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Venue Reviews

Delve into 1980’s France at this Melbourne Steakhouse

Experience the taste of France without having to book a flight as there’s a new French Steakhouse in Melbourne you have to try! Garçon Paris Steakhouse is here to set our taste buds alive with their Steakhouse Restaurant. Formerly Entrecôte on Alfred Place, Garçon brings a new edge to French food....

This Middle Eastern Restaurant Is Dishing Up Award-Winning Falafels

If you are on the hunt for the best falafel Melbourne has to offer, look no further than Bekka. This hip new joint is exactly the pop of colour and flavour that Moonee Ponds locals have been looking for. Bekka has now answered the question “where should we eat?” for...

Windsor’s Brand New Greek Restaurant With A Modern Twist

Dreaming about summer in the Greek Islands? Don’t worry, we’ve found a bit of Greek paradise right here in Melbourne. Rebel Blue is the new kid on the block at the Windsor end of Chapel Street. In fact, Rebel Blue is the only Greek restaurant on Chapel Street, and it’s...

This Chapel St Bar Boasts $1 Dumplings & An Extensive Japanese Spirits List

Some of the best places to enjoy a drink also happen to be a little quieter, and perhaps a little harder to find. Just like any other good hole-in-the-wall, Zhou Zhou has a distinct personality, taking its inspiration from 1930s-style Shanghai drinking dens. With over 50 Asian craft beers, an...

Could This Be One Of Melbourne’s Most Authentic Chinese Restaurants?

An old tea warehouse transformed into what we think is one of the best Chinese restaurants in Melbourne. David’s is a top-notch eatery nestled just off the bustling Chapel Street. This family owned restaurant was founded nearly 20 years ago by Shanghai born David Zhou and has remained under his...

The Most Unique Dumpling Joint in Melbourne’s China Town

When you think of Melbourne’s China Town, it’s a given that you think of cheap dumplings, dodgy alleyways and unbearable $6 wine, right? Think again. A brand new funky and hip dumpling joint has opened up in the heart of China Town and is breaking all the boundaries. Drumplings is...

This Oktoberfest-Inspired Sports Bar is Serving 1KG Schnitzels & Beer Towers

Grab your lederhosen and make room for giant schnitzels because we’ve found a little taste of Germany right here in our backyard. Munich Brauhaus is the one venue across Australia that boasts Oktoberfest 365 days of the year. This German themed restaurant and bar is the little bit of quirky...

Brunswick’s Newest Vegan Rooftop Bar

The Cornish Arms Hotel has opened its arms to the heavens, boasting a new addition of a rooftop bar and garden. Renowned as an all-inclusive vegan dining destination on Sydney Road, the third floor of the Brunswick mainstay now promises sweeping panoramic views of the CBD with a drink in...

The Waterside Hotel – An Old Favourite Revamped

Your favourite corner pub, The Waterside Hotel, has had a little makeover. Hidden City Secrets had the privilege of attending their Welcome Back Party and we can confirm: she’s looking fabulous. All the best bits of the vintage pub remain, including its old-school feel and friendly atmosphere, though some definite...

This Fun-sized Bar may just be the Smallest in the World

There’s only one thing that Melbournian’s value over their coffee, and that’s their exclusivity. From hidden bars, strict guest lists and top-secret laneway events, we can all attest to the pleasure of attending the forbidden fruit of V.I.P venues. Luckily, Le Bar Europeen has all your preferential needs sorted with...

A Garden State of Mind

Sitting in the cosmopolitan heart of Flinders Lane, Garden State Hotel presents us with a majestic four-level wonderland, held together by an aesthetically pleasing (insta-worthy) naturistic twist. Hidden City Secrets visited the green scenes of Garden State for their 2018 Welcome Back Party and took part in an evening of...

Top 10 Rooftop Bars

Want more insider articles like this? Click here to sign up to our newsletter. As the weather is warming up, there is nothing worse than an overcrowded sticky bar. Yes everyone, It’s coming up to summer so it’s time to be strategic and move our drinks outside. To help you...

Welcoming back Emulation Hall

Located in the inner Eastern suburbs of Melbourne, is Emulation Hall – an unsuspecting function venue in Canterbury. Hidden City Secrets were lucky enough to be invited to the launch of Emulation Hall by CNK catering at their Gin Party (and gosh, was it a good one). Walking up towards the...

Melbourne’s Top 6 Beach Bars

Want more insider articles like this? Click here to sign up to our newsletter. So, you’ve got salt in your hair and thongs on your feet but you want to make your way to a bar and soak up the warm summer afternoon or night? Sick of those silly dress...

Melbourne’s Best Steak Dinners

Never has a more controversial topic existed – who serves the ultimate steak dinner? But what makes an amazing steak dinner? At Hidden City Secrets we think that respect for produce is the most important factor, regardless of its age, price point or specialty. So we did the hard yards for...

Hump Day Vibes at 29th Apartment

Wednesday nights are back in a big way at 29th Apartment. Located in the heart of St Kilda on the ever-colourful Fitzroy Street, 29th Apartment takes you on a trip to NYC without ever leaving Melbourne. This New York apartment style bar is a favourite for good tunes, quirky decor...

The Local Of All Local Bars

There is nothing better than walking in to a pub and the bartender knows you by name, or more importantly, knows your drink of choice. The Local Taphouse on Carlisle Street thrives on delivering this service every day of the week. Their regulars are not only customers, but part of...

A Little Piece of Paris on Chapel St

Walking distance from Windsor Station on bustling Chapel St, Belle Vie is the newest tapas bar on the block and may just be the fanciest on the street. Newly renovated, Belle Vie ticks all the right boxes if you’re after the ultimate, intimate bar experience. It’s the perfect place to...

Top 10 Brewery Bars in Melbourne

As the weather starts to heat up, there is nothing us Melburnians like more than a cold pint in the sun. However, a standard draught just doesn’t seem to make the cut sometimes… Craft beer is the new frosé and is slowly taking over the taps of Melbourne, as are microbreweries which...

End Of Year Party Venues To Make A Statement

The end of the year is slowly approaching which means one thing; the silly season is on its way. The only way to end an arduous working year is with a bang, and Hidden City Secrets are here to help make that happen. Whether you want to treat your employees to...

Melbourne’s Best Trivia Nights

Are you the one in your group who has all this extra knowledge about anything and everything? Don’t let it go to waste! Drag your friends down to a riveting trivia night and show off all your knowledge about the hundreds of movies and TV shows you’ve watched over the years....

Melbourne’s Best First Date Bars

Whether you believe in love at first sight or in order to meet your match you swipe right, EVERYONE gets nervous meeting someone new. On top of this, you have the added pressure of finding the perfect place that will set the tone for the entire evening and and means the difference...

Top 10 Hidden Bars in Melbourne

So you’re going out Friday night for drinks but you’re stuck going to the same spot every week… Your bartender knows your order where you sit in the same booth with the same conversation on how great the parma is here? I think it’s safe to say it’s time to...

Light Up Your Next Event At Luminare

Luminare is located in the heart of South Melbourne with magnificent rooftop views. A contemporary New York styled apartment with a chic and sophisticated décor. As translated to describe a light or an opening that lets light in, Luminare is the place to host your next special occasion. At night,...

The Woolshed – A New and Improved Piece of History

Nestled in Docklands among the surrounding concrete playground and the breathtaking harbour views, sits The Woolshed – the newly refurbished fine dining and function experience. Starting its journey in 1916 as a part of Australia’s busiest port, The Woolshed now plays home to a restaurant, a live entertainment spot and...

Bringing A Piece Of Asia To Richmond

Located in the heart of Richmond, The National Hotel offers everything from a late lunch or a Saturday night hot-spot to a venue for your next event, ensuring this space is the perfect backdrop for a catch-up with friends or for a celebration you won’t forget. Their ‘Proud to Serve’...

Fine Dining That Won’t Break The Bank

Wondering how you’re going to juggle your social life when you’re supposed to be saving for that European holiday you said you’d go on last year and now last year is this year and you’re still not any closer so you’ll tell yourself it’ll be next year? Trying to impress...

Baroq Is Back

Sheer opulence is what you can expect come August, when after 2 years of extensive renovations, Baroq reopens its doors and revolutionises Melbourne’s nightlife scene. Located down Drewery Lane in the CBD, you will find a mansion style venue that proves it really is what’s on the inside that counts. Collective...

Melbourne’s Best Function Venues With A View

Are you after a lavish night filled with spectacular views with a hint of sophistication to celebrate a special event? Can’t find a perfect venue to meet all your expectations? Well, look no further! Whether you’re looking to celebrate a birthday or wedding or just looking for a private dining...

Top 10 Quirky Bars in Melbourne

Feeling a bit adventurous? Or enjoy the thrill of finding one-of-a kind bars? Well, HCS have done some digging to find the quirkiest bars of them all. Quirky bars may not be the hottest go-to spots, but isn’t that the way they get discovered? Idiosyncratic. Apparently it’s the definition of...

Where To Get A Drink On The Eastside

With its abundance in tree-lined streets and overpriced soy lattes, the Eastside evokes a very different sentiment than what may be conjured in perhaps…the Northside. Take away your hipster Northsider and you’re left with the hip Eastsider. Catering to a well-financed demographic, the Eastside treats it residents to a hasty...

Collingwood’s Multi-Talented Venue

Craft & Co offers everything you could ever want in one space (and so much more). The distillery, micro-brewery, coffee roastery, deli and café that is Craft & Co. is one big hub of quality, local, Australian produce. This expansive, 2 level eatery, drinkery and everything else-ery, has something going on...

Top 10 Cafe Function Spaces in Melbourne

Party planning can be stressful.  And expensive.  Whether you’ve got an upcoming birthday, baby shower, engagement, or work function, the pressure of pulling off a smooth-running event on a budget can be enough to discourage you from celebrating at all. Luckily for us, there’s plenty of beautiful cafes all over...

The Hidden Gems Of Richmond

Richmond is a classic Melbourne destination for those far and near; with its old-world charm, narrow alleyways covered in posters and its vibrant array of cafes, restaurants and shops – everything is right at your fingertips in the 3121. If you’re a local, you might think you know everything there...

A Slice of Paradise on Chapel Street

Saint Lucia just celebrated its one year anniversary and there are no signs of business slowing down. This humble eatery is a little slice of Caribbean heaven tucked away on the Windsor end of Chapel street. Also known as your new favourite hot spot. This bar and restaurant, who has...

Richmond’s Friendly Fox

A little red fox that has taken up residency on Richmond’s Church St hub, stealing the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Her name is Maeve and we promise she won’t bite, instead, is happy to share her humble abode, offering a safe haven away from the weekend chaos that...

Your New Stomping Ground

In the late 1800s, Collingwood was the home of Australian brewing. It’s been over 100 years since a commercial brewery has opened in the ‘Wood, but the team behind the Local Taphouse and GABS festival have now returned brewing back to it’s original ‘Stomping Ground’. Open seven days a week,...

Albert Park Welcomes Greener Pastures

“I see trees of green, red roses too, I see them bloom, for me and you. And I think to myself, what a wonderful world.” …Louis Armstrong most definitely anticipated the opening of Greenfields when writing his most famous song, and we agree, oh, what a wonderful world it is...

Say Mahalo To The Evolution Of The Poke Bowl

Mahalo Poké, located on Swan St in Richmond, began as an UberEATS only business, but has recently opened its doors to customers to become the freshest kid on the block, in every sense of the word. Look out for the salmon pink exterior on the corner of Swan and Lennox...

A Summer Garden Oasis In The CBD

Ms Collins has yet again pulled out something from her seemingly endless bag of tricks with the launch of Kitchen 425. Stuck on where to go for after work drinks? Been down every alley, up every rooftop, and through every secret door and entryway in Melbourne? We all know that...

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LISTEN UP… This Hidden Modern Windsor Bar Is Next On Your Going Out List

Check out this modern hidden gem in Windsor for your next adventure – they will make you feel like you are in another world. Their Devil’s Tear drink will kick start your night into gear … [MORE]

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Brown Brothers X Gelato Messina’s Prosecco Rosé Gelato – Scoop Giveaway

After seeing our Instagram post, did I hear you exclaim, “A Prosecco Rosé flavoured gelato!? Where can I get one?” Well my beautiful friend do I have all the deets for you about the perfect summer treat. The Brown Brothers and Gelato Messina have collaborated on a limited edition Prosecco Rosé i

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Melbourne Street Eatz Is Back Baby!

Have you noticed the string of food trucks and smelt the deliciousness that fills the air on the Yarra front!?! Do you know what this means!?! Melbourne Street Eatz is back!!!  And oh my goodness do we need to get out of the house!!! (I think I may have already used my exclamation mark quota, [&helli

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