Southbank is one of Melbourne’s easiest dining areas to plan around because the suburb does more than one job. It is a riverside destination for long lunches, a pre-theatre hub for the Arts Centre and NGV, a steakhouse and seafood precinct, a casual drinks spot, and a reliable place for visitors who want dinner with city views. Along the Yarra River, Southbank Boulevard, Southgate and St Kilda Road, you can find restaurants that work for date nights, birthdays, after-work drinks, pre-show meals, business dinners and relaxed weekend catch-ups.
This guide focuses on five Southbank restaurants worth knowing: Left Bank Melbourne, Yarra Botanica, The Meat & Wine Co Southbank, Waterfront and The Barre. Each one suits a different kind of occasion, from cocktails by the river and floating-bar snacks to premium steak, seafood platters and pre-theatre dining.
1. Left Bank Melbourne
Left Bank Melbourne is one of Southbank’s most recognisable riverside venues. Set beside the Yarra near Crown Melbourne, it brings together restaurant dining, cocktails, events and late-night energy in one large venue. Its official site describes it as a Southbank restaurant, cocktail bar and function venue, with dining by the Yarra built around fresh, seasonal and local ingredients.
The appeal of Left Bank is flexibility. It can work as a dinner venue, a cocktail bar, a birthday spot, a group booking, a corporate function or a late-night Southbank meeting point. That makes it especially useful in this part of Melbourne, where people often want one venue that can handle food, drinks and a longer night out.
The food direction is modern Australian with a social feel. Think share plates, mains, drinks-friendly dishes and a menu designed to sit comfortably beside cocktails and riverside views. It is not a quiet hidden restaurant; it is a busy Southbank venue for people who want atmosphere as much as food.
Left Bank is best for group dinners, cocktails, birthdays, after-work drinks, riverside dining, functions and nights when you want the restaurant to feel lively from the moment you arrive.
Address: Riverside of No. 1 Southbank Boulevard, Southbank
Left Bank Melbourne Menu
Oysters
Natural Oysters
prosecco shallot mignonette
Baked Oysters
salami paste, cowboy butter
Appetisers
Flatbread
cold pressed olive oil, aged balsamic
Taramasalata
salmon roe, dill, flatbread
Small Plates
Arancini
butternut pumpkin, smashed peas, gorgonzola, garlic aioli.
Tokyo Drift
wagyu beef patty, brioche bun, chilli onion relish, Jarlsberg, pickles, shoestring fries served wild garlic, peppercorn sauce
BBQ Baby Pork Ribs
apple, fennel, coriander salad
Fried Calamari
pickled octopus, green harissa, preserved lemon aioli
Croquettes
cauliflower macaroni, salsa romesco, shaved manchego.
Grilled King Prawns
honey habanero, pickled onion, salsa fresco
Salads
Chicken Caesar
buttermilk chicken, cos lettuce, anchovies, bacon crumb, shaved parmesan, Caesar dressing
Roasted Veggie Bowl
chickpeas, red onion, sweet potato, broccoli, mustard tahini dressing
Super Green
kale, edamame, pear, avocado, mustard
Large Plates
Seafood Spaghettini
prawns, squid, clams, cherry tomato, chilli, garlic, white wine
Gnocchi
roasted tomato, smoked stracciatella, black garlic, basil oil
Crispy Skinned Barramundi
cavolo nero, potato, citrus beurre blanc, caviar
Charred Cauliflower & Broccoli
cashew saffron sauce, pickled raisins, pine nut, shaved coconut salad
Roasted Chicken Breast
confit potato, chorizo & quinoa salad, jus gras.
Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder
whipped potato purée, baby carrots, salsa verde, port jus
Wild Mushroom Risotto
black trumpets, golden chanterelles, truffle butter, house whipped ricotta
250gm MB +2 Scotch Fillet
potato purée, charred asparagus, pearl onion, peppercorn sauce
Burgers
AVAILABLE FROM 12PM - 4PM MIDWEEK ONLY
Buttermilk Chicken Breast Burger
Sriracha honey glaze, green scallion slaw, kimchi mayo
Wagyu Beef Burger
wagyu beef patty, grilled onion, tomato, Jarlsberg, pickle, mustard aioli
Mushroom & Halloumi Burger
portobello mushrooms, chilli onion jam, green goddess
Pinsa Romana Pizza
Pomodoro
san marzano tomato, garlic, basil, fior di latte
Chicken Pesto
lemon herb chicken, tomato, capsicum, cashew pesto, marinated feta
Veg Capricciosa
wild mushrooms, tomato, fior di latte, artichoke, olives, burrata
Pistachio Pesto
grilled eggplant, roasted capsicum, fior di latte, smoked scamorza
Pumpkin
sage, chorizo, caramelised onion, cherry tomato, goat’s feta
Salumi
sopressa salami, cotto ham, spiced sausage, San Marzano tomato, fior di latte
Sides
Thick Cut Chips
with tomato ketchup, garlic aioli
Broccolini
wild garlic, chilli, bok choy, sesame vinaigrette
Desserts
Bread & Butter Pudding
vanilla bean custard, fig & mascarpone ice cream
Chocolate Soufflé
pistachio cream, hazelnut ice cream
Lemon Meringue Pie
honeycomb, berry gelato
2. Yarra Botanica
Yarra Botanica is one of Southbank’s most distinctive places to eat and drink because it is a two-level floating bar and eatery on the Yarra River. The venue celebrates seasonal Victorian produce and locally made drinks, which gives it a stronger local identity than a standard riverside bar.
This is the place to choose when the setting is part of the meal. Yarra Botanica works for casual drinks, snacks, weekend catch-ups, relaxed dates and group bookings where people want views, fresh air and a more playful Southbank experience. It is not about a formal three-course dinner; it is about easy food, local drinks and the feeling of being right on the river.
The food is designed for sharing and grazing. The venue’s own description focuses on seasonal food, local suppliers and Victorian drinks, which makes it a good fit for casual meals where the table might order snacks, pizzas, small plates, spritzes, wine or beer and settle in for the view.
Yarra Botanica is best for riverside drinks, casual dates, group catch-ups, sunny afternoons, snacks, local Victorian drinks and Southbank visitors who want something more memorable than a regular bar.
Address: North of 4 Riverside Quay, Lower Wharf, Southbank Promenade, Southbank
Yarra Botanica Menu
Cold Snacks
Mount Zero Olives
anise myrtle, citrus, chilli, EVOO (VE, GF) | Grampians
Rainbow Trout Donut
cucumbers, culture cream, Yarra Valley caviar | Yarra Valley
Stoneground Sourdough Flatbread
Warrigal pesto, romesco, hung yoghurt, macadamia (VE*, GF*) | King Valley
Hand Stretched Burrata
rosella, green tomato, basil, jalapeno (V, GF) | Gippsland
Smoked Barramundi Tartare
yolk, mustard, potato chips, bay (GF, DF) | Wyndham
Cured Murray Cod
cultured goat milk, mandarin, lemon myrtle, betel leaf oil (GF) | Murray Darling Basin
Aussie Pork Terrine
fermented tomato chutney, house pickle, wattle cracker | Otways
Portarlington Mussels
nduja, real garlic aioli, curry leaf, pizza fritto dippers (GF*) | Bellarine Peninsula
Hot Snacks
Hot Chips
vinegar salt, mayo (GF, V, VE*) | Central Highlands
Crispy Mushrooms
mushroom XO, koji mayo (VE, GF*) | Gippsland
Honey Chicken
fried chicken ribs, honey buttered hot sauce, pickles | Lilydale
Tempura Whiting
ronin kelp soy caramel, pink grapefruit, finger lime | Port Phillip Bay
Lakes Entrance Calamari
native spiced salt, confit garlic, lemon (GF, DF) | Lakes Entrance
Halloumi
new season fig, Bad Bees honey, mountain pepper (V, GF) | Yarra Valley
Chorizo
salt bush, lemon, hung yoghurt, dill oil, wattle sourdough (GF*) | Brunswick
Half Shell Scallops (2)
lemon aspen butter, dill oil, salted roe | Port Phillip
Fried Fish Sandwich
Stomping Ground beer battered rockling, steamed thick white bread, chunky tartare, whole Dillicious pickle | Lakes Entrance
Sourdough Pizza
Our 90-hour sourdough pizzas are made with love, using Aussie stoneground flour, water, pink river salt from Mount Zero. Pizzas come topped with quality soft cheese from our mates at That’s Amore Cheese, meats from Salt Kitchen and plenty of fresh Victorian vegetables. All plant-based pizzas can be made vegan with plant-based cheese from our friends at Domana. Gluten friendly bases +2
Classic Tomato
That’s Amore Fior di Latte, scamorza, tomato, basil (V, VE*, GF*) | Yarra Valley
Seafood
Murray cod belly, scallop, calamari, tomato, chilli, mozzarella, basil (GF*) | Coastal Victoria
Western Plains Pork & Fennel Sausage
Bad Bees honey, radicchio, ricotta (GF*) | Yarra Valley
Kent Pumpkin
Meredith’s goat cheese, Warrigal greens pesto, mozzarella, candied walnuts (V, VE*, GF*) | Meredith
Prosciutto
fresh fig, sugo, mozzarella (GF*) | Ballarat
Wattle Bank Farm Oyster Mushroom
smoked mozzarella, radicchio (V, VE*, GF*) | Wattle Bank
Grazing by the Meter
Local Cheese Board
la’ artisan wash rind, Gippsland shadows of blue, Meredith goat cheese, aged farmhouse cheddar, house chutney, wattle crackers, sourdough, fruit (V)
Victoria Seafood Board
pickled Portarlington mussels, rainbow trout pastrami, smoked fish sausage, cold smoked barramundi, octopus terrine, sourdough, butter, flat bread
Charcuterie Board
mortadella, prosciutto, pork terrine, chorizo, bread and butter pickles, sourdough, butter, chutney, Mount Zero olives
The Sweet Stuff
Hemp Soft Serve Ice Cream
Cone 6 | Cup 7
Hemp Soft Serve Ice Cream
Cone 6 | Cup 7
Selection of Signature Snacks
SELECTION OFSIGNATURESNACKS ? 50PP
Mount Zero Olives
mixed mount zero olives marinated in citrus zest, chilli & garlic
Lightly Toasted Sourdough Bread
served with butter and olive oil
Mini Buratta
roast beet root, sunflower seed,orange & honey dressing,lemon myrtle
Cured Juniper Tuna
cured tuna,native agua chilli,finger lime, chili oil
Crispy Halloumi
lemon aspen,pickled pear,honey, mountain pepper
Fried Chicken
buttered hot sauce,pickles & aioli
Selection of Pizzas
Classic Cocktails
Amaretto Sour
White Possum Amaretto, lemon, aquafaba
Classic Caipiroska
Grainshaker Vodka, lime
Spiced Rum Mojito
JimmyRum Barbados, mint, lime, soda
Old Fashioned
Starward Two-Fold Bourbon, bitters, orange
Signature Cocktails
Lemon Myrtle Drop
Limoncello, Grainshaker Vodka, lemon myrtle
Wattleseed Espresso Martini
Boston Black, Grainshaker Vodka, Billson’s coffee liquor, wattleseed
Blood Orange Negroni
Marionette Bitter, The Melbourne Gin Company Gin, Maidenii Sweet Vermouth, blood orange
JimmyRum Rita
JimmyRum Silver, Marionette Orange Curacao, Grampians Pink Lake Salt, lime
Spritz
SINGLE / CARAFE
Marionette Spritz
Our Victorian version of Aperol Spritz Marionette Spritz, Marionette Bitter Curacao, prosecco
Grainshaker Grapefruit Spritz
Grainshaker Vodka, pink grapefruit, sparkling wine, soda
Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Spritz
Four Pillars Shiraz gin, prosecco, lemon, soda
Davo Plum Spritz
Autonomy Davo Plum Aperitivo, prosecco, Etch Sparkling Sweet Orange & Quandong
Peculiar Pepperberry Spritz
Billson’s Alfred Peculiar gin, grapefruit, pepperberry, prosecco, soda
Ginger & Mango Spritz
Anther Gin, ginger, mango, lemon myrtle, sparkling wine, soda
Seltzers
Wolf of the Willows Aqua Boogie Pineapple Mango 4% ABV
Mordialloc, VIC
Wolf of the Willows Aqua Boogie Ginger Lime 4% ABV
Mordialloc, VIC
Moon Dog Fizzer Raspberry Sorbet 4% ABV
Preston, VIC
Moon Dog Tropical Crush 4% ABV
Preston, VIC
Tap Beer
SCHOONER / PINT
Fixation IPA | 6.4% ABV | Collingwood, VIC
SCHOONER / PINT
Fixation IPA | 6.4% ABV | Collingwood, VIC
SCHOONER / PINT
3. The Meat & Wine Co Southbank
The Meat & Wine Co Southbank is one of the suburb’s strongest choices for steak, wine and occasion dining. Located in Freshwater Place, the restaurant occupies a multi-level space overlooking Queensbridge Square, the city skyline and the Yarra River. The official restaurant page describes it as a warm, three-level steakhouse with African-inspired design, premium steaks, seafood, vegetarian dishes and an extensive drinks list.
This is the place to book when you want dinner to feel substantial. Steak is the main reason many people come here, but the restaurant also works for groups where not everyone wants the same thing. Seafood, salads, sides, vegetarian options, cocktails and wine help make it broader than a meat-only restaurant.
The setting also matters. Southbank is full of venues with views, but The Meat & Wine Co has the polished steakhouse feel that suits birthdays, anniversaries, client dinners, family celebrations and date nights. It is more of a planned dinner than a quick drop-in, and that is part of its role in the area.
The Meat & Wine Co Southbank is best for premium steak, wine, special occasions, business dinners, birthdays, private dining and anyone who wants a dependable Southbank restaurant with a more upscale feel.
Address: 3 Freshwater Place, Queensbridge Square, Queensbridge Street, Southbank
The Meat & Wine Co Southbank Menu
Starters
BREAD (V) (VG)
SCALLOP CEVICHE
TASTING PLATE (SERVES 3-5)
Mains
MAIN SZECHUAN CALAMARI
BOEREWORS
PORTUGUESE CHICKEN SKEWER
BEEF SKEWER
Ribs
RIBS BEEF
RIBS PORK
Sides
CRUNCHY CHIPS
MASH
CAULIFLOWER MAC CHEESE
BEEF DRIPPING POTATOES
BROCCOLINI
TOMATO SALAD
FARM SALAD
GREEK SALAD
BROCCOLINI SALAD
ROASTED HARISSA CAULIFLOWER
Steaks
RUMP EYE 200G
RIB EYE 300G
FILLET 300G (MB2
NEW YORKER 350G (MB2
RIB EYE 350G (MB2
FILLET 200G
RIBEYE STEAK
RUMP EYE
WAGYU RIB EYE 300G MB6+
WAGYU RUMP 500G MB6+
Dessert
STICKY DATE PUDDING
APPLE RHUBARB CRUMBLE
CHOCOLATE HAZELNUT FONDANT
CREME BRULEE
BISCOFF STICKY DATE
Drinks
DIET COKE 330ML BOTTLE
COCA COLA CLASSIC 330ML BOTTLE
SPRITE 330ML BOTTLE
COCA COLA ZERO 330ML BOTTLE
FANTA 330ML BOTTLE
AQUA PANNA
SAN PELLEGRINO
4. Waterfront
Waterfront Southgate is one of the clearest seafood choices in Southbank. Set in the Southgate precinct, it makes the most of its Yarra River position with a seafood, steak and grill menu designed for diners who want a classic Melbourne riverside meal.
The official site describes Waterfront Southgate as a seafood bar and grill with views of the Yarra River and Melbourne skyline. The menu leans into oysters, shellfish, seafood platters, fish, raw-bar dishes, steak and larger shared options. That makes it especially useful for people who want seafood to be the focus of the meal rather than just one option on a broad menu.
Waterfront is a strong choice for long lunches, seafood dinners, visitor meals, date nights, birthdays and celebrations where the view and setting matter. It also works well before or after city events because Southgate is central, walkable and easy to reach from Flinders Street, the Arts Precinct and the CBD.
Waterfront is best for oysters, seafood platters, steak, riverside dining, special occasions, business lunches and anyone who wants a polished Southbank seafood restaurant.
Address: Southgate Precinct, 20/3 Southgate Avenue, Southbank
Waterfront Menu
ENTREE
A La Carte
Boston Style Classic Clam Chowder
spring onion (GF)
Prawn & Scallop Chowder
(GF)
Crispy Ottaway Pork Belly
chilli caramel & kohlrabi (DF)
Waterfront Garlic or Chilli Lakes Entrance Prawns
jasmine rice
Port Lincoln Spiced Calamari
kohlrabi salad, chilli mayo
Portarlington Mussels Mariniere
white wine, cream garlic, parsley (GF)
Portarlington Mussels Sicilian Style Tomato
tomato, chilli & garlic (GF) (DF)
Canadian Scallop Skordalia
Greek garlic potato mash, watercress & lemon dressing (GF)
Handmade Pumpkin Ravioli with Mooloolaba Prawns
brunt butter, pine nuts & raisins
RAW BAR
Waterfront Market Sashimi
tuna, salmon, kingfish & prawn
Snow Roll
prawns, lobster mousse, crispy wonton
Hiramasa King Fish Carpaccio
jalapeno, fried shallot, sriracha, white soy, yuzu puree
Black Angus Beef Tataki
mushroom butter, shiso ponzu, micro salad
Atlantic Salmon Tartare
bonito, salmon roe, tobiko, yuzu miso, mascarpone cream, horseradish, avocado puree
SOOYOUNG'S PLATTER
Sampler Plate
kingfish carpaccio, beef tataki, snow roll, shucked oysters, cocktail prawns
W F • S I G N A T U R E • P L A T T E R S
Sooyoung's Platter
Sampler Plate kingfish carpaccio, beef tataki, snow roll, shucked oysters, cocktail prawns
Sooyoung's Chilled Platter
King prawns, Moreton Bay bugs, mussels, Shark Bay scallops, shucked oysters, sashimi & Japanese pickles
Waterfront's Classic Deluxe Platter
Australian King prawns, Moreton Bay bugs, crispy fried fish, mussels, spiced calamari, kilpatrick, steamed baby brocollini, chef's selection of sauces
Signature Hot Seafood Platter
SA King Prawns, Moreton Bay bugs, WA lobster mornay, crispy fried whole baby fish, scallops in shells, mussels, clams, spiced calamari, kilpatrick oysters, baby brocollini & chef's selection of sauces
SHELL•FISH
Mooloolaba King Prawns
garlic butter / lemon chilli butter & baby brocollini
Mooloolaba King Prawns
garlic butter / lemon chilli butter & baby brocollini
Moreton Bay Bugs
garlic butter & baby brocollini
Moreton Bay Bugs
garlic butter & baby brocollini
Southern Australia Rock Lobster
Half/ Whole
Char-grilled, lemon garlic butter
Mornay
Chilled
Sashimi
FISH SELECTIONS
Whole King George Whiting
baked in pastry, stuffed with mushrooms, beurre blanc (GF)
Bass Strait 700gm Whole Baby Snapper
baked, garnished with Asian style dressing
Queensland, Daintree Farm 600gm Whole Steamed Barramundi
south east Asian master broth
Char-grilled Butterflied Whole Rock Flathead
lemon, extra virgin olive oil, oregano (GF)
Tasmanian South Coast Blue Eye Fillet
spiced chickpeas, pipes, tomatoes, caper salsa
Pan Seared Atlantic Salmon Fillet
pea puree, grilled asparagus
Northern Territory Grilled Barramundi Fillet
Romesco, green beans, almonds, olives (GF)
South Australian Hapuka Fillet
Mooloolaba prawns, lobster bisque & roasted potatoes (GF)
Side of Grilled Bass Strait Baby Snapper
beurre blanc, fennel, orange salad & Yarra Valley salmon roe
Tasmanian South Coast Grilled Blue Eye Fillet
XO butter, green beans
Miso Glazed 'Glacier 51' Tooth Fish
Asian green
MAINS
Waterfront's Crispy Battered Fish Fillet
french fries, house tartare, 3 leaf salad
Waterfront Classic Seafood Linguine
mussels, clams, prawns, calamari, fish, cherry tomatoes, chilli, garlic, parsley, mascarpone
Atlantic Salmon Wellington
leek, caviar beurre blanc, carrot & ginger puree, herbs
Moreton Bay Bug Risotto
chorizo, peas, tomatoes & basil (GF)
Line Caught Snapper & Leek Pie
white wine, truffle, paris mash, char-grilled tomato
Western Australia Crispy Whole Snapper Red Curry
jasmine rice, cauliflower, coriander, crispy shallot (DF)
Chargrilled Bannockburn Free Range Chicken
caramelized leeks, walnuts, thyme & asparagus (GF)
Roasted Cauliflower
roasted Harissa spiced cauliflower, hummus, salsa verde, crispy chickpea
Vegan Gnocchi
roasted cherry tomatoes, olives, capers, basil
½ Live Southern Rock Lobster
oven roasted on saffron rice & rouille (GF)
WOOD GRILL
300g Potoro MBS4+ Porterhouse
150 days grass fed
250g Black Angus MSA Eye Fillet
gourmet, grain fed, Southern Ranges
300g Gippsland Black Angus Scotch Fillet
150 days grain fed
400g Black Angus Rib Eye
full bone, grain fed, Certified Australian Black Angus
300g Wagyu Striploin +MBS 6-7 (Porterhouse)
Westholme, Queensland | Certified Wagyu
250g Wagyu Scotch Fillet +MBS 8-9
Westholme, Queensland | Certified Wagyu
1.5kg Tomahawk
Black Angus/NSW, grain fed 200 days All steaks are served with a petite herb salad
Riverina Premium Lamb Lack
wood chargrilled, rosemary garlic potatoes salsa verde
SIDES & SALADS
Roasted Pumpkin & Sweet Potato
yogurt sauce, roasted pepitas (GF)
Green Beans
XO butter
Honey Glazed Baby Carrots
hazelnuts (GF) (DF)
Potato Gratin
cabbage & parmesan (GF)
Paris Mash
(GF)
Cos, Butter Lettuce & Radicchio Salad
with burnt honey vinaigrette (GF) (DF)
Iceberg Wedge Salad
blue cheese, bacon & cherry (GF)
Waterfront ala Greco Salad
fetta cheese, olives, cherry tomatoes & cucumber (GF)
Rocket Salad
roasted beetroots, walnuts & shaved parmesan (GF)
French Fries
aioli (DF)
DESSERT
Dessert
Waterfront's Sticky Date Pudding
salted caramel sauce, vanilla ice cream
Passionfruit Pavlova
mascarpone mousse, passionfruit
Belgian Chocolate Fondant
chocolate soil, raspberyy puree, Vanila Ice cream
Ferrero Rochser
flourless choc sponge, hazelnut mousse, liquid Frangelico centre
Bombe Alaska
for 2 Gaytime Ice cream
Millie Feuille
white chocolate, pistachio, raspberry
Assiette of Cheese
Chef's Selection Cheese, quince, lavosh, dried fruit & nuts
Affogato
(GF)
Espresso, vanilla ice cream
add liqueur
YOUNG • DINER
Grilled Porterhouse Steak
chips & baby carrots
Fish & Chips
Crispy Calamari & Chips
Spaghetti Tomato Sauce & Parmesan
Prawn & Avocado Cucumber Sushi Roll
Kids' Dessert
Vanilla Ice Cream Stawberries & Chocolate Topping
5. The Barre
The Barre is the Arts Centre Melbourne dining option on this list, which gives it a very specific role in Southbank. Located on the ground level of the Theatres Building at 100 St Kilda Road, it is designed for pre-show dining, post-show drinks, happy hour and relaxed meals around Melbourne’s arts precinct.
The venue’s own listing says The Barre is open seven days from 4pm until late, with earlier opening on matinee performance days. That tells you exactly how to use it: before a show, after a performance, or as a polished meeting point near the Arts Centre, Hamer Hall, NGV and the river.
The food and drink style is modern Australian, with small and larger plates, cocktails, wine, beer and alcohol-free options. It is not trying to compete with Southbank’s big waterfront restaurants for long seafood lunches or steak dinners. Instead, it is built around timing, convenience and atmosphere in the cultural centre of Melbourne.
The Barre is best for pre-theatre dining, post-show drinks, date nights around the Arts Precinct, happy hour, small plates, cocktails and anyone who wants a Southbank venue that understands performance-night timing.
Address: 100 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Theatres Building ground level
The Barre Menu
White
Rockbare ‘The Clare Valley’ Riesling, Clare Valley, SA 2023
15 65
Other Wine Co Pinot Gris, Adelaide Hills, SA 2024
75
Cloud Street Sauvignon Blanc, Multi Region, VIC 2024
12.5 60
Sticks Pinot Grigio, Yarra Valley, VIC 2022
15 70
Shaw + Smith ‘M3’ Chardonnay, Adelaide Hills, SA 2023
105
Catalina Sounds Chardonnay, Marlborough, NZ 2022
16.5 80
Cullen Dancing in the Sun SSB, Margaret River, WA 2024
79
Dal Zotto Pinot Biano, King Valley, VIC 2022
15 69
Yangarra Estate Blanc Rhone Blend, McLaren Vale, SA 2022
81
Rosé
Fringe Société Rosé, Multi Region, France 2023
14 65
Charles Joguet Chinon Rosé, Loire Valley, France 2021
88
Rameau d’Or Petit Amour Rosé, Provence, France 2022
15 70
Red
Rising Pinot Noir, Yarra Valley, VIC 2023
90
Rêverie Pinot Noir, Multi Region, France 2023
12.5 60
Tomfoolery ‘Young Blood’ Grenache, Barossa Valley, SA 2022
86
Two Hands ‘Sexy Beast’ Cabernet Sauvignon, McLaren Vale, SA 2023
17 89
La Boca Las Calles Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina 2023
13 60
Tar & Roses Shiraz, Heathcote, VIC 2022
13.5 65
Henschke ‘Henry’s Seven’ Shiraz Blend, Barossa Valley, SA 2022
96
Heathcote Estate Shiraz, Heathcote, VIC 2019
110
Te Mata Gamay Noir, Hawkes Bay, NZ 2023
79
Shaw + Smith Shiraz (1.5lt), Adelaide Hills, SA 2020
195
Dessert Wine
Chambers Rosewood Rutherglen Tawny, Rutherglen, VIC 2015
55
Rieslingfreak No.7 Fortified Riesling (375ml), Clare Valley, SA NV
85
Aperitifs
30ml
Campari, Italy
Aperol, Italy
Pimms, England
Pernod, France
Lillet Blanc, France
Maidenii Dry Vermouth, Australia
Bread & Snacks
Sourdough
charred capsicum, almond dip VG
Grilled flatbread
mint hummus VG
Gluten-free bread roll
butter GF, VG
Charcuterie
Cured & smoked meats
giardiniera, boysenberry & apple jam GFO
Small
Oyster
green apple mignonette, lemon GF
Gochujang-glazed fried chicken
kimchi slaw, sliders (2) GFO
Kingfish sashimi
ginger, finger lime ponzu, sea herbs GFO
Sundried tomato, feta arancini
pesto aioli V
Corn ribs
lime & jalapeno mayonnaise GF, VG
Large
Sri Lankan Balmain bug curry
coconut, tamarind, curry leaves, cumin rice GF
Fish of the day
GF MP
Egg pasta Norma
fried eggplant, tomato sugo, ricotta salata GFO, VG
Lamb rump
baba ghanoush, black garlic jus, bean sprouts GF
Chargrilled beef skirt steak
hara bhara chutney, caramelised onions, truss tomatoes GF
Salmon & crab
spinach, ricotta, lobster tuille, saffron hollandaise GFO
Cheese
Daily Australian cheese selection
GFO, V
Side
Kipfler potato salad
Dijon mayonnaise, chives GF, VG
Mixed green beans
lemon vinegar GF, VG
Zucchini
mint, garlic yoghurt, dukkha GF, VG
Summer arugula salad
feta, pecan nuts, date vinaigrette GF, VG
Fries
Cajun mayonnaise GF, VG
Desserts
Chocolate granola
frozen yoghurt, cherries GF, VG
Churros
salted caramel (to share) V
Crescent shortbread
white chocolate ganache, raspberries V
Sandwiches & Bagels
Ribbon sandwiches, served with potato crisps
Choice of: - Chicken & walnut - Egg, chive, mayonnaise (V)
Classic toasted bread
avocado, fresh tomato, lettuce, bacon (GFO)
Bagels
smoked salmon, chive sour cream, red onion, capers (2 per serve)
Share
Open face crusty bread
grilled marinated vegetables, virgin olive oil, vincotto (GFO, V)
Fries
chipotle sauce (GF, V)
Large
Roast beef with Yorkshire pudding
sweet potato mash, jus (GFO)
Chicken & leek pot pies
salad mix, balsamic vinaigrette
Beer battered fish
chips, salad, tartar sauce
Caesar salad
baby cos lettuce, bacon, chicken (GF)
Desserts
Classic opera cake
GF, V
Scones, jam & cream
V
French vanilla slice
10
Bread and Snacks
Olive baguette
zucchini relish dip VGO, GFO
Grilled flatbread
baba ghanoush, chives VG, GFO
Orange duck liver parfait
dark cherries, cornichon, rosemary leaves GFO
Charcuterie
cured & smoked meats, pickled vegetables, chilli jam GFO
Saganaki cheese with figs
orange blossom honey, lemon thyme V, GF
Small
Oysters
mignonette, lemon GF
Kingfish
with red chilli nahm Jim, salmon roe GF
Whipped cod’s roe
rice paper nori, caviar GF
Pumpkin arancini
basil pesto, pepitas salt VG
Fries
seaweed salt, wasabi mayo VG, GF
Garden salad
orange oil, Pecan, flowers VG, GF
Cheese
Daily Australian cheese selection
served with dried apricots, quince jelly, lavosh GFO
Desserts
New York style bailey’s cheesecake
strawberry and mint salad, mixed Berry tuille V
Chocolate pannacotta
raspberries and lemon balm salad, white chocolate deco GF
Signature Cocktails
Urban Garden
Patient Wolf gin, house made thyme cordial, cucumber, fresh lime juice, cracked pepper
Red Earth, Yellow Sun
Grainshaker rye vodka, chartreuse, pimms, herbal syrup, lemon
Reimagination
JimmyRum silver, lychee, quandong, citrus, rose water
Neuw Fashion
Starward Two-Fold whiskey, lillet blanc, cointreau, orange bitters
Classic Cocktails
Negroni
Patient Wolf gin, campari, sweet vermouth
Tom Collins
Patient Wolf gin, lemon, soda
Espresso Martini
Fellow vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso
Tommy’s Margarita
Tromba Blanco tequila, agave & lime
Old Fashioned Whiskey Cocktail
Starward whisky, orange bitters, wattleseed syrup
Beer on Tap 370ml
Mountain Goat Hazy Apple Cider
Mountain Goat Tasty Pale Ale
4 Pines Japanese Lager
Pirate Life South Coast Pale Ale
Asahi Superdry
Balter XPA
Beer by the Can
Pirate Life IPA 355ml
Spritz
Riot Citrus Spritz
Rosé, soda, botanicals, grape juice
Aperol Spritz
Aperol, orange, prosecco
Campari Spritz
Campari, orange, prosecco
Elderflower Spritz
St Germain, orange, mint, prosecco
Spritz by the Can
Moon Dog Summer Pash Seltzer
Alcohol-Free
Heaps Normal Quiet XPA
Heaps Normal Another Lager
Naked Yuzu Sake
Naked Margarita
Naked Classic G&T
Sparkling & Champagne
Munro Valley Sparkling Brut, VIC NV
Glass Bottle
Tar & Roses Prosecco, King Valley & Central Region, VIC NV
Glass Bottle
Delamere Sparkling Blanc de Blancs, Pipers Brook, TAS 2016
128
Days & Daze “Wild One” Pet Nat, Multi Region, VIC 2023
14 70
Taittinger Brut Reserve, Reims, France NV
30 150
Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs, Reims, France 2013
600
Bollinger Special Cuvee, Mareuil-sur-Ay, France NV
198
Final word
The best restaurants in Southbank Melbourne cover a useful mix of occasions. Left Bank Melbourne is the lively riverside restaurant and cocktail bar for groups, functions and nights out. Yarra Botanica is the floating bar and eatery for casual food, local drinks and Yarra views. The Meat & Wine Co Southbank is the premium steakhouse for wine, special occasions and business dinners. Waterfront is the Southgate seafood and grill restaurant for oysters, platters and riverside dining. The Barre is the Arts Centre Melbourne pick for pre-theatre meals, post-show drinks and modern Australian share plates.
Together, they show why Southbank remains one of Melbourne’s most useful dining areas: central, scenic, easy to reach and strong for everything from quick pre-show food to proper celebration dinners by the river.