Melbourne Bars Guide 2025: 5 Trending Spots Locals Are Whispering About

Farmer's Daughters - Gippsland produce and city views

Farmer's Daughters is a love letter to regional Victoria, perched right in the CBD. With a 4.5 rating and a huge volume of reviews, it is not new, but its growth score and steady stream of fresh feedback show it is having a second wave of hype.

The bar leans into farm-to-glass drinking. Expect native ingredients, seasonal shrubs, and cocktails that name-check Gippsland growers. The space feels warm and timber-heavy, with city views that make it a go-to for after-work drinks that turn into dinner.

Why it is trending now

• Diners are chasing provenance and sustainability, and this bar puts that front and center.
• It keeps popping up on social feeds for its photogenic cocktails and charcuterie.
• Office workers and visitors are rediscovering the CBD, pushing steady new reviews.

Best for: Long, chatty catch-ups, pre-theatre drinks, and anyone who wants their cocktail to tell a local story.

Tip: Book a bar seat near the windows for golden hour, then slide into the restaurant if you get food envy.

Black Kite Commune - Low-lit, high-character hideaway

Black Kite Commune is one of those bars that feels like you were let in on a secret. With a 4.6 rating and a rising growth score, it is building cult status rather than chasing mass crowds.

Inside, it is all mood lighting, vinyl or curated playlists, and bartenders who remember your second drink. The cocktail list tends to rotate, with inventive signatures sitting alongside well-executed classics.

Why it is trending now

• Word-of-mouth is strong, and recent reviews highlight the intimate vibe and detailed service.
• It fits the current Melbourne mood: smaller rooms, serious drinks, and no attitude.
• Locals are choosing it as a date-night staple, which keeps repeat visits high.

Best for: Date nights, small groups, and people who care more about the playlist and the pour than the photo op.

Tip: Ask for an off-menu twist on your favorite classic. The team here is confident with custom builds.

Gimlet - Grand hotel glamour, Melbourne style

Gimlet has become a modern classic in the CBD, and its 4.6 rating with a big review base proves it. Despite already being well known, its growth score shows it is still pulling in new fans and staying on must-visit lists.

Set in a grand heritage building, Gimlet mixes old-world hotel bar glamour with sharp, contemporary cocktails. Think martinis, spritzes, and aperitivo-style drinks, backed by a serious wine list and an open kitchen that turns out polished snacks and plates.

Why it is trending now

• It is a go-to recommendation for visitors, which keeps fresh review numbers high.
• Social media loves the soaring ceilings and polished glassware.
• The bar program keeps evolving, so even regulars find something new.

Best for: Special occasions, impressive first dates, and pre- or post-theatre drinks where you want a bit of drama.

Tip: If you cannot snag a restaurant booking, aim for bar seats and build your night around cocktails and snacks.

Nick and Nora's Melbourne - Playful, cinematic cocktails

Nick and Nora's Melbourne leans hard into theatrical drinking. With a 4.5 rating and one of the highest recent review counts in this list, it is clearly on a hot streak.

Expect a glamorous, slightly noir-inspired interior, champagne towers, and cocktails that arrive with smoke, bubbles, or a wink. The menu is long but well-structured, making it easy to find something whether you like spirit-forward sips or fruity showstoppers.

Why it is trending now

• It is tailor-made for celebrations and big nights out, so it keeps popping up in birthday and hens plans.
• The dramatic presentation plays perfectly on TikTok and Instagram.
• New visitors keep dropping reviews, pushing its growth score up.

Best for: Group celebrations, pre-club drinks, and anyone who loves a bit of spectacle in their glass.

Tip: Book ahead for weekend nights and consider a set cocktail experience if you have indecisive friends.

Siglo - Classic rooftop with late-night charm

Siglo is a Melbourne rooftop institution with a 4.1 rating and a loyal fan base. While it is not the newest kid in town, its growth score and recent reviews show it is still very much part of the citys late-night circuit.

The appeal is simple: open air, views over Parliament and the city skyline, white tablecloths, and a Euro-leaning drinks list. You can grab a Negroni or a glass of wine, settle into a metal chair, and watch the city drift by below.

Why it is trending now

• Rooftop energy is back in a big way, especially on warm nights.
• People are revisiting classic venues that feel timeless rather than themed.
• Its central location makes it an easy final stop after dinner or a show.

Best for: Late-night conversations, low-key dates, and out-of-towners who want a classic Melbourne rooftop moment.

Tip: Arrive early on warm evenings. The space fills quickly when the weather cooperates.

How to use this guide

These five bars sit at the sweet spot of quality, atmosphere, and current buzz. Use this list to plan:

• A progressive bar crawl across the CBD and nearby neighborhoods
• A short hit list for a weekend in Melbourne
• Different vibes for different nights, from quiet dates to big celebrations

MapsBuddy tracks review momentum, ratings, and local chatter so you can find spots that are taking off right now, not last seasons leftovers. Save these bars, build a shortlist, and let the city do the rest.