Following its winter hibernation, Melbourne's OG floating bar and restaurant has returned for its ninth season on the Yarra. Previously, Arbory Afloat was decked out in the style of Mexico's tropical Yucatan Coast — but this year, it's taking inspo from the sun-drenched beach clubs of Italy.
Brought to you by the team at Arbory Bar and Eatery, the 69-metre pop-up has been rebirthed as Afloat Capri: a lush tribute to the isles of Capri, Ischia and Procida, as well as the neighbourhood seaside villages on the Amalfi Coast and the Gulf of Naples. The bright and colourful on-water oasis will celebrate all things classic Italian design – think striped umbrellas, lemon trees, pastel-hued walls with custom illustrations and ceramic planters. If the success of past seasons is anything to go by, Melburnians are in for a treat.
Visitors will be impressed by the brand new undercover dining area on the lower deck. Drawing inspiration from Capri’s waterside beach clubs and restaurants, the space seats up to 75 guests and is equipped with large tiled tables, banquette seating, a curved ceiling, porcelain tiled joinery, Le Sirenuse-inspired curved back chairs and steel-framed mirrors by local artist Luke Price.
The menu is loaded with crowd-pleasing favourites, including pizza, pasta, panini, antipasti and seafood platters to share. When it comes to the drinks, the focus is on citrus flavours and aperitifs – ideal for all-day sessions. With a dedicated Spritz section, more than 30 different Negronis and a selection of frozen cocktails made using Pidapipo gelato, there's truly something for everyone. Oh, and you know the Limoncello will be flowing.
In the coming weeks, Afloat’s Aperol pool bar and deck will be open for swimming, along with the venue’s second storey and aptly named Peroni Capri upper terrazza. You can also expect a daily line-up of Melbourne's finest DJs, playing midday until late.
Afloat Capri is now open from 11am until late every day, for both bookings and walk-ins. Find out more via the website.