Our 11 top itinerary picks for a Melbourne getaway this summer

This restaurant is tiny – there's only room for six tables and a couple of narrow benches – but if you can manage to get a spot outside this summer, it's worth it. It's in a small bluestone building on the corner of Napier and Kerr Streets in Fitzroy. Leafy green street foliage, a killer, ever-rotating wine list and the bustle of locals will make you feel like you're in Paris. With lofty ceilings and huge windows, the space is bright and cosy; breezy yet comforting. Daily sandwiches and roast specials (bird, beast or fish) alongside snacks and salads make meals of any size an easy proposition. It's been a long-time Time Out favourite, go see why.

David Bailey’s famous portrait of Michael Caine dominates the ephemera-stacked bar at Gerald’s and, given the actor’s ability to remain cool as he ages, he is a worthy patron saint of this North Carlton stayer. The knee-knocking seating nods to the intimate neighbourhood bars of Europe as does the hand-scrawled menu that changes on a whim. This is the bar for aperitifs with a solid selection of vermouth, pastis and ouzo from all over the Continent to get the palate started.

Hot on the heels of Chris Lucas' Japanese project Tombo Den comes yet another venue from the prolific restaurant group. But this isn't just another flashy spot. Rather, it's the lifelong dream of the famous Melbourne restaurateur, and something he's been working on for close to a decade: a four-level French dining destination in the heart of the CBD called Maison Bâtard. Situated at a dreamily transformed heritage site on 23 Bourke Street, the ambitious maze of a venue features a two-floor restaurant, a late-night supper club in the basement and a chic rooftop terrace – perfect for taking in those city views under the stars.

Caretaker's Cottage, "probably" Victoria's smallest bar, has built a reputation that looms large. Being crowned the 21st best bar in the world on the 2024 World's 50 Best Bars list is just the tip of the highball iceberg when it comes to accolades under its belt. Whether it's a school night or not, customers spill out of the petite bluestone onto the concrete steps and nearby grassy patches. Inside, the vibe shifts. Step through the doorway, and it's like stepping into a house party, complete with a DJ spinning vinyl, warm lighting and long sheer curtains. The space seats just 25, and that's part of the magic. If you're among those lucky 25, you're treated to an intimate cocktail theatre.

Melbourne's late-night cocktail scene has made a much-needed (post-pandemic) comeback. A legendary after-dark watering hole has sashayde back into the fold – Guy Grossi's Arlechin, which had been closed since March 2022 due to staffing shortages. Tucked away snugly on Mornane Place in the heart of Melbourne's CBD, Arlechin is designed to transport its patrons to Italy with elegant pastas, share plates, Euro wines and a snazzy selection of cocktails.

Melbourne Place is one of the most talked-about openings in the city right now. It’s been a while since a new hotel created such a stir, but when you consider Melbourne Place’s long list of lures, it’s no surprise. Leading design firm Kennedy Nolan has spearheaded both the architecture and tastefully luxe fitout. Interior collaborators are a who’s who of internationally renowned creatives and makers. There’s also effortlessly glamorous Mid-Air on the rooftop – a Mediterranean-leaning restaurant and bar curated by hatted chef Nick Deligiannis. Acclaimed restaurateurs Ross and Sunny Lusted have swooped in on the ground floor to set up their suave Portuguese restaurant Marmelo, while subterranean cocktail bar Mr Mills slings cool drinks and hot snacks below until late.

Staying in Melbourne's city is fun, but if you want to explore other bits, Fitzroy is fab – think cute retro secondhand shops and buzzing cafés to vibey artist markets, and loads of pubs and bars. And The StandardX is our hotel pick. It’s bougie, but still artsy enough to feel like it belongs to Melebourne's Northside. The designers have taken inspiration from Fitzroy’s post-punk 'Little Band' scene of the late 1970s and early 1980s, paying homage to its music venues, street art and café culture – historic pulse points of this vibrant ’hood. The rooms are minimalistically designed, yet contain everything you need for your stay. The city views from our upper-storey Cozy King room were particularly lovely at dusk.