Al Fresco Dining In Melbourne

The sun is shining, and the weather is easy, so get outside at lunch and enjoy al fresco dining in Melbourne. With the views, company, food and fresh air, you just can’t beat it when summer arrives.

Father’s Office

The interior of this speakeasy bar and restaurant may be dimly lit in the evenings with solid wood furnishings, but the large wrap-around balcony is near perfect for eating under the summer sun. With a view of the surrounding city as you gorge on burgers and Buffalo wings, you could easily marvel at what’s around you until Happy Hour kicks off at 5pm.
249 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
fathersoffice.com.au

Republica

Where better to go al fresco than on St Kilda Beach? Indulge in freshly shucked oysters, beer battered barramundi and salted caramel parfait one of the outside tables at Republica, and accompany your meal with one of their gorgeous $17 cocktails. Outside tables, which are stood upon grass with a view of the beach, can’t be booked, so come early before they all get filled up with hungry – and lazy – diners.
10-18 Jacka Boulevard, Melbourne
www.republica.net.au

Union Dining Terrace

The al fresco terrace at Union Dining is just what you want when spring turns to summer. Offering a release from the streets below, it has its own separate bar from downstairs and even its own menu for casual dining. Share some onion rings, mussels and olives with friends, ask to see the dessert list and just while away the hours with a jug of Pimms or two. Open Wednesday – Sunday, give them a bell to avoid disappointment.
270-272 Swan Street, Richmond
www.uniondining.com.au

Ponyfish Island

Floating beneath Pedestrian Bridge in Southbank, Ponyfish Island is one of the most unique drinking and dining experiences in Australia, let alone Melbourne. Surrounded by the water of the Yarra River on all sides, there’s an interesting take on food to match the environment, including muesli jars, toast and subs, otherwise knows as sub-marines – ha.
Kiosk Southbank, Pedestrian Bridge, Southbank
www.ponyfish.com.au

Paco’s Tacos

Because Mexican food just tastes better outside in the sun, Paco’s Tacos has a beautiful, vibrant garden that you just don’t want to leave. All 6-inch tacos are $6 and come with a range of fillings and optional other stuff like nachos, guacamole and chilli almonds. Surrounded by grand corporate buildings, extra care has been taken to make the dining area leafy, spacious and relaxing.
Level 1 500 Bourke Street, Melbourne
pacostacos.com.au