try hard to find their personality; Fable came with its own ready-made. Perched on the top floor of the Greek Community building in the CBD, it feels like a bar that’s been transplanted directly from Athens’ sophisticated Plaka district. Formerly a Greek restaurant, it has been magicked into a cosmopolitan lounge bar sitting beneath a retractable roof that laughs in the face of Melbourne’s four seasons in one day. A sultry little space with city views to burn – it boasts that it’s the highest rooftop bar in Melbourne, and we see no cause to disagree – it’s a Euro-glam hangout where Greek-accented drinks and food suit the upmarket mood.
Why you stayThe views from the 13th floor are spectacular – the Eureka Skydeck, Arts Centre and Bolte Bridge are among the landmarks vying for attention from this chic eyrie – but Fable has created its own universe of loveliness. From a bar tiled in what appear to be emerald leaves to plush rust-coloured velveteen booths and a jungle of greenery hanging overhead to really nail the conservatory vibe, it’s one good-lookin’ place. Visit at sunset to watch the cast of orange and red across the CBD and pretend you’re in a city on the Med.
Inside Fable
Bartender mixing glasses
What drink to orderOne look at the cocktail list and you’ll know you’re in the heart of Melbourne’s Little Athens district (word to the wise: it doesn’t hurt to brush up on your historical references). The Fountain of Youth cocktail, for instance, combines brandy with tart verjuice, stone fruits and tropical flavours (it’s a winner, although we can’t vouch it will actually make you look younger) while The Agora cocktail embodies the ideal of the ancient free-mixing public space with a globe-trotting approach combining cocoa husk-infused Starward whisky, Lillet Blanc apéritif wine, dry Curaçao liqueur and cherry. The classics are here, too, some cheekily reimagined such as a multi-option riff on the Martini and a Bloody Mary infused with secret spices. A Champagne list is all about conspicuous consumption, while a less shouty wine list has labels hailing from around the globe. The spirits list gives plenty of scope for the gin, tequila and whisky aficionado, while aperitivo hour is celebrated Friday to Sunday from 3:00pm to 5:00pm with wallet-friendly Spritzes, Negronis and snacks.
What to pair it withWith former Press Club chef Alex Xinis at the helm, the Greek factor is in good hands, with everything from snacks – the taramasalata is a textbook execution of the velvety roe dip – to slow-cooked lamb under the stickiest of glazes with a sideshow of roasted root vegetables. Stopping at all stations between tradition and creativity, the menu delivers fried calamari with an ouzo- and lemon-spiked mayonnaise as well as a kingfish crudo that sums up modern Melbourne with its lime-spritzed combination of Granny Smith sticks, chive oil and salmon roe. A selection of cured meats and cheeses will keep the snackers happy, and if you’ve ever wanted to try scallops Kilpatrick, here’s your chance.
Regular's tipYou’ll want to book a table – Fable accepts walk-ins only after 10:00pm. And while it kicks on until late most nights – including a 2:00am close on Friday and Saturday – if the desire to mix the high and low grabs you, one of our favourite dive bars, Heartbreaker, is just across the road. Should the need to refuel before bedtime become pressing, Greek institution Stalactites is also across the Russell Street intersection, with its soul-affirming menu of chicken giro platters, pita bread and chips.
Make it fancyIs that bitcoin burning a hole in your digital pocket? In a sign of the very near future, Fable accepts payment in cryptocurrency (it helps that Fable’s owner Gehan Rajapakse is the founder and CEO of a crypto-trading platform).  
Who to takeThe Greek theme runs through Fable like seafaring does through Homer’s Odyssey, so take your closest Hellenic friends to witness them puff up with national pride. Failing that, it’s a gorgeous place for a date night or a valid excuse to glam up without any specific occasion in mind at all. 
Sponsor logo
In partnership with Melbourne Food & Wine Festival
Authour image
Larissa DubeckiLarissa Dubecki has been a journalist for more than 20 years and specialises in reviewing restaurants and bars.
Tags
Drinks DirectoryA+ spirits listAfter work drinksFancy occasionMelbourneParty vibesRooftopGood for groupsNon-alc OptionsHappy hourMelbourne – CBDRestaurantDate nightWheelchair accessibleKiller cocktailsVego Food OptionsBarOutdoor area
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