Enterprising bars and restaurants around Melbourne are proving they can do more than just feed people, bolstering their menus with calendars of flamenco dancing, film screenings, dinner DJs and more.

When value for money is a top concern of cash-strapped consumers, offering a memorable night out is one way to convince them to leave the house.

Bianchetto bar in Kew turns into a movie theatre midweek, showing old Italian films such as La Dolce Vita. One week in to a seven-week program, the bar had sold 60 per cent of tickets, which come with a cocktail and food.

“It’s kind of like Gold Class,” says owner Joseph Vargetto. “Each table has a light and if you want service, you press it and it flickers on.”

He estimates that people spend twice the amount of the initial ticket price ($33) once they settle in and order another drink or two.

Bar Lourinha in the CBD recently added a Sunday lunch service, the first time it’s done so in 18 years. That prompted owners Jo Gamvros and Matt McConnell to think about what else they could offer on that day. A flamenco dancer was booked, and has since performed twice.

“People were happy, joyful and having a good time,” says Gamvros.

“I worked at [Fitzroy’s] Gypsy Bar in the ’90s and they had entertainment there weekly. That definitely left a mark on me.

“It’s about connecting to the customer in a different way,” she adds.

Vargetto says he’s seen people book tickets for the movie night from outside his usual customer base of Kew, Ivanhoe and Hawthorn.

“It’s not that we need to change, but I think we need to offer a great entertaining experience. We’re up against a movie, the theatre … and you can get great food anywhere in Melbourne,” he says.

Bianchetto

You’ve never been to a movie theatre this chic. Leather booths with studs, soft lighting and heavy velvet curtains bring instant romance, which is dialled up by the classic Italian films that are projected onto the dark walls of this Kew bar. On Wednesdays and Thursdays for the next five weeks, catch The Godfather (Part I), the original Italian Job and more, with lasagne, a cocktail, popcorn and dessert for your movie snacks ($33 including ticket).

Pro tip: The full program is available on the bar’s Instagram.

26-28 Cotham Road, Kew. Bookings via TryBooking.

Yum Sing House

On Wednesdays and Thursdays this restaurant-slash-karaoke bar, with a fitout inspired by Hong Kong’s mid-century heyday, offers a package of dinner and an hour of karaoke for just $60. The Dine and Sing deal includes three entrees, one main and rice, and you can choose from deep-fried silken tofu, siu mai and more for the entree, and larger plates such as fried barramundi or sticky pork cutlet.

Pro tip: Go on Wednesday if you also want to take advantage of $2 oysters.

22 Sutherland Street, Melbourne, yumsinghouse.com

Earth Angels

Music and creativity are part of the DNA of this warm and glowing wine bar on the doorstep of the city, thanks to owners Emanuel John and Sasha Chifura, who met working in the music industry a decade ago. A gallery space has just opened upstairs and, every Thursday from 7.30pm-9.30pm, house jazz band Angel Sound Ensemble plays in the restaurant. The ever-evolving menu incorporates Thai, Japanese and Euro influences, sometimes in a single plate.

Pro tip: When exhibitions are showing, there’s free entry to the gallery during dinner hours (6pm-11pm).

225-229 Victoria Street, West Melbourne, earthangels.bar

Bar Lourinha

One Sunday every month, this lively tapas bar kicks things up a notch, inviting local musicians, dancers and DJs to do their thing during a leisurely lunch service. So far, there’s been flamenco dancing and, for October, a collaboration with live music institution Cherry Bar is planned. More events to come – check social media for details.

Pro tip: There’s no extra charge for any of these special events on Sundays, and spots are always reserved at the bar for walk-ins.

37 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, barlourinha.com.au

Many Little

During winter, this Mornington Peninsula favourite shakes off the chill with a free monthly party in its courtyard featuring DJs, fire pits and Sri Lankan street food cooked in the open air. Called Hops and Hoppers, drinks include a custom rice lager designed to suit the bowl-shaped crepes known as hoppers, served with your choice of curry. There’s also chargrilled duck skewers with peanut curry sauce, and lamb shank lamprais (a parcel of rice, meat and other morsels). Next dates are September 6 and October 8.

Pro tip: Kids are looked after with butter chicken and roti.

Shop 2-5, 159 Shoreham Road, Red Hill South, manylittle.com.au

Rossi

A bowl of gnocchi and wine for $35 is a bargain in anyone’s books. Throw in live music and it’s time to pinch yourself. This glossy Greville Street hangout lures the midweek crowd with three different choices of gnocchi (wagyu beef ragu, carbonara or pumpkin and sage) and sounds from the likes of Jake Amy, and N’fa Jones and Sensible J as the dinner soundtrack. A glass of wine from Mitchelton Estate’s Preece label is included.

Pro tip: Until 6pm each day, Rossi offers an aperitivo hour with $9 spritzes and complimentary olives and crisps.

162 Greville Street, Prahran, rossi.bar

Warabi

What’s smoother than whispers of tuna sashimi cut moments before you take a bite? R&B and hip-hop records being spun right beside the sushi counter where the culinary magic happens. At Warabi, located inside the W Melbourne hotel, DJ Prequel will play every Thursday during September for a refreshing spin on the high-end omakase experience ($195 a head).

Pro tip: A cocktail made with Japanese gin, Ki No Bi, is included.

408 Flinders Lane, Melbourne. Bookings via Seven Rooms.

The Chapel

Shrugging off restrictive labels, this Windsor newcomer looks more like a club than a restaurant, although tables are set for dinner each night. Geared around sensory stimulation, the venue’s design features dark textured walls and custom lighting. DJs are programmed throughout the night, with music to match the hour: neo-jazz earlier in the evening, stepping up to hip-hop. The Mediterranean-inspired menu includes plates to share such as half-roasted cauliflower glazed with pomegranate.

Pro tip: The venue shares playlists of its favourite tracks, spanning reggae, soul and more, on its Spotify account, Chapel Radio.

113 Chapel Street, Windsor, thechapelwindsor.com.au