The Rooftop at Farmer's Daughters, CBD

The Farmers Daughters Deli has long been a providore fantasy for Melbourne foodies. The olive section alone is worth the trip and the restaurant was a no-brainer. But it's the newly refurbished rooftop space where you sip and sup under a living green canopy that has most excited. Wines are sourced primarily from the Gippsland region, they make a stellar cocktail (try the Sodabread Sour) and the share plates such as truffle fries are a sure-fire winner. Picture: Arianna Leggeiro.

Hotel Nacional, CBD

Hardware Lane has surely become the nexus not only of Melbourne's dining scene but possibly Australia if judging by creativity and coolness alone. The subtly lit succulent garden, adobe walls and terrazzo floors here complement a Mexican menu that is 100 per cent gluten free. There are nine margaritas to choose from, a pomelo punch that does just that and a deep beer, wine and cider offering. The menu is strongest, however, in its carefully collated tequila offering.

Picture: Michael Woods.

Fleet Rooftop Bar, CBD

After seeing what might happen if they transformed their level 22 suites into a pop up bar, Vibe has decided to make the switch permanent with a sophisticated subtly lit watering hole with a maximum capacity of 90 that is the highest bar on Flinders Street. Paul Kelly - not the Making Gravy one - designed the elegant space and we can think of worse places for an Aperol on a balmy Victorian evening. Picture: Tim Grey Photography.

Olympia, Oakleigh

Fewer cities around the world embrace their Greek heritage like Melbourne and you'll want to say yasou to this intimate breezy wine bar. All the sparklings, red, roses, orange, pet nats and whites you could ever want are present and beckoning. But if you're after a libation that's a bit different, may we suggest the Milos with  Milos 22 Gin, green apple, thyme vermouth, lemon, cane sugar and egg white.

Brewmanity, South Melbourne

Most breweries are a dressed up sheds under a flight path. Brewmanity does things differently. From its work with Fight MND to a sip and sweat pilates session, the vibes is delightfully off kilter. Add a three level space with top notch skyline views and needless to say excellent cans - we like the Bang On Hazy Mid - and you have the ideal location for an arvo sesh.

Johnny's Green Room, Carlton

One of the properties spearheading the Carlton revival and under the assured guidance of uber chef Karen Martini, Johnny's takes the feel of an Italian piazza bar and plonks it on a rooftop with enviable results. Cocktail maestro Matt Bax is behind the bar, there's live music and dj sets and oh my lord the burrata.

Picture: Arianna Leggiero.

Beverly, South Yarra

Some bars manage to make quirk sophisticated and this is one them. The marble counter, terrazzo floors and pastel artwork fit together like a perfectly balanced cocktail. Speaking of which, the Funky Kong with butter fat washed Johnnie Walker Black + Starward two-fold, high ester rum, mole and banana is simply sublime. Picture: Arianna Leggiero.

Morris House, CBD

It may be small in stature but this three-level is anything but dwarfed by the surrounding high rises when it comes to pared-back taste and a sparkling food and beverage offering. Watch the sun go down with a Pink Hibiscus Spritz or Pavlova Daiquiri and when you're feeling loose and happy make your way to the comedy club in the basemennt.

The Stolen Gem, CBD

The Stolen Gem Rooftop Bar & Terrace sits eight floors up with the perfect view over the iconic Bourke Street Mall. With its 270° degree views of Melbourne’s CBD skyline, this New York-style rooftop bar is one of the most picturesque rooftop bars in the city. Featuring a fully retractable roof and scrolling transparent windows, this cocktail bar is perfect for all seasons – rain, hail or shine.

QT Melbourne, CBD

Nestled amongst Melbourne's ever-expanding city skyline, quench your thirst while taking in the heart and soul of Melbourne from above. Take the lift to the top floor to mingle by the glowing Melbourne skyline. Rooftop at QT is where you stop for decadent drinking. A cheeky touch of sleek in the city. Under cosy winter awnings or hot summer starry nights, this is an all-seasons venue for intimate encounters or a silly soiree. Local liquids, that’s the spirit. The bartender will top you up with a touch of house-made tonic. 

Harlow Bar, Richmond

The new space has been designed to wrap around the building, giving you the ultimate spot to perch, sip and snack – with city views for days. The rooftop offers an epic new space for locals to gather, drink and watch sport on the in-built screens. 

Naked For Satan, Fitzroy

Make your way upstairs for authentic Basque country comfort food, complete with spectacular rooftop views of the city and distant Dandenong Ranges. Scour the drinks list for your choice of vodka, craft beer or Spanish rosé to accompany crispy quail and beans or slow-cooked cider beef cheek. 

Siglo, CBD

Found through the unmarked door of the Melbourne Supper Club and up the grand staircase. It's something of a Melbourne institution and well worth the climb. At the top of the stairs, beautiful wines, international beers and late-night snacks await – all with table service and views of the floodlit Parliament House and Melbourne's gorgeous Princess Theatre. 

Corner Hotel, Richmond

You're not a live music fan in Melbourne unless you've been to the Corner. With live music on many nights of the year and a perfect summertime rooftop beer garden, it's no wonder locals queue around the corner to get in.

Imperial Hotel, CBD

Renowned as a sports pub with an enviable Paris-end location, the Imperial reached new heights with the inspired decision to plonk a rooftop bar atop and make use of some commanding views of Parliament House. Cushioned benches and umbrellas create a comfy atmosphere, while the expansive wooden deck cries out for a flamenco-stomp back to the table.

Loop Rooftop Bar, CBD

Head up the stairs at Loop Project Space & Bar to a rooftop cocktail bar that knows it’s city, and its public, very, very well. Sip on a decadent signature cocktail or a hard ice tea in an exotic garden setting surrounded by panoramic views of the CBD.

Provincial Hotel, Fitzroy

Conveniently positioned amongst Brunswick Street’s dining, shopping and nightlife precinct, the Provincial Hotel is an iconic pub and rooftop bar in Fitzroy. Featuring unique décor and a shabby chic style, and boasting a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, the Provincial Hotel is the perfect place to have a drink with friends, enjoy a hearty meal from the contemporary menu or hold your next function or party. 299 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy

Written in conjunction with Visit Victoria

See also:

13 best things to do in the Melbourne CBD.

Best weekends away in Victoria

Where to find Melbourne’s best coffee