South Melbourne has seen a flurry of new  openings lately. From chic rooftop bars with stunning views, to new craft breweries and must-try Italian, add these to your must-visit list. 

Lucia, South Melbourne

The team behind suburban gems Riserva, Baia Di Vino and San Lorenzo, has recently opened Lucia, a new Mediterranean restaurant and wine bar in South Melbourne. Located in the Eleven Building on Eastern Road, expect warm, old school hospitality, seasonal dishes and a 400+ bottle wine list. The elegant dining space accommodates up to 80 people and there's also marble-clad bar, perfect for casual drop-ins. Headed by Jordan Clavaron, formerly of Cutler and Co, the kitchen presents a diverse menu, from snacks to share plates, from Fremantle octopus skewer with red pepper sauce, beetroot ravioli to a 1 kilgram dry-aged rib-eye steak with chimichurri. 

Brewmanity, South Melbourne

Brewmanity, a new artisan brewery and rooftop bar, has just opened in South Melbourne . Sip on a locally crafted ale while taking in panoramic views on the Next Level rooftop, which accommodates up to 400 guests. With a retractable roof, it is also completely weather proof. On the ground-floor, their industrial-style Beer Hall offers a closer glimpse of the brewing process.  The drinks list includes 12 house-made brews and two blenders on tap, Australian wines and classic cocktails. The contempoary food menu caters to a wide range of dietaries with plenty of vegan and gluten-free options. But it's not just about beer and  views. Giving back is also an essential part of Brewmanity's mission. A portion of all beer sales goes towards Fight MND, while their 'Sip and Sizzle' initiative offers fundraising opportunities for local community groups. Cheers to that!

Pirate Life , South Melbourne

Acclaimed South Australian brewer, Pirate Life, unveiled its first Melbourne location last month, around the corner from South Melbourne Market. Housed in a revamped mechanics’ garage with exposed bricks, greenery and industrial finishes, it has room for up to 220 patrons. There's 14 house brews on tap to try, ranging from the popular South Coast Pale Ale to limited releases like Vanilla Malt Thickshake Nitro IPA. The menu highlights fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, offering market fish, prime meat cuts sold by weight, and bar snacks including wood-fired flatbread, fresh Pacific oysters, and pickled octopus carpaccio.

Mirror Mirror Rooftop Lounge, South Melbourne

A new rooftop bar, Mirror Mirror Rooftop Lounge, recently opened above the historic Clarendon Hotel. The ambiance is impeccable, offering stunning views of the city skyline. A selection of Snow White-themed gin and rum-based cocktails on the drinks list has high novelty value - they're also really good. Get started with the the Evil Witch Spritz (Creme de violette, Campari, lemon, gin, prosecco) or The Huntsman (Bacardi white rum, ginger liqueur, lime and apple). Pair your drink with Asian-inspired dishes such as soft-shell crab, pork dumplings, or the pan-grilled barramundi in Thai-style chili dressing for a perfect summer experience.

Ugo Burrata Bar, South Melbourne

New at South Melbourne Market, Ugo Burrata Bar is a must-visit for foodies craving the classic Italian delight from Puglia – burrata, a creamy blend of mozzarella and cream. Options include burrata with toast (served with avocado, bacon jam, chilli), a bagel (heirloom tomato, chili), or focaccia (eggplant caponata or porchetta). If you prefer burrata as the star, standalone combos like Finnochia (fennel salami, rockmelon, capers, parsley salsa) and Peperonata (braised peppers, basil, breadcrumbs) are also available. 

Coming soon:

The Clarendon 

The team that behind Mirror Mirror Rooftop Bar, are expanding their South Melbourne footprint to include a new restaurant on the ground floor of the historic Clarendon Hotel. The Clarendon will offer a  Asian Fusion culinary experience, along with a globally-focused  wine list. Doors open on 30 April.