HISTORIC GEM
FLOATING BAR ARBORY AFLOAT
THE BLACKSMITH BAR
Melbourne’s go-to floating bar and restaurant is back for its third consecutive season on the Yarra River with summery design inspired by 1970s Miami. The upper deck has been extended to accommodate more dining, lounging and private cabanas with the best views of the Yarra River and the city. Executive Chef Nick Bennett delivers a food offering that celebrates all things Latin American and Caribbean, featuring wood-fired pizzas, an array of grilled meats, empanadas and other snacks made for sharing.
Situated in Swan Street, Richmond, the Blacksmith Bar pays homage to its roots as a 1920s ironmongery, with everything from the antique-style décor, to the cocktail menu, and staff uniforms a nod to the building's history. Most pieces inside have been sourced second-hand and refurbished or reupholstered to tie in with carefully chosen finishes throughout the venue. The cocktail menu is packed with classic offerings, and seasoned drinkers can also sign up for cocktail, whisky and gin masterclasses for groups.
(03) 9629 1547 2 Flinders Walk, Melbourne arboryafloat.com.au
69 Swan Street, Richmond theblacksmithbar.com.au
Tempt your tastebuds with Melbourne’s award-winning restaurants, inspired by the best the world has to offer CLASSIC ITALIAN DI STASIO CITTA A unique space opposite Treasury Gardens, Di Stasio Citta is a homecoming of sorts for restaurateur Rinaldo Di Stasio, who opened his first restaurant, Rosati, in Flinders Lane in 1985. Di Stasio Citta is more like its St Kilda sibling, with a strong focus on homemade pasta. It’s not just the food you will remember about dining here, but the whole experience – a combination of Italian hospitality, food, drink, architecture and art that is evident in details from the baby blue Murano chandelier, to the terrazzo floors and stretches of marble. (03) 9070 1177 45 Spring Street, Melbourne distasio.com.au/citta
BAR CLARA An intimate basement bar in Chinatown, Clara pushes the envelope when it comes to modern cocktail making by taking advantage of the amazing seasonal produce available in Melbourne. Using culinary techniques usually found in cutting edge kitchens, the mixologists at Bar Clara extract the best flavour and textures from each ingredient to create sophisticated cocktails alongside classics with a modern twist. The menu also features Victorian craft beers, a European influenced wine list and a selection of bar bites. hello@barclara.com 87 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne barclara.com
TEXT: VISITVICTORIA.COM AND CASSY POLIMENI / IMAGES: ARBORYAFLOAT.COM.AU; THEBLACKSMITHBAR.COM.AU; BARCLARA.COM; DI STASIO CITTA INSTAGRAM @BARCLARAMELBOURNE; VISITVICTORIA.COM
RE WE LOVE TO E H W
CREATIVE COCKTAILS
