Bartender Andy Chu cut his teeth at some of Melbourne’s best venues, including the Everleigh , Above Board , Black Pearl and Byrdi. One or Two is his first independent venture. It condenses his 11 years of experience into a 24-seat cocktail bar offering a handful of cocktails, and 50 small-batch whiskies. For him, it’s all about drinking less and drinking better.

Hidden down a cobblestone in Chinatown, the venue’s location is perfect for pre-dinner drinks. Its tranquil, Japanese-inspired dark wood interiors can offer patrons respite from the ever-bustling surrounds.

The cocktail list pairs traditional options with more adventurous drinks, like the milk tea-inspired Yin Yang Milk Punch. There’s also a few wildcards from rotating guest bartenders. That might be a Sichuan and beef stock-laced Bloody Maria from Lok Cheung of Hong Kong-based cocktail bar COA Hong Kong.

The whisky collection covers Japan, Scotland, Ireland, Australia and Chu’s home of origin, Hong Kong, available as flights or highballs. A few natural wines and independent beers are also available, plus sake and soju.