Where Chefs Eat: 27 Top Chefs on the Best Wine Bars and Restaurants for a Snack and a Glass

There’s no shortage of places to pop in for a snack and a glass of something in Melbourne. But in a city known for its wine bars, trying to decide where to go is no small task. To help narrow down the seemingly endless options, we’ve asked some of the city’s best chefs for their recs.

Kate Reid, Lune

“It would be hard for me to go past Apollo Inn. You can go to so many places in Melbourne for a good drink and snack, but Apollo Inn only has snacks – and delicious ones at that! If you want a full meal, you’re basically eating a meal of snacks – and I have no problem with that situation!”

Junda Khoo, Ho Jiak

“Embla is great for little bites and great wines. For me, I usually order the sausage, fish of the day and cheese platter. But what I particularly enjoy there is pretty much ordering what I feel like from the menu and leaving it to the team to pick the wine or cocktail that’ll go with the food.”

Nat Thaipun

“Henry Sugar. Especially on waste-free Mondays. There are happy-hour oysters, Negroni specials and a surprise bottle they crack open for fun. The wine list’s also bang-on.”

Hugh Allen, Vue de Monde and Yiaga

“Gimlet is a standout – even just sitting at the bar with a nice glass and some snacks, the atmosphere is great. Di Stasio Citta is another favourite, the snacks are excellent, and the team serves all day, which is a rare and welcome thing in Melbourne.”

Joane Yeoh, Kori Ice-Cream

“Auterra in Armadale is my sanctuary for unwinding with a drink and delightful snacks. Their impressive finger food menu pairs perfectly with a relaxing glass of wine.”

Andy Allen

“Reed House. Marky [Hannell] and Bec [Baker] are smashing it. I’d sit at the bar and hoe into a ramen egg and a Welsh rarebit crumpet, with any glass they’re pouring. Marky would chew my ear off while Bec keeps everything moving.”

Mo Zhou, Gaea

“Bijou is the perfect spot for one or two glasses with a few snacks. I love this place so much, I reckon I’d go there every day if I lived in the CBD.”

Eun Hee An, Moon Mart

“Napier Quarter is always a great idea. If the weather is nice, I like to take my dog Kong, sit outside and just relax.”

Andrew McConnell, Trader House

“Drink and snack must be Caretaker’s Cottage. On point, simple and always delicious drinks, food and vibe.”

Kay-Lene Tan, Yugen and Omnia

“Marion. I have been so many times and tried so many variations of the menu, and it has never disappointed. It’s the place I always bring my friends visiting from out of town. More flatbread, please.”

Giorgia McAllister Forte, Monforte

“Neighbourhood Wine is one of my locals and is great for a long lunchtime graze with wine. Chips are a must – with extra aioli.”

Mino Han, Alt and Time After Time

“Caretaker’s Cottage. It’s all about the vibe they provide. You can’t go wrong with the experience, and the quality of the cocktails is exceptional.”

Coşkun Uysal, Tulum and Kismet

“Omnia in South Yarra. It has such a beautiful atmosphere, and probably some of the best service and food in town. The snacks – like the tomato tart, Scotch egg and smoked ocean trout cigar – are incredible, especially with a saffron-infused Negroni.”

Jett Alexander, Osteria Ilaria

“Bar Bellamy, of course! Dani and Oska [Whitehart] are the best combination of fun and flair. Super talented stock of bartenders who also tend to the snacks. If you find yourself lucky (or brave) enough get a seat at the bar, definitely grab their devilled egg and a Picon Bière.”

Nornie Bero, Native Ingredients Every Day author

Builders Arms in Fitzroy. It’s one of those places that just gets it right: Great atmosphere, delicious snacks and a good drink list. It’s where you can settle in and really enjoy yourself.

Brigitte Hafner, Tedesca Osteria

“Mr Vincenzo's in Mornington is a wine-bar-ish restaurant that rose from the flames of the short-lived Colt Dining. The manager, Gilles, worked with us both at Tedesca and the Gertrude Street Enoteca, so it is always lovely to see his face and see what wines he’s discovered each week. Michael Kharsas’s food is delicious, too!”

Ross Lusted, Marmelo

“Suze in Fitzroy North. There’s a great wine list and small plates – it always feels fresh and familiar.”

Alejandro Saravia, Farmer’s Daughters

“City Wine Shop – oysters or beef tartare with a glass of wine. I love to sit outside and people-watch, I think it’s a quintessential Melbourne experience.”

John Rivera, Askal

“It’s hard to look away from Auterra in Armadale for a great flurry of snacks paired with some pretty awesome wines. Just say “Fuck it! We’re all in!” – it actually says that on the menu – and let them send you out a snack degustation that’ll floor you with flavour.”

Michael McAulay, Yiaga

“Without sounding like a philistine, can I say a pub? I spend most of my drinking time in Goldy’s Tavern in Collingwood or The Standard in Fitzroy.”

Scott Eddington, The Pinnacle and Arnold’s

“Bar Spontana in Brunswick for amazing cocktails and fiery snacks.”

Khanh Ong, George on Collins

“Hands Down in Fitzroy, the Martinis are the best!”

Ravi Presser, Ruzia’s

“Marion in Fitzroy is a great spot to perch yourself in the front window and watch the world go by while enjoying a crisp pinot gris, tuna crudo and some Sydney rock oysters. The service is super friendly and unpretentious.”

Esca Khoo, Tyga

“Auterra Wine Bar in Armadale. The snack game is so clever, it’s always just a delight to pick a random snack and then to pair it with a glorious glass of quality wine. It’s an interesting concept of snacks and vino, but I’m totally down for it!”

Hendri Budiman, Juni

“Rin Sura. It’s great for Thai-inspired drinks. Definitely get the spring rolls.”

Elias Salomonsson, Circl

“For me, a Sunday afternoon isn’t complete without stopping by Vinoshis in Ivanhoe East. It’s my local, and I love supporting what Yuri [Zinenko] and Jasmine [Wakely] have created. They’ve nailed the vibe – a great cheese and charcuterie selection, an amazing wine list and just a genuine, welcoming atmosphere. My partner Tahra and I always have the best time there.”

Stephanie Alexander, The Cook’s Companion author

“My own place. I always have some wine in the fridge and can rustle up a snack or two. We can choose to sit outside in the courtyard if the weather is balmy or inside if not and admire the gum trees through the windows.”