The Fifth Wine Bar

Running a small business is a bit like raising a child. Husband-and-wife duo Kirsty and Brian Davies had already raised four by the time they opened this boutique wine bar. So they decided to embrace it as their Fifth.

Inside the moody space you can settle into a green velvet booth, or perch at the bench and watch City Loop trains pass. It’s best to come peckish – the concise menu involves small plates like pate and free-range pork meatballs (with fennel and generous parmesan) from City Larder. To share, try the terrine with sweet baby figs, cornichons, mustard and sourdough.

The wine list has over 60 bottles from across Victoria and Europe. There’s the fruity Selon Letang Chenin Blanc from France, or full-bodied options like a McLaren Vale tempranillo. As well as crowd-pleaser cocktails like the Espresso Martini and Negroni there are fun house mixes. Try the Heaven on Hall Street with vodka, maraschino cherry syrup and citrus.