The Yarra River is the heart of Melbourne, dividing the city in two and serving as a natural divider between the city’s northern and southern neighbourhoods, even though no one is claiming that she is particularly attractive.
Rowers practise on the muddy waters below the Princes Bridge early in the morning. Countless city dwellers and MCG visitors tread its arcs on their way from the centre of town to the stadium. It’s so routine that we often fail to recognise her.
This summer, however, the Yarra’s edge has come back to life as people rediscover the joys of al fresco dining and establishments along its length find creative uses for once underutilised areas. We’ve toasted the news and reminisced here.
1. The Atlantic:
The Atlantic is a high-end seafood restaurant located in Crown Melbourne, along the Yarra River. It offers a fine-dining experience with an extensive selection of seafood dishes, including oysters, lobster, crab, and fish. The menu is designed to showcase the best of Australian and New Zealand seafood, with an emphasis on sustainable and ethically sourced ingredients. The restaurant also features a raw bar, where guests can enjoy freshly shucked oysters and other raw seafood specialties. The Atlantic has won numerous awards for its cuisine and service and is considered one of the top seafood restaurants in Melbourne.
2. Rockpool Bar & Grill:
Rockpool Bar & Grill is a renowned steakhouse located in Crown Melbourne, with stunning views of the Yarra River. The restaurant offers an elegant and sophisticated dining experience, with a menu that features some of the finest meats in Melbourne. The restaurant’s specialty is dry-aged beef, which is sourced from the best Australian producers and aged in-house for several weeks to enhance its flavour and tenderness. In addition to steaks, the menu also includes a range of other dishes, such as seafood, salads, and desserts. The restaurant’s wine list is extensive, featuring a wide selection of Australian and international wines, with a particular focus on red wines. With its impeccable service and luxurious setting, Rockpool Bar & Grill is a must-visit destination for steak lovers and foodies alike.
3. Eureka 89:
Eureka 89 is a fine dining restaurant located on the 89th floor of the Eureka Tower, offering stunning views of the Yarra River and Melbourne city skyline. The restaurant features a modern Australian menu with an emphasis on locally sourced and seasonal ingredients and offers both lunch and dinner service. The menu is complemented by an extensive wine list, featuring a range of Australian and international wines.
Eureka 89 offers a unique dining experience, with a 360-degree view of the city and the Yarra River. The restaurant’s interior is modern and elegant, with floor-to-ceiling windows that provide an unobstructed view of the city. In addition to the main dining room, the restaurant also features a private dining room that can accommodate up to 24 guests, making it an ideal venue for special occasions and corporate events.
Overall, Eureka 89 is a must-visit destination for foodies and those looking for a special dining experience with breathtaking views of Melbourne.
4. Pure South Dining:
Pure South Dining is a restaurant located on Southbank in Melbourne, with views overlooking the Yarra River. The restaurant is committed to using locally sourced and sustainable ingredients, showcasing the best of Australian produce. The menu features contemporary Australian cuisine, with a focus on seafood, but also includes dishes such as lamb, beef, and game.
Pure South Dining works closely with farmers and producers to source the highest quality ingredients, and the menu changes regularly to reflect the seasonality of the produce. The restaurant’s wine list is extensive, featuring a range of Australian and international wines, with a particular focus on Tasmanian wines.
The restaurant’s interior is modern and elegant, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. In addition to the main dining room, Pure South Dining also has a private dining room that can accommodate up to 40 guests, making it an ideal venue for special occasions and corporate events.
Overall, Pure South Dining is a great option for those looking for a high-quality dining experience that showcases the best of Australian produce in a beautiful setting overlooking the Yarra River.
5. Arbory Bar & Eatery:
Arbory Bar & Eatery is a popular bar and restaurant located along the banks of the Yarra River in Melbourne. The venue offers a relaxed and casual atmosphere, with plenty of outdoor seating to enjoy the views of the river and city skyline. The menu features modern Australian cuisine, with a focus on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.
The restaurant offers all-day dining, from breakfast through to dinner, and also features an extensive drinks menu, including cocktails, beers, and a wine list featuring Australian and international wines.
The interior of Arbory Bar & Eatery is modern and stylish, with an industrial-chic vibe. The outdoor seating area is a highlight, with comfortable seating and umbrellas to provide shade on sunny days. The venue is popular with locals and tourists alike and is a great spot to enjoy a casual meal or drink with friends.
Overall, Arbory Bar & Eatery is a great option for those looking for a relaxed dining experience with stunning views of the Yarra River.
6. The Boatbuilders Yard:
The Boatbuilders Yard is a unique waterfront bar and restaurant located on the banks of the Yarra River in South Wharf, Melbourne. The venue features an industrial-chic design with an open-air bar and dining area, as well as an indoor dining area with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the river.
The menu at The Boatbuilders Yard features contemporary Australian cuisine with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients. The restaurant offers all-day dining, from breakfast through to dinner, and also features an extensive drinks menu, including cocktails, beers, and a selection of Australian and international wines.
The Boatbuilders Yard is popular with locals and tourists alike and is a great spot to enjoy a casual meal or drink with friends. The venue has a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, and the outdoor seating area is particularly popular on warm days.
7. Waterslide Bar:
Waterslide Bar is a popular bar and restaurant located on the Southbank in Melbourne, offering stunning views of the Yarra River and the city skyline. The venue features a modern and stylish interior with a retro-inspired design and an outdoor terrace that is a popular spot to enjoy drinks and food.
The menu at Waterslide Bar features a range of contemporary Australian cuisine, with a focus on sharing plates and small bites. The venue also has an extensive drinks menu, including cocktails, beers, and a selection of Australian and international wines.
The interior of Waterslide Bar is vibrant and fun, with colourful decor and a lively atmosphere. The outdoor terrace is a highlight, with comfortable seating and umbrellas to provide shade on sunny days. The venue is popular with locals and tourists alike and is a great spot to enjoy drinks with friends or a casual meal.
Overall, Waterslide Bar is a great option for those looking for a lively and fun dining experience with stunning views of the Yarra River and Melbourne city skyline.
8. Fatto Bar & Cantina:
Fatto Bar & Cantina is a vibrant Italian restaurant and bar located on the banks of the Yarra River in Melbourne. The venue features a contemporary design with a warm and inviting atmosphere and an outdoor terrace that offers stunning views of the river and city skyline.
The menu at Fatto Bar & Cantina features a range of Italian-inspired dishes, including antipasti, pasta, pizza, and seafood. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list, featuring a range of Italian and Australian wines, as well as a selection of cocktails and beers.
The interior of Fatto Bar & Cantina is stylish and modern, with an open kitchen and a bar that is perfect for pre-dinner drinks or a nightcap. The outdoor terrace is a highlight, with comfortable seating and heaters to keep guests warm on cooler evenings.
Overall, Fatto Bar & Cantina is a great option for those looking for a lively and fun dining experience with delicious Italian cuisine and stunning views of the Yarra River. The venue is popular with locals and tourists alike and is a great spot to enjoy drinks and food with friends or family.
9. Ponyfish Island:
Ponyfish Island is a unique bar located in the middle of the Yarra River in Melbourne, accessible only by a pedestrian bridge from the Southbank. The venue features an open-air design with a relaxed and casual atmosphere and stunning views of the river and city skyline.
The menu at Ponyfish Island features a range of bar snacks and light bites, as well as an extensive drinks menu including cocktails, beers, and a selection of Australian and international wines. The bar is open late into the night, making it a popular spot for drinks with friends or a night out.
The interior of Ponyfish Island is rustic and charming, with recycled timber and shipping containers used to create a unique and memorable space. The outdoor seating area is particularly popular, with comfortable seating and umbrellas to provide shade on sunny days.
Overall, Ponyfish Island is a great option for those looking for a unique and memorable bar experience in Melbourne, with stunning views of the Yarra River and the city skyline. The venue is popular with locals and tourists alike and is a great spot to enjoy drinks and light bites with friends or a night out.
10. Riverland Bar:
Riverland Bar is a popular bar and restaurant located on the banks of the Yarra River in Melbourne, with stunning views of the river and city skyline. The venue features a modern and stylish design with a relaxed and casual atmosphere and an outdoor terrace that is a popular spot to enjoy drinks and food.
The menu at Riverland Bar features a range of modern Australian cuisine, including sharing plates, burgers, and pizzas. The restaurant also has an extensive drinks menu, with a focus on craft beers and Australian wines.
The interior of Riverland Bar is bright and welcoming, with an open kitchen and a bar that is perfect for pre-dinner drinks or a nightcap. The outdoor terrace is a highlight, with comfortable seating and heaters to keep guests warm on cooler evenings.
Overall, Riverland Bar is a great option for those looking for a relaxed and casual dining experience with stunning views of the Yarra River and Melbourne city skyline. The venue is popular with locals and tourists alike and is a great spot to enjoy drinks and food with friends or family.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Yarra River in Melbourne offers a range of great restaurants and bars for locals and tourists alike. From fine dining at The Atlantic to casual drinks at Ponyfish Island, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Other notable options include Rockpool Bar & Grill, Eureka 89, Pure South Dining, Arbory Bar & Eatery, The Boatbuilders Yard, Waterslide Bar, Fatto Bar & Cantina, and Riverland Bar. Each venue offers a unique dining experience with stunning views of the Yarra River and Melbourne city skyline. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner, a night out with friends, or a casual drink by the water, the Yarra River has plenty to offer.
For more information, check out restaurants on the yarra river.