When Bar Bellamy opened in 2023, it was intended to be a relaxed neighbourhood cocktail bar. It’s since morphed into something entirely more ambitious. In addition to being considered one of Melbourne’s best bars, it’s also become one of the city’s favourite restaurants.

Melitta Next Door, which, as the name suggests, sits right beside Bellamy, hearkens back to the original brief. It’s somewhere that’s intended to be affordable enough for regular weeknight visits – not just weekend special occasions.

Prices are kept down largely thanks to pre-batched cocktails. The freezer section is home to three Martinis: a Direct Martini, a Dirty one and a riff on an Espresso Martini. The esky section includes longnecks and other drinks, such as Boyle’s tequila-based Ranch Water cocktail and Passioncello Spritz (vodka, passionfruit and preserved lemon). And everything from the tap is $14. Options include Fin Wines from the Yarra Valley, a Cynar Spritz and the Meli-To, the bar’s take on a Milano Torino. The Campari and sweet vermouth combo is the base for many cocktails, and can be easily upgraded to an Americano, Perfect Americano, Negroni or Negroni Sbagliato.

The drinks are matched with a Mediterranean barbecue menu from Lorena Corso. The former Napier Quarter and Estelle chef leans into her Sicilian heritage and experience in restaurants in the UK and Australia. Expect a tapas-inspired affair with lots of skewers, stuffed squid and panelle (Sicilian chickpea fritters).